Entertainment

KINGSTON, Jamaica — With ongoing public debate about limited free beach access across the island, Red Stripe will open the gates to Puerto Seco Beach in Discovery Bay this Saturday, offering complimentary entry to 100 patrons.

The initiative, dubbed the Mango Beach Chill, coincides with the company’s introduction of a new mango-flavoured beer. Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment, DJ sets, and on-site sampling.

In recent years, Jamaicans have voiced concerns over rising entry fees and the shrinking number of free recreational spaces along the coastline. The one-day event at Puerto Seco comes at a time when access to beaches continues to be a point of contention between citizens and private operators.

“Jamaicans love the beach, but many express feeling locked out of their natural spaces,” said Sean Wallace, Head of Commerce at Red Stripe. “By sponsoring entry for 100 patrons, we’re not just celebrating our new Mango flavour, we are celebrating community, culture and the joy of coming together just to chill.”

For 27-year-old up-and-coming producer Akeem Richards music has been his passion for as long as he can remember.

“There is nothing I love more than music,” he said told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash in a recent conversation.

Fuelled by the need for a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the industry, Richards, more popularly known in the industry as Donflakes, honed his craft and is ready to take the industry by storm.

“Being consistent was key. I realised I had to learn to make beats. Everything was just pushing me to go harder, and I told myself I had to figure it all out,” he said.

Focus, Richards added, was what separated him from his peers.

“Weekday, the producer who has been working closely with 450, saw the work I was doing and started to show me the ropes. It has been non-stop work from there; sleepless nights in the studio, but we’re keeping focused.”

According to him, comedian and record label owner Deno Crazy saw his commitment and decided to give him a chance to work on his label. That opportunity would in turn open bigger doors, doors that he hopes will lead to new musical dimensions.

“I was working with limited resources until Deno Crazy make we have a studio and introduced me to Jahvy Ambassador (450’s road manager), and that’s where everything just started falling in line,” he said. “From before him get the break, Deno Crazy always a motivate we fi do the right thing and be different. There is never a day that he doesn’t encourage me to put in the work. I don’t plan on disappointing him.”

Now boasting a new track courtesy of 450, Richards is counting his blessings as he looks to further himself in the industry.

“I eventually got the chance to work with 450 and, to be honest, that was a great experience in itself. Hearing 450 on vocals will amaze you. Just his creativity and the way he flows and puts his lyrics together, he’s a special kind of artiste who is on the verge of greatness himself,” he said.

Donflakes told Splash that he is confident in the work they have done.

“Our track is called Doze Off, and with faith and a strong mind I know it will open a lot of doors for new opportunities and industry credibility. Others will see that the work is quality and will hopefully want to work with me as well,” he continued. “And we can’t forget the financial benefits, too, but that will come. I am just focused on becoming one of dancehall ’s best alongside the Crazy Way team, Tru Ambassador, plus the syndicate.”

Elephant Man’s Pretty Baby remix may have opened the floodgates for bookings with his return to the forefront of the music scene.

But as the song gains momentum it has also been met with harsh criticism. For some, the deejay’s quirky spin on the late Connie Francis’s 1962 classic was unnecessary. But as Elephant Man tells it, his decision to remix the track was based on the need for lighter, more fun songs in dancehall.

Highlighting that everything has its place in the music industry, the deejay said his quirky remix was strictly to allow listeners to dance and let loose again.

“There is a time and place for everything, but fun, because people wah have fun right through. If you’re tired and stressed out and yah go pay your money for a show, you want to leave knowing you had fun,” he said. “People come out to see Elephant Man do something special when him reach the stage for that song. For me, it’s fun entertaining the fans and making sure that everybody is happy.”

The entertainer went on to say that dancehall today could benefit from more of what he dubbed “happy music”. He expressed that as a people who pride themselves on enjoyment, the entertainment space needs more artistes who will prioritise fun over guns.

“Yes, there’s a place for every kind of music, but I have always been about fun and enjoyment. Me waan people go home from a Ele show and say, ‘That was fun, and that’s why we love Ele and love when him have hit songs or remix songs, because dancehall fun and nice,’ ” he said. “We need more happy music. Check from 2003 going into 2004 when mi do Pan Di River and check how long dancehall did nice. Everybody did a dance and a have fun. You go party, dancehall was crazy because Elephant Man was all about fun. When dancehall happy, everybody happy.”

Outlining that the same music that is sometimes met with negativity is what has allowed him to rub shoulders with the likes of Michael and Janet Jackson, Elephant Man says he will continue to do music as he sees fit.

The deejay says he is proud of where his career has taken him and will continue representing Jamaica with the best of his abilities.

“When Michael Jackson call me and me a talk to Janet Jackson, that was one of the biggest moments for me to see a likkle youth from Jamaica up there with icons. That is dancehall, and it was fun music that got me there,” he said.

HeavyBeat Records has announced the official release of a new single from reggae singer KashieF Lindo titled Where Do I Fit In (RMK).

The track dropped on Thursday, July 31, 2025, and is now available across all major streaming platforms.

The soulful, lovers’ rocke cut finds KashieF Lindo in a moment of reflection and emotional vulnerability. The song explores the quiet unraveling of a relationship as the artiste questions where he now stands in the life of someone he still loves. There’s a noticeable shift in the energy between them and she seems too distant to make things right.

Wrapped in smooth reggae grooves, the song is produced by legendary musician and hitmaker Willie Lindo and written by both Willie and Kashief Lindo. The publishing is handled by Hywill Music (ASCAP).

Musicians on the track include Paul Douglas (drums), Robbie Shakespeare (bass), Willie Lindo (guitars), and KashieF Lindo (piano, organ, keyboards, background vocals).

Recording and mixing were completed at HeavyBeat Recording Studio, with engineering handled by the in-house HeavyBeat Crew.

Where Do I Fit In was first introduced as part of the compilation Songs Written by Willie Lindo Vol 8. The newly remade and remastered version brings fresh clarity and depth to the track while preserving its original emotional core.

International reggae artiste Marilana Ras Dumpling has tapped Khago’s 2 Time rhythm for the recording and release of Man of God .

Her vocal delivery on the track is drawing widespread interest, leading to whispers that the song is being considered for a Grammy entry.

“This song is very close to my heart. It’s about finding that true, positive masculine energy in the world, and I believe its message will resonate deeply,” she told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash.

The official music video, which was shot in Jamaica, was released on August 6.

Originally from Long Island, New York, USA, Marilana Ras Dumpling’s return is rooted in giving back. She was a featured artiste at the recently held, inaugural Summer Break 2025 event in Portmore, Jamaica, specifically at the Watson Gold Youth Community. This festival celebrates the youth and elderly, a cause deeply aligned with Clean Way Records Trademark’s ethos.

Since taking the helm of Clean Way Records, Marilana Ras Dumpling has carved out a significant niche as a startup indie label committed to supporting other artistes; fostering positive growth; and maintaining a respectable, legitimate brand within the challenging music industry. Her dedication to planting seeds of legitimate industry practices continues to inspire.

“The entire Clean Way Records family is optimistic for Man of God. The sheer strength of Marilana’s artistry combined with the stellar production on the 2 Time rhythm makes it a contender for widespread recognition,” added a representative from her team.

Singer Richie Flo salutes his home parish in his latest work, St Thomas, which is from his EP St Thomas Mi Born, scheduled for release on August 29.

He also gives a shout-out to some of fellow native sons including National Hero Paul Bogle, entertainers Bushman and Popcaan, and Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh.

St Thomas Mi Born contains 11 songs, including the Dean Fraser-produced Another Day, released in late 2022, and Reggae (Do What We Want) which came out in late July.

Richie Flo is from the community of Buckeny in Yallahs. Although he has lived in Toronto, Canada, for over 15 years, he says St Thomas is always in his thoughts.

“My fondest memory was the country life. Living carefree, going to the river, being able to go pick fresh fruits that are in season like mango and apple and such,” he told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash. “My youth growing in St Thomas help me appreciate the simple things more. As an adult, I understood that happiness isn’t about having lots of money, but about celebrating and loving life.”

While St Thomas is an uptempo dancehall track, Reggae (Do What We Want) has a one-drop feel synonymous with roots-reggae. It is produced by House Of Riddim, a band from Austria which has worked with many top Jamaican acts, including Capleton, Sizzla, Jah Mason, and Tubulence.

Richie Flo started his recording career in 2006 as a deejay. Migrating to Canada nine years later, he became a singer and has performed extensively on the Toronto reggae scene.

St Thomas Mi Born is his fourth EP. He has also released one album, Life, Love & Music.

— Howard Campbell

Known for its community spirit, St Elizabeth, the breadbasket parish of Jamaica, is set to host three days of culinary flavour, local rums, and the pulse of sweet reggae music as Treasure Beach Food, Rum and Reggae Festival returns for its second staging, November 7-9, 2025.

Following a successful debut in 2023, the festival returns with its core mission to spotlight the richness of Jamaica’s south coast, celebrating its people and produce.

On board for this year’s staging is Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and plans are in train to elevate the experience even further; drawing locals, cultural visitors, and members of the Diaspora eager for an authentic taste of Jamaica.

Speaking of his excitement for this year’s staging, newly appointed Festival co-director Gregory Wright shared: “Treasure Beach is indeed a treasure that I hold near and dear to my heart, so when I got the opportunity to partner with my fellow director, Jason Henzell, and nurture this project it really was a no-brainer. Our aim is to make this a staple event...while maintaining the authenticity of Treasure Beach and creating another avenue to put Jamaica on the map.”

Chosen for its scenic charm, heritage, and welcoming energy, Treasure Beach remains an ideal host location for an event that promises immersive, culture-rich experiences.

The three-day festival promises to be a vibrant platform to showcase the talent, flavours, and stories native to St Elizabeth from culinary excellence to musical heritage.

“The Jamaica Tourist Board is pleased to support this year’s Treasure Beach Food, Rum and Reggae Festival, an event that not only highlights the authentic spirit of Treasure Beach but also invites visitors to immerse themselves in the unique cultural tapestry that makes Jamaica so unforgettable,” said Donovan White, director of tourism. “It’s initiatives like these that deepen our destination’s appeal and support community tourism in a meaningful way. Through our sponsorship, we continue to champion events that promote cultural pride, community engagement, and unforgettable visitor experiences,” he added.

Building on the momentum of the inaugural staging which featured reggae icons Richie Spice, Jesse Royal, and Luciano, the 2025 edition promises even more with an impressive line-up of legendary reggae artistes.

Guests will also explore some of the south coast’s most iconic attractions, with guided tours to Lover’s Leap, Pelican Bar, and Middle Quarters, alongside the Food & Rum Village, and other immersive activities that bring the parish’s people, places, and stories to life.

Minister Kerryann McBean has been inspiring many readers across Jamaica and the Diaspora with her book Processed To Be A Blessing — The Hidden Message.

“My story that I’ve told a lot of people when they see me they’re like, ‘You have been through this?’, and I’m like “Yes, but I’m not looking like what I’ve gone through because it’s the grace of God that is carrying me.’ If you go on Amazon, the feedback has five stars which is really good. For me, I know it’s going to be a number one seller because, even though it’s my story, the Lord gave me the vision to say, ‘Write the book because it’s going to help a lot of broken women or women who are in situations that they think they can’t get out of,’ — like mine’,” she told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash.

Born and raised in Portland, McBean is the youngest of 10 children. Though she gave her life to God at the age of 15, she struggled to stay the course, drawn to the distractions of a vibrant party lifestyle.

At age 20 her life took a pivotal turn with the birth of her son — a moment that would spark a series of profound life transformations.

Embracing her talents and ambition, she stepped into the world of fashion, joining the renowned Pulse modelling agency and walked runaways in both fashion model and supermodel shows in 1996, quickly making her mark.

Her entrepreneurial spirit soon led her to open Lady Kerry Château, a successful boutique that reflected her style and vision.

Now based in Canada, McBean is the founder of Armored House of Empowerment Ministries/Charity, headquartered in Toronto. The ministry’s mission is clear: To reach the lost at any cost, to transform hearts, and to inspire lives through the unshakable word of God.

McBean has written three other books, all geared towards inspiring her audience.

“I am telling them — men and women — and encouraging them to fight, because that’s not where the Lord wants them to be. He wants to take them higher and into better situations,” the Islington Secondary alumna said.

She has been spearheading empowerment conferences beginning in Canada, Florida (in early August), and will be hosting the Jamaican leg in October.

She is encouraging the general public to lean more into faith as they manoeuvre their daily lives.

“I have a quote in my book that says, ‘Life doesn’t stop where it hurts…’ and we’re always going to encounter situations where we’re hurting, but we have to put them in the hands of the Lord; we cannot do it ourselves,” she said.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As reggae artiste Sizzla continues to celebrate his milestone 30th anniversary in music, the stories of how his music has uplifted and inspired continue. With songs such as Solid As A Rock, Never See Us Fall and many more, the entertainer has encouraged generations to pursue their dreams relentlessly, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Speaking at the official media launch for the entertainer’s upcoming celebratory concert, Holness shared how Sizzla’s music became a personal anthem that inspired him to pursue his purpose as a politician. Recalling in 2011 when he was on the cusp of greatness, Holness shared that as he contemplated what was easily the biggest decision of his life at the time, it was Sizzla’s Rise to the Occasion that became his source of inspiration.

“In 2011, I had a big decision to make in my life, and one morning I was contemplating, and this song came on, Rise to the occasion, look at yourself…no one can stop you. That song was the inspiration for me to step forward to become the leader of my political party and eventually to become prime minister. It was that song that inspired me,” he said.

He continued, “There were times when I had difficult situations, and you have to psych yourself up. Some people use all kinds of means to psych themselves up; I listen to Sizzla. So I just came here to say to you that you wouldn’t always know the details of the power of your music. Your attorney read a letter from someone who was inspired to live, and I may have to pen you such a letter as well, but I just wanted to tell you personally that you have inspired me.”

Outlining that as the Caribbean’s musical hub, Jamaica produces a plethora of diverse music, Holness praised Sizzla for always curating content that motivates.

“Our music is diverse and it produces a variety, but I would like to say that the music you produce is music with purpose and meaning,” he said as Sizzla looked on. “It is music that will transcend generations, and so it is timeless. The music that you produce deals with subjects that are uplifting, and it is not always the case that we have artistes of your calibre, so I consider you to be a national icon in our music.”

The launch held at Kamila’s Kitchen in downtown Kingston was also supported by the Minister of Entertainment and Culture, Olivia Grange, as well as Minister of Finance, Fayval Williams, who is also Member of Parliament for the constituency of St Andrew Eastern, where Sizzla's hometown of August Town is located. Scores of industry professionals also descended on the venue, indicating that the show on October 19 at Sabina Park will be well supported.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Before she launched Tanya-Marie Collection in 2012, Tanya Marie was drawn to the “bold styles” of designers such as Roberto Cavalli, D Squared and Zuhair Murad.

She takes a similar approach to her creations, which have been worn by clients including Jamaica’s First Lady Juliet Holness and rapper Pitbull.

The Kingston-born Tanya Marie, a longtime Miami resident, is about to launch her latest line, tagged TM #OpulentBohemian. Like her previous work, the pieces reflect her outlook on life.

“Design is an integral part of who I am, it's like breathing. Inspiration is constant, and it's a spiritual experience,” she told the Observer Online. “My mantra is, ‘dress the way your soul feels’."

On August 27, Tanya Marie is expected to discuss her career and upcoming project when she appears on Winner Circle: The Brown Bag Edition, a podcast operated out of South Florida by fellow Jamaican Honorebel.

While celebrities like music producer Timbaland and cast members from The Real Housewives reality series have worn Tanya Marie pieces, the clients who give her the biggest thrill are not famous.

“My most fulfilling clients are professional women who exude confidence and style – doctors, lawyers, and industry leaders. Seeing my beautiful pieces worn and loved around the world is the most rewarding part of my career,” she said.

This will be the sixth Winner Circle: The Brown Bag Edition. The podcast debuted last February with Honorebel hosting a panel that included singers Etana and Singing Melody, discussing music industry issues.

Music has been the main theme of subsequent shows, but the previous edition in July featured Rohan Marley, principal of Marley Coffee and son of reggae legend Bob Marley. He gave his views on operating that company in a competitive industry, and being the child of a pop icon.