The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) hasofficially unveiled its 2023 Reggae Month event calendar online. Interestingly, JaRIA has venturedoutside of Kingston to include celebrations in Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios. “JaRIA has alwaysintended to expand its operations outside of Kingston and has previously conducted seminarsacross the island. This year, with the Support of the Urban Development Corporation, we havebeen able to secure ideal venues in a partnership that will make it easier to realize our … Read entire article »

Barrett Strong Strong’s 1959 hit “Money (That’s What I Want)” was covered by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin By Rob Arcand— Barrett Strong, the vocalist known for giving Motown Records its first hit with “Money (That’s What I Want),” and for the songs he wrote for the Temptations, has died, Billboard and Rolling Stone report. His death was confirmed by Motown founder Berry Gordy, who, in a statement shared with Billboard, called his songs “revolutionary.” No cause of death was given. … Read entire article »

On January 6th – singer, songwriter and producer – Richie Stephens released Double For My Troubles, his newest single done in collaboration with fellow artist Sanchez. The official video was uploaded to YouTube a day later – on the 6th – and has been racking up views ever since. As of this writing – done on January 28th – it has been viewed 2.4 million times, and it continues to climb. Both men have been actively promoting the song and … Read entire article »

In 1991 when Andrew Minott moved to South Florida, the region’s reggae scene was establishing itself. Although not as busy as New York City or Los Angeles, a growing Jamaican population helped the music catch on in clubs and on radio. By the late 1990s, Minott was promoting shows in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. His role in helping develop live dancehall/reggae in South Florida is covered in Prove ‘Em Wrong, his autobiography which is scheduled for … Read entire article »

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL Observer senior writer — Hopeton Lindo (left) and Peter G IT’S rare to hear Jamaican artistes doing ska, the sound that announced the birth of their country’s music movement over 60 years ago. Singers Hopeton Lindo and Peter G show their love for ska and mature ladies on Grown Woman, their latest collaboration. Released in October, Grown Woman was number one for three weeks on the South Florida Reggae Chart, starting in late December. Co-produced by Lindo, Richard … Read entire article »