By Kediesha Perry/Observer writer— Aidonia and son, King Khalif Lawrence Dancehall deejay Aidonia and his wife Kimberly Megan are mourning the loss of their nine-year-old son King Khalif Lawrence, who reportedly passed away from cancer on Saturday. The couple is said to be high school sweethearts. Up to press time on Sunday the pair did not make an official statement. However, several of their colleagues in the local music fraternity expressed condolence on social media. “My heart is breaking for u … Read entire article »

Freddie McGregor Reggae star Freddie McGregor is reportedly convalescing at a Florida medical facility after suffering a stroke a few days ago. “He is improving. The family is happy today with his improvement. We need prayers. God is Great, he is a miracle worker and merciful,” a source told the Jamaica Observer. McGregor was slated to be part of British reggae band UB40 tour. A few days ago, the band released an announcement telling fans that McGregor would not be … Read entire article »

By Howard Campbell— KINGSTON, Jamaica – Guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore of the Third World reggae band is recuperating in hospital here after undergoing esophageal surgery. Colin Leslie, his friend of over 50 years,  said Coore was taken to hospital after excessive vomiting. He underwent surgery at the University Hospital of the West Indies to repair his esophagus. Leslie disclosed that the veteran musician will be unable to eat for about five days as he recovers. “But as we speak the surgery … Read entire article »

Many artists made their names as songwriters before establishing themselves as singers — Ashford and Simpson, Isaac Hayes and Carole King are some of them. Alpha One wants to join that impressive group. The London-based singer and multi-instrumentalist began recording four years ago, having previously writing songs for artists such as Gappy Ranks and Jahvinci. This year has been his busiest as a recording artist, with Can’t Trust Them, Fire Keep on Blazing and Just That … Read entire article »

By Howard Campbell/Observer writer— (From left) Keyboardist Bowie McLaughlin, Donna Reid from duo Althea & Donna, singer David Hinds, engineer/producer Delroy Fatta Pottinger, and impresario Tommy Cowan at the funeral of Wailers keyboardist Tyrone Downie held at the Kingston College Chapel on North Street recently.— FOR most of his 66 years, Tyrone Downie was a world traveler. A talented musician who recorded and toured with the best in the music business, including Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Peter … Read entire article »

By Mark Kennedy— Images of the late reggae pioneer Bob Marley appear at the press launch for the exhibit “Bob Marley One Love Experience” at the Saatchi Gallery in London on Feb. 2, 2022. The multi-room exhibit will open at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles on Jan. 27. The 15,000-square foot experience includes previously unseen photographs, concert videos, lyric sheets, rare memorabilia and art that highlight Marley’s influence. (Alex Brenner via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) NEW YORK (AP) — … Read entire article »

By Lisa Respers France, CNN— Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac performs at the Paramount Theatre on July 27, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. McVie died Wednesday after a short illness, according to a statement from her family.Thomas Cooper/Getty Images North America/Getty ImagesCNN —  Christine McVie, the singer-songwriter behind some of Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hits, died Wednesday following a brief illness, according to a statement posted by her family on her verified Instagram account. She was 79. “On behalf of Christine McVie’s family, it … Read entire article »

Singer/Songwriter Minna LaFortune releases  her first Christmas song, “Christmas In Kingston,” written by Minna  and produced by Art of Music Studio. This is Minna’s fourth  single for the year.  “Christmas In Kingston “ was arranged using  the Ska genre. Minna’s love for Ska is very evident, as this is her second single with the Ska beat.  “Christmas In Kingston” is a song of nostalgic celebration of Christmas in Kingston, Jamaica. The song recalls “the streets teeming with … Read entire article »

By Kevin Jackson/Observer writer— Bob Marley and the Wailers FOR the first time since its release in 1976, Rastaman Vibration, the eighth studio album by Bob Marley and the Wailers, has charted on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. It enters the chart at number four with 1,947 units in equivalent album units. Upon its release 46 years ago Rastaman Vibration charted at eight on the Billboard 200, making it Bob Marley’s highest-charting album in the United States. The album contains Marley’s … Read entire article »

By Kevin Jackson/Observer writer— Shuga SINGER Shuga is gearing up for the release of her debut album. Shuga, who won the Digicel Rising Stars competition in 2009, says the project will be all reggae. “We are working on my album, which is now in the final stages of production and will be released in the first quarter of the coming year. It is a full reggae compilation and has the feel of that heartbeat original reggae sound and I simply … Read entire article »