By Stephanie Lyew— Stephanie Lyew Students of Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory do a skit to show unity of between Norman Manley and Alexander Bustamante and their political parties.— Saints Peter and Paul Preparatory School recently hosted a compelling Heritage Day celebration. The event, under the theme ‘Embracing Our National Heroes and Heroine in Concert’, featured performances from the student body, the teaching and administrative staff, as well as guest performances by local entertainers. Owen ‘Blakka’ Ellis, in spite of his … Read entire article »

Sister Nancy is one of dancehall’s success stories of the last five years. The trailblazing deejay has enjoyed a renaissance due to renewed interest in her song Bam Bam, done over 30 years ago for producer Winston Riley. Nancy has been busy doing shows in the United States, Europe and Israel. In November, she heads to Australia for two shows. The first takes place at Laundry bar in Fitzroy, Victoria. She is at Max Watt’s in Syndey … Read entire article »

By Simone Morgan-Lindo Observer staff reporter—   Reggae singer Richie Stephens, who recently picked up two honors for Song of the Year and Top Digital Song at the ASCAP music awards in London, England, is calling on his fellow artists to protect their intellectual property. Speaking with the Jamaica Observer from Europe, where he is currently on tour with his Ska Nation Band, Stephens said it is extremely important for artists to be educated and informed about their about rights, publishing and … Read entire article »

By Howard Campbell—  Annette Brissett — ONE of reggae’s best-kept secrets, Annette Brissett has paid her dues in a music business that has evolved considerably since she started as a drummer over 35 years ago. In that time she has recorded six albums and a number of singles. She has never been afraid to try different things. Brissette’s latest song, Lose Control, is part of the Reggae Jammin’ Vol 4 compilation album, released October 13 by Tad’s International Record. She shares time … Read entire article »

Ahead of the Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) week and the Intercultural Dialogue Conference, co-founder of Jamaican Youth Empowerment through Culture, Arts and Nationalism, Abrahim Simmonds, spoke about a gap in perceiving Jamaica’s popular music at the recent Gleaner Editor’s Forum, “Education about powerful lyrics as an instrument of documenting what occurs in society, is where we are lacking” he said. The forum was held at The Gleaner’s 7 North Street, Kingston, offices. The conference … Read entire article »

By Stephanie Lyew—   Forty-five years after his birth, reggae artist Chuck Fenda is finally getting the chance to meet his mother. Chuck Fenda, born Leshorn Whitehead, was flown to Jamaica from New York at six weeks old by someone unknown to him, and never had any real connection with the woman who gave birth to him. The entertainer said that about one month ago one of his relatives communicated with his mother who lives in California, and encouraged … Read entire article »

By K’Shema Francis—- Roots reggae singer Ginjah, is revealing he suffered a spinal injury following a motor accident in Las Vegas on Thursday. In a Music News exclusive, the “Never Lost My Way” singer explains that following a number of tests, doctors say he suffered a cervical strain in his neck and a slight shift of his spine. Ginjah relives the horrific moment. Ginjah is currently recuperating at home. Music News first reported that that the reggae singer who … Read entire article »

By Melinda Newman , Dan Rys— Ben Hider/Getty Images Madison Square Garden— “It really shows New York’s primacy as music capital of the world,” says Julie Menin of the Grammys’ move from Los Angeles’ Staples Center to Madison Square Garden for the first time since 2003. Menin, the commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, worked with labor groups, local organizations and MSG for over a year to help clear the way for the big night’s production — all under … Read entire article »

By Syranno Baines—   With children as young as 11 years old presenting symptoms of sexually transmitted infections at their clinics every month, Jamaica Aids Support for Life (JASL) is cautioning that the HIV/STI epidemic will become more widespread if the law continues to prohibit the treatment of minors under 16 without parental permission. Section 6 of the Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA) requires that the authorities be called in when minors visit health facilities to for medical … Read entire article »