Bobby Digital   By Curtis Campbell—— Jamaica is internationally recognised as the birthplace of reggae and dancehall music, the latter delivering the more flashy uptempo sound, while the former targets the spiritual and Afrocentric followers with slower, sometimes sultry beats. However, with the competitive nature of Jamaica’s music industry, the two genres seem to be fighting for existence in the dancehall. Reggae is losing. The Sunday Gleaner spoke with reggae artist Warrior King, and according to the Virtuous Woman singer, local disc jockeys are killing reggae music. “Dem selector yah a kill … Read entire article »

Bunny Grant By Melville Cooke—–, Cornel Campbell’s Boxing is a Jamaican song that bears the title of the sweet science of attempting to pound an opponent into the canvas within three minutes, while hopefully avoiding being thrashed oneself and sneaking in stuff that the referee won’t call foul on. However, the Gorgon (yes, Campbell was the Gorgon long before the ‘original’ front teeth, gold teeth, side teeth, gun pon teeth, etc., Don Gorgon Ninja Man) was singing about boxing as in moving … Read entire article »

Loyal Haylett (right) MONTEGO BAY, ST.JAMES: Several local and international celebrities are expected to flock Montego Bay to attend the second staging of the Minaj Vegas Beach Party at Sea Gardens Beach Club on Friday, June 8. Jeff Robinson, former manager of international recording artist Alicia Keys, heads the list of celebrity guests. “With each staging, we continue to put our best forward, and with this amazing location, coupled with the A-list guests we have confirmed, we are well on our way … Read entire article »

By ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM —- It has been four years since the death of iconic reggae star, Lucky Dube; and that genre of music known for its prominence in the 80s and early 90s seems to have died with him thereby creating a big vacuum in the reggae world. ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM in this piece takes a look at some Nigeria reggae artists who are still in the business but making little or no impact.    If you are … Read entire article »

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Spencer knocks over top-class hurdles field ROME, Italy (AFP) — Usain Bolt proved his slowest run in three years a week ago was nothing but a blip as he was back to his best at the Diamond League meeting here yesterday. The world record holder had disappointed in Ostrava with a time of 10.04sec, which he himself described as slow, although he still won. BOTTOM: ROME, Italy —Jamaica’s Usain Bolt (centre), chased by St Kitts and Nevis’s Kim Collins … Read entire article »

By Howard Campbell—- In commemoration of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence from Britain, the Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment section recognises 50 persons who made significant, yet unheralded, contributions to the country’s culture. This week we feature singer Gladstone Anderson. ANDERSON… started his career with producer Duke Reid in the late 1950s   THE Jets were arguably Jamaica’s hottest band in 1966 when they checked into Federal Records for what turned out to be a historic session with singer Hopeton Lewis. The … Read entire article »

By Ronni Berke and Josh Levs—– STORY HIGHLIGHTS NEW: A public interest group calls it the boldest anti-obesity effort yet The ban would apply to sodas and other sugary drinks The ban would not apply to grocery stores Such drinks “are a small and declining part of the American diet,” industry says   New York (CNN) — New York City is poised to ban the sale of large-sized sodas and other sugary beverages in an effort to combat rising obesity rates, a city official said Thursday. The ban … Read entire article »

By ANGELA PIDDUCK—- “ISAIAH” – a Reggae Opera, presented by The Missionaries of the Poor, took the country by storm last week-end. Hundreds of music lovers packed Queen’s Hall for the four shows mounted in aid of Works Of The Missionaries Of The Poor of Jamaica. On this occasion the proceeds are specifically to care for orphan children in Kenya and for the Mothers and Babies Centre in Jamaica. Had the opera run for a longer period of … Read entire article »