分类： entertainment

Nearly six decades after their debut, reggae legends Keith & Tex are in the running for a Grammy Award. Their latest album, *Gun Fire*, has been shortlisted among 73 contenders for Best Reggae Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Produced by Spain’s Roberto Sanchez and released in March by Liquidator Music, the album showcases their enduring talent and dedication to the genre. The duo, known for timeless hits like *Stop That Train* and *Tonight*, expressed their gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing their 57-year journey and their role as one of the few surviving acts from the 1960s still actively creating music. Keith Rowe, based in Tampa, Florida, and Phillip Texas Dixon, residing in Toronto, Canada, have collaborated with European musicians to craft *Gun Fire*, featuring original tracks such as *Country Living*, *Simple Man*, and *On The Streets*. The Recording Academy unveiled the provisional list on October 3, with official nominees set to be announced on November 7. The awards ceremony will take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Keith & Tex began their careers in the early 1960s as part of a five-member group, later transitioning to a duo under Derrick Harriott’s Crystal label, where they produced iconic hits like *Tonight* and *Stop That Train*. After migrating to North America in the 1970s, they returned to music in 1997 with *Back Together Again*, cementing their legacy in reggae history.

Merritone Music, affectionately known as ‘The Last Sound Standing’ since the 1950s, is marking its monumental 75th anniversary with a series of global celebrations. This year’s festivities, held from October 24–27 at the picturesque SeaGarden Beach Resort in Montego Bay, St James, promise four days of uninterrupted music curated by Merritone DJs. A special vinyl feature will cater to diehard music enthusiasts, while new additions like the Wellness Expo and Craft Village aim to enrich the experience for attendees.

The Jamaican cultural landscape is in mourning following the passing of Yvonne Brewster, a trailblazing actress, director, and cultural visionary. The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) joined the artistic community in honoring her legacy, which has profoundly shaped Jamaican and Caribbean theatre. Brewster’s contributions, the PNP noted, have been instrumental in defining the trajectory of the region’s performing arts.

Born in Jamaica, Brewster studied and taught drama before returning to her homeland in the mid-1960s. Alongside playwright Trevor Rhone, she co-founded The Barn Theatre in Kingston, Jamaica’s first professional theatre company. This institution became a crucible for nurturing local talent and a stage for authentic Jamaican narratives. Shadow Minister of Creative Industries, Culture, and Information, Nekeisha Burchell, emphasized that Brewster’s work provided a platform for stories told in the unique voice of the Caribbean.

In the early 1970s, Brewster relocated to the United Kingdom, where her career flourished across stage, screen, radio, and television. She directed and acted in iconic productions such as *The Harder They Come*, *Smile Orange*, and *The Marijuana Affair*. Her directorial prowess was also showcased in BBC Television projects like *Maybury*, *The Fight Against Slavery*, and *My Father Sun Sun Johnson*. These works cemented her international reputation as a creative force dedicated to portraying Caribbean life with authenticity and dignity.

Brewster later co-founded the Talawa Theatre Company, now recognized as one of the UK’s most esteemed black theatre institutions. From 2000 to 2001, she reached broader audiences as Ruth Harding in the BBC drama *Doctors*, further amplifying Jamaican talent on the global stage.

The PNP paid tribute to Brewster for her courage and enduring contributions to Jamaica’s national identity. Burchell remarked, ‘Yvonne Brewster was one of the architects of modern Jamaican theatre and a bridge between our island and the wider world. She demonstrated that Jamaican stories, told in our language and from our perspective, deserve a place on every stage. Her legacy reminds us that culture is not only who we are but also how we evolve.’

Brewster’s vision continues to inspire efforts to bolster Jamaica’s creative industries and uphold the integrity of local storytelling as a driver of development. The PNP extended its condolences to her family, colleagues, and the global theatre community she influenced. ‘Jamaica has lost a remarkable cultural pioneer, but her example will continue to inspire generations of artists and cultural workers. May her soul rest in peace,’ Burchell concluded.

Renowned TikTok personality Mellovibes, known for his bold and ambitious endeavors, is set to host a groundbreaking virtual music festival titled the Artists World Tour TikTok Live series. The event, scheduled to run from October 24 to 26, 2025, will showcase dancehall and reggae artists from around the globe in a non-stop 72-hour performance marathon on the platform.

Mellovibes, whose real name is Melvin Grey, emphasized the event’s mission to bring the vibrant energy of live dancehall-reggae performances directly to audiences worldwide. ‘This is a new era of entertainment where emerging artists can connect, collaborate, and share their talents. The event is free because my goal is to unite people, bridge cultural barriers, and create a global community,’ he stated.

The festival will provide artists with a unique opportunity to promote their music to an estimated three million followers over the three-day period. ‘This platform allows fans and artists to celebrate the power of TikTok’s music discovery, which will unfold across different time zones and locations,’ Mellovibes added.

Performers include Jah Mason (Jamaica), Ginjah (USA), Hawkeye (Jamaica), DJ Chiqui Dub (Panama), Lenn Hammond (Canada), Yaa Shondem (Ghana), Ras Charmer (Ghana), DJ Shenkez 254 (Kenya), Style X (Canada), Don Juvi (Costa Rica), Ras Frazer Jr (USA), Sunshine Velvet (Jamaica), Queen Kamala (USA), Nastic RastaFari (Jamaica), Mr Lexx (USA), and Nesbeth (Jamaica).

Mellovibes, who recently surpassed one million TikTok followers, is celebrated for his animated reaction videos to dancehall and reggae music, delivered in an authentic Jamaican style. The event is organized in collaboration with BrandFluenzer Agency, promising an immersive experience for attendees. ‘This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience what we have planned,’ Mellovibes concluded.

In addition to live performances, fans will have the opportunity to engage with artists through live chats during the broadcast, fostering a dynamic and interactive experience.

The iconic Halloween extravaganza, Mask, is set to make a grand return to the Sport of Kings venue at Gulfstream Racetrack in Hallandale, South Florida, on October 25. This year marks a significant milestone as the event celebrates its 25th anniversary, promising an unforgettable night filled with surprises and electrifying performances. Co-founded by Jamaican Jaime Young, Mask has become a staple in South Florida’s entertainment scene, blending Caribbean culture with Halloween festivities. Attendees are encouraged to unleash their creativity by donning extravagant costumes, embodying their alter egos for a night of freedom, fun, and flair. This year’s edition, aptly titled ‘The Masked Performer Edition,’ will feature a special birthday celebration for Gyptian, the renowned reggae artist who turns 42 on the same day. The event will be powered by a lineup of top-tier DJs, including Delano of Renaissance, Selecta Renegade, DJ Nicco 876, DJ LS One, and Nocturnal Sound, led by Papa Keith. These maestros will keep the crowd moving to the infectious rhythms of reggae, dancehall, and soca. Young, a veteran promoter with three decades of experience in South Florida, has curated high-profile events such as Stages Miami, Naked, French Reserve, Truckstop, and Foam Wet Fete. He proudly describes Mask as Miami’s premier annual themed costume event, a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and connection.

Dancehall-reggae artist Short Ghad, born Conrad Williams, has channeled a harrowing personal experience into his latest musical endeavor. While living in Sweden a few years ago, the artist faced a life-threatening betrayal from close friends, an incident that inspired his poignant track ‘Reason.’ The song, which has gained traction on mixtapes and FM radio, captures the raw emotions of that betrayal. ‘One of my so-called friends threatened my life. I was shocked and immediately wrote the song,’ Short Ghad recounted. The accompanying music video, which narrates the touching story, has amassed over 101,000 views since its release. ‘Reason’ serves as the title track for his upcoming EP, which also includes tracks like ‘Never Say Sorry’ and ‘Feel Like.’ The EP, according to the artist, embodies his artistic vision and has already garnered significant attention on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where fans worldwide are sharing and creating content around his music. Short Ghad, who hails from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, initially gained recognition as a DJ before breaking into the music scene with his 2022 debut album ‘Feel Nice.’ The 19-track album, a tribute to love, blended dancehall, reggae, and Afrobeat, earning him a top spot on iTunes’ Reggae chart in Sweden and substantial streams on Spotify and Facebook. Recently, he has been promoting his music through live streams on TikTok and performances at local events like BoomBox Fridays and Weddy Weddy Wednesdays. ‘2025 has been a breakout year for me,’ he said, reflecting on his growing success in the industry.