Cruise ships float at PortMiami, on April 7, 2020, in Miami. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now warning people not to cruise regardless of their vaccination status because of an increase in cases fueled by the omicron variant detected in ships. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) MIAMI (AP) — The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned people on Thursday not to go on cruises, regardless of their vaccination status, … Read entire article »

Reggae lost another of its stalwarts on December 28 with the death of Mikey Chung, a talented multi-instrumentalist who played on numerous hit songs. Chung, who was 71, died at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. He had cancer and suffered renal problems in recent times, said his brother Charlie. Mikey Chung He was the older brother of Geoffrey Chung, considered one of reggae’s most creative producers. Like Mikey, Geoffrey, who died in … Read entire article »

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL—Observer senior writer— LEO Graham, best known for the 1975 hit song A Win Them, died in Falmouth, Trelawny, on December 19 at age 80. Leo Graham His son, Rohan Graham, known in music circles as Daweh Congo, told the Jamaica Observer that his father died from cancer. He was diagnosed with the disease four years ago. Graham was from the district of Joe Hut in Trelawny. He moved to Kingston in the early 1960s “to learn trade” and … Read entire article »

BY BRIAN BONITTO—Associate Editor — IN an effort to set the record straight, Beenie Man posted his negative COVID-19 test result on social media, amid news reports emanating out of Ghana on Monday that he had tested positive and had broken quarantine. “As a carrier of sickle cell disease, I understand the importance of protocols set out to help stop the spread of the virus. I know the importance of protecting myself, my family, my team, and … Read entire article »

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL—Observer senior writer— Derrick Scott CONTROVERSIAL St James pastors Jason Rose and Kevin Smith put the Church under intense scrutiny in 2021. It drove Derrick Scott to dust off False Preacher, a song he first released three years ago. The self-produced single, boosted by a video with footage of controversial clerics, was recently re-released. Scott told the Jamaica Observer that False Preacher is as much about true Christian soldiers as it is about those who deceive their flock. “I want the … Read entire article »

BY KEVIN JACKSON—Observer writer— Tanto Metro & Devonte DUO Tanto Metro and Devonte are back on familiar territory. Their latest single Gypsy Tipsy is number one on the Foundation Radio Network (New York) Top 30 Music Chart. This is the duo’s first chart-topper in two years, following Love Song, a 2019 release from their fifth studio album Reggaenometrist. “We are both elated and humbled to be back at number one. It’s always a pleasant feeling to know that we can still make hits, so … Read entire article »

By Sade Gardner/Staff Reporter— DJ KashMatic has created a GoFundMe account to raise CAD$25,000 to secure his placement for the 2022 fall semester at Trebas Institute in Canada.— “When I reach this goal and complete my degree, it’s going to feel like mi a everybody son cause dem help me,” an exuberant DJ KashMatic told The Gleaner. The 23-year-old created a GoFundMe account on the weekend to help with raising CAD$25,000 to secure his placement for the 2022 fall … Read entire article »

By Sade Gardner/Staff Reporter— Sound system veteran Maurice ‘Jack Scorpio’ Johnson has found new musical purpose on radio.— With the disruption of the live event scene since the COVID-19 pandemic, sound system veteran Maurice ‘Jack Scorpio’ Johnson has found new musical purpose on radio. The Black Scorpio founder hosts ‘Drewsland Rock’ on The Bridge 99 FM on Saturdays, which not only sees him playing music, but educating listeners about the history surrounding the music. “As a foundation and original … Read entire article »

Beenie Man Ghanian media is reporting that dancehall deejay Beenie Man was detained in that country for flouting COVID-19 quarantine protocols. According to Citi News, Beenie Man tested positive for the virus upon arrival at the Kotoka International Airport on December 19 and was sent into mandatory quarantine at the AH Hotel in East Legon by health officials. However, the artiste is reported to have left the hotel and appeared on a number of media platforms before performing … Read entire article »