Jimmy Cliff— By Mel Cooke– Crowned by one of his signature hats, wearing a shirt that proclaims his fealty to Africa by way of Tanzania, and eyes seeming to fill the round lens of his spectacles, Jimmy Cliff is a study in calm. That does not mean stolid or unexpressive in a man who has been awarded the Order of Merit and can insist on being called Dr James Chambers if he wishes. There is his excitement at … Read entire article »

A general view of atmosphere during Electric Zoo 2013. The New York City Mayor’s officeannounced on Sunday that Electric Zoo Festival would be canceled. The third and final day of the popular musical festival was scheduled for Sunday, but due to suspected drug overdoses, it will not go on. From the city’s official statement: “During the first two days of the Electric Zoo music festival, two concert-goers have died and at least four others became critically ill and have been … Read entire article »

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s president says Nelson Mandela has been discharged from the hospital in the capital, Pretoria. President Jacob Zuma said in a statement Sunday that former President Mandela remains in critical condition and was sent to his Johannesburg home early Sunday, where he would continue to get intensive care. Mandela’s condition sometimes is unstable, the statement said. The anti-apartheid leader had been hospitalized since June 8 for what the government has described as a recurring lung … Read entire article »

s Miguel Lorne, Attorney-at-Law   Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer Successive administrations are being accused of spinelessness in the pursuit of any venture aimed at legitimately utilising marijuana products in health and tourism to catapult Jamaica’s limping economy forward. Attorney-at-law and advocate for the decriminalisation of ganja Miguel Lorne did not mince words during a Gleaner Editors’ Forum last week as Jamaican chemist and cancer researcher Dr Henry Lowe revealed how he was discouraged from pursuing work on the medicinal properties of … Read entire article »

LONDON — Veteran broadcaster David Frost, who won fame around the world for his interview with former President Richard Nixon, has died, his family told the BBC. He was 74. Frost died of a heart attack on Saturday night aboard the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship, where he was due to give a speech, the family said. The cruise company Cunard says its vessel had left the English port of Southampton on Saturday for a 10-day cruise … Read entire article »

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL—- DESPITE the furor over the billed appearance of Queen Ifrica, a spokesperson for last Sunday’s Rastafest in Toronto, says the show was a success. Masani Montague of promoters Upfront Theatre Foundation, says over 10,000 fans attended the roots-reggae event which was held at Downsview Park. QUEEN IFRICA… was pulled from the festival due to the strong recommendation and suggestion from Downsview Park A good turnout seemed unlikely when local gay groups threatened protests if Queen Ifrica … Read entire article »

By Cecelia Campbell-Livingston— TONY Brevett, a founding member of rocksteady group The Melodians, is recovering after being hospitalised in Florida. Tony Brevett of The Melodians. Trevor McNaughton, his colleague in the group, told the Sunday Observer that Brevett was admitted to Florida Memorial Hospital in early August. He was released last week. Brevett — a nephew of Skatalites bass player Lloyd Brevett — was suffering from stomach pains and kidney problems, causing the duo to cancel an August 6 show … Read entire article »

Rita Marley, wife of the late reggae music icon, Bob Marley, has agreed to participate in this year’s Felabration Festival; just as one of the sons of the late reggae legend will be performing with his band at the week long annual festival. At a meeting in Ghana last week with Yeni Kuti, founder of the Felabration brand and Mr. Theo Lawson, Chairman, Felabration Organising Committee, Mrs Marley agreed to be a Special Guest Speaker at … Read entire article »

  SINGJAY Daniel ‘Bryka’ Rose is the latest artist signed to producer Marcus Myrie’s Marcus Records. Eighteen year-old Myrie is the eldest son of Grammy winner Buju Banton. Marcus Myrie (left) with his latest charge singjay Daniel ‘Bryka’ Rose. (PHOTO: NAPHTALI JUNIOR) Byrka is Banton’s nephew. According to Byrka, being the relative of a famous artist does not guarantee his career smooth sailing. “I know the road to stardom isn’t an easy one, however I will not give up. I have … Read entire article »

  Sean Kingston—- Black Entertainment Television’s website, http://www.bet.com, is reporting that singer Sean Kingston will have to face a judge for an alleged sexual assault. Carissa Capeloto, filed a multi-million dollar civil suit, claiming she was gang raped in Kingston’s hotel room by him, his bodyguard and a member of his band. According to Capeloto, 22, she was invited for a meet-and-greet with the Party All Night singer following a Justin Bieber concert in 2010. Kingston, 23, had also performed that … Read entire article »