Citing a decline in dancehall music quality, Alfa Wraif conjured Island Romance, a new sound he believes will return the genre to global acceptance.
Island Romance is also the title of his pending EP which will introduce the sensuous beat which mainly targets women “who want to bask in the sensual and romantic vibe”.
Twilight, that project’s lead single, was recently released.
“I made the decision to create a new sound/genre in dancehall for two reasons. The first being, that we, the Jamaican artistes, were losing the creative variety that built our world-class audience,” said Alfa Wraif. “The trap sound became much too contagious as if we had nothing else to sing about as well as the vulgarity of the songs being produced about women. There wasn’t a middle ground,” he added.
The Westmoreland-born artiste also blames a perceived drop in standards for radio stations turning their backs on dancehall music. That is in contrast to the 1990s and early 2000s when several acts like Shabba Ranks, Mad Cobra, Sean Paul, and Shaggy made pop charts in the United States with a flurry of Top 10 songs.
Known for songs such as Money, Passion, and Summer Vybz, Alfa Wraif has been recording music for three years. He collaborated with Antropolita Beats, WLDN, Storm from Greenzlion Production, and Stillyet Productions to create Island Romance.
“The new direction is to balance the scale, avoiding the very oversight that caused the decline in dancehall music to never happen again. Adding the slower bedroom music for women who have been neglected in this area, I’d say is a more tentative and direct focus on what’s lacking in the genre.”
— Howard Campbell
‘Caught in Providence’ Judge Frank Caprio dead at 88
Reality Television star and municipal Judge Frank Caprio has died after an extended illness.
“Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond,” said a post on his Instagram.
Caprio, known as the ‘nicest judge,’ presided over courtrooms in Providence, Rhode Island, United States, and eventually became a TikTok star, sharing clips of his reality TV show on the app.
One of his most viral videos, which racked up five million views on YouTube alone, was that of a 96-year-old father who received a speeding ticket while taking his 63-year-old son to cancer treatment.
His videos often included heartfelt moments with the people who came before him in court, including several Jamaicans, one of whom instructed him on the intricacies of cooking chicken feet while he listened intently.
Caprio had shared much of his pancreatic cancer journey with his followers on social media, from beginning treatment to just hours before he died, where he posted a video requesting prayers.
Social media users had emotional reactions to the judge's death.
“No ! I’m devastated! I prayed for him last night. I am so so sorry for his friends and family- he was such a light and I looked forward to hearing his messages of kindness everyday,” said one Instagram user.
Marilana Ras Dumpling brings flair to Khago’s 2 Time Rhythm
KINGSTON, Jamaica — International reggae artiste Marilana Ras Dumpling has tapped Khago’s 2 Time Riddim for the recording and release of Man of God.
Marilana's 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.
The official music video, which was shot in Jamaica, was released on August 6.
Marilana, who is originally from Long Island, New York USA says her return is rooted in giving back. She is 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 practice 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 Riddim makes it a contender for widespread recognition,” added a representative from her team.
Grant celebrates performances, new music
Recording artiste Anthony Grant has been quite busy these past few months, taking his skills to international levels with various performances.
His most recent was at the Kansas City Summer Fest Day Party on August 16.
“I had a great performance at the Kansas City Summer Fest. The crowd was electric and interactive; I connected well with them from the get-go. I had people singing the words of the song during the performance, and for me, that’s good because most of the people there don’t know me or my songs prior,” the artiste said.
The show also featured top-notch performances from Konshens and Kranium.
Adding to that, Grant is in promotional mode with his latest track Stronger, a positively charged and highly motivational track. Produced by his own ASG Records label and Kallem Beats, the track was released earlier in the year.
“The song is about people who go through struggles or adversities in life and use it as motivation. Instead of folding during tough times, they got stronger and kept on pushing,” the artiste explained.
The official music video, which was shot by Leo Juarez, has been gaining traction and positive comments on popular streaming platform YouTube, with many vibing with the track’s relatability.
“Everyone in their lifetime will go through or has been through the situation highlighted in the song. I am hoping that the track will continue to motivate and encourage people worldwide that regardless of the pain or struggles, you can be great and everything will be okay,” he said.
For the past 15 years, Grant has been honing his skills not just as a recording artiste, but also as a producer, composer and writer. His past releases include A Good Time, Creme De La Creme, Vibe With Me and This Summer.
With the new track under his belt, look out for more from Grant, as he works towards releasing new music, showing the world who he truly is and what his music is about. He will also be hitting the stage at several upcoming shows for the rest of the year into next year.
Popular dancer-turned-recording artiste Cobourine has released the track Love Wi — the first song off his upcoming EP set for début in September.
Inspired by true events, the track features Brickxx and is produced by Sapposonic.
“When I let people hear it they mostly said that this one is more smooth, more calm, and more of an EP song,” he told the Jamaica Observer in explaining why he led with this track.
Many people around the world are familiar with Cobourine for his lead dance appearances in projects like Konshens’ Summer Wine, and other viral clips online. He also starred in Uhoh by US rapper Lil Mama.
As a vocalist, he has opened for recording artiste Upyanow (otherwise known as Shabba Pot) at an international staging of Alkaline’s New Rules show. He also gained notoriety from popular dancing competition Dancin’ Dynamites.
The entertainer, whose given name is Andre Cobourine, says he’s looking to establish himself as an artiste, building on the momentum he already got from dancing.
“Back in 2020 I took up music a little bit, then people started taking me seriously. A little situation happened that kinda set me back, but now I’m back and I’m trying to show people that it’s serious. Mi have the dancing talent, so mi ah try cross over to do the music,” he said.
He previously released several tracks, among them Got This and Impatient (featuring Qwanza).
Sizzla to headline Colorado concert after 9-year hiatus
Reggae singer Sizzla Kalonji is slated to make his highly anticipated return to Colorado on September 20, where he is expected to headline the Dis A Reggae concert at the Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom.
The event, which is expected to pull record numbers, will mark the Rise to the Occasion singer’s first appearance in the state in some nine years.
According to Eton Pearcy, founder of Jamrock Events Colorado, promoters of the event, the show is already showing signs of major success as Diaspora fans express excitement over Sizzla’s showing.
“We’re anticipating a sold-out event. Excitement is at fever pitch as the Diaspora gets ready to welcome a reggae legend. Sizzla, being the icon he is, has a huge following across the US, and fans in Colorado do not get the opportunity to see him as much as they’d like, and so they’re very eager to witness him in action come September,” he said. “Interestingly, Sizzla’s last performance in Colorado was about nine years ago in this same venue, and he is just as excited about his performance as the fans are.”
Pointing out that the event holds an extra special place in his heart, Pearcy disclosed that part of the proceeds from the show will go towards jump-starting a breakfast programme at Windward Road Primary School. A past student of the institution, the promoter is hoping to get the programme underway for the new school term which begins in September. He expressed that the initiative helped seal the deal for Sizzla Kalonji, who is also huge on philanthropy.
“Aside from the fact that Sizzla is a reggae legend, he is also very big on giving back, and that is at the core of this event. As soon as he learned what the event was about he was immediately sold on being the headline act, and we’re forever grateful for that,” said Pearcy. “I’m a past student of Windward Road and I have been giving back to the school for several years, but this is the first year doing it on a larger scale. The aim is to help more people because we know the need is great.”
More than just a concert, Dis A Reggae has been dubbed a call to action — a celebration of music, purpose, and giving back. The event has also earned the support of the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange.
In addition to a fiery performance from Sizzla, the concert will see the musical stylings of the Code Red Band as well as a few surprise guest acts.
— Shereita Grizzle
Mariah Carey makes sweet moves with Sugar Sweet
Sugar Sweet, the second release from Mariah Carey’s forthcoming 16th studio album Here For It All (due September 26), continues to make sweet moves on various charts.
A week ago the song, which also features dancehall artiste Shenseea and American singer Kehlani, rose to #41 on the UK Singles chart. It also peaked at #17 in Japan, #16 in New Zealand, and #106 on South Korea Top 200.
On the latest Billboard charts, Sugar Sweet darts from #40 to #33 in its second week on R&B/Hip Hop Airplay, while slipping from #20 to #23 on Hot R&B Songs where it got a far as #17. Meanwhile, it rises from #36 to #24 on Mainstream R&B/Hip Hop Airplay in its second week.
Shake it to the Max (Fly) remix continues its downward trajectory on some Billboard charts. The song by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng and Shenseea is down to #4 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 Airplay (it peaked at #1 for two weeks), dips from #59 to #65 on the Hot 100 chart. It improves from #6 to #3 on R&B/Hip Hop Digital Song Sales, while backtracking from #16 to #19 on Mainstream R&B/Hip Hop Airplay where it peaked at #3.
Over on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, the song falls from #45 to #48 having peaked at #24, while slipping two spots down to #20 on R&B/Hip Hop Airplay. On Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs, it creeps up to #14 up from #15 after its #10 peak a few weeks ago.
On the US Afrobeats Songs chart, it remains at #1 for a 10th week, while on Billboard’s Radio Songs, it slides down from #34 to #40, but it fares better on Pop Airplay stepping up from #30 to #28 in its 6th week.
And speaking of the Rhythmic Top 40 Airplay chart, Sean Paul’s Ginger moves up from #22 to #20 in its 5th week.
Now onto the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, there is very little movement compared to last week’s chart.
Bob Marley and the Wailers are on top for 292 non-consecutive weeks with Legend, while Shaggy’s Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection remains at #2, and Sean Paul’s Dutty Classics Collection is firm at #3.
World on Fire by Stick Figure is #4, Greatest Hits by UB40 is steady at #5, and Sean Paul’s Dutty Rock inches up to #6.
Wisdom and Set in Stone by Stick Figure are #7 and #8, while Collection: 50th State of Mind by Fiji The Artiste, which peaked at #3 a few weeks ago, is down to #9 and Damian Marley’s Grammy-winning Welcome to Jamrock album is firm at #10.
Better that Before by Glen Washington is on top of the New York Reggae chart for a second week. Meanwhile,
Spread Love by Singer Irie steps up from #15 to #17, and Wesrock’s Ride Cowboy Ride bolts from #21 to #18.
New on this week’s chart are Stevie Face’s cover of I’d Love You To Want Me (at #27), Hopeton Lindo and Marcia Griffiths’s re-working of A House is Not a Home (#29) and Third Time’s a Charm by Sleepy Wonder (#30).
Meanwhile, Tony Roy’s interpretation of I’d Love You To Want Me is #1 on the South Florida Reggae chart, while
Here With Me by Yah Mystic glides from #13 to #10.
Cool Me Down by Courtney John improves from #18 to #14, and The Bonner Brothers enter at #22 with I’ll Make It Without Your Love.
Derrick Scott has the second of two new entries at #24 with Where Could I Go (But to The Lord).
Mr Cool returns with new music August 21
Roots-reggae artiste Mr Cool, a proud native of St Elizabeth, is making his long-awaited return to the scene with a brand-new single, Come Know Your King, set for release on August 21.
Known for his strong moral compass, Mr Cool has built a career on creating music that uplifts rather than degrades. He avoids glorifying guns, drugs, or violence, and is careful never to be disrespectful to women — a stance that has earned him respect from fans and peers alike.
His latest release, Come Know Your King, is a heartfelt acknowledgment of Emperor Haile Selassie I as the ‘king’ in the Rastafarian faith.
Laid over a relaxed yet captivating reggae rhythm, the song blends spiritual depth with an infectious groove, promising to connect with both long-time reggae lovers and new listeners.
With Come Know Your King, Mr Cool is once again channelling reggae’s roots; conscious, uplifting, and deeply connected to spiritual truth.
Fans can look forward to a release that reaffirms his place as one of Jamaica’s authentic voices in music.
Mr Cool’s journey began at the tender age of six, singing alongside his mother in church. Those early experiences nurtured his vocal talent and stage confidence. He later transitioned to the dancehall scene as a DJ, which led to his first recording in 1984.
Over the years, he has released two albums — It’s Raining and Serious Times — and built a reputation as a prolific songwriter. His greatest influences are the late, great Robert Nesta Marley and Bob Andy, artistes he admires for the powerful messages embedded in their music.
Renowned Jamaican producer Seanizzle will officially be celebrating two decades with an official event on Friday, August 22.
“Celebrating 20 years in music, the first thing I have to say is, wow, God is truly amazing! It elicits a mixture of emotions, including gratitude, excitement, and appreciation,” the producer said.
The grand feat will be marked at the luxury celebration dubbed ‘Legacy & Evolution’ — a formal, black-and-white affair, with a touch of gold, blending celebration, reflection, and high-level networking in a refined, red-carpet atmosphere.
It will be held at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew.
The evening will feature a curated Seanizzle history walkthrough, complimentary Champagne on arrival, a food-inclusive gourmet experience, bottle service and luxury booths, photo installations, red carpet, and branded photo props.
Patrons will also be entertained in fine style with live sets from top DJs including Chris Dymond x Code Lank, DJ Ashile, Di Unit and ZJ Liquid and DJ Curtisy.
“Just come and enjoy a very elegant night with good music, good food, and good vibes. There will be a segment to showcase exclusive new music to be released very soon,” the producer added.
Falling in love with music from a tender age, Seanizzle (given name Sean Reid) grew up in a household of music lovers, being exposed by his mother to classic oldies with Skeeter Davis and Aretha Franklin to Celine Dion and Whitney Houston, just to name a few. His brother, who was a sound system lover, collected cassettes from all the prominent sound systems like Kilimanjaro, Stone Love, Bass Odyssey, Gemini, and many more.
This love blossomed into a successful career as a music producer, recording artiste, artiste manager, music consultant, and now event promoter. He has put his skills behind some of the biggest productions in dancehall to date, such as the rhythms One Day, Split Personality, 47th Floor, and Powerhouse, as well as the tracks
Nah Sell Out parts one and two by Khago, Gully Creepa by Elephant Man, Drinking Rum and Redbull by Beenie Man and Future Fambo, Way We Roll by Mavado, and Rasta Party by Bugle.
“This anniversary provides a moment to reflect on the journey, the evolution, personal growth, the ups and downs, [and] that the impact the music has [had] on myself, the artistes, and the audiences, and the opportunity to acknowledge the support of those who helped along the way,” the producer continued.
Janice J Paris hopes to inspire youth with Most High
KINGSTON, Jamaica-Recording artiste Janice J Paris is aiming to encourage and inspire young minds with her latest single, Most High.
Officially released on June 18, the track was produced under her own Janice J ParisEntertainment label.
“This song is about inspiring the youth, especially ghetto youth. I want them to know that no matter the circumstances, things will get better as long as they continue to trust in the Lord,” the singer said about the song’s message.
Taking a different approach, the song shows a more conscious side of the singer, which has been met with great reviews since the track’s release.
“The feedback has been so great, and I am so happy to be able to do this. I would like this song to inspire, touch hearts and uplift the youths in Jamaica and, by extension, the world,” she added.
Describing her music as a mixture of R&B and Reggae, Janice J Paris’ previous releases include Take Me High, I Need You In My Life, Turn It Up and Come Over featuring Nuffy.
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Your HSA or FSA Might Pay for Your New Smart Ring. Just Follow These Steps
