Entertainer George Nooks has said that there is a connection between today’s popular music and the surge in violence currently playing out in schools across the island. Speaking with Observer Online at a Mother’s Day show held on Sunday, Nooks shared that musicians and the types of song lyrics they produce are a contributing factor to the country’s growing violence problem. Nooks noted that while entertainers were not solely to be blamed for the problem, he stressed that they … Read entire article »

Although Jamaican-born recording artist JoJo Mac is based in the United States, she has managed to create waves for herself in other demographics with the track Even If It Rains. The single was released in June 2023, however, the official music video made its debut on March 26 this year. Described as a song about overcoming adversities through prayer, it is a featured track on her latest album Art and Life. “The musical style of this song is a … Read entire article »

Reggae Sumfest organizers continue to boost their lineup for this summer’s highly-anticipated festival by adding reggae sensation, YG Marley. The next generation of Marley talent is set to ignite the stage on Festival Night One on Friday, July 19. He is the latest act to be added to an already star-studded lineup, including Aidonia, Teejay, Valiant, Jada Kingdom, 450, Malie Donn, Kraff, Munga, Pablo YG, and more. YG Marley’s recent success has seen him soar to the … Read entire article »

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Jimmy James, whose ballad Come To Me Softly won him fans in Jamaica and the United Kingdom, died in London yesterday at age 83. His daughter, Lauren Mercurius-Mascoll, told the Jamaica Observer that James passed away at Northwick Park Hospital. She said her father had Parkinson’s disease and a heart condition which caused him to retire from performing. Born in Brown’s Town, St Ann, James moved to Kingston in the late 1950s and got involved in music, recording songs for producers including … Read entire article »

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Respected Jamaican drummer Desi Jones has died. Observer Online understands that Jones passed away suddenly on Saturday. He was 65.     Jones started his professional work on the drum set as a teenager when he joined an aggregation under the baton of renowned Jamaican musician and band leader, Sonny Bradshaw. Those formative years laid the foundation for what became a monumental career.       He was a founding member of the band Chalice and, after parting company, went on to form … Read entire article »