Cedella Marley. (Photo via DancehallMag) By Ian Burnett/Caribbean National Weekly— Cedella Marley, who was previously celebrated as the ‘fairy godmother’ of the Reggae Girlz, has abruptly resigned from her position as the Global Ambassador for Jamaica’s national female football team. The announcement of her departure was made public through an official release on Thursday. Cedella Marley (center) poses with Reggae Girlz and team manager Jean Nelson (right). Contributed photo In her statement, Marley cited the current state of affairs involving … Read entire article »

Bob Marley, Louise Bennett-Coverley, and Usain Bolt are at the top of the list of people Jamaicans believe should be given membership in the Order of National Hero. Don Anderson, pollster and head of Market Research Limited By Nakinskie Robinson/RJR News— Bob Marley, Louise Bennett-Coverley and Usain Bolt are at the top of the list of people Jamaicans believe should be given membership in the Order of National Hero. As the country moves through the constitutional reform process, participants were … Read entire article »

By Howard Campbell— James “Jimmy Solo” Howard– James “Jimmy Solo” Howard, who played a key role in the development of West Kingston’s music scene, died December 28 at age 80. His son, Dr Dennis Howard, confirmed his death in an interview with the Jamaica Observer. Howard said he died at home in Kingston. Originally from Spanish Town Road, Jimmy Solo was proprietor of Shang-Hi Solophonic Disco, a stalwart sound system in West Kingston. He came of age during the 1960s when … Read entire article »

Jamaican musical icons, living and gone, will find representation in the narrative story of the Reggae Genealogy outdoor concert and musical showcase. (Left: Mykal Rose of Black Uhuru, who will make an appearance at the show. Right: Dennis Brown (deceased.)) On Saturday, February 10, 2024, in celebration of Reggae Month, the story of the Caribbean’s most prolific music genre will be presented to South Florida in a bold new way. The inaugural historical retrospective and concert … Read entire article »

THE FOUNDATION RADIO NETWORK TOP 100 SONGS OF 2023 Compiled by Clinton Lindsay (based on chart performance only) ABBREVIATIONS: DEC: Date Entered Chart PEC: Position Entered Chart HPR: Highest Position Reached WOC: Weeks On Chart + Still On Chart   Pos    TITLE                                                ARTIST                                 LABEL 1        LORD I THANK YOU NITTY KUTCHIE/BUJU BANTON   POT OF GOLD RECORDS           Producer: Richie Stephens              DEC 4/14       PEC 30           WOC 23          HPR 1/4wks             2        Desperate Lover                                 Tarrus Riley                            VP Records Prod: Dean Fraser                               DEC 1/27        PEC 29            WOC 21          HPR 1/4wks             3        Young Gal … Read entire article »

Coming off what he describes as a strong 2023, veteran artist Singer Irie starts the new year in the same vein by appearing on the opening night of the January 19-20 Rebel Salute, dubbed Singers Paradise by promoters. Singer Irie, who lives in New York City, believes a slot on the popular two-day show can open new doors for him. “It is a great feeling to know I am performing on Rebel Salute because it’s the biggest … Read entire article »

By Jhaneal French/Caribbean National Weekly— Dancehall artiste Valiant has signed with Sony Music UK, the music label owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment in the United Kingdom. In a post on their website, Sony Music UK congratulated their list of artistes that were recently nominated for the MOBO awards in the U.K. “Best International Act sees nods for Doja Cat, Travis Scott, Victoria Monét, SZA, Latto, and 21 Savage. Valiant is nominated for Best Caribbean Music Act while Davido, … Read entire article »

By Howard Campbell/Caribbean National Weekly– KINGSTON, Jamaica – Wary of the challenges many parents face caring for children with Down’s syndrome, reggae artist Sophia Brown held an inaugural fundraiser/treat for them last year. The second staging took place here on December 17 at Hope Botanical Gardens. Brown, through her Angels Of The Hearts Foundation, donated $2,500 in funds and gifts to the Jamaica Down’s Syndrome Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides assistance and information to families caring for most of the … Read entire article »