分类： entertainment

Nestled on 2.8 acres of prime real estate at 67 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10, St Andrew, Jamaica’s Marketplace has reigned as the island’s most unrivaled culinary destination for two decades. Founded by the late business visionary Derrick Mahfood as Kingston’s first dedicated culinary cluster, this centrally located hub is easily accessible from two of the capital’s busiest corridors — Constant Spring Road and Red Hills Road — drawing both local diners and international travelers to its curated lineup of 11 independent restaurants, one small bar, two specialty retail stores, and a CB Foods-run fresh meat supermarket.

As part of the 2026 Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards, judge Kadean Vendryes has launched a review series exploring Marketplace’s standout establishments, kicking off the collection with one of the complex’s most famous tenants: Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records, which is marking its 15th year of operation in 2025.

The eatery’s origin story traces back 15 years, when Jamaican sprint legend Dr Usain Bolt, OJ, partnered with the KLE Group to bring their shared vision for a sports-focused Caribbean dining experience to life. In a recent celebratory Instagram post marking the milestone, KLE Group chairman David Shirley reflected on the brand’s decades-long journey, highlighting the resilience that carried the business through unprecedented challenges. “Fifteen years later we’re still standing here. It just shows you with vision, opportunity, and working together what you can create,” Shirley wrote. He went on to note the obstacles the team overcame, particularly the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many advised closing the location permanently. Echoing Bolt’s iconic competitive grit, Shirley recalled his response: “I said no, we have to fight, just like how Usain fight when people say give it up, yuh nah go be the greatest!” Closing out his post, he reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to its Jamaican roots: “So we think, we nah give up! So Jamaica first and we just gwaan build what we have to build right! Happy Anniversary, 15 years Tracks and Records! Jamaica to di world every time! Bless Up.”

Tracks & Records has earned its reputation as one of Kingston’s most in-demand dining spots for a wide range of diners, from sports fans to food lovers seeking authentic Caribbean flavor. The menu centers on bold, traditional dishes including jerk chicken and jerk pork, alongside signature creations like Bolt-inspired gourmet burgers. Beyond the menu, the space offers a dedicated sports bar celebrating the eight-time Olympic gold medalist’s unprecedented career, a comfortable lounge outfitted with high-definition screens for watching live events, an on-site gift shop carrying exclusive branded merchandise, and a birthday club that offers members special discounts. Diners can visit seven days a week, with hours extending from 11:30 a.m. to midnight to accommodate late-night meals and gatherings.

For her first on-site review, Vendryes dropped in for a late dessert around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, taking advantage of the eatery’s extended closing time. She was greeted immediately by a warm, friendly hostess who escorted her to an upper-level seat and notified server Shanika Williams of her arrival. Williams arrived promptly, delivered attentive, thoughtful service, and brought out Vendryes’ order: the eatery’s signature Heavenly Bread Pudding Surprise. The generous serving featured warm, spice-infused bread pudding paired with cool vanilla ice cream — a portion large enough to share between multiple diners. After savoring the rich, aromatic blend of mixed spices, Vendryes boxed the remaining portion to go, paying a total of $1,300 plus tax for the dish.

To mark its 15th anniversary, Tracks & Records is running special promotions for patrons, including a standout offer that gifts weekend diners complimentary bottles of rum punch at 9:58 p.m. — a nod to Bolt’s iconic 100-meter world record time. Vendryes plans to return in the near future to sample a full meal, including an appetizer and main course, and participate in the anniversary promotions, noting she hopes to take home one of the celebration’s giveaway prizes.

For those interested in visiting or ordering from Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records, more information is available via the brand’s website (www.tracksandrecords.com), Instagram (@ubtandr), and TikTok (@ubtandr). Online orders can be placed through https://webmenu.visueats.com/124, and reservations or inquiries can be made by phone at 876-906-3903 or 876-926-7875.

Raised in a Jamaican-American household in Brooklyn, New York, Kaedi Philo grew up immersed in the roots reggae sounds that her parents brought from their Caribbean homeland. Among the vast catalog of Jamaican music that shaped her childhood, one track in particular stuck with her: Judy Mowatt’s 1980 groundbreaking anthem *Black Woman*, a powerful tribute to women of color that has retained its cultural resonance for more than four decades.

Earlier this year, Philo fulfilled a long-held creative dream by releasing her own interpretation of the classic track, which dropped on digital streaming platforms in February. The new recording was co-produced by veteran Jamaican music producer Richard “Bello” Bell and acclaimed engineer Lynford “Fatta” Marshall under the banner of 29 West Productions. It was Bell, a decades-long fixture in the reggae industry, who first approached Philo with the idea to reimagine the iconic song for a new generation.

For Philo, who launched her professional recording career a decade ago, honoring the original version’s core message and legacy was the top priority, leading her to keep most of the track’s original structure intact. “Early on, we thought about adding an original verse to shine a light on contemporary struggles that women of color face today,” Philo explained. “But in the end, I knew the most important thing was to pay full respect to Judy Mowatt’s original work. The only changes I made were small tweaks to the solos to add my personal touch.”

To give the arrangement slightly more depth, Philo stacked layered background vocals alongside singer Sherida Sharpe, but the overall composition never strays far from Mowatt’s original vision. The few subtle updates to the track include blues-infused guitar riffs from seasoned instrumentalist Lamont “Monty” Savory, while legendary saxophonist Dean Fraser leads a horn section that stays faithful to the original track’s instantly recognizable opening.

To understand the weight of the track, it is necessary to revisit its origins. Mowatt wrote and recorded *Black Woman*, the title track of her 1980 studio album, at Kingston’s iconic Federal Records studio—now known as Tuff Gong International, the legendary reggae label founded by Bob Marley. Mowatt drew inspiration for the politically charged, emotional track after a moving visit to an exhibition exploring the history of chattel slavery in the American South, an experience that led her to pen the lyrics that have resonated with generations of listeners.

Philo’s own musical style is shaped by a diverse range of iconic artists, from reggae greats Bob Marley and Beres Hammond to American soul and folk icons Nina Simone, Anita Baker, and Tracy Chapman. This blend of influences ties back to her Jamaican roots and her upbringing in Brooklyn’s multicultural music scene.

The project also marks a key milestone for Bell, who helped revolutionize reggae music in the 1990s through his Startrail Records label. Bell rose to prominence producing hit tracks for some of reggae’s biggest names, including Beres Hammond’s *Come Back Home*, Everton Blender’s *Lift up Your Head*, and Anthony B’s iconic *Fire pon Rome*. After stepping back from full-time music production for several years, Bell has recently begun a gradual return to the industry, working alongside Marshall to rebuild the original *Black Woman* rhythm track. That same reworked rhythm has already been used for another recent release, Kumar Fyah’s *Behold I Come*.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Labour Day weekend approaches, fans of retro music across the island are getting ready for a one-of-a-kind throwback celebration: the oldies-themed party officially named Memories. Now entering its second year, the nostalgic gathering will take place at the iconic Reggae Jamaica Village on Church Road, located in Bog Walk, St Catherine — a longstanding hub that serves as the home of Reggae Fusion.

In a recent interview, event promoter Collisha Frame shared the creative vision behind the event’s lineup, explaining that every performer was carefully selected to bring the nostalgic concept to life. The roster includes seasoned selectors DJ Little Richie and DJ Al Pachino, alongside renowned Jamaican recording artiste Admiral Tibet. Frame emphasized that the curation process was tailored specifically to the event’s old-school identity, noting that the three acts are the perfect match to deliver an authentic retro experience.

What sets Memories apart from other local events, Frame says, is its unique positioning in the region. No other celebration in the area centers retro music in quite the same format, creating an atmosphere and collective energy that is unusually special. Attendees can expect a full lineup of chart-topping hits spanning three iconic decades: the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. To enhance the guest experience, the ticket price includes complimentary finger food for all attendees, letting visitors focus on enjoying the music rather than worrying about refreshments.

Frame and her organizing team have pulled out all the stops to ensure this year’s event runs smoothly, with preparation already well underway. The team has launched a multi-channel marketing campaign that spans both traditional advertising outlets and social media platforms to reach retro music fans across the country. Tickets are currently available for purchase online via xtickets.com, and Frame says attendees can expect full value for their money, with a chance to step back in time and relive some of their favorite musical moments.

Beyond the entertainment, Frame is calling on all community members and music fans to turn out for the event, which centers three core values that make it worth supporting. First, the gathering is fundamentally community-oriented, designed to bring local residents together around a shared love of classic music. Second, Frame points out that any celebration rooted in musical history is a treasure worth preserving, offering a welcome break from modern pop’s fast pace. Finally, attending and supporting the event helps contribute to the ongoing development of a welcoming, safe public space dedicated to local entertainment and leisure. For anyone looking to unwind and let loose over the holiday weekend, Frame says Memories is the ideal destination.

Decades before he rose to become one of the most globally influential voices in dancehall music, Bounty Killer — born Rodney Pryce — was just a child growing up in the Seaview Gardens neighborhood of Kingston, Jamaica. The gritty community that shaped his early struggles and forged his inner strength is now set to give the iconic artist the highest local honor a native son can receive.

In a move that closes a meaningful full-circle chapter in Pryce’s life, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) announced last Tuesday during a regular public meeting that the legendary entertainer will be awarded the prestigious Keys to the City of Kingston. In an additional, deeply personal tribute, the small residential street he walked and played on as a barefoot boy will also be renamed in his honor.

The announcement won unanimous, cross-divisional support from sitting councillors, who highlighted Pryce’s decades-long contributions to Jamaican music, cultural identity, and the development of younger generations of creative talent. Among the supporters were Hazel Anderson, representing the Seaview Gardens Division; Michelle Thomas Nelson of Duhaney Park; Patrick Roberts of Molynes Gardens; Kelvin Hall of Tower Hill; and Andrew Harris of Hughenden. Their collective backing made clear that Pryce’s impact extends far beyond the recording studio, cementing his status as a cultural anchor for the entire Kingston region.

Up-and-coming dancehall artist Razor B, who attended the KSAMC meeting, also shared his tribute, thanking the municipal corporation for recognizing Pryce’s far-reaching impact. Razor B specifically noted how the veteran icon personally shaped his own career and artistic path, a testament to the mentorship Pryce has provided to emerging talent across the industry.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer following the announcement, Pryce opened up about the flood of emotion and reflection the honor sparked, describing a overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude that words can barely capture. For the self-described “King of Kingston”, the recognition is far more than a formal civic gesture — it is a deeply personal milestone rooted in his earliest memories.

“As a child, I would spend all day on that same street, playing games with my friends in torn pants, barefoot, covered in sweat, until the street lights flickered on at night,” Pryce shared. “It’s an incredible feeling to be honored by the same people who knew me when I was just a little boy, who watched me grow into the person I am today. I never in my wildest dreams imagined this day would come.”

Calling the honor a “dream come true”, Pryce emphasized that the recognition from his hometown community means more than any global chart success or international award he has earned over his career. He also extended public thanks to his long-time manager and brother Paul “Bankey G” Giscome, who has stood beside him every step of his decades-long career, noting that Giscome shares in his joy and pride over the achievement.

For reggae fans around the world who have long dreamed of attending Barbados’ iconic annual Reggae Weekend but have been blocked by travel barriers, a new inclusive initiative is turning that dream into a accessible reality. Organizers of the three-day festival, set to run April 24 through 26 at Bridgetown’s historic Kensington Oval, have announced that all performances will be available to international audiences via a pay-per-view live stream, opening one of the Caribbean’s most anticipated cultural events to a global fanbase for the first time.

Priced at just $35 for individual daily passes or $100 for a full three-event season package, the streaming offering is already drawing enthusiastic interest from audiences across the Caribbean, North America, Africa, Europe and beyond, according to event sponsorship manager Michelle Straughn. For the festival, which is entering only its third year of operation, the move to global streaming marks a transformative milestone, evolving what began as a small regional gathering into a fully global entertainment experience.

Straughn emphasized that the expansion delivers far-reaching benefits beyond just extending access to international fans. The global platform delivers much-needed exposure and new career opportunities for more than 10 emerging and established local Barbadian acts set to perform across the weekend’s three stages, helping them connect with international audiences and industry leaders they would otherwise never reach. It also strengthens Barbados’ growing reputation as a premier destination for world-class music events, boosting the island’s cultural profile on the global stage.

To support this expanded global footprint, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) has partnered with organizers to facilitate coverage from international media outlets based in the United States and across the Caribbean, further amplifying visibility for both the festival and the island as a whole. Even with the new virtual offering, in-person attendance is also tracking at record levels: early ticket sales confirm that fans are traveling to Barbados from as far away as Germany, Ireland, South Africa, and North America, alongside large numbers of visitors from neighboring Caribbean islands.

Straughn noted that the strong in-person turnout underscores the event’s growing positive impact on Barbados’ tourism sector and broader national economy, delivering sustained revenue for local businesses and hospitality providers. The weekend’s lineup features a mix of legendary international reggae acts and standout local talent across three branded stages: the April 24 Mount Gay Legends of Reggae Show & Dance powered by Q100.7 FM, headlined by Barrington Levy, Sister Nancy and Super Cat alongside local favorite Biggie Irie; the April 25 Guinness Showdown powered by 98.1 The One, featuring Capleton, Popcaan and four local up-and-coming acts; and the April 26 Hennessy Reggae in the Gardens powered by Hott 95.3 FM, with performances from Dexta Daps, Fantasia, Kranium and multiple local fan favorites. International fans can purchase streaming access and view full lineup details through the festival’s official website, barbadosreggaeweekend.com, or via ticketing partner ticketlinkz.com.

April 19 marked a milestone for iconic reggae festival Rebel Salute, as the long-running Caribbean music event hosted its first ever South Florida edition at Miramar Regional Park. Despite lingering threats of afternoon showers that threatened to keep attendees away, thousands of passionate reggae fans turned out to celebrate the genre, turning a potentially risky first outing into a resounding success that organizers say paves the way for future annual editions in the region.

The debut was far from a given. Originally scheduled for 2024, the event was twice postponed before locking in its April 2025 date, and organizers faced an additional unexpected hurdle: the new date overlapped with Rhythms Of Africa, a popular cultural event held just blocks away at the Miramar Cultural Center. Adding to the uncertainty, the venue is best known for hosting the annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival each November, making it an untested home for a reggae flagship event. Many industry observers had openly questioned whether the festival would draw a meaningful crowd for its first local outing.

Those doubts were quickly erased by the energy of attendees. Festival founder and legendary reggae artist Tony Rebel estimated the crowd reached roughly 7,000 attendees, while independent counts placed the number between 2,500 and 4,000. Regardless of the exact headcount, all stakeholders and attendees agreed that the energy and enthusiasm on the ground far exceeded expectations. In a post-event interview with *Observer Online*, Tony Rebel expressed his satisfaction with the turnout, noting that the successful debut had laid a strong foundation for larger events in coming years.

The day featured a packed lineup of standout performances from some of reggae’s biggest names. Fan favorites including Mikey Spice, LUST, Mykal Rose, Maxi Priest, and iconic Jamaican band Chalice delivered high-energy sets, with headliner Tony Rebel closing out the day to a roaring crowd. Two scheduled acts, Gyptian and Louie Culture, ultimately missed the event, but their absence did little to dampen audience mood.

In a nod to the festival’s cultural impact, Broward County Commissioner Alexandria P Davis, a Jamaican native who has attended Rebel Salute events in Jamaica for decades, presented Tony Rebel with the Key to Broward County during the event. Davis echoed the widespread positive reaction to the festival, noting that bringing the iconic Jamaican event to South Florida gave local audiences the chance to experience a beloved reggae tradition without traveling abroad. She emphasized that the event’s success also strengthens Broward County’s ongoing work to build a culturally inclusive and diverse community, calling the turnout despite the rain an impressive showing for a first-year local outing.

For long-time fans of the festival, the South Florida debut is the latest chapter of a decades-long reggae tradition. Tony Rebel first launched Rebel Salute on January 15, 1994 – his own birthday – at the Fayors Entertainment Centre in Mandeville, Jamaica, with iconic reggae star Garnet Silk headlining the very first show. Over 30 years later, the festival has grown into one of the most respected annual reggae events in the Caribbean, known for its focus on cultural celebration and authentic roots reggae.

Following the successful debut, Tony Rebel says he is already planning to return to Miramar for future editions of the festival. “I’m very encouraged. Will do it again,” he told reporters, capping off a day that defied every pre-event obstacle to cement Rebel Salute’s new place in South Florida’s cultural calendar.