Monique Nikkole — When singer Monique Nikkole recorded the song Say Yes , she felt there was more to it than a rhythm and blues flavor. She wanted to do an alternative mix that took her back to her roots. “The original song had that nice, smooth grove that transitioned very well into a classic reggae song. I figured it would be a great way to reach a market that also represents who I am. My mother’s side of the … Read entire article »

By Kevin Jackson Observer writer—  Rihanna — Rihanna says her forthcoming ninth studio album will be heavily reggae influenced. The yet-to-be titled album will feature production work from several producers, including Jamaica-born Dwayne “Supa Dups” Chin-Quee. Rihanna shared little details about the album in a new interview with Vogue magazine, though she did speak about her love for the work of late reggae icon Bob Marley. “I’m gonna sound like a real tourist when I tell you my top Bob songs. … Read entire article »

By HORACE HINES Observer staff reporter—  Soldiers and residents gather near the aircraft crash site in Trelawny yesterday. (Photo: Philp Lemonte) —  It was a scene of devastation yesterday at the site where an aeroplane crashed in Trelawny, killing the three people on-board. The aircraft, which was reported missing after taking off from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, at 4:18 pm on Thursday, was discovered about 3:30 pm yesterday by members of the Jamaica Defence … Read entire article »

By Simone Morgan-Lindo— Bounty Killer at the International Women’s Day concert put on by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport at the National Indoor Sports Center last night.— Bounty Killer has made the decision to quit smoking marijuana. “It wasn’t just a humble decision that I made. Honestly, it’s a situation where it’s either continue smoking herb, or have a smoking career,” Bounty Killer told THE WEEKEND STAR. According to the Warlord, who has been fighting a … Read entire article »

Roy Black/Gleaner Writer— Sanchez— It will be like the end of an era when the popular vintage stage show Startime, formerly Heineken Startime, takes a bow after more than 150 performances spanning 30 years. Coming from very humble beginnings as a small after-work jam in the old Spanish Town Bar at the now defunct Oceana Hotel in downtown Kingston on June 30, 1988, the show outgrew several venues on its way to becoming an internationally renowned concert. In … Read entire article »

By Simone Morgan-Lindo— LA Lewis– Controversial dancehall artiste LA Lewis has said that while he would not be attending the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, he has sent his love and apologies for being absent via a letter. The wedding will take place on May 19, with the ceremony scheduled for the St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle at noon. At least 600 guests are expected to attend the ceremony, and while the ‘Seven Star General’ will … Read entire article »

 Sugar Minott — TWO albums by Sugar Minott are scheduled for release in the next six months, according to his widow, Maxine Stowe. In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, she said the songs are produced by Clement “Coxson” Dodd, and Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. The albums are the first major projects to be released since Minott’s death in May 2010 at age 53. “His estate was under duress but all of that is kind of clearing up. We’ll … Read entire article »

BY ANTHONY LEWIS Observer writer—  Top: Deputy Commissioner of Police Selvin Hay (left) sits on a panel with (from second left): Christopher Mason, representative of US Customs and Border Protection; Assistant Commissioner of Police McDonald Jacob of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service; Henry Hebert of the US Marshal Services; and Assistant Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey, during yesterday’s conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police in St James. (Photo: Anthony Lewis) — ROSE HALL, St James … Read entire article »