分类： entertainment

The 2026 expanded FIFA World Cup, the largest iteration of the tournament in history with 48 competing nations, is set to add a groundbreaking new cultural centerpiece to its decider, FIFA announced Thursday in a press briefing. When the tournament culminates on July 19 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, the first-ever World Cup final halftime show, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, will take the stage headlined by three of the biggest names in global music: pop legend Madonna, Colombian international icon Shakira, and Korean pop sensation BTS.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the three co-headliners global trailblazers whose work unites audiences across borders and age groups, expressing the governing body’s pride in welcoming them to this historic first for men’s World Cup. The star-studded lineup will also include surprise guest appearances from beloved characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, with the entire event serving as a platform to advance FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative that aims to raise $100 million during the tournament to support children’s access to education worldwide.

For the artists involved, the opportunity carries deep personal and global meaning. Madonna called the chance to perform in support of expanding global education a deeply meaningful experience, while BTS emphasized in a joint statement that music acts as a universal language of hope and global harmony, noting the group was honored to leverage the World Cup’s massive global audience to connect with millions and advance the cause of children’s education. Shakira, who has a long-standing connection to FIFA’s flagship tournament, will take the stage to perform the 2026 World Cup’s official song, “Dai Dai”, which is scheduled for its full official release Thursday.

Shakira is no stranger to World Cup audiences: she created and performed the iconic 2010 tournament anthem “Waka Waka”, and most recently headlined the halftime show for the 2024 Copa America final in Miami. Last week, she gave fans a first preview of her new World Cup track in a 67-second teaser video filmed at Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Maracanã Stadium. In the clip, which was shared across FIFA’s official social channels, Shakira stands on the Maracanã pitch holding Trionda, the official 2026 World Cup match ball, performing snippets of “Dai Dai” in English alongside backup dancers wearing colors representing participating nations including the United States and Colombia. The teaser ended with a rallying cry: “We’re ready!” The track was produced in collaboration with Nigerian Afrobeat star Burna Boy. The teaser came weeks after Shakira drew a crowd of 2 million fans to a free open-air concert on Rio’s Copacabana Beach.

The 2026 World Cup, the first edition of the tournament co-hosted by three nations (the United States, Canada, and Mexico), will kick off on June 11, with three separate opening ceremonies, one hosted in each host nation: the first will take place in Mexico on opening day, followed by ceremonies in Canada and the United States the next day. A host of other global music stars will perform across the three opening events, including Katy Perry, Future, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, J Balvin, and Blackpink’s Lisa. Infantino also added that FIFA has plans to transform New York’s iconic Times Square for a major fan engagement event during the tournament’s final weekend.

While the announcement has generated widespread excitement among football and music fans alike, it has also sparked questions over logistics, particularly regarding the length of the halftime break. Infantino first unveiled plans for a “world-class halftime show befitting the biggest sporting event on the planet” last year, and the concept was tested at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, also hosted at MetLife Stadium. That trial run saw the halftime break extend well beyond the 15-minute regulation break mandated by tournament rules, leaving fans and analysts wondering how the longer show will impact the flow of the final. To date, FIFA has not released any official details on the scheduled run time for the 2026 final halftime performance.

Thousands of reggae fans packed New York’s UBS Arena for the highly anticipated “Mother’s Day Experience” concert, and the opening performer left an unforgettable mark long before the headlining reggae legends stepped into the spotlight. Emerging artist Lady Da Flame delivered a powerhouse opening set that transformed the building’s growing energy into an electric, communal celebration, setting the stage for a night of soulful rhythm and heartfelt music.

As concertgoers gradually filled the venue, Lady Da Flame immediately infused the space with warmth, contagious energy, and building anticipation for the evening ahead. During her moving performance of *Goodness of God*, her rich, clear voice echoed across every corner of the arena, drawing the crowd deeper into the experience and softening the mood for the star-studded performances still to come. Audience members swayed in unison to every beat, nodded along to the smooth melodies, and grew louder in their applause with each new track she performed.

Staying true to the Mother’s Day theme of the event, Lady Da Flame dedicated a moving number to mothers everywhere with *Mama Gave Us Life*. Her soulful delivery resonated with every person in the crowd, winning over dozens of new fans before she transitioned into a dynamic medley of classic and contemporary reggae tracks. The set included reimagined takes on Betty Wright’s *No Pain* and *Second Time* on the 2 Times Riddim, before she leaned into the lover’s rock tradition with hauntingly beautiful renditions of Phyllis Dillon, the Queen of Lover’s Rock’s iconic tracks *Perfidia* and *One Life to Live*. She closed out her opening set with an upbeat, passion-fueled version of Dillon’s *Don’t Stay Away*, pouring raw emotion into every note and cementing the unforgettable tone for the entire night.

Concert attendees left the set remarking that Lady Da Flame did far more than just open the show – she ignited the collective spirit of the night, perfectly preparing the audience for the headline sets from reggae and soul stars Beres Hammond, Stephanie Mills, and Romain Virgo.

Fresh off her standout performance in New York, Lady Da Flame is now back in her home country of Jamaica promoting her latest project, the *Journey* EP. According to the singer, the independent release has seen remarkable commercial success since its launch: streaming numbers are consistently high, and the record has charted multiple times across international markets, most notably in the United Kingdom.

Produced by Rawborn Productions, the EP is led by the standout single *No One Like You (Remake)*, a collaboration with legendary reggae singer Sanchez. The track has already broken into the top ethnic reggae charts in the United States and is earning regular airplay on radio stations across the globe. Lady Da Flame spoke enthusiastically about her experience working with the iconic artist, noting that Sanchez’s extreme talent and professional demeanor made the recording process smooth and natural. “The musical chemistry just cannot be explained,” she shared of the collaboration.

Additional tracks on the seven-track project include *All Praises To The Most High* and *More Dan Prayer*. More than just a collection of songs, the *Journey* EP reflects Lady Da Flame’s personal spiritual journey and artistic growth, crafted to uplift listeners, energize crowds, and renew spiritual connection for audiences everywhere.

Lady Da Flame first rose to prominence in global gospel circles for her breakout hit *God Answers Prayers*, which has earned more than 8.3 million views on YouTube alone. The track remains her most successful release to date, accumulating more than one billion total streams across digital platforms. The hit has solidified her standing in the ethnic gospel space, with multiple popular gospel releases earning a loyal fanbase across diaspora communities worldwide.

Against a backdrop of surging demand for soul and reggae-focused cultural experiences among the Caribbean diaspora spread across North America and Europe, Jamaican entertainment promoter Fabian Cole — widely known by his industry nickname “Boomas” — is taking his beloved Soul Food Caribbean Festival brand beyond Caribbean borders for the first time. What started as a small, beloved weekly gathering called Soul Food Tuesdays on the island of Jamaica has steadily grown into a full-scale international cultural festival, with already well-received sold-out editions successfully staged in both England and Canada.

Cole built the entire festival movement around three core pillars that set it apart from other mass entertainment events: timeless classic soul music, immersive authentic Caribbean culture, and one-of-a-kind local culinary experiences that give attendees a true taste of the region. In an interview, Cole highlighted a shifting cultural landscape in his home country that laid the groundwork for the festival’s growth. “Jamaica is globally known for dancehall, but there is a burgeoning soul movement taking root right here right now,” he said. “Audiences connect deeply with the warm vibe and the raw emotional resonance that soul music brings, something they can’t get from other genres.”

Up next on the festival’s global schedule is the 2026 Canadian edition, scheduled to take place on Canada Day, July 1, 2026, in Markham, Ontario. The upcoming show will headline a stacked lineup of iconic and emerging reggae talent, including legendary Jamaican performer Capleton, fan-favorite Gyptian, and fast-rising young artist D’Yani. Cole explained the choice of Markham’s Esna Park as the event venue, noting its strategic central location in the Greater Toronto Area, ample adjacent parking in the surrounding commercial district, and easy accessibility for attendees traveling from across the region. “It’s a very centralised location, and people can get around easily here,” Cole said.

Cole shared that early ticket sales for the 2026 Markham festival have already outperformed projections, a success he attributes to the long-standing, deep-rooted appreciation for reggae culture that exists across Canadian communities. Even as the brand expands outward, Cole emphasized that reggae and soul’s cross-cultural appeal remains the foundation of its international traction. “Canadians love reggae music,” he said. “We share that cultural connection, and Canadians have always had a solid grounding and love for reggae.”

Looking toward the future, Cole has ambitious expansion plans for the Soul Food Caribbean Festival brand, with target new North American markets including New York City and Los Angeles. Most importantly, the promoter says he is committed to bringing a large-scale flagship edition of the festival back to his home country. “We’re Jamaican and we built this brand from here, so we definitely have to put on a major staging of the festival in Jamaica,” he confirmed. Cole also dropped a hint about future headliners, revealing that he hopes to bring acclaimed American R&B songstress Keyshia Cole to the Jamaican festival edition in a future year.

As warm summer days approach, iconic Jamaican dancehall artist Konshens has launched his highly anticipated new 12-track project, *Pool Party 2.0*, that puts unfiltered fun and high-energy party vibes front and center. Released globally on Friday, May 8, this album marks the follow-up to his hit first *Pool Party* compilation, a record that cemented his reputation as one of dancehall’s most successful cross-over acts with a massive global fanbase.

While the first installment generated major industry buzz and career-changing momentum for Konshens, the artist says his core priority for this second iteration is not critical acclaim or commercial performance – it is spreading joy. “My vision for this album was all about fun and good energy,” Konshens shared in comments about the project. “I’m trying to make people think of the dancehall, especially with summer right around the corner. Good vibes, high energy – that’s literally my mode for the remainder of my career, because I think there isn’t enough focus on that. This 2.0 version will be different from the last Pool Party project because it’s not as serious, and no attempt was made to strike that forced balance. This one is just fun party bangers.”

The project features a stacked roster of collaborative talent, bringing together producers and recording artists from across the Caribbean and international markets to create a cohesive sound rooted in classic Jamaican party culture, with flourishes of Caribbean, Latin, and global contemporary influences. The album’s lead focus track, *Like We*, pairs Konshens with legendary dancehall pioneer Beenie Man, offering a fresh modern reimagining of Beenie Man’s iconic 1996 hit *Old Dog*. Originally crafted by fabled dancehall producer Dave Kelly for his iconic Madhouse Records imprint, the original track featured on the genre-defining Stink rhythm. Remarkably, *Like We* is co-produced by Kelly himself, bridging decades of dancehall history by blending the raw, timeless energy of the 1996 original with a cutting-edge contemporary production that resonates with today’s global dancehall audience.

For Konshens, the collaboration is more than just a catchy party track – it is a deliberate contribution to the growing nostalgia wave reshaping dancehall, designed to introduce a new generation of young listeners to the genre’s legendary roots. “I think it’s important to contribute to the nostalgia wave in dancehall right now,” he explained. “I realise there’s an effort to get kids nowadays to see and hear for the first time what made these sounds and moods from back in the day so fire and not corny like they’ve been programmed to believe. I’m excited to see what this realisation will do to their creativity in the next few years.” He added that the track was actually recorded years ago and shelved, as he never expected Kelly would approve the sample clearance. To his surprise, the legendary producer praised the track as “tough” and gave it his full blessing to be released.

Production on the full album is led primarily by IZYBEATS and SUBMACHINE ENT, who anchor the project’s overall sonic direction, with additional production contributions from Dave Kelly, Tony Kelly, Jonny Blaze, Stadic, King Kosa, and Symon Dice. Alongside Beenie Man, featured artists include UK-based dancehall favorite Stylo G, Chudney J, and Ayetian. Standout tracks beyond the lead single include *Perfect Timing* produced by King Kosa and Jonny Blaze, *Rum Club* produced by Jonny Blaze and Stadic, and *South Side* produced by Symon Dice. The project also includes a notable lead guitar performance from Xeryus Gittens on *She Jus Wah Wine*, with publishing administered through Songs of Universal (BMI).

Nestled at 10 Dominica Drive in New Kingston, Jamaica, Fusion Multicultural Cuisine sets the tone for an elevated dining experience the moment guests arrive. A uniformed concierge greets visitors at the door, communicating arrival details through an earpiece and radio — a small, polished touch that immediately signals the exclusive, atmospheric vibe that awaits behind the restaurant’s ornate entrance. The dim, moody interior, complete with soft backlighting at the bar, plush green velvet seating, and understated global EDM playing in the background, successfully transports diners out of central Kingston and into a cozy, luxe escape perfect for social gatherings and memorable food outings.

Two judges from the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards, Adolph Raynor and Annaliesa Lindsay, recently visited the restaurant to sample its eclectic menu that draws culinary inspiration from across the globe. Their tasting journey began with three appetizer and small-plate offerings: Nairobi Wings drawing from Kenyan flavors, traditional-inspired Japanese Chicken Ramen, and Glazed Korean Pork Belly. Portion sizes were carefully calibrated to leave room for a full multi-course meal, with the ramen even crafted into a perfectly portioned “chibi” size ideal for tasting.

Moving to the main course, the judging trio sampled an array of dishes: Coconut Curry Snapper served with steamed bammy, creamy Shrimp Mac & Cheese, and herb-rubbed Lamb Chops paired with fresh steamed vegetables. Despite leaving the group comfortably full, the party carved out space to split a rich chocolate muffin finished with a generous drizzle of velvety fudge sauce for dessert.

To complement their meal, the group explored Fusion’s craft cocktail list, which matched the sultry mood of the dining room. They ultimately selected three standout drinks: the creative Amaretto Sour Twist, which adds a surprising layered base of red wine to the classic cocktail; the gin-based Fusion Thai Basil, infused with bright herbal notes; and a simple, elegant double shot of Tanqueray topped with sparkling water.

Overall, the menu delivers a gentle introduction to global flavors that feels approachable for Jamaican diners accustomed to local Caribbean cuisine. The Nairobi Wings emerged as the clear standout of the meal, boasting a perfectly crispy crust coated in a tangy, spiced Nairobi sauce that offers a subtle but satisfying twist on the grilled and fried flavors local diners know well. The Glazed Korean Pork Belly ranked as the group’s second-favorite dish: fork-tender half-inch slices of pork get a light char that creates a delicious textural contrast under the sweet barbecue-style glaze, with flavors familiar enough to feel comfortable but distinct enough to feel like a small, exciting culinary trip. The Chicken Ramen, meanwhile, looked like an authentic trans-Pacific culinary experience at first glance, complete with a traditional soy-marinated soft-boiled egg that nails classic Japanese presentation. But the broth’s flavor and noodle texture were adjusted to align with local Jamaican tastes, making it a familiar yet fun twist on the international staple. Mains stuck closer to flavors recognizable to local palates, but all dishes impressed with generous portions of high-quality protein, from the flaky snapper to the hearty lamb and plump shrimp in the mac and cheese.

Beyond the food and drink, the judging panel praised Fusion’s service team extensively for their warm, attentive, and knowledgeable care that elevated the entire dining experience. The venue, they noted, is perfectly suited for guests seeking luxe, Instagram-worthy moments — especially for visitors looking to capture elegant cocktail shots alongside creative, far-reaching menu options that stand out from standard local lounge bar fare.

For diners interested in visiting Fusion Multicultural Cuisine: the restaurant is located at 10 Dominica Drive in Kingston, and can be found on Instagram @fusioncuisinejm. Opening hours run from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm from Monday through Thursday, and extend to 12:00 am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Reservations and inquiries can be made via telephone or WhatsApp at (876) 464-0636. The total cost for the three-person tasting experience reviewed came to $37,697 Jamaican dollars.