标签： Jamaica

Two iconic 1990s-born reggae talents, Hopeton Lindo and Hawkeye, have officially unveiled their much-anticipated collaborative single *Favorite*, which dropped globally on all major streaming platforms May 29 via independent music distributor Zojak Worldwide.

Produced by Lindo under his own Irie Pen Records label, *Favorite* falls into the beloved lovers’ rock reggae subgenre, crafted atop the eponymous Favorite rhythm. Lyrically, the track finds each artist opening up about their deep admiration and affectionate attachment to their romantic partners, breaking down the unique qualities that make each woman one-of-a-kind in their eyes.

Decades after both broke into the mainstream reggae landscape in the 1990s, the pair brings an unmistakable classic reggae warmth to the new release. Lindo’s velvety, polished vocal delivery pairs flawlessly with Hawkeye’s signature deejay styling, resulting in a seamless cross-style blend that underscores the enduring, cross-generational appeal of vintage Jamaican reggae.

The collaboration came to fruition after the two veteran entertainers reconnected in Kingston, Jamaica this past March. Though they had been casual acquaintances for decades, their professional and personal bond deepened while working extensively alongside the legendary Jamaican production duo Sly and Robbie at the pair’s iconic Kingston recording studio.

Hawkeye shared genuine excitement about the project, saying he holds immense respect for Lindo’s decades-long career. “Working with Hopeton Lindo is legendary, I would say. You’re talking about a legend with hit songs and exceptional lyrical delivery joining forces with Hawkeye…” he shared in a statement.

Lindo, who first made a name for himself as a solo artist with fan-favorite tracks including *Territory*, *Silent Consent*, and *Lonely Night*, has built an equally impressive reputation beyond his own recording career as a go-to hit songwriter. Over decades in the industry, he has penned or co-penned some of reggae’s most enduring classics, from Maxi Priest’s *Temptress* to Gregory Isaacs’ *Red Rose for Gregory*, J C Lodge’s *Telephone Love*, Brian & Tony Gold’s *Can You*, and Buju Banton’s *Wanna Be Loved*.

The new single is not an isolated project: it acts as a standout addition to the larger *Favorite* rhythm compilation, which also features vocal contributions from a slate of top reggae talent including Sanchez, Anthony Malvo, Peter G, Novel T, Inique, and Lindo on a separate solo cut. The full compilation also includes a special juggling mix from King Waggy T, a foundational pioneer in the South Florida sound system scene.

Critics and early listeners have already highlighted *Favorite* for its raw, authentic reggae energy and standout performances from two of the genre’s most respected long-time artists. The single firmly cements itself as a memorable new chapter in the broader cross-artist *Favorite* rhythm project.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A one-of-a-kind collaborative art experience is set to launch in downtown Kingston next week, as the National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ) and Scotiabank Jamaica join forces to unveil a brand-new exhibition titled *Of Wood and Water: The Scotiabank Collection*. The opening event is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, starting at 1:30 p.m. at the gallery’s downtown location at 12 Ocean Boulevard, with free entry open to all members of the public.

The exhibition draws its evocative name from Jamaica’s ancestral Taino root, which is widely translated to the “land of wood and water” — a nod to the island’s deep indigenous history that serves as the thematic backbone of the entire showcase. Curators have pulled together more than 40 striking pieces from Scotiabank’s extensive corporate art collection, and paired these works with complementary pieces selected from the National Gallery of Jamaica’s own permanent holdings to create a layered, holistic narrative.

Organized around core geological concepts that mirror the island’s physical and cultural evolution, the exhibition is divided into three distinct thematic sections: superposition, metamorphism, and rupture. Through this structured curation, the collection invites guests to explore how Jamaica’s landscape has been shaped over centuries by shifting, restless natural forces, and to examine the interconnected relationship between the island’s dynamic terrain and the communities that call it home. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with works that reflect both the geographic and the social evolution of Jamaica, rooted in the indigenous identity that has defined the island for millennia.

Marcia Griffiths, one of the most enduring figures in global reggae music, has continued her decades-long streak of staying culturally relevant with a brand-new release. Titled *When You Love Me*, the track marks a new collaborative partnership between the iconic vocalist, acclaimed producer Sean Lewis Folkes, and prominent South Florida backing ensemble Code Red Band. The single officially dropped June 5 via Folkes’ own LF Label imprint.

Folkes, a producer with an established track record of working with revered reggae acts including Ed Robinson, Luciano, and Pressure Busspipe, shared glowing feedback about his experience collaborating with Griffiths, describing the project as remarkably seamless from start to finish. In an interview with Observer Online, he emphasized that the partnership was rooted in shared professional respect and deep reverence for reggae’s core traditions. “Marcia comes to every project fully prepared, yet remains open to intuitive creative shifts, constantly refining melodies to center the song’s core message,” Folkes explained. “Her calm, focused energy in the studio guarantees every track retains its authenticity, grounding each work in cultural integrity and intentional artistry.”

Griffiths’ seven-decade career in music is a testament to her unique ability to adapt and remain beloved by new generations of listeners. She launched her professional career in the early 1960s, breaking into the industry as a rocksteady artist at Jamaica’s iconic Studio One, where her career quickly gained momentum by the end of the decade. Unlike many of her peers from the early reggae and rocksteady eras who faded from mainstream attention, Griffiths has consistently maintained her relevance by partnering with forward-thinking producers who understand current musical currents.

Her career evolution has seen her find success across multiple eras of Jamaican popular music. In the 1970s, she earned global acclaim as a member of The I Three, Bob Marley’s iconic harmony trio, touring across the world with the reggae legend. That same decade, she recorded a string of classic hit singles including *Dreamland* and *Stepping outa Babylon* for pioneering producer Sonia Pottinger. In 1982, she released her best-selling track, *Electric Boogie*, written by the legendary Bunny Wailer.

The 1990s brought a new wave of popularity for Griffiths when she found a fanbase among dancehall audiences, recording a run of hits including *I Shall Sing*, *Land of Love*, and *Fire Burning* for Donovan Germain’s influential Penthouse Records. At the start of her career at Studio One, she was mentored by celebrated singer-songwriter Bob Andy, with whom she recorded collaborative hits including *Really Together*; her solo breakthrough hits from that era also include fan-favorites *Feel Like Jumping* and *Mark my Word*.

Now, with her latest release, the 70-plus-year career veteran shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to add new chapters to her legacy as one of reggae’s most iconic voices.

Jamaica-based music producer Prod.LoudSpeakr is gearing up to drop his much-awaited 1876 Riddim compilation, a collaborative project designed to lift up rising musical creators from Jamaica and across the globe, when it launches globally on June 26.

The 9-track collection brings together a diverse roster of fresh talent spanning multiple regions, with each artist bringing their unique creative vision to the shared rhythmic foundation. Featured tracks include Vybrid’s *Grip*, Di Versatile One’s *Real Good*, DejaMck’s *Love Yuh Body*, J Mari’s *My Love*, Trogad’s *Bubble Fi Me*, Sleepy Landell’s *Life*, Briggy Benz’s *Brawling*, Jayidudu’s *Pressure*, and the project’s namesake original 1876 Riddim instrumental, crafted by Prod.LoudSpeakr himself.

For the producer, the project grew out of a lifelong passion for rhythm-driven compilation projects, which he says offer a one-of-a-kind space for new artists to showcase their craft alongside their peers. “As a lifelong fan of this style of music, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for well-crafted rhythms,” Prod.LoudSpeakr shared in an interview ahead of the release. “But as a producer, I also know just how much work goes into pulling together a full rhythm compilation from start to finish.”

The project traces its inspiration back to the hit WFYL rhythm from DJ Mac and CrashDummy, whose work motivated Prod.LoudSpeakr to build his own version of the collaborative format. He added that the compilation also grew out of his own goal to expand his production portfolio and connect with emerging creators he had never collaborated with before.

To build the project’s diverse lineup, Prod.LoudSpeakr launched the 1876 Riddim Challenge, an open call that invited aspiring artists to showcase their skills for a spot on the compilation and a chance to win a grand prize. The challenge was promoted across major social platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, which helped the producer attract talent from a wide range of musical and geographic backgrounds. Nigerian artist Jayidudu, for example, secured his place on the lineup through the open challenge.

Prod.LoudSpeakr also partnered with Di Versatile One, a member of the Future Squad Music collective who hosts the popular TikTok series *High Voltage Wednesdays*—a program dedicated to highlighting underrated emerging artists. Di Versatile One leveraged his extensive industry network to connect the producer with a cohort of Jamaican talents, including Briggy Benz, Sleepy Landell, DejaMck, Trogad, and J Mari, all of whom wound up featured on the final tracklist. An additional introduction through industry connection Toya Famous brought Vybrid of 1neMission onto the project.

Every track on the compilation was mixed and mastered by CheekyDon Music, whose work helped pull the diverse collection of songs into a cohesive, polished final project. All in all, the entire process from initial concept to final master took roughly four months to complete, and Prod.LoudSpeakr says the June 26 launch date lines up perfectly with the project’s energetic, warm sound. “This felt like the perfect time to drop it, because the whole compilation has such a strong summer vibe,” he explained. “It’s a well-rounded project with a track that every listener can connect with.”

Musically, Prod.LoudSpeakr describes the core 1876 Riddim as energetic, melodic, and versatile, clocking in at 95 BPM and composed in the key of E.

DejaMck, a Jamaican artist originally from Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland who has pursued music professionally since 2020, called the 1876 Riddim an exciting opportunity for all the artists involved. He was introduced to the project through Di Versatile One, and immediately jumped at the chance to contribute his track *Love Yuh Body*, which adds a distinct new layer to the compilation. “When I heard the rhythm, I knew it was fire right away,” DejaMck said. “My track fit perfectly, and the engineer did such an amazing job with the mastering. The whole project is really promising, full of quality content. The biggest strength of this whole thing is just how much team work went into it.” As release day approaches, DejaMck says he’s optimistic the project will get the recognition it deserves from listeners and industry alike.

Even as he wraps up work on the 1876 Riddim, Prod.LoudSpeakr is already looking ahead to upcoming projects, including a full EP for featured artist Vybrid expected to drop later in 2024. For now, though, his core goal for the compilation is simple: to create lasting, meaningful opportunities for every artist involved.

“Our ultimate hope is that the 1876 Riddim becomes a launchpad that lifts up every artist on the project, and introduces their work to whole new audiences,” he explained. “Beyond streams and chart numbers, we want this project to create new opportunities, spark genuine connections between creators and fans, and show what collaboration can do. If listeners walk away finding a new favorite artist, feeling inspired by the music, or gaining a deeper appreciation for Caribbean culture, then this project has accomplished everything we set out to do.”

For genre-blending singer Wesrok, country music has always been a medium for raw, authentic storytelling. But with his latest release, *God Knows Me Better*, the country-reggae crooner opens up about his most intimate narrative yet: a gradual, deeply personal journey of growing Christian faith, self-reflection, and the quiet conviction that life’s deepest answers come from a relationship with God.

Summer party season in Jamaica is about to get a heavy dose of nostalgia, as one of the island’s most beloved retro social gatherings, Gin N Juice, is preparing to make its highly anticipated comeback on June 20. This year’s edition will be hosted at the stunning, scenic Cherry Garden Great House in St Andrew, a venue that organizers say sets the perfect stage for a night of throwback fun and warm connection that harkens back to the golden era of Caribbean nightlife.

At its core, Gin N Juice is built around celebrating the unmistakeable vibrant energy of three decades that shaped modern social culture: the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. These eras were defined by spontaneous, in-person gatherings that brought whole communities together, where memories were forged over infectious music, energetic dance floors, and shared moments that strengthened lifelong bonds. In an age of increasing digital connection, the event aims to recreate that authentic, face-to-face magic that made retro social events so special.

Gregg Smith, co-promoter of Gin N Juice, shared that the event’s core mission goes far beyond just throwing a party: it’s about creating space for people to reconnect. “We’ve always called Gin N Juice the party of friends,” Smith explained in an interview with the Jamaica Observer. “So many of us have friendships that get stretched thin by distance, busy schedules, and life changes. This event gives people a reason to carve out time to meet face to face, something we only get to do a few times a year for many groups. It’s a platform to reignite old friendships that may have faded and build on the bonds that already exist, cutting through the barriers of time and distance to create real, meaningful interactions.”

No retro party would be complete without a standout lineup of skilled selectors, and this year’s Gin N Juice is no exception. Headlining the musical offerings will be three well-regarded Jamaican DJs: Bambino, Gabby, and Narity, who will take turns spinning the iconic hits that defined the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, keeping the dance floor packed from start to finish.

Smith noted that music is the backbone of the entire Gin N Juice experience, so the team only brings in DJs with a proven track record of keeping crowds moving. “We’ve worked with Bambino and Narity many times over the years, so we know exactly the high-energy, crowd-pleasing sets they’re going to deliver,” Smith said. “This year, we’re really excited to have Gabby joining the lineup – she’s the wild card that I think is going to steal the entire show. She’s more than proven she can hold her own alongside any established selector, and this event is going to be her big moment where everyone sees what we already know: a new superstar is emerging. Don’t miss it.”

To make the event even more accessible and enjoyable for groups of friends coming together to celebrate, organizers are rolling out a brand new ticketing option this year: the crew deal. Designed specifically for long-time friend groups looking for a hassle-free, value-packed experience, the new package caters to the current economic climate where guests are looking to maximize their spending without sacrificing fun.

“The new crew deal is built for groups who want to enjoy the night together, with everything taken care of up front,” Smith explained. “For one price, you get five entry tickets, a choice of liquor that can be upgraded to a 750ml bottle, a dedicated bistro table for your group, and VIP parking. It’s the best value for money on the market right now, at a time when every dollar counts for people. We wanted to make it easier than ever for friend groups to come together and have a great night without breaking the bank.”