Tag: Jamaica

Dreaming sweet for KVY

Staff

  For KVY (pronounced Kay), it’s a veritable coming from the wings into the spotlight. While growing up in east Kingston, KVY used to hang around her father while he created music. Later on, he invited her to sing harmonies on some of the songs that he recorded. “My father had a studio when I was growing up, he used to write and record his own songs, and had me sing harmonies on his songs, that was when he realised that I could sing all the different parts without being…

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Macka Diamond excited about brand ambassador deal with Wal-Mart

Staff

It was a pinch-me-to-prove-that-it’s-real moment for dancehall veteran Macka Diamond when her team told her that they had signed off on a brand partnership deal with her and retail giant, Wal-Mart. “Wal-Mart! You mean Wal-Mart that’s up the street from where we are right now? Onnu a joke or wha’? That was my first response. I remember Gianni [team member] told me that he had some news for me, but he wanted to see me in person. Add that was the news,” the girl from the Diamond District shared, still…

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Marcia & Turbulence Spent Time

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Marcia Griffiths recently teamed up with Turbulence for Time Away. Released a week ago, Time Away is produced by Donsome Records LLC. “I have done a lot of collaborations over the years, but this one stands out for me. Come on, this is the queen of reggae we are talking about, and the song is sweet, sexy, and relaxing. It talks about taking a break from work to be together with that special someone, and lovers who work hard can easily relate to this song,” Turbulence told the Jamaica Observer.…

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DJ Mac making musical strides

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Twenty-three-year-old Jason “DJ Mac” McDowell is certainly making a name for himself in the dancehall arena. Last year, the St George’s College and Jamaica College old boy co-produced Jahshii’s Born Fighter which has more than 23 million views on YouTube. “The success from the song has definitely changed how I am viewed as a young producer. More people have reached out to do more work, immense opportunities have come my way and it has also opened the gate for me to be respected in the music industry,” DJ Mac told…

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Shanique Singh is Miss Ja World Beach Beauty

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TWENTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD Shanique Singh was on Sunday chosen as the winner of the Miss Jamaica World Beach Beauty Fast Track competition. Singh, along with 12 other finalists in the 2022 pageant, competed for an automatic spot in the top 10, ahead of the grand coronation which is scheduled for December 4 at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston. Singh, who finished third in the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant during the summer, said this was her second attempt at the Miss Jamaica World title. “Well, I actually entered before in 2016. I…

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D Fancey ready for the spotlight

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UP-AND-COMING dancehall artiste D Fancey has a natural affinity for music. “From as early as I can remember, music has always been a part of my life. When I was a child there was always some kind of music playing in the house. Music has played a therapeutic role in my life so choosing a career in music was a very easy choice for me,” explained the artiste. The deejay says it’s time for females to play a bigger role in the music industry. “I’m happy to see that there…

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Dancehall Queen contest returns

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THE International Dancehall Queen Competition returns to the tourist capital of Montego Bay, St James, after a six-year hiatus, according to organisers. It is scheduled for Pier One Entertainment Complex on Saturday, August 13, 2022. The announcement was made at Pier One on Thursday evening. “A safe and secure environment will be ensured with adequate security and safety procedures adhered to as stipulated by the parish council and the Jamaica Constabulary Force,” said Brian Martin, principal of Big Head Promotions. Contestants will vie for more than $1,000,000 in cash and…

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Hailing His Majesty

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The Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment Desk continues with the 37th of its biweekly feature looking at seminal moments that have helped shape Jamaica over the past 60 years. Fools saying in their heart Rasta, your God is dead But I and I know Jah Jah Dreaded it shall be dreaded and dread — From Bob Marley and The Wailers’ Jah Live Bob Marley wrote the defiant Jah Live days after reports that Haile Selassie I had been executed in Ethiopia in August 1975. The Emperor of that country from 1930 to…

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SonsieX tackles crimes against women

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Jamaican-born dub poet SonsieX has been a voice for the voiceless. Her poetry tackles a wide range of topics, including love and societal issues. Her latest single, Redemption, serves as a voice for women as she weighs in on the atrocities being committed against women in Jamaica. She is hoping that the song will offer some food for thought. “My inspiration draws from everything that I’ve witnessed happening in society on a daily basis. I can relate to the track because I have a deep desire to be an even…

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The Reggae Grammy – A Brief History

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FOR the past 37 years an award for the Best Reggae Album has been presented at the Grammy Awards. The awards ceremony is organised by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to honour artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry. The Best Reggae Album category was first introduced in 1985. Originally called the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Recording, the award was presented to artistes for eligible songs or albums. Ziggy Marley holds the record for the most wins in…

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