Naomi Cowan– “Reggae means legacy. It’s more spiritual than people realize.” Bringing sass and spice to the stage in fabulous fashion, this sweetheart has been on heavy rotation over the airwaves with her hit single, Paradise Plum. Reggae month is still in full swing. So for the love of transcendent, life changing music, Flair Magazine has decided to put another songbird in the spotlight. Let’s go behind the scenes with singing sensation, Naomi Cowan. “Music was something that … Read entire article »

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL–Observer senior writer– Fred Locks  When Fred Locks recorded Black Starliner in 1975, Jamaica was caught up in a wave of black consciousness and it seemed only natural that he record a song addressing repatriation to Africa. On his new EP, Rich Already , the veteran roots singer also takes on issues affecting the country. Rich Already contains seven songs including the title track and a “Nyahbinghi/dancehall” update of Black Starliner. All are produced by Diavillan “Dia” Fearon. Fred Locks said he enjoyed the sessions with … Read entire article »

By Kevin Jackson–Observer writer– Shaggy and Sting  Following its Best Reggae Album win at the 61st Grammy Awards, 44/876 by Sting and Shaggy has experienced a sales increase. The album sold 208 copies one week after the February 10 Grammys, a significant number compared to the 78 copies it registered the previous week. To date, 44/876 has sold 52,459 copies, and is number two on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, up from seven last week. Also experiencing a minor boost from … Read entire article »

CYesterday’s crash along the Montpelier main road in St James resulted in several persons being injured, five critically. The accident caused gridlock on the busy thoroughfare, which is the primary link between Montego Bay and southern towns such as Cambridge, Black River and Savanna-la-Mar. –WESTERN BUREAU: Five persons, including two children, were seriously injured yesterday morning in a three-vehicle collision along the Montpelier main road, which also left several other persons nursing minor injuries. The accident ­– which … Read entire article »

Good music is born out of a desire to tell a story to a wide range of listeners across all walks of life. With his drive and passion for music, International Reggae Artist and Producer, Ed Robinson is bringing reggae music to the world.Ed Robinson is a musical veteran and icon with a strong and deeply rooted musical background. With music as a priority and driving force in his life, the singer injects his brilliant … Read entire article »

Michael Dawson, co-author, along with Vybz Kartel, of ‘The Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto’.— Michael Dawson, who co-authored the book, ‘The Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto’, with Vybz Kartel, has expressed confidence that the dancehall artiste’s appeal would be successful and says that the artiste can’t wait to spend quality time with his children. “Absolutely,” was his firm response when asked by THE STAR if he thought his client would be released soon. “I was in court every day and … Read entire article »

Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange  KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange says a new digital Reggae Film Archive will be established at the National Library of Jamaica in an effort to preserve Jamaica’s cultural heritage and reggae history on film. Grange made the announcement at the screening of the film – ‘Legends of Ska’ at the Emancipation Park on February 15. “The film side of Reggae doesn’t get mentioned that often and this is … Read entire article »

By Yasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer— F It is well documented that reggae and dancehall artistes have long had a love/hate ­relationship with radio, the most effective medium through which their songs are connected to the world. Many a singer and ­deejay have been known to throw ­temper tantrums and shout “Dem a stifle mi ting (song)!” when they don’t hear their ‘hit’ songs being played by radio jocks. Veteran singer Barrington Levy, while acknowledging that this is not … Read entire article »

Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton follows the Throne Speech being read by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen at the ceremonial opening of Parliament last Thursday.— Alcoholic brands are major sponsors of entertainment activities locally. For the most part, all alcoholic brands under Red Stripe and J Wray & Nephew are vital to the execution of large music festivals, including carnival in Jamaica and Reggae Sumfest. But based on the Throne Speech delivered in Parliament last Thursday … Read entire article »

A 30-year career seems like an eternity in dancehall music, a genre that has produced its share of flash-in-the-pan artists. But even for tried-and-proven acts like Terry Ganzie, there comes a time when you have to hit the pause button. “Mi did tek a likkle exile from di business, everything fi me is music but it good fi tek a break an’ come back strong,” he said. In January, Terry Ganzie returned to Jamaica’s live show scene … Read entire article »