A vibrant showcase of Cuban culture is taking center stage at a prominent literary event, featuring an array of works from Ediciones Cubanas and other esteemed publishing houses. The exhibition highlights the literary genius of Cuban authors such as Eliseo Diego, Virgilio Pinera, and Herminio Almendros, alongside poetry collections and works exploring Afro-Cuban themes. Cetmilena Denny, e-commerce manager of the Soy Cubano agency, a subsidiary of Artex Artistic and Literary Promotions, emphasized the event’s mission to elevate Cuban writers on the global stage. ‘We are presenting a diverse selection to ensure our authors gain international recognition,’ Denny told Prensa Latina. Adding to the cultural richness, the event also celebrates Cuban music, thanks to the inclusion of the Bis Music record label, which is part of the Artex family. Attendees can explore iconic records from legendary artists like Omara Portuondo, Sindo Garay, Elito Reve, Maria Victoria, and Barbarito Diez, among others. This fusion of literature and music underscores Cuba’s enduring cultural legacy and its commitment to sharing its artistic treasures with the world.
分类: entertainment
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Tylah Ariel makes her solo debut at Kafe Blue
Emerging singer-songwriter Tylah Ariel Head is set to make her highly anticipated solo debut with *Live With You* at Kafe Blue in Port of Spain on November 28. This event is not just a concert but a significant milestone in her musical journey, marking her return to the stage after a brief hiatus. Tylah, a 30-year-old artist from west Trinidad, has spent years honing her craft in songwriting and production, creating a sound that is uniquely her own—soulful, introspective, and deeply honest.
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Gold in France for Rvssian’s Santa
Jamaican music producer and recording artist Rvssian has achieved yet another milestone with his 2024 hit collaboration, ‘Santa,’ featuring Rauw Alejandro and Nigerian singer Ayra Starr. The track has recently been certified gold in France, marking sales and streaming equivalent to over 100,000 units. This accolade adds to the song’s impressive list of certifications, including 3x platinum in Mexico (490,000 units), 5x platinum in Spain (300,000 units), and 16x platinum in the Latin United States (over 960,000 units).
In an earlier interview with Observer Online, Rvssian expressed his gratitude for the song’s commercial success, stating, ‘This really means a lot; it’s just another form of accreditation towards our achievements.’ The song has also made significant strides on various international charts, including Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Panama, Spain, and Switzerland. Additionally, it has performed well on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs, Latin Rhythm Airplay, and Latin Airplay charts.
‘Santa’ is featured on Rauw Alejandro’s sixth studio album, ‘Cosa Nuestra: Capitulo O,’ which was released in September 2023. The song’s continued success underscores its global appeal and the collaborative efforts of Rvssian, Rauw Alejandro, and Ayra Starr.
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Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff has died
The music world mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the iconic reggae musician who passed away at the age of 81. His family confirmed the news on Monday, revealing that Cliff succumbed to pneumonia following a seizure. His wife, Latifa Chambers, expressed her gratitude for the support of his family, friends, fellow artists, and fans worldwide, emphasizing how much their love meant to him throughout his illustrious career. Born James Chambers, Cliff played a pivotal role in bringing reggae to a global audience, particularly through his starring role in the groundbreaking film *The Harder They Come*. His journey began in Kingston, where he recorded several singles before achieving chart-topping success with *Hurricane Hattie*, one of his early works for Beverly Records. Cliff’s music blended pop and ska influences, and after moving to London in 1965, he expanded his sound to include soul and Rhythm and Blues, eventually solidifying his place as a reggae pioneer. By the late 1960s, he had gained international acclaim, with his album *Wonderful World, Beautiful People* becoming a global sensation. His contributions to *The Harder They Come* soundtrack, including classics like *Many Rivers to Cross* and *Sitting in Limbo*, cemented his status as reggae’s brightest star. Cliff’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
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‘Jamaica has lost a giant’: PNP mourns Jimmy Cliff
Kingston, Jamaica — The global music community is in mourning following the passing of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who died on Monday at the age of 81. His family confirmed that the iconic musician succumbed to pneumonia after suffering a seizure. The Opposition People’s National Party of Jamaica has joined the nation and the international community in expressing profound grief over the loss of this cultural giant.
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Miss Universe Organisation addresses ‘speculation’ surrounding Miss Jamaica
The Miss Universe Organisation has released an official statement addressing widespread speculation surrounding Dr. Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, following her unfortunate fall from the stage during the Miss Universe competition last week. The organisation has maintained strict confidentiality regarding specific medical details to respect Dr. Henry and her family’s privacy. Updates on her condition will be shared exclusively by her family or Dr. Henry herself when deemed appropriate. Raúl Rocha, representing the organisation, outlined the immediate actions taken after the incident. He personally assisted Dr. Henry onstage, coordinated urgent medical care, and ensured her swift transfer to a hospital. A team of medical specialists was subsequently engaged to provide comprehensive evaluation and monitoring. The organisation has covered all associated expenses, including hotel accommodations for her family, rebooked airline tickets, transportation, and assigned a dedicated staff member to support the family throughout this challenging period. Over the past four days, Dr. Henry faced several difficult moments and unexpected concerns, but each issue was effectively resolved through the medical care she received. According to the latest medical report, Dr. Henry is now in good health and is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon. The statement also addressed circulating rumors, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to sharing only essential updates with professionalism, sensitivity, and respect. ‘We are grateful that she is now close to being released from the hospital,’ Rocha stated.
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Jamaica Labour Party lauds Jimmy Cliff
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Jimmy Cliff, a towering figure in reggae music, celebrated actor, and cultural ambassador. Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, Cliff passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving behind an indelible legacy that transcends generations. Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, Chairman of the JLP’s Communication Taskforce, paid tribute to Cliff’s monumental contributions to music and global consciousness. ‘Jimmy Cliff is undeniably a legend,’ Fitz-Henley remarked. ‘His music not only shaped the reggae genre but also inspired countless individuals worldwide. His work will continue to resonate with future generations.’ Cliff’s impact was recognized during his lifetime through numerous honors, including Jamaica’s Order of Merit, the renaming of a road in St. James in his honor, and special recognition during the Jamaica 55 commemoration. Fitz-Henley extended the JLP’s heartfelt condolences to Cliff’s family, emphasizing the profound sadness felt across Jamaica. ‘We celebrate Jimmy Cliff’s life and his enduring legacy, which has left an indelible mark on our culture and the world,’ he concluded.
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PJ Patterson hails Jimmy Cliff as iconic pioneer and creative genius
Jamaica mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, a towering figure in the nation’s music and film industry, who passed away at the age of 81. Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, a close associate of Cliff, paid tribute to the legendary artist, describing him as a creative genius whose work aimed to inspire and empower people. Cliff, born James Chambers, was a multifaceted talent whose career spanned genres like ska, rocksteady, and reggae, leaving an indelible mark on Jamaican culture. Patterson, who shared a personal connection with Cliff through their alma mater, Somerton Elementary School in St. James, highlighted the artist’s enduring legacy. Cliff was honored with Jamaica’s prestigious Order of Merit (OM) in 2003, a testament to his contributions to the arts. His role in the 1972 cult classic film *The Harder They Come* not only elevated his career but also cemented the movie as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s cinematic history. Over his illustrious career, Cliff released 11 albums, including *Hard Road* (1967), *Wonderful World, Beautiful People* (1970), and *The Harder They Come* (1972), each showcasing his versatility and artistic brilliance. His passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican music and film, but his legacy continues to inspire generations.
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Opposition Leader Mark Golding pays tribute to cultural icon Jimmy Cliff
Mark Golding, the leader of Jamaica’s opposition, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Jimmy Cliff, a monumental figure in Jamaican music and culture. Golding’s heartfelt tribute emphasized Cliff’s unique contributions to music and his global influence that transcended generations and borders. He described Cliff’s voice as unparalleled and his career as extraordinary, marking him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Jamaican popular music. Cliff’s role in the 1972 film ‘The Harder They Come’ was highlighted as a significant milestone that brought reggae to a worldwide audience. Golding also celebrated Cliff’s impact in South America, particularly in Brazil, where he helped popularize reggae and expanded its global reach. Furthermore, Golding lauded Cliff’s enduring songwriting and his role as a musical rebel who used his art to advocate for social justice and inspire empowerment. The tribute concluded with a poignant reflection on Cliff’s memorable performance during Jamaica’s 1998 World Cup campaign, which galvanized the nation. Golding’s final words were a message of gratitude, honoring Cliff’s legacy and the indelible mark he left on the world.
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Govana and friends do it for charity at Livewire series
Dancehall artist Govana enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to perform at last Thursday’s installment of Livewire, an event dedicated to supporting hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. The entertainer, who has been actively involved in aiding victims of Hurricane Melissa, emphasized the importance of intimate shows for meaningful causes. When organizers revealed that part of the proceeds would go toward rebuilding western parishes devastated by the hurricane, Govana eagerly agreed to lend his time and talent.
