Russell Gordon, widely recognized in the entertainment industry as DJ Russ Buss and formerly associated with the Coppershot Sound, has recently embraced born-again Christianity. The 27-year-old artist announced this significant personal milestone in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday. In his message, Russ Buss reflected on his spiritual journey, acknowledging the struggles he faced with his faith. He emphasized that perfection is not a prerequisite for embracing God’s call, stating, ‘God doesn’t call us to be perfect…he says come as we are.’ The post concluded with gratitude to God and Jesus for their guidance, quoting a biblical verse that encourages seeking the Kingdom of God above all else. The announcement garnered an outpouring of support from prominent figures in the entertainment world, including Silent Addy, Fyahman, ZJ Ice, and Miss Universe Jamaica 2023 Jordanne Lauren Levy, who all expressed their congratulations and well-wishes. Russ Buss, who finished as the runner-up in the 2017 SunCity High School competition, has a diverse background in music and education. He is currently pursuing a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Entertainment and Cultural Enterprise Management at CARIMAC, showcasing his multifaceted talents and ambitions.
分类: entertainment
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Lovers’ Leap concert series repurposed for aid
The much-anticipated Lovers’ Leap Lighthouse Series show, initially set for October 25, has been postponed and transformed into a charity event aimed at supporting the reconstruction of the iconic attraction and assisting communities in need. The rescheduled benefit concert will still showcase performances by renowned artists Marcia Griffiths and Tanya Stephens. Jason Ricketts, the marketing and communications director of Lovers’ Leap, shared with the Jamaica Observer that the venue for the event remains undecided, though the attraction’s own property is under consideration as cleanup efforts are underway. Ricketts expressed confidence in the overwhelming support from the Jamaican community, emphasizing the event’s purpose of giving back to the people. St Elizabeth, one of the parishes most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, saw Lovers’ Leap suffer significant infrastructural damage, compounding the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl earlier in 2024. Despite these challenges, Ricketts highlighted the resilience of the St Elizabeth community and the ongoing efforts by entertainment stakeholders to provide aid, including distributing care packages and hot meals to affected areas. The event’s organizers are conducting thorough assessments to ensure a well-planned execution, with proceeds from the concert dedicated to rebuilding Lovers’ Leap and supporting local communities. Tickets purchased for the original date remain valid, and promoters have offered refund options for patrons who prefer to redirect their contributions to charity. Ricketts extended gratitude to the Sandz team and Romeich Entertainment for their assistance in these relief efforts.
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Gold in Canada for Bruno Mars and Damian Marley’s ‘Liquor Store Blues’
Fifteen years after its initial release, Bruno Mars’ reggae-infused track ‘Liquor Store Blues,’ featuring Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, has been awarded a gold certification in Canada. This prestigious recognition, issued by Music Canada on November 12, celebrates the song’s achievement of 40,000 units in combined streaming and sales. Produced by Jamaican music maestro Dwayne ‘Supa Dups’ Chin-Quee, the track is part of Mars’ acclaimed 2010 album ‘Doo Wops & Hooligans,’ which soared to #3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The album also includes chart-topping hits like ‘Marry You,’ ‘Grenade,’ and ‘Just the Way You Are,’ with ‘Our First Time’ also benefiting from Supa Dups’ production expertise. ‘Liquor Store Blues’ has enjoyed international success, peaking at #97 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, #74 in Romania, #68 on the US Digital Song Sales chart, and #20 on Latin Pop Airplay. The song previously earned gold certification in New Zealand and recently achieved platinum status in the United States last month.
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Jackie Hinkson launches Sketchpad Collection at Nalis on November 12
The National Library and Information System Authority (Nalis) has partnered with renowned artist Jackie Hinkson to present an interactive exhibition featuring The Jackie Hinkson Sketchpad Collection. The event, scheduled to commence on November 12, will be held at the Rotunda, National Library of Trinidad and Tobago, located at 23 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, starting at 5:30 pm. This exhibition will display over 210 sketchpads, offering a glimpse into Hinkson’s creative process and preliminary artistic perspectives. Among these, 60 items were generously donated by Hinkson and are now part of The University of the West Indies’ collection. For more than six decades, Hinkson has significantly enriched Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape through his street art, large murals, and wood sculptures. His contributions were internationally recognized in 2010 when over 100 of his sketchpads were inscribed by UNESCO into the Local Memory of the World Register. Additionally, he was awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) for his outstanding contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage. Hinkson believes that drawing is the most direct and intimate way to respond to the physical and social environment, and he aims to inspire future generations of artists through his work. The exhibition will remain open to the public until November 22, during regular library hours at the Rotunda, Nalis.
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Final chance to see Yuh Doh Leave Fowl To Watch Corn!
After months of captivating audiences with its uproarious humor and sold-out shows, RS/RR Productions’ acclaimed play, ‘Yuh Doh Leave Fowl to Watch Corn!’, is set to conclude its run with two final performances on November 15 and 16 at Cipriani College. The play, a riotous comedy, takes viewers through a day of escalating chaos, featuring women waking up in the wrong beds, men vehemently denying their involvement, and a maid who struggles to keep secrets. As the Trinidadian proverb suggests, leaving a fowl to watch corn is a recipe for disaster, and this production delivers an evening of unbridled mischief and laughter. The stellar cast includes Richard Ragoobarsingh, Leslie Ann Lavine, Zo Mari Tanker, Kala Neehall, Benita Wilson, and Andrew Friday, under the co-direction of Debra Boucaud Mason and Ragoobarsingh. The box office opens on November 12 from 12 pm to 6 pm, with showtimes scheduled for November 15 at 8:30 pm and November 16 at 6:30 pm. For ticket inquiries, contact 481-2185, 338-6024, or 744-7581.
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Shaw Peters on show at Studio Joli
Studio Joli is proud to present Shawn Peters’ latest exhibition, ‘I Think in Line and in Colour,’ opening on November 13. Now in his 50s, Peters is widely regarded as an established and accomplished artist, with a career spanning over two decades. His works are prominently displayed in prestigious locations such as the Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Centre, various government departments, and major collections across Trinidad and Tobago, including Angostura, the Central Bank, and the National Museum. Peters has also showcased his art internationally, with exhibitions in the Caribbean, including Cuba, and around the globe.
Throughout his artistic journey, Peters has collaborated with and been influenced by renowned artists such as Emheyo Bahabba, Guy Beckles, the Boothman brothers, Edward Bowen, Holly Guyadeen, Shastri Maharaj, Gregory Williams, and Che Lovelace. He has also maintained friendships with artists from Barbados, Suriname, and other regions. Leroy Clarke, Carlisle Harris, Ken Crichlow, and Makemba Kunle are among his key mentors, shaping his unique artistic voice.
Peters’ work is characterized by distorted figures and cubist tendencies, a signature style that has earned him recognition and acclaim. As Kunle once noted, ‘He is meticulous in his rendering of line, colour, and texture, often achieving a sleek appearance. For those who know him, slickness is his dress code.’
When asked for his artist statement for this collection, Peters offered a profound reflection: ‘I would not wish myself on anyone else, and yet, I would not wish to be anyone else but myself.’ This sentiment encapsulates the individuality and authenticity that define his art.
The exhibition will run from November 13 to November 27 at Studio Joli, located at 21 Henry Pierre Street, St James. Opening hours are 10 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. For more information, contact 705-7907 or 705-7909, email studiojoli.tt@gmail.com, or visit their website at www.studiojoli.net.
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Orlando Griffith’s journey back to purpose
After a 20-year hiatus from the art world, Orlando Griffith, known professionally as ‘Morpheus,’ is making a triumphant return with his debut solo exhibition, ‘Lucid: Dreams Don’t Sleep.’ The exhibition, set to open on November 21 at Arnim’s Art Gallery in Port of Spain, delves into themes of memory, grief, and the profound power of presence. Griffith’s journey back to art was sparked by the loss of his father in January 2022, who, in his final days, affirmed Griffith’s artistic vision. This blessing reignited a dormant passion, transforming art into a medium for healing and rediscovery. Griffith’s creative process is deeply rooted in reflection and gratitude, with each piece serving as a tribute to the time shared with his father. The exhibition features 60 works, including 30 paintings and 30 fine-art photographs, each capturing moments of stillness and presence in Caribbean nature. Griffith’s unique approach to art, which seamlessly blends painting and photography, invites viewers to slow down and observe the often-overlooked beauty of the world around them. The title ‘Lucid: Dreams Don’t Sleep’ reflects Griffith’s belief that dreams, both literal and symbolic, continue to live within us even when we’re awake. The exhibition is not just a return to art for Griffith but a lifelong conversation with presence, evolving into a series that explores different aspects of stillness and observation. Griffith’s work is a testament to the quiet, reflective side of Trinidad and Tobago, offering a counterpoint to the high-energy Carnival culture. His advice to emerging Caribbean artists is to build from what feels honest to them, trusting that small beginnings can carry global weight. ‘Lucid: Dreams Don’t Sleep’ runs until December 5, with extended viewing hours on Mondays and Wednesdays.
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Kairi People hosts Runaway all-inclusive fete on November 12
Kairi People, a renowned event management and promotion company, has unveiled its latest venture, ‘Beats,’ located at the intersection of Tragarete Road and White Street in Woodbrook. This vibrant new venue combines food, drinks, and entertainment under one roof, offering a convenient and accessible hotspot for locals and visitors alike. Additionally, ‘Beats’ will function as a ticket outlet for all Kairi People events, further enhancing its utility and appeal. The launch of ‘Beats’ follows the official commencement of Carnival 2026, which was celebrated last Friday at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain.
In preparation for Carnival 2026, Kairi People is set to host its highly anticipated ‘Runaway’ event on November 12 at the Southern Ranch in Debe. The event promises an impressive lineup of soca stars and entertainers, including Voice, Patrice Roberts, D All Starz band, College Boy Jesse, Viking Ding Dong, Mical Teja, The Freetown Collective, Blaka Dan, Sackie, Anika Berry, Sekon Sta, and Yung Bredda. Notably, the top-rated A Team Band will make its debut performance at ‘Runaway,’ with its all-new frontline cast officially launching on November 13 at The Bungalow Restaurant and Lounge in St Clair.
These developments underscore Kairi People’s commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment experiences and solidifying its reputation as a leading force in Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant cultural scene.
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Pope Leo reels off four favourite films
In a surprising and heartfelt revelation, Pope Leo XIV has disclosed his four favorite films just days before a unique gathering with Hollywood luminaries and acclaimed directors at the Vatican. The first American pope, known for his deep connection to art and culture, selected a mix of timeless classics that resonate with themes of hope, family, and resilience. His choices include Frank Capra’s 1946 masterpiece ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ starring James Stewart, a poignant tale of an angel aiding a despairing family man. The pontiff also highlighted Robert Wise’s 1965 musical ‘The Sound of Music,’ Robert Redford’s 1980 family drama ‘Ordinary People,’ and Roberto Benigni’s 1997 Holocaust-inspired film ‘Life Is Beautiful,’ which portrays a father’s efforts to protect his son from the atrocities of a WWII concentration camp. The Vatican emphasized that these films hold profound personal significance for Pope Leo. The event, scheduled for Saturday at the Apostolic Palace, will feature stars such as Cate Blanchett, Chris Pine, Viggo Mortensen, Dave Franco, and Monica Bellucci, alongside directors like Spike Lee, Judd Apatow, George Miller, and Giuseppe Tornatore. This initiative, part of the Catholic Church’s Holy Year celebrations, aims to foster dialogue between the Church and the cinematic world, exploring how artistic creativity can enhance the Church’s mission and promote universal human values.
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NWAC calypso queen registration opens
The National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC) has announced significant updates to the 2026 National Calypso Queen competition, aiming to foster greater artistic development and inclusivity. In a press release issued on November 12, NWAC revealed that the competition will introduce a semi-final round and welcome back past winners, thanks to a revision of the entry rules. Previously, winners were barred from re-entering the competition, but this restriction has now been lifted. Starting in 2026, a winner can participate again until she secures a second title, effectively allowing her to exit the competition only after two victories. This rule change has been made retroactive, enabling any past winner to re-enter, provided she has not won titles in other major competitions such as the calypso monarch, road march, soca monarch, or chutney monarch. The final is scheduled for January 25 at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain, while auditions will commence on December 13 at Scarborough Secondary School in Tobago. These updates aim to enhance the competition’s dynamism and provide more opportunities for female calypsonians to showcase their talent.
