These are good times for veteran singer Audley Rollen. The ordained minister of religion scored his second number one within a year on the South Florida Reggae Chart with Close to You, which is the follow-up to Never Knew Love Till You. But while the South Florida-based artist revels in that success, he is saddened by the death of legendary bass guitarist Robert “Robbie” Shakespeare who died in Florida on December 8 at age 68. He and … Read entire article »

BY KEDIESHA PERRY—Observer writer—1 IT is no secret that veteran deejay Sister Nancy has paved the way for many that came after her, in a traditionally male-dominated industry. In fact, her 1982 hit Bam Bam is seemingly timeless, as it continuously makes international charts, and was most recently featured in popular Netflix series Ozark. “I went to the studio with Yellowman one day and he did a Bam Bam also. Then, in the same time, I wanted to complete the One, Two album. It (Bam Bam) ended up … Read entire article »

BY RICHARD JOHNSON—Observer senior reporter— Brigett Anderson At most reggae-related events and shows, one is more than likely to run into Brigett Anderson. This regal Rastafari woman, with an endearing smile, has been a fixture on the music circuit for over 30 years. Her involvement spans artiste management, publicity, event décor, and just being a fan of the music. Judy Mowatt Anderson entered the music business as road manager for singer Judy Mowatt in the early 1990s, shortly after joining the … Read entire article »

ByYasmine Peru – STAR Writer— Shaggy— Platinum-selling, Grammy Award-winning dancehall and reggae artiste Shaggy believes that racism has played a huge role in the success, or lack thereof, of Jamaican music. However, his advice to those in Jamaica’s muisc industry is not to dwell on it. Shaggy was one of the panelists at the Jamaica Music Conference’s Reggae Month panel discussion, which aired on Sunday on PBC Jamaica and other online platforms. “The biggest reggae bands right now are the … Read entire article »

By Filiz Mustafa/HITC— The Mighty Sparrow Trinidadian calypso vocalist The Mighty Sparrow has confirmed that he is alive and well after false reports surfaced on social media. Here’s what you need to know. A number of famous names from the music and acting industry have become victims to a death hoax in recent years. Mighty Sparrow is the latest star after condolences were shared online. Baseless rumours spread on several social media platforms about the beloved songwriter which left many of … Read entire article »

Radio icon and former talk show host Winston Witter, also known as ‘Babatunde,’ has died. He was 64 years old. Witter died today at the University Hospital of the West Indies, where he was admitted on Sunday. He was taken to the hospital after he was found unconscious at his home.  Winston “Babatunde” Witter The popular radio personality, whose career spanned several years at KLAS radio,  was ailing from cirrhosis of the liver, a close friend confirmed.  More details soon. … Read entire article »

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL—Observer senior writer— Sonia Pottinger OFTEN cited as reggae’s only major female producer, Sonia Pottinger was the proverbial rose among the thorns. Throughout the 1970s she amassed a formidable catalogue that contains songs by marquee acts like Marcia Griffiths and Culture. Known as Miss Pottinger, she got into the music business during the late 1960s with her first hit song Every Night, a ballad by singer Joe White. She learned the production ropes from her husband, LO Pottinger, … Read entire article »