Entertainment News

Festival songs take aim at Grammy

December 16, 2021December 16, 2021 Staff

Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, the entertainment sector never wilted under the pandemic’s dictates. Today, the Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment Desk continues its look at the major stories which helped to shape 2021. THE entertainment and culture ministry and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) scored big in 2021 when it was successful in having the compilation album of the year’s Festival Song Competition submitted for consideration for a Grammy Award. Speaking with the Jamaica Observer, Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange noted that the selection for the Grammy’s ‘long list’…

Rihanna to be Barbados’ 11th National Hero

November 30, 2021December 7, 2021 Staff

Barbadian global superstar Robyn Rihanna Fenty will be Barbados’ next national hero. Moments ago — at the installation ceremony of Her Excellency the Most Honorable Dame Sandra Mason, as president of Barbados, and the declaration of Barbados as a republic — Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced that “the girl from Westbury” who used to “catch ZR to Combermere School” and climbed to the pinnacle of fame from Pon de Replay in 2005, will have the honour conferred later today at the national honours ceremony. Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty has…

Fancy footwork

November 12, 2021December 7, 2021 Staff

SHE is the ball of energy that is oftentimes seen on stages and video performances, and current hype girl for dancehall sensation Shenseea. Meet dancer and choreographer Happy Feet. She was given this moniker by a very close family friend, who noticed that the then teenager just could not keep still — always moving, whether the music was audible or simply a ‘riddim’ playing in her head. Named after the 2006 Warner Bros animated adventure about a gifted, tap-dancing penguin who also could not keep still, the name fit like…

Sean Paul debuts visuals for new Sia collab

November 12, 2021 Staff

Multi-award-winning and Billboard chart-topping artiste Sean Paul has released the new visual for “Dynamite” featuring Sia. Directed by Storm Saulter, the music video matches the energetic single with its lively choreography and Sci-Fi setting. The fun and futuristic video give viewers a peek into the new tech-fueled and chrome-filled world of Kingston, Jamaica in the future. The video sees dancers decked out in elaborate colourful costumes as they are swayed by the infectious rhythm of “Dynamite” while competing in an epic dance battle. “The concept of the video is futuristic,…

Vana Liya puts reggae spin on

November 12, 2021 Staff

California-based singer Vana Liya has put a reggae spin on the hit song Someone Loves You Honey . It is to be released today via DubShot Records. Vana Liya said she grew up listening to JC Lodge’s version of the Charley Pride original. “Growing up my mother and my grandmother would play the JC Lodge version of Someone Loves You Honey around the house. Although it was a love song, my mom would sing it to me just to let me know how much she loved me, so it always…

Fenda Bashes the System

October 23, 2021 Staff

SINCE the emergence of COVID-19, several entertainers have appealed to the Government to do more for the poor. Chuck Fenda is adding his voice to the call. In his latest song, The System, the deejay, says, “every day another problem rise and the poor cannot deal with it.” “COVID-19 has left thousands out of jobs as companies are forced to close their doors or scale down operations. This has led to an increase in domestic violence as families struggle to survive. Added to this is the level of stress-related problems resulting…

Get To Know Iconic Calypsonian, Ellie Matt

October 23, 2021October 23, 2021 Staff

Elston ‘Ellie Matt’ Nero of Newtown, St.Kitts, is known for his musical genius that has allowed him to gain recognition at home and abroad. An arranger, composer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer, and steel pan player, Ellie Matt was involved in St. Kitts and Nevis’ National Carnival since its inception in 1971. Ellie Matt has been quoted as saying a Trinidadian musician influenced his decision to take part in carnival that first year. “In 1971 on the birth of National Carnival, I was Influenced by Joey Lewis of Trinidad and Tobago. My…

Super Cat roars at ICONZ

October 23, 2021 Staff

The Barclays Center in Brooklyn is best known as the stomping ground for Kevin Durant and James Harden to show off their skills for the NBA team the Brooklyn Nets. On October 16, however, it was the dancehall’s elite who scored big. It was the venue for ICONZ, a Verzuz event headlined by Super Cat. His set was preceded by a soundclash between King Addies and Lion Face, performances from Teejay, Kranium, Dexta Daps, Konshens, Wyclef Jean, Cham, and Barrington Levy. Super Cat gave a solid performance built around dancehall…

Ding Dong’s in the groove

October 23, 2021 Staff

DANCER-TURNED-DEEJAY Ding Dong is in high spirits following his performance at American rapper Cardi B’s ‘Passa Passa’ birthday party a week ago. Held at River Studios in Los Angeles, California, the event had a number of celebrities in attendance including rappers Offset (Cardi B’s husband), Snoop Dogg, and Chance the Rapper, Jamaican-Canadian model Winnie Harlow, Teyana Taylor, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lizzo. Ding Dong (given name Kemar Ottey) was among three Jamaican dancehall acts booked to perform at the dancehall-themed event. The others were Spice and Mr. Vegas. “Someone connected…

Carlene, ABBA make friends

October 17, 2021October 17, 2021 Staff

CARLENE Davis says lots of successful cover songs are due to the vision of artists, managers, and producers. Her 1982 cover of Like Old Friends Do originally done by ABBA, is one such example. “The Jamaican landscape wasn’t playing music like that. When they played my version, they were hearing it for the first time. What encouraged me was that Babsy heard the original song that ABBA performed, and she could hear me singing it. For me, that was very important. Babsy being my manager and producing me was a…