By Kimberley Small/Staff Reporter— Miss Jamaica World franchise holder Dahlia Harris is presented with a bouquet by Miss Jamaica World 2018 Kadijah Robinson at the launch of Miss Jamaica World 2019 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston last Thursday.— Following last month’s untimely passing of co-franchise holder of the Miss Jamaica World competition, Aston Cooke, there have been necessary changes in the entity’s leadership structure. While Weston Haughton retains the franchise holder position he assumed … Read entire article »

Olivia Grange —Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange says she’s optimistic about finding solutions to address ongoing conflict between the police and promoters/producers of events. Grange was speaking today after a meeting with Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang, the police, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and other stakeholders to consider amendments to the Noise Abatement Act which regulates entertainment events. According to Grange, the meeting “looked at hours that would be … Read entire article »

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL—Observer senior writer— The Abyssinians: (from left) Donald Manning, Bernard Collins, and David Morrison  The Jamaica Observer continues its ‘Reggae 50’ feature on people, organisations, and events that have made an impact on reggae over the past 50 years. Though long considered reggae’s anthem, Satta Massa Gana by The Abyssinians has never enjoyed the acclaim of One Love, the music’s official standard-bearer. With roots steeped in inner-city Trench Town, home of roots-reggae, it was recorded in 1969, 50 … Read entire article »

Actress Lea Seydoux, from left, director Cary Joji Fukunaga, actors Ana de Armas, Daniel Craig, Naomie Harris and Lashana Lynch pose for photographers during the photo call of the latest installment of the James Bond film franchise, currently known as ‘Bond 25’, in Oracabessa, Jamaica, Thursday, April 25, 2019. (Photo: AP) ST MARY, Jamaica — After months of speculation it has been confirmed that the 25th installment of the James Bond spy series will be shot … Read entire article »

By Simone Morgan-Lindo — P Ex-con Elvis Thomas is asking for financial help to complete his studies.— AFTER spending 24 years in prison for murder, Elvis Thomas is determined to make up for lost time, and to positively contribute to the society. Homeless at age 11, Thomas was found guilty of murder at age 17, and sentenced to death when he was 19. But just when it seemed that his life was over, Thomas,42, got a second chance, … Read entire article »

  2LP 180-Gram Vinyl Reissue On June 14K On June 14, The Marley Family, Island Records (celebrating it’s 60th Anniversary, and UMe join collective forces to observe the 35th anniversary of Bob Marley & The Wailers’Legend with a double 180-gram vinyl reissue.  Initially released on May 8, 1984, Legend holds the distinction of being the world’s best-selling reggae album of all time with over 15 million copies sold in the United States alone, and over 28 million worldwide. A greatest … Read entire article »

By Dave Rodney/Gleaner Writer—- Sylvia Rhone— Veteran music industry trailblazer Sylvia Rhone was earlier this week named chairman and CEO of Epic Records. Epic is a division of Sony Music Entertainment and it is perhaps best known as the label that turned R&B sensation Michael Jackson into a pop legend. Rhone will lead the creative direction and management of Epic, and she will preside over the development of a contemporary wave of talent including Camila Cabello, Travis … Read entire article »

BY BRIAN BONITTO—Associate Editor — Blak Ryno — BLAK Ryno is in stable condition in a New York hospital following a motor vehicle involving the dancehall deejay early Wednesday morning. “He’s recovering. He came out a surgery about 1:00 pm. He’s in stable condition,” a member of the deejay’s inner circle told the Jamaica Observer last night. “He’s not dead.” The source, who requested anonymity, was unable to say which hospital the deejay was admitted or details about the accident. “I spoke to … Read entire article »