BY BALFORD HENRY—Observer senior reporter— Patrick Roberts— Losing his job as a technician at Stax Electronics in Kingston 34 years ago was perhaps the best thing that could have happened to Patrick Leroy Roberts. In his search to earn a living, Roberts called on the skills he learnt while at Stax to create the Shocking Vibes Crew, which defined inner-city dancehall music and became one of the genre’s most powerful labels. Roberts’ original cast included Beenie Man and his … Read entire article »

By Aaliyah Cunningham—Observer Writer— Peter Tosh’s daughter Niambe McIntosh (right) and Safia Cooper of Pulse (left) present the Stepping Razor Award to entertainment and Culture Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange.— Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange headed the list of honorees at the annual Peter Tosh Awards held on Thursday evening at Villa Ronai in St Andrew. The event was a part of Peter Tosh Festival and coincided with the late reggae singer’s 75th … Read entire article »

Copeland Forbes, the veteran booking agent and artist manager, says his autobiography will be finally released in 2020. He said the manuscript is complete and there are three potential distributors waiting in the wings. The 72 year-old Forbes has touted his memoirs for several years. He stated that the time is right for the book to be released. “It would have been nice for it to be out already but a lot of things have happened (in … Read entire article »

Living in Haiti for 15 years, singer Sa-fiya got acquainted with that country’s diverse culture, participating in the annual Carnival event for several years. Now back in her native Jamaica, she is keen to establish herself as a solo act. Sa-Fiya Sa-fiya’s first crack at the Jamaican charts is Smillie, Smillie, a song written and produced by Bobby Treasure for Treasure Productions. It features a solid cast of musicians including bass guitarist Glen Browne, his brother, guitarist … Read entire article »

Meditations Music Releases New Album:CAN’T STOP THEFLOW OF LIFE As part of the foundation of reggae music,Ansel “Meditation” Cridland has over 40 yearsproducing, writing, arranging and performing for fansall over the world.As leader of the legendary trio (The Meditations),Ansel and his fellow band members: Danny Clarke and the late Winston Watson,(who passed away earlier this year R.I.P.),performed at the historicalONE LOVE PEACE CONCERT,held April, 22nd 1978,at the request of Bob Marley.   “Can’t Stop The Flow Of Life”has a different feel and energythan most … Read entire article »

by LESLY SALAZAR/ABC7 News Staff, Associated PressThursday, October 17th 2019AA Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) died early Thursday morning due to complications concerning longstanding health challenges, according to a statement from his office. Rep. Cummings passed away at Johns Hopkins Hospital at approximately 2:45 a.m. He served in the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Transportation and Infrastructure and was one of the most recognized members of the Maryland delegation. He was first elected to the House … Read entire article »