CLINTON LINDSAY

By Richard Johnson–Observer senior reporter– Anthony “Chips” Richards — Efforts are underway to increase the information pool at the National Library of Jamaica in downtown Kingston, on Jamaican reggae pioneers based in the United Kingdom for the past 60 years. The initiative is spearheaded by Anthony “Chips” Richards, whose involvement in marketing and promotion of reggae in the United Kingdom began nearly five decades ago. He made his mark with Trojan Records, helping to promote major hit songs like … Read entire article »

Best Supporting Actor winner for Mahershala Ali The Palace Amusement Company says it is unable to have repeat showings of the film Green Book today and tomorrow (February 27 and 28) as advertised for the early shows at Palace Cineplex in Sovereign Center, Kingston. This, the company says, is due to complications with the distribution process. Green Book, the story of the unlikely friendship between a bigoted bouncer and a virtuoso black musician, was named the Best Picture of … Read entire article »

Nadine Sutherland Nadine Sutherland has heard countless reggae songs since she started her career 40 years ago. Here are 10 of her favourites: Maxi Priest (1) Maxi Priest ( Wild World) “Wish I was the singer. Awesome production and vocal execution.” Jimmy Cliff (2) Jimmy Cliff ( I Can See Clearly Now) “Powerful affirmation for the day, irrespective of how you may feel on a given morning.” Koffee (3) Koffee ( Toast) “A funky, youthful song of thankfulness that’s not too preachy.” Beenie Man (4) Taxi Gang and Beenie Man ( Foundation) “I love the rhythm and … Read entire article »

By Howard Campbell–Observer senior writer— Nadine Sutherland — FORTY years in the music business is no mean feat, especially for women in reggae. For Nadine Sutherland, it all started as a pre-teen who captured hearts at Jamaica’s major talent contest. Sutherland, who turns 51 in March, is still on the hunt for hit songs. Last week saw the release of It Takes One, her latest song which, interestingly, is part of Queens In The Arena—Kemet Riddim, an all-female compilation album … Read entire article »

VPAL MUSIC KICKS OFF ITS 10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION! By Howard Campbell–Observer senior writer— Top: Kenneth Khouri  Bottom: Hopeton Lewis Distribution company VPAL Music celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and plans to mark the milestone with a slate of releases. Among those are “multiple unreleased albums” from the Federal Records catalogue. Donovan Williams, general manager at VPAL, told the Jamaica Observer that the initial albums are tentatively scheduled for release in March. The three CD’s are Jamaica Magic, featuring Lloyd Wilks and … Read entire article »

By Kevin Jackson–Observer writer— Tania “Chyna Nicole” Sutherland — WHEN singer/producer Tania “Chyna Nicole” Sutherland came up with the idea of a compilation album, she thought it would be cool to have an all-female cast. Chyna Nicole, who once worked as a radio disc jockey in Jamaica and overseas, produced Queens in The Arena, which was released last Friday. “With the lack of albums featuring only females, it dawned on me last summer; ‘why not help others while helping myself?’ To … Read entire article »

By Shereita Grizzle – — CTori-Ann Levy Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway is a world-renowned production. Over the past few years, the pool of Jamaicans selected to be part of the elite cast has been small. The few who have been afforded the rare opportunity to be part of the cast in recent times described their inclusion in the production as life-changing. last week, Disney scouts were again in the island, seeking fresh talent for the next production. … Read entire article »

From LOOP ENTERTAINMENT—S Power Man pictured in various reflective moods over time.— Dancehall artiste Power Man, born Michael Davey, is still trying to recover from the tragic loss of both his parents on the same day. Power Man’s father, Brenton Davey, died on Tuesday of this week, and the death seemingly triggered that of his wife of over 60 years, Loris Garvey-Davey, the same day.  “It’s hard losing both parents at one time, but I have to stay strong for the … Read entire article »