Copeland Forbes— By Howard Campbell— Music industry veteran Copeland Forbes believes it will take more than one year before Jamaica’s reggae product recovers from the coronavirus fallout. He made the ominous prediction with uncertainty surrounding European summer festivals, which have provided a solid payday for many Jamaican artists over the years. Forbes, who has booked reggae tours for over 40 years, said the postponement/cancellation of events like Summer Jam in Germany and Rototom in Spain, because of the coronavirus, … Read entire article »

By Bianca Gracie— Jesse Royal— While Rastafarians continue to promote self-care, good health and spiritual togetherness, they have historically been targeted by political forces due to their beliefs. Jesse Royal, a reggae artist from Jamaica’s St. James parish, aims to bring those stereotypes to light in his new video for “Natty Pablo.” Premiering on Billboard below, the 300K-directed video finds the artist moving product on a truck before he and his crew get stopped by the police. But instead of finding drugs … Read entire article »

By Kimberley Small – Staff Reporter— Minister Marion Hall— No one is flying anywhere right now. But that doesn’t mean celebrities shouldn’t have their travel documents in order, or that embassy offices have halted processing applications. The assertion rings true with the latest social media appearance of Minister Marion Hall, formerly known as Lady Saw, lamenting the denial of a United States O1 visa. “When I was Lady Saw, I got all these O1 visas. They’re given to … Read entire article »

By Michael Reckord/Gleaner Writer— COVID-19 has brought live entertainment events to a standstill. JAMAICA’S CULTURAL and creative industries has been thrown a lifeline in the form of a stimulus package for COVID-19 relief. This is available for individuals and businesses which are registered with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES). This was announced last Thursday by portfolio Minister Olivia Grange while speaking on an online lyme organised by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) in … Read entire article »

By Brian Bonitto—Associate Editor — Dexta Daps— DEXTA Daps spent his second night behind bars at the Hunts Bay Police Station in Kingston last night. The singjay was detained on Wednesday afternoon. Peter Champagnie QC, one of two attorneys-at-law representing the dancehall singjay, said his client is eager to prove his innocence. “I can confirm he’s still in custody…He is obviously very concerned as anyone would be, if he or she is detained. But he is resolute in his … Read entire article »

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton (centre), tries on an N95 mask during a visit to the National Health Fund (NHF) warehouse on Wednesday (April 8).— KINGSTON, Jamaica—  The Government has received the first shipment of some $1 billion worth of medical equipment and supplies that have been procured to bolster Jamaica’s coronavirus (COVID-19) response. The items, which are being stored at the National Health Fund (NHF) warehouse, include ventilators, intensive care unit (ICU) beds, stretchers, … Read entire article »

The question was not IF, but WHEN Kumar would release his first solo album. After his departure from Raging Fyah in 2018 no one knew how long it would take before he would release a solo album. His last album was recorded and released in 2016 as a member of Raging Fyah and received a Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category. Kumar’s long awaited first solo album entitled “Kulture Walk”  is now almost here. “Remember Me” the … Read entire article »