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 »

By Lloyd B Smith/Observer writer— Millions of dollars have been reported missing from some accounts at Stocks and Securities Limited.a Several years ago I overheard a young woman saying to her friend, “Me, mi dear. Mi nah work anywhere whey mi can’t tief.” She was a cashier. In a March 10, 2016 Jamaica Observer column, the late Barbara Gloudon wrote: “My late, great friend and brother by long association Professor Rex Nettleford has left behind a warehouse of pungent statements … Read entire article »

By Brian Bonitto/Observer writer— Jah Cure A Netherlands judge, on Tuesday, ruled that Jah Cure should continue serving his six-year sentence for attempted manslaughter in that country. The reggae singer was appearing in court for a pro forma hearing. He is scheduled to return on April 18. “The judge decided to keep Jah Cure in detention and the next pro forma date is set on 18th of April,” Tuscha Essed, press officer at the Public Prosecution Office to the … Read entire article »

By Howard Campbell/Observer writer— Courtland “Gizmo” White COURTLAND “Gizmo” White, the veteran guitarist who played with Black Uhuru, Kotch, Raging Fyah, and the ATF bands, died in Kingston January 26 at age 69. Stephen Lee, drummer of the ATF Band, confirmed his passing but did not disclose a cause of death. He described the easy-going White as the consummate team player. “Gizmo was a great man, never have no quarrel with anyone. Always happy,” he said. In a 2017 interview with … Read entire article »