Entertainment

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.

ACCRA, Ghana (AFP) — Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has been taken into custody in Accra as part of a United States (US) investigation into his purchase of a Lamborghini, prompting hundreds of fans to protest for his release.

Shatta Wale, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah, was interrogated Wednesday in connection with a 2019 Lamborghini Urus that US authorities suspect was purchased with the proceeds of a $4 million fraud case in the United States, Ghana's Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) said in a statement Thursday.

Hundreds of fans gathered outside the EOCO's office in Accra Thursday, vowing to remain overnight until the singer is released from custody following hours of interrogation.

The probe is part of a wider US fraud probe involving Ghanaian national Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is serving a jail term in the United States, the agency added.

The EOCO said the Lamborghini, which had already been seized by Ghanaian authorities earlier this year, is the subject of an order by the US District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky authorising the US government to take possession of the car in Ghana as compensation.

The artist arrived at the EOCO on Wednesday afternoon and waited for his lawyer before questioning proceeded into the evening, according to the statement.

He was granted bail at 10 million cedis (about $900,000) and has been in custody pending verification of his guarantors, the EOCO said.

The EOCO said the singer has not produced purchasing paperwork for the vehicle and told investigators he bought it for $150,000 from the "street", possibly via a WhatsApp contact named "Zak", whose identity he could not provide and whose contact he said he discarded.

The agency said it acted on requests from the FBI and the US Department of Justice to track the vehicle and pursue local leads.

Outside the EOCO's gates, supporters from the "Shatta Movement" chanted and held up photos of the star's image.

"Until our king walks out, we won't move -- even if we sleep here," one fan said.

Shatta Wale's legal team has previously insisted he bought the car in good faith and denies any knowledge of criminal links.

Among those to be honoured at the upcoming Grammy Certificate Ceremony 2025 on Saturday, September 13, are Chevelle Franklyn, Brian & Tony Gold, and Heather Cummings, all vocalists whose harmonies, lead performances, and backing arrangements have left an impactful effect on Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated reggae and dancehall projects.

Organised by Back 2 Da Future Music Limited, in collaboration with The Royalty Network Inc, and Steely & Clevie Productions, the event will feature tribute to a wide range of music talent at the Audi Showroom in Kingston.

Chevelle Franklyn will be honoured for her harmonies on Shabba Ranks’ Grammy-winning As Raw As Ever (1992) album and her contribution of backing vocals to Buju Banton’s Friends for Life (2004), which earned a Grammy nomination.

Reflecting on the honour, Franklyn said: “Every note I’ve ever sung, every song I’ve ever written, was a stepping stone... Every moment, every melody, every lyric, all leading me to my greatest masterpiece — serving the kingdom of God.”

Brian and Tony Gold, the iconic vocal duo, will receive Grammy certificates for their unforgettable performance on Shaggy’s Boombastic (1996), which secured a Grammy Award.

Known for their tight harmonies and soulful delivery, the pair has been instrumental in shaping reggae’s global soundscape.

Heather Cummings, a sought-after harmony vocalist and performer, will be recognised for her work on multiple Grammy projects, including her nominated contributions to Shaggy’s Clothes Drop (2006), Sizzla’s The Messiah (2014), and Buju Banton’s Rasta Got Soul (2010), as well as her Grammy-winning harmonies on Sly & Robbie’s
Friends (1999).

The recognition is deeply personal for Cummings: “It’s incredibly humbling and surreal. I stood on that stage as a host last year, and now I am receiving recognition myself. To come full circle and be honoured this year is a testament to perseverance, growth, and the power of believing in my craft. It feels like validation of my journey and an inspiring reminder to keep pushing forward.”

The collaboration aims to honour the unsung contributors behind Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated albums from musicians and engineers to producers and songwriters.

Following the 2024 inaugural ceremony, the 2025 staging uniquely celebrates Jamaica’s creative legacy, featuring red carpet glamour, media coverage, and a global live stream.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The documentary ‘Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story’ has been selected for the gala screening at the upcoming Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival in September.

The film celebrates the life and legacy of Jamaican dancehall pioneer, Sister Nancy, whose 1982 hit ‘Bam Bam’ has become one of the most sampled reggae tracks of all time.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Alison Duke, ‘Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story’ combines electrifying live performances with candid interviews featuring cultural icons such as Janelle Monáe, Young Guru, and Pete Rock.

The documentary also delves into rare archival footage of the early dancehall era, providing a powerful and comprehensive portrait of Sister Nancy’s influence in both reggae and hip hop.

Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival, Mariel Brown, said the selection of ‘Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story’ for the gala was an easy choice.

“We want to celebrate the Caribbean in all its many forms and the song is such an anthem of the region. You play it anywhere in the Caribbean and people will know it, recognise it and feel it,” she said.

“The film helps us to know more about Sister Nancy, the creator – her life and her determination as a woman on the mike. It reveals what we have always known to be true, that Caribbean women have tenacity, strength and in the case of Sister Nancy, talent that transcends borders and time; we could not be happier to be showing, ‘Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story’,” she said.

Director Alison Duke expressed her excitement at the selection, saying it was an honour to bring ‘Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story’ to the Trinidad and Tobago film Festival.

Produced under the OYA Media Group banner by Duke and Ngardy Conteh George, the documentary has already made waves internationally, premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival. It continues to resonate with diverse audiences, from reggae and hip-hop fans to gamers and music lovers worldwide, underscoring the timeless appeal of Sister Nancy’s artistry.

Duke, a Canadian Screen Award-winning director, is celebrated for her distinctive storytelling in documentaries such as ‘Mr. Jane and Finch’ and ‘Cool Black North’. She has built a career championing under-represented voices and was recently honoured with the 2024 Hot Docs Don Haig Award.

Brown said that in addition to the screening, Duke will also be teaching a masterclass in making the documentary.

“We hope this masterclass will encourage our filmmakers to explore more stories of the musical genius and creative output of the Caribbean,” said Brown.

She said the gala screening promises to be one of the festival’s memorable events, pairing the inspirational story of a reggae icon with an afterparty that celebrates Caribbean music and culture.

The gala screening and afterparty will take place on Thursday, September 25, at IMAX in Woodbrook, Port of Spain. Tickets are now available via Island E-Tickets at islandetickets.com.