Reggae Global Entertainment, the imprint that is owned and operated by power couple Joanna Marie and Ed Robinson, has started the year by releasing good music and getting the appropriate acknowledgement for doing so. In January, Joanna published My Best Boy (Close To You), a remake of John Holt‘s classic: Be Close To You (My Best Girl). Her version is now enjoying steady radio rotation and is featured on various reggae platforms worldwide. Its success is due in part to the fact that she … Read entire article »

Sound Chat Radio Founder Garfield “Chin” Bourne receives a citation from the Office of NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams (represented by Sabine French). If the Oak tree grew from a small seed planted in the ground, then there is no telling the impact that a small idea can have on fertile minds in far flung places. Welcome to the Sound Chat Media Network, home of Sound Chat Radio (SCR), a 24-hour, online medium, purposefully positioned right … Read entire article »

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL—Observer senior writer— Released by Elektra Records in May 1982, True Democracy by Steel Pulse is one of reggae’s classic statement albums. Recorded in Denmark and produced by Karl Pitterson, it celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. David Hinds, the band’s lead singer, rhythm guitarist and main songwriter, recently told the Jamaica Observer that plans for a tour marking the milestone have been put on hold due to COVID-19. Hinds wrote all but one (Your House) of the nine songs … Read entire article »

BY BRIAN BONITTO—Observer Associate Editor —Auto & Entertainment— June Isaacs, marketing manager of Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, presents dancehall deejay Mr Lexx with a fruit basket and cheque on Saturday. Mr. Lexx is currently a patient in Andrews Memorial Hospital in Kingston. JUNE Isaacs, widow of reggae singer Gregory Isaacs and marketing director for Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA), on Saturday, presented a fruit basket and cheque to dancehall deejay Mr. Lexx, who is convalescing at Andrews … Read entire article »

BY KEVIN JACKSON—Observer writer— LONG before there was social media or streaming platforms, Lady G was a hot commodity within the dancehall space. With a career spanning 38 years, Lady G came, saw and conquered. The winner of the Female DJ Of the Year award on multiple occasions (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, and 1998), Lady G truly paved the way for many female dancehall artistes of today. But her love affair with music began as a child … Read entire article »

A chirpy Derrick Harriott celebrated his 83rd birthday in New York City on Sunday. The veteran singer/producer has been in that US state since November last year, after doing a minor surgery. Derrick Harriott Despite another rumour doing the rounds that he had passed away, he was intent on not letting anything disrupt his celebratory mood. “I heard these false rumours spreading about me so I think those people who are doing it need to listen to some … Read entire article »