Entertainment

Few artistes in Jamaican music history boast a body of work as revered and influential as Johnny Osbourne.

In a career spanning almost six decades, Johnny Osbourne has earned himself the title Dancehall Godfather, bestowed upon him by generations of musicologists and fans alike.

Now in 2025, some of Johnny’s most evergreen songs have been re-imagined thanks to Frenchie, the top-ranking producer and Maximum Sound label owner who has assembled a team of world-class Jamaican musicians, including saxophonist Dean Fraser and mixing engineer Gregory Morris, to reinterpret these celebrated anthems.

The resulting album, Universal Love Showcase, which features visionary artistes such as Tarrus Riley, Anthony B, Macka B, Alborosie, and Aza Lineage, will be released digitally on August 29, 2025 on VP Records.

We Need Love, the album opener, is an update on Johnny Osbourne’s 1979 Studio One classic Truth & Rights.

Reflecting on his years with Greensleeves Records and famed producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes, Johnny Osbourne’s hit songs from the mid 80s Ice Cream Love Give A Little Love, No Lollipop No Sweet So and Never Stop Fighting are re-crafted for a new generation with featured vocals from an all-star line-up of Alborosie (Don’t Need No Ice Cream Love), Anthony B (Give More Love), Aza Lineage (Sweet So), and Macka B (Cease Fire).

Universal Love Showcase revives a format not often offered on modern albums, a very Jamaican invention — the showcase — a concept in which each vocal track also has a corresponding dub included on the album. These stripped-back remixes, the original Jamaican drum and bass pioneered by Dubmasters such as King Tubby and Lee “Scratch” Perry, when presented in this showcase style is by far the best way to listen to dub, as you can hear how the engineer has broken the track down, distilling it down to its purest form.

Carrying the torch for contemporary Jamaican dub is engineer Gregory Morris, whose previous work includes stellar dubs for Chronixx, Protoje, Beres Hammond, Lila Ike, and many more. On Universal Love Showcase, Morris dubs these reworkings of Johnny Osbourne’s classic recordings into outer space.

Alpha Boys’ School alum Johnny Osbourne debuted with the classic All I Have Is Love at Studio One, following up with the sensational Come Back Darling for Winston Riley’s Techniques imprint in the late 60s. Shortly after Johnny relocated to Canada to join his family.

Upon his return to Jamaica in 1979, Johnny reunited with Sir Coxsone Dodd at Studio One to record a run of essential tunes.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Grammy-nominated reggae artiste Jesse Royal says he will release an album titled NOPLACELIKEHOME on Friday, following a scare from a life-threatening car accident.

In a post to his Instagram, Royal touched on the fragility of life.

“Everything can change in the blink of an eye!!!” the post read.

“So many angels surrounded me from the moment the crash happened, from the warriors who came to my aid immediately after to the angel that picked me up three minutes after the crash!” he recalled.

Royal shared that there was no point in delaying the release.

“I’ve been ‘nursing’ this project for far tooo long and this has inspired me to drop it now!!!" he said.

The singer wrapped up the post by thanking the doctors at the University Hospital of the West Indies and his family for their support during his recovery.

Rousing performances from the participants were the highlight of the Food For The Poor (FFTP) annual band camp closing ceremony on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

This year’s edition of the summer camp was held under the theme ‘Where Passion Meets Purpose: Saluting the Next Generation of Musicians’ on the grounds of FFTP in St Catherine.

Activities brought together some 60 talented youngsters from across the island, providing them with hands-on training in various musical disciplines including brass, percussion, woodwinds, and strings.

Led by experienced music instructors, the four-week programme focused not only on technical ability but also on discipline, teamwork, and creative expression.

“The band camp is about more than learning to play an instrument,” said Camp Director Jeffrey Brown. “It’s about giving our youth a platform to grow, express themselves, and dream bigger; today’s performances are proof of what can happen when we invest in their potential.”

Over the course of the camp students benefited from mentorship, instrument care workshops, and opportunities to collaborate on musical pieces.

The initiative forms part of FFTP’s ongoing commitment to youth development, providing safe and inspiring spaces for creativity to thrive.

The closing ceremony featured graduates of the camp showcasing their achievements through stirring ensemble performances and vibrant renditions.

Andrew Mahfood, chairman of Food For The Poor Jamaica, remarked: “The band camp stands as a testament to the power of nurturing talent. The musical excellence on display is exceptional and it reflects the hard work of the students and mentors. This initiative goes beyond music; it is helping to build character and create brighter futures for our youth.”

The organisation is marking its 15th year of the camp and has influenced many of their students to establish their own music classes as a source of income.

Among the sponsors were dancehall artiste Sean Paul and prominent goods production company Wisynco, along with camp volunteers and families whose support made the camp a success.

THE bass-thumping energy of Streetz Festival has long been anchored by the action on its massive main stage — home to explosive performances, international stars, and the kind of excitement that has transformed the National Stadium car park venue into a dancehall mecca.

However, this year the ever-growing festival, which takes place on Saturday, August 30, is digging even deeper.

The new feature for 2025 is the introduction of the Culture Stage, an intimate platform dedicated to roots reggae, dub, and cultural expressions that organisers describe as the heartbeat of Jamaica.

It’s a bold new direction that they hope will add a richer experience to concert goers.

“We wanted to create something that speaks to Jamaica’s foundation,” said organiser Chad Williams. “Streetz Festival has always been about evolution. The main stage delivers the energy and big-name performances, but we wanted to create something that speaks to Jamaica’s foundation in culture and roots. By adding the Culture Stage we’re not just expanding the line-up, we’re deepening the experience. It gives our patrons variety, balance, and the chance to enjoy different sides of Jamaican music in one festival.”

That grounding will come with the help of one of reggae’s most soulful voices — firebrand entertainer I-Wayne. Known for hits like Living in Love and Can’t Satisfy Her, the conscious crooner will bring his message of truth and upliftment to the inaugural Culture Stage offering.

“I-Wayne is the perfect fit … [he is] a true icon of conscious music,” said Williams. “His presence brings credibility and authenticity to the Culture Stage. His music resonates with themes of upliftment and truth, and having him join the line-up is a perfect fit for what we’re building with this new stage.

“He has a way of commanding the stage with both his voice and his message. His set will take patrons on a journey, reminding them of the beauty of reggae’s roots while igniting the energy for the rest of the night.”

But the experience won’t end there. Festival-goers will also be treated to the Dubwise Experience, a deep dive into sound system culture that promises heavy bass lines, classic dub plates, and live mixing — an homage to the traditions that gave birth to reggae’s global influence.

“It’s not just entertainment, it’s a cultural journey that connects generations and keeps Jamaica’s dub tradition alive,” Williams said.

If they have their way, the Culture Stage will be an element that will be here to stay, but in spite of its roots revolution Streetz has not lost its dancehall fervour and flair.

The main stage will once again deliver the fireworks that the event has become known for, with heavyweight Popcaan headlining the festival and more than a few surprises being promised.

For the organising team, Saturday’s event represents the festival’s most complete staging yet — a sort of coming of age.

“This year Streetz Festival is bigger, bolder, and more authentic than ever. From the massive Streetz stage with international superstar Popcaan to the introduction of the Culture Stage, we’re offering something for everyone. Patrons can expect world-class performances, community vibes, and unforgettable moments that celebrate both the future and the foundation of Jamaican music. Simply put, if you love culture, if you love music, and if you love the energy of the streets, you cannot miss Streetz this year,” Williams stated.

Junior Kelly has returned with a captivating visual for his powerful single Everything, released in 2021.

The veteran reggae artist uses the track to deliver a heartfelt message that cuts through the noise of vanity and materialism, reminding listeners to focus on what truly matters. With humility at its core, the song acknowledges that he owes God “everything”, a theme that resonates with his reputation for crafting music grounded in substance and truth.

The single was produced by Josh Harris of Big Feet Records, a label known for collaborating with artistes who bring depth and authenticity to the reggae landscape.

Harris’s production provides a steady yet soulful backdrop that allows Kelly’s vocal delivery and lyrical intent to shine without distraction. The partnership highlights a balance between traditional reggae elements and a polished modern finish.

The official music video premiered on Reggaeville’s platform on August 15, 2025. Directed by Kevin Campbell, the visual shows Kelly among youth, singing and ‘reasoning’ with them in a relaxed, communal setting. The simplicity of the video mirrors the song’s message, stripping away extravagance in favour of genuine connection.

Everything is available on all streaming platforms and the video can be viewed on YouTube.

His father Liv Up scored big as a producer in 2009 with the Good Life rhythm, which was released on the Liv Up Records label.

That beat produced hit songs including I Am Blessed by Mr Vegas, High Unda by Mavado, Dollar Sign by Vybz Kartel and Unfinished House by Flippa Mafia.

Now 16 years later, newcomer Tishaine is ready to take his musical flight, having released several songs over the past few years.

His most recent release, Big Boss, was produced by Kahtion Beats/Dondraco Recordz. The official video was released on the weekend, where it premiered on the popular entertainment television programme, On Stage.

“Music has always been in my blood.  Even while attending Campion College, there was nothing else that I wanted to do other than music,” Tishaine told Observer Online on the weekend.

The Tivoli Gardens based entertainer made his major stage show debut on Reggae Sumfest in 2022 and since then, he hasn’t looked back.

“I’ve been working with several produces like DJ Frass, and it has been a great musical journey thus far. We’re just focused on putting in the work,” he said.

The deejay’s musical style is described as a perfect blend of street savvy and school-based knowledge. He is also a fan of old school dancehall from the 1990s.

Speaking about Big Boss, Tishaine has high hopes for the track.

"Big Boss is a banger and I have many more to drop me just a pace myself. I believe in this song and we a do the groundwork to make it into a classic,” he said.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The song Rock Paper Scissors by TOK member Bay-C and dancehall artiste Razor B has been impacting the social media space, thanks to several social media influencers, who have been using the song in their online content.

Additionally, the rock, paper, scissors concept is quickly becoming a trend on several platforms.

"This song has a feel-good vibe to it, and it is very catchy. And as such, I have high hopes for it. Additionally, the fans are responding favourably, suh we just ago push it and leave the rest to the almighty and the fans,” Bay-C told Observer Online earlier this week.

Bay-C has created his own lane as a solo act and as a prolific producer despite the overwhelming success of the group (TOK). According to the recording artiste, balancing his obligations to the group, his solo career, his record label, his clothing line, and his other entrepreneurial pursuits can be very challenging.

"Obviously, balancing so many obligations is challenging. However, when music hits, you feel no pain. At present, I am just putting in the work on Bay-C brand and brand extensions,” he disclosed.

Last year, Bay-C teamed up with United States (US) based Jamaican-born deejay Xyclone to release the EP Flawless Victory, which topped the US iTunes Reggae Albums chart.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — On August 27, 1975, news broke that Ethiopia’s Emperor Haile Selassie I had died in that country. His demise came one year after he was overthrown by the military in the East African country, and inspired Bob Marley to write and record the defiant Jah Live.

Fifty years later, singer Binghi Blaze is saluting the Emperor with Hail King Selassie, a song produced by the Chris Knight Music Group. It was released on August 15.

“Naturally, as a Rasta chanta, we have to livicate a tune to honour the Emperor and the empresses, so Rasta inspire it,” said Binghi Blaze.

Selassie I is pivotal to the Rastafarian movement. Emperor in his country from 1930 to 1974, he was revered for successfully leading his country in conflict against the forces of Italian Fascist Benito Mussolini.

In April, 1966, Selassie I visited Jamaica on a state visit that drew large crowds wherever he went.

The Manchester-born Binghi Blaze recalls his introduction to Selassie I and his teachings.

“We heard about the king from the elder Rasta dem from youth days before we start reading, so there was always interest in learning about such one. And when we read up on him, we came to the realisation of the mighty king, who he was, what he represented, and it was a life-changing experience,” he said.

Born Gary Williams, Binghi Blaze has been recording music for over 15 years. His previous songs include the anti-war People of The World and Rastamance.

— Howard Campbell

For many years, media personality Khadine “Miss Kitty” Hylton Wilkinson has been at the heart of the CB Foods PAN Chicken Competition. She has served as host, bringing her signature energy to a stage that continues to celebrate Jamaica’s food, culture, and community.

“I love the growth of PAN over the years, and I love the fact that I am a part of a product that changes the lives of the PAN chicken men and women across the island. It has been wonderful,” said Miss Kitty.

She continued: “Jerk flavour is indigenous to Jamaica, and to see CB Foods conceptualise PAN is amazing because they add a new element each time the competition is held. This is an event that brings people together — the audience, the PAN chicken vendors. Patrons get to experience top-calibre artistes for free and, most of all, the children are not left out of the mix, because so much is there to entertain them.”

Miss Kitty will return to host the PAN 2025 Grand Finals on Sunday, August 31 at Jamaica College, alongside Dufton “Duffy” Shepherd.

Over 20 PAN chicken men and women, who advanced through two developmental workshops, will compete for the coveted title of CB Foods PAN Chicken Champion and a $1 million cash prize.

New this year is the Copperwood PAN Pork Competition, featuring past PAN finalist battling for fresh glory and attractive prizes.

Nicole Hall, senior commercial marketing manager at CB Foods, praised Miss Kitty’s contribution.

“Miss Kitty... engages the patrons with unmatched energy and connects deeply with our PAN partners through fun, creative activities that bring the brands to life. At CB Foods, we value being lively, passionate, creative, and trusted, qualities Miss Kitty embodies wholeheartedly. Her ability to engage, relate, and pull the fun out of people is a special gift. Her love for Jamaica is real, and so is her talent as a host, which is why she has become such an integral part of the PAN journey and the CB Foods family,” said Hall.

Originally from the Duhaney Park area, Miss Kitty has worked at several media entities and hosted many events and stage shows.

“I think that entertainment found me. I never had it on my focus, but I found that I loved it. I’ve always been an advocate, and I’m always the voice of the disenfranchised,” she says proudly.

PAN 2025 Grand Finals promises great food, top-tier entertainment, family fun, and unforgettable vibes.

After making her début in the United States last May, Bad Gyal Jade is following up with a slate of new singles.

Best known for placing second in the 2018 Magnum Kings And Queens Of Dancehall contest, she performed alongside D’Angel at the Downtown Atlanta Caribbean Carnival on May 24.

Anticipating more US gigs, Bad Gyal Jade has stepped up her studio work.

“I have several new projects in the works, including tracks like Baby Fada (Caah Lef), Voodoo, Fi Yu, and Waata featuring IWaata, plus many more on the way,” she said. “I’m constantly in the studio working on new music, and I can’t wait to share what’s coming next,” she said.

From Old Harbour in St Catherine, Bad Gyal Jade began her recording career at age 16. She first came to prominence nine years ago with Position, a collaboration with Vybz Kartel.

Mixed Emotions, which she regards as her biggest effort to date, was released in 2023.

Although Bad Gyal Jade had performed in the United Kingdom and Antigua, access to the US, dancehall’s biggest market, is a big deal.

“It was a great experience, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to perform on an international stage alongside D’Angel. Looking ahead, I hope to have longer sets and the chance to perform all across the US sharing my music and blessings with as many people as possible,” she said.

— Howard Campbell