Entertainment

Jamaican producer Tarik “Rvssian” Johnston earns his second Billboard Latin Music Award nomination in the category Crossover Artiste of the Year.

The 2025 nominations were announced on Wednesday, with Bad Bunny leading the pack, appearing with 27 entries across 49 categories.

Other multiple nominees include Karol G and Rauw Alejandro.

Rvssian competes in the Crossover Artiste of the Year category with Ayra Starr, Benny Blanco, Bruno Mars, ROSE, and Ty Dolla $ign.

The hit-producer, who a few months ago released the Story Book rhythm, was previously nominated in 2022.

Last year, Rvssian scored big with the song Santa, which features Ayra Starr and Rauw Alejandro. The song peaked at #6 on Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Airplay, #5 on Latin Streaming Songs, # 14 on Global Excluding US 200, #24 on Global 200, #7 on Hot Latin songs, and #10 on Latin Airplay charts.

The song was a success in other territories, reaching #1 in Bolivia, Peru and in Spain, #7 in Chile, #2 in Colombia, #2 in Ecuador, #11 in Argentina, #46 in Italy, and #50 in Portugal.

Santa has been certified 13x platinum (Latin) by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales exceeding 780,000 units, platinum in Mexico, 3x platinum in Spain and gold in Italy (100,000 units).

The Billboard Latin Music Awards covers categories spanning leading genres including Latin Pop, Tropical, Latin Rhythm and Regional Mexican music.

The awards will be handed out on October 23 and broadcast live on Telemundo from Miami’s James L Knight Centre.

A star-studded third annual Caribbean Music Awards took place at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, on Thursday, August 28, 2025. This year’s ceremony marked a more spectacular return than ever, featuring a grand award presentation that will air on Friday, September 12, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on
BET.

The event also showcased a larger-than-life red carpet, supported by street closures on Flatbush Avenue, that has since captivated social media.

One of the night’s standouts was Romain Virgo being named Male Reggae Artist of the Year, marking his second-straight win in the category.

Responding to his win on social media the artiste (realromainvirgo) posted: “To God be the glory! There’s no better feeling like getting to celebrate Caribbean culture and being around my people. It was even more beautiful winning the REGGAE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR AWARD once again! Thanks to everyone who voted, I’m forever grateful! The journey continues…”He was also nominated for Reggae Album of the Year with The Gentle Man, and for both Reggae Collaboration of the Year and Reggae Song of the Year with his Masicka-featuring track Been There Before.

A special highlight of the evening was the US début of Tottenham-born DJ AG, known for transforming the streets of London and other UK cities into vibrant musical venues. He brought his culturally rich open-format DJ sets to Brooklyn in celebration of the awards, with a special activation powered by Amazon Music.

DJ AG, a TikTok sensation who was featured in the Jamaica Observer in late July for his work in the music scene, expressed his excitement about the occasion, stating, “It’s my first time streaming on a red carpet, so to make that début at the Caribbean Music Awards was truly special. Caribbean music has shaped so much of my identity, and to champion it on a stage this big is an incredible honour. I was excited to bring a touch of London energy to the streets of New York and truly grateful to the awards for inviting me to be part of this moment and to celebrate a culture that continues to inspire the world.”

The red carpet dazzled with renowned figures, including the host for the night, Majah Hype, as well as honorees Busta Rhymes, Sizzla, Ding Dong, Full Blown, Lady Lava, Lila Iké, Maureen, Romain Virgo, Armanii, Buju Banton, D’Yani, Dexta Daps, Konshens, Spice, and others.

Caribbean Music Awards celebrates the exceptional talent, creativity, and impact of Caribbean music. It recognises outstanding artistes, producers, and industry professionals who have significantly contributed to the landscape.

Eleven-year-old Antiguan gospel reggae singer Enoch Thomas teamed up with Jamaican gospel artiste and minister Carlene Davis last December for a reworking of the Christmas standard O Holy Night.

Now, in preparation for the release of his debut album, the first form high school student is gearing up to release his latest single Oh Happy Day, a cover of the 1755 hymn by clergyman Philip Doddridge, which became popular in 1968 when it was recorded by the Edwin Hawkins Singers.

In an interview with Observer Online on Wednesday, Enoch shared why he decided to record a cover of Oh Happy Day.

“It’s such a joyful song. Every time I sing it, it makes me smile and reminds me of God’s goodness. I wanted to share that same feeling with others,” he stated, while adding what about the song drew his attention.

“At first, the high notes were really hard for me. I practiced a lot, and when I finally got them, I felt so proud. Now those notes are some of my favourite parts to sing.”

Enoch’s cover of Oh Happy Day will be released on September 15. It was produced by Jamaican producers Camar Doyles and Dr Howell of I & I Records.

The youngster, who is a born-again Christian, has been singing since he was four years old.

“I’ve been singing since I was four years old. My first studio recording was in 2021, when I did a cover of a Lauren Daigle song. Now I’m excited to share my own original music on my upcoming album,” said Enoch.

Enoch grew up in the church in his community of Jennings Village in St Mary’s, Antigua. He attends the St Joseph Academy.

“I gave my life to Christ at a young age. Being a Christian, sometimes its hard, but I try to learn from everything. Being a Christian means no fighting, no revenge and showing good behaviour, even when it’s not easy,” he confided.

He continued, “The biggest challenge is always choosing to do the right thing, even when others around me don’t. I also try to stay consistent with church every Sunday and in my personal walk with God.”

Enoch also spoke about working with Carlene Davis.

“I was nervous at first, but it turned out to be amazing. Singing with such a legend was an honour, and she was so kind to me. I learned a lot just by being around her,” Enoch disclosed.

And what is it that he hopes to achieve musically?

“My biggest hope is that my music will help people connect with Christ and feel his love in a real way,” he said.

Love Offside, the Jamaican romantic comedy written by Daneil Campbell, is making waves internationally.

After its world premiere at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami this summer, the film is set for its United Kingdom premiere as the closing gala film of the 10th London Breeze Film Festival (LBFF) on October 26, 2025, at Riverside Studios, London.

Directed by Dale Lewis, the film stars Judi Johnson, Mike Merrill and Sundra Oakley.

At its heart, Love Offside follows Cami Hart (Judi Johnson), a determined physical therapist whose unconventional methods put her career on the line as she works to heal a rugby star — only for unexpected feelings to complicate her mission. This female-focused story celebrates Jamaican traditions while highlighting themes of resistance, resilience and romance.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to write a Jamaican film that showcases love — a sports romance that not only entertains, but also shines a light on determination, the pursuit of goals and the beauty of Jamaica. It means so much to bring our stories to international stages,” Campbell said.

Campbell also praised the collaboration that brought Love Offside to life: “Big up to LAB Studios Jamaica for partnering with me to make this vision a reality, especially executive producer Kimala Bennett, whose leadership has been instrumental, and of course the phenomenal cast and crew who gave this film its heart and soul.”

With its debut at ABFF and now its place as the closing gala film of LBFF 10, Love Offside continues to cement itself as a groundbreaking milestone for Jamaican cinema — a film rooted in the island’s culture, but resonating with audiences worldwide.

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — British popstar Ed Sheeran, who recently revealed an upcoming United States (US) tour, will release his latest album Play on Friday.

Play is the 34-year-old singer-songwriter's eighth studio album and follows more than a decade of stunning global success and smash hits like Shape of You and Perfect.

He released his last album, Autumn Variations, in 2023.

Known for blending pop, folk and other musical genres with his own distinct acoustic style, Sheeran is the sixth most-streamed artist on Spotify and his 2017 song Shape of You is among the most listened-to tracks in the world.

Sheeran said he made his latest album "as a direct response to the darkest period of my life" and that he wanted to "create joy and technicolour".

It was recorded "all over the world" before wrapping up in the coastal state of Goa in India.

Speaking on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon earlier this year, the singer revealed that his next four albums would be called Pause, Rewind, Fast-Forward and Stop.

They follow his mathematically themed albums Plus, Multiply, Divide, Subtract and Equals.

Sheeran, who grew up in eastern England, said earlier this week that he is set to move to the US with his family due to an upcoming tour there, without specifying the dates.

After a flurry of headlines that he was permanently leaving the United Kingdom (UK), he then clarifed in an Instagram post that it was a temporary relocation.

"I'm not moving, I'm going on tour with my family and relocating to the continent I'm touring on, don't wanna commute from London to San Diego obvz," he posted.

Sheeran also insisted "this isn't a tax thing", adding he would "always pay tax in UK".

He is scheduled to play at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas on September 20 before touring Europe, New Zealand and Australia from December into March 2026.

Artiste Projexx returns with Twerk, a bass-heavy, hypnotic single that invites listeners to the dance floor while setting the stage for his upcoming Her EP due later this month.

Projexx has built a reputation as one of the most innovative voices in Jamaica’s new wave, merging dancehall with Afrobeats, R&B, and hip hop to craft a sound that feels both globally relevant and locally rooted.

His breakout moment came on True Love alongside Wizkid and Tay Iwar, one of the standout tracks from Wizkid’s gold-certified Made in Lagos, introducing his voice to millions and sparking praise for his distinct melodic style.

With Twerk, Projexx isn’t just chasing a summer vibe, he’s reasserting his core identity. The track is flirty but confident, playful but intentional. As the name suggests, it’s built for movement, but its edge lies in how it repositions feminine energy front and centre.

It’s a rhythm-first record made for the women who own every room they step into: whether it’s a party, a par, or a post-summer reset.

Produced by 1Mind, Joe Stanley, and Julias Noah Maria Herold, Twerk blends raw dancehall energy with seductive finesse. It follows his June single Exhale (via 9 Mile Records) and his summer collaboration with Jahmiel, Girl It’s You , both of which hinted at a more melodic, emotionally driven sound. Together they set the tone for
Her EP.

“The song’s for the gyal dem, plain and simple,” says Projexx. “It’s fun, it’s gritty, and it’s for the women who run the space they step into. This whole EP is about capturing different shades of feminine energy, not just love songs, but real-life expressions, too.”

Raised in a musical dynasty as the grandson of dub legend King Jammy and son of producer John John, Projexx brings a modern perspective to the sound he grew up around — one that weaves together emotional range, lyrical edge, and global influence.

He’s released standout projects like Queen Hill and GRIM TAPE VOL. II, and has collaborated with artistes including Wizkid, Skillibeng, Blaqbonez, Ruger, and Jesse Royal while racking up over 14 million streams across platforms.

The African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank (ACIJ/JMB) will today host the 2025 staging of the Annual Olive Lewin Distinguished Lecture.

This year’s speaker will be Olive Senior, internationally acclaimed Jamaican author and poet, recipient of numerous awards and honours, recognised globally as a writer, researcher, and literary luminary, who served as Poet Laureate of Jamaica from 2021 to 2024.

Starting at 10:00 AM, she will present under the theme ‘Rethinking the Lost Book: Memory, Land, and Fugitive Processes’.

The lecture will be accompanied by a special exhibition mounted in honour of Olive Wilhelmina Mahoney Lewin, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with her life’s work as a pioneering musicologist, folklorist, and a key figure in establishing the Jamaica Memory Bank.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Dr Kirt Henry, director of the ACIJ/JMB, said: “Dr Olive Lewin’s contributions to the preservation of Jamaica’s cultural heritage are immeasurable. This lecture is not only a tribute to her remarkable legacy but also a platform to inspire continued research, documentation, and celebration of our intangible cultural heritage.”

Attendance is free; however, participants are encouraged to register, whether attending in-person or online.

The Artisan Village in Falmouth, Trelawny, is proving to be a natural draw for locals and visitors, with regular events expected to become an integral part of the facility’s calendar.

This is the assessment of executive director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) Dr Carey Wallace following the recent Falmouth Artisan Village Food Festival, which drew scores of attendees and positive feedback from participants and observers.

“The evidence is there that the food festival can be an annual event, and with the possibility of adding several more to the calendar,” Dr Wallace told
JIS News in an interview.

He emphasised that the facility is a natural draw for both locals and visitors, and that the TEF and partner agencies must maximise its potential.

Dr Wallace recalled a time when visitors complained about a lack of activities in Falmouth, a perception that has shifted since the Artisan Village opened last year.

“For both cruise ship and stopover visitors there’s something to do at this facility. Whether it’s food, entertainment, craft, or souvenir items, this is the place to be,” he said.

Meanwhile, Falmouth’s mayor, Councillor Colin Gager, said the Artisan Village is a key value-added component of the town’s tourism offerings and a strong entertainment spot for residents.

“Our locals love it, and our visitors have only nice things to say. This can only get better with time, and we are all very proud and excited,” he said.

The Artisan Village was established to showcase Jamaica’s rich craft traditions, stimulate local enterprise, and create a vibrant space where visitors can engage in the full spectrum of Jamaica’s cultural and culinary arts. The venture aims to support artisan livelihoods by providing a centralised location for crafts, souvenirs, and experiences that reflect Jamaica’s creative heritage.

In addition to crafts and shopping, the village offers live entertainment, interactive demonstrations, and curated culinary experiences that highlight the country’s diverse regional flavours.

Director of the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation/Craft Development Carol Rose Brown underscored the Village’s strategic value.

“The Artisan Village is a flagship initiative that aligns with Jamaica’s broader tourism development goals — promoting craft, culture, and culinary arts while creating sustainable opportunities for micro and small businesses,” she said.

Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC) Joy Roberts also expressed optimism about the village’s trajectory.

“We see this as a living laboratory for Jamaica’s tourism product. With ongoing coordination across the tourism ecosystem, including crafts-people, hoteliers, and tour operators, the village can host more events, attract more visitors, and extend the destination’s rhythm beyond peak seasons,” she said.

As Falmouth positions itself as a leading cultural and recreational hub, officials acknowledge that continued investment, careful programming, and enhanced marketing will be essential to sustaining the momentum.

“The Artisan Village’s future looks bright as we envision a calendar filled with culinary festivals, craft markets, live performances, and hands-on workshops designed to preserve Jamaica’s craftsmanship, while offering memorable experiences for every visitor,” Dr Wallace charged.

Dancehall artiste Retro Gaad has paid homage to late entertainer and close friend Mulla.

The track, produced by Pert Entertainment & GRS Records, is slated for release this month.

“This is a tribute song to my bro Rajiek, aka Mulla. I put all I was feeling into this song and I hope it connects with other people who may feel the same way, who have experienced and are going through a similar loss,” he said.

Rajiek “Mulla” Dunkley, who was only 21 years old, died on May 26 after battling sickle cell disease.

The accompanying music video for Goodbye Too Soon was shot by Quan Motionz, directed and edited by Retro Gaad himself.

Described as a dancehall track, the song is anticipated to be a hit, considering Mulla’s popularity before his untimely death.

“The feedback so far from those who have heard it already has been great. I know that once it gets to more ears it will grow, so I’m looking forward to it reaching further, even outside of Jamaica,” he added.

With a sound that is mainly entertaining and energetic, Retro Gaad is putting his own spin on the dancehall arena, bringing with him a fresh sound and catchy lyrics. Continuing to grow his brand and build his catalogue, he is already known for previous releases such as Richer Pree, No Cap, Say Now, and Patrick, a hit known widely across Jamaica, doing particularly well on TikTok.

Another track titled Different Dimensions will also be released this month.

“As an artiste, my goal is for my music to make an impact. I want it to resonate with others, as well as entertain. I have a lot more material in store so you can be on the lookout for it,” he continued.

Turbulence, JC Lodge, Yasua Afari, Ginjah, and Natty King are among the top acts featured on Love Star Music’s new reggae rhythm project titled
Real Love.

The 17-track project, which also features songs from several talented emerging artistes, including Ras Fraser Jr, Dezi Boyd, Jahvante Campbell, Sunshine Velvet, Rehli Vance, Webstah, Don G, Ras Caleb, Uneekwan, and Love Star, was released on August 1.

“I chose all the artistes for this project carefully because I wanted to create an exciting reggae rhythm project. Based on the feedback I’m receiving from music industry insiders and music fans on social media, this goal has been achieved. Everyone who’s heard the project says it’s a winner,” said Love Star music CEO Conroy Smith.

He continued: “A lot of people keep saying reggae music is dying, but I believe that as long as producers continue producing great reggae projects the genre will flourish, both locally and overseas. I am totally dedicated to doing my part to keep reggae alive; therefore, I will never stop producing good reggae music.”

The Montego Bay-born producer, who resides in New York, is already working on a new reggae project that he plans to release early next year.

“I’ve recruited some top acts for this project that I am currently working on. It’s going to be epic. I’m also thinking about producing a dub poetry album as well,” said Smith.

Conroy Smith launched the Love Star Music label in 2019. Since then, he has produced and released hits for several popular reggae and dancehall artistes, including Luciano, Richie Spice, Macka Diamond, and Yaksta.

The label’s most successful project to date is the Good Woman rhythm, which was released in 2021.