Raised in Greenwich Farm, one of Kingston’s most musical communities, singer Steve Tulloch was surrounded by several reggae legends as a youth. From early in his life, he knew being an artiste was his calling. Tulloch has been recording for over 35 years and has done songs for a number of producers. His latest project is the most ambitious to date, a slate of songs for I N I Records, an independent company based in Philadelphia. Steve … Read entire article »

BY RICHARD JOHNSON—Observer senior reporter— JC Lodge— In the 1980’s and 90’s, JC lodge was a household name. The singer’s tracks such as Someone Loves You Honey, More Than I Can Say, Selfish Lover, Home Is Where The Hurt Is and Telephone Love were on constant rotation on local airwaves. In 2001 she took the decision to return to the United Kingdom where she was born to a British mother and Jamaican father and as a result she … Read entire article »

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith—  KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, is calling on Jamaicans who live, work or travel overseas to register with the country’s Missions so that they can be easily located during times of emergency. Senator Johnson Smith, who was delivering a statement to the Senate on Friday, following the recent devastation of several islands in The Bahamas by Hurricane … Read entire article »

By Howard Campbell—Observer senior writer— Patrick ‘JJ’ Smith— Patrick “JJ” Smith, drummer for the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Swammp Band, died there from cancer on September 10 at age 64, his wife Cathy told the Jamaica Observer. Smith was also co-founder of Happiness Unlimited, a band that played the Kingston club circuit during the 1970’s. He was a cousin of veteran session guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith. Shortly after moving to Pittsburgh in the early 1980’s, Smith co-founded the Swammp Band which … Read entire article »

BY KELLARAY MILES—Observer Business Writer— A welcome sign shows current rules and fees at the beach’s entrance.— Guardsman Hospitality (GH) is giving the undertaking that the Fort Clarence Beach in Hellshire, St Catherine, which they acquired under a 25-year lease with renewal option from the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) will be ready for use by the general public in October. This date GH said will follow some major cleanup activities of the beach and surrounding areas. Speaking at a … Read entire article »

By Kevin Jackson–Observer writer— Koffee — It has been more than one year since a Jamaican artiste entered the Billboard R&B Hip Hop Airplay Chart. That drought has broken thanks to Koffee whose hit single Toast debuted at number 50 on this week’s list. Toast is also enjoying success in the United Kingdom where it reached number 70 on the Official UK Singles Chart last week. Koffee is currently touring North America with Canada-based Rhythm and Blues singer Daniel Caesar. “The tour … Read entire article »

BY KEVIN JACKSON—Observer writer— Lutan Fyah’s 18th album, Longest Liva, will be released today by Lock City Music Group. Produced by Adrian Locke, the 13-track set has two collaborations, Longest Liva (with Johnny Live) and Never Say Never (featuring Beenie Man). Longest Liva is the follow-up to his 2017 album, Music Never Dies. Other songs include Don’t Put Yuh Trust, Nuh Hail Dem, Please, Street Side Ghetto, and All For You.  Nuh Hail Dem has already made the Foundation Radio Network Top 30  Chart. Lutan Fyah is confident his latest project will be successful. “The … Read entire article »

BY KEVIN JACKSON—Observer writer— Byron Murray — Music industry insiders have expressed shock at the death of music producer and artiste manager Byron Murray. Founder of In The Streetz Records, he died on Wednesday at age 54. His sister, Patricia Murray Pennicott, confirmed his death in an interview with the Jamaica Observer’s Splash. “He had been ailing for some time. Right now we are trying to cope, while moving ahead with the funeral arrangements,” she said. Murray worked in the financial sector … Read entire article »