BY HOWARD CAMPBELL Observer senior writer— Joseph “Joe Joe” Hoo Kim — IN the 1970’s, Maxfield Avenue was one of Kingston’s happening communities. Journalists from around the world flocked the area for stories on its people, politicians and music. Joseph “Joe Joe” Hoo Kim, who died of liver cancer at age 76 on Thursday in New York, had an impact on Maxfield Avenue through his Channel One studio, located in its heart. Music producer, Franklin “Ben Up” Irving, who has … Read entire article »

By Claude Mills of Loop News— Reggae icon Bob Marley’s only Grammy nomination came in 2002, more than two decades after his death for best Long Form Music Video. Though the main reason the music legend most likely did not win prior, was that a reggae category wasn’t added until 1985. Over the years, there have been many debates about winners and talk about a Marley lock on the top award with Ziggy Marley notching no … Read entire article »

From LOOP NEWS— Buju Banton— Incarcerated reggae superstar Buju Banton will reportedly be embarking on a major world tour in 2019. The reggae legend’s team announced via social media that he would embark on a tour dubbed “Long Walk To Freedom”. “The anticipation continues to build, looking forward to seeing you all soon. Stay Tuned!” the post read. Donovan Germain, the artiste’s close friend and former manager, said that Buju Banton’s first performance will be in Jamaica. “I cannot give any details … Read entire article »

By Howard Campbell Observer senior writer—    Wesley Tinglin — Wesley Tinglin, founder, lead singer and chief songwriter of The Viceroys, died September 18 at the University Hospital of the West Indies. He was 75-years-old. His daughter, Petronia Tinglin, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Splash that he died from lung cancer. She said Tinglin suffered a seizure in July at the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay while waiting to board a flight to Paris, France where The Viceroys were scheduled to perform. The group … Read entire article »

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AFP) — South Africa’s top court ruled Tuesday that private, personal cannabis use was legal in a landmark case that had pitted law enforcement agencies against marijuana advocates and the judiciary.— Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, delivering the Johannesburg-based Constitutional Court’s unanimous verdict, declared the law banning marijuana use in private by adults “is unconstitutional and therefore invalid”. “It will not be a criminal offence for an adult person to use or be in … Read entire article »

 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The Barbados government has appointed international pop icon, Robyn Rihanna Fenty, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, with specific responsibility for promoting education, tourism and investment for the island.— Prime Minister Mia Mottley said the government was honored to be able to confer the title on the outstanding Barbadian singer who has contributed significantly to raising the island’s profile across the world. “Rihanna has a deep love for this country and this is reflected … Read entire article »

 James Johnson— James Johnson, a young minister of the popular Church of God of Prophecy at 41 Old Harbour Road in St Catherine was gunned down this evening while teaching a class at the church. According to the police’s Corporate Communication Unit, Johnson, a 29 year-old pastor from Union Estate in the parish, was reportedly in the middle of teaching a class about 5:00 pm when a lone gunman entered and shot him several times. There has, this … Read entire article »

BY TANESHA MUNDLE Observer staff reporter— A DJ mixer A couple who allegedly kidnapped a pregnant woman over a stolen DJ mixer, holding her hostage for two days after demanding money from her sister, was on Tuesday offered bail when they reappeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. Disc jockey Akeem Campbell and Natice Grey, a shop and bar operator, were each offered $300,000 bail by Parish Judge Maxine Ellis on charges of kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy. They … Read entire article »

By The Tropixs—-  – Jah Cure has found himself in another messy situation as the singer was recently exposed by an alleged songwriter who claims he stole song credits and failed to pay royalties. The Grammy-nominated singer was recently called out on Instagram Live by a female singer/songwriter from St Lucia who claims she was cheated out of song credits and royalties for several projects. According to the woman, she wrote numerous songs for the Reggae superstar and was promised … Read entire article »

Veteran broadcasters Patrick Lafayette and Francine Chin were recognized for their contributions to and preservation of Jamaican culture and music at the inaugural True Tribute Award held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in New York on Saturday night. Patrick was one of 18 people lauded for their contribution to Jamaica’s culture and music. “This is my first award and I am truly happy that my work over the years is being recognised,” said Lafayette, who is principal … Read entire article »