BY KEDIESHA PERRY Observer writer entertainment— World-renowned artiste and producer Tappa Zukie is releasing digital copies of some of his most iconic productions that were previously only available on vinyl. The releases began on March 22 with Cornell Campbell’s Follow Instructions and The Heptones’ Pressure. There are seven more digital re-releases scheduled. “I have been in the music business for over 50 years, so I have seen the evolution of music and its distribution. As of such, I am hoping to … Read entire article »

The sale of WVIP 93.5 FM last summer was a body blow to the West Indian community in the tri-state area. That radio station was ‘home’ for several Jamaican broadcasters who brokered slots on its airwaves for many years. A new day for Caribbean radio in that region dawns on May 1 with the launch of RoadblockRadio.com, a company owned by Jamaican Kacy “G City” Rankine. It will air as 101.1FM HD3 on CBS.FM. The New Jersey-based … Read entire article »

St. George’s Anglican Church is gearing up to deliver a gospel concert like no other! On Saturday, April 27th, they will present international reggae artist Richie Stephens live at the Sean Lavery Faith Hall in Savanna la Mar, Westmoreland, Jamaica. Stephens, who is the producer of the wildly popular Street Gospel compilation, will be doing a full gospel set. He will be supported by several local Christian acts. Showtime is 6:00 p.m., and admission is JMD 3,000 for adults … Read entire article »

As part of their ongoing efforts to provide life-saving resources to the children of Jamaica, the Issa Trust Foundation will be hosting a fundraising event on May 11th at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. It will feature goodwill reggae ambassadors Third World, Luciano, and Gramps Morgan. Tickets are US$600 per person; this includes drinks, dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and entertainment. It will begin at 7:00 pm with cocktails, followed by dinner at 8:00 pm, and the live … Read entire article »

Project Vibe Band, known for their rich roots in Reggae infused with songs with a reggae Latin flavor, are no strangers to the stage. With Colin Turner at the keyboard helm, providing his diverse musical expertise to their signature sound, they’ve captivated audiences across the board. Their latest endeavor features performances by Ed “Panama” Arguello, a multilingual maestro whose journey from spinning records from NYC to Montauk Point to sharing stages with icons like Jimmy … Read entire article »

Hopeton Hibbert, a bass guitarist and son of reggae legend Toots Hibbert,  died in Jamaica on April 10, a relative has confirmed. Hibbert, who was in his early 60s, died from complications of diabetes. He played intermittently in his father’s band since the 1990s and also toured with Morgan Heritage, Damian, and Julian Marley. He was one of four of Toots’ children who followed him into music. Daughters Leba, Melanie, and Jenieve were members of 54-46, the … Read entire article »

There has been uncertainty about the future of The Mighty Diamonds since the deaths of original members Tabby and Bunny two years ago. That confusion ended at Dancehall Thursdays in Kingston this week, where the new version of that trio were headliners. The current line-up debuted at the popular weekly dance, which takes place at Rebel T headquarters. A full house of patrons saw them as well as Beverley Kelso, an original member of The Wailers who celebrates … Read entire article »

Bernard Jankee, former director of the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank (ACIJ/JMB), died Wednesday evening after a short illness. He was 63. Jankee, who was hospitalized in February but had recently been discharged, died at his home in St Andrew. News of his passing shocked the Freemasons fraternity and his former colleagues at the African Caribbean Institute as they had been encouraged by the recovery he was making. A Kingston College (KC) old boy, Jankee was … Read entire article »