Entertainment

NEW YORK, United States (AFP) -- Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was sentenced to more than four years in prison on Friday for his conviction on prostitution-related charges.

Prosecutors had sought 11 years behind bars for Combs but Judge Arun Subramanian handed down a 50-month sentence after an emotional daylong court hearing.

Combs's lawyers had urged the judge to sentence the 55-year-old hip-hop star to 14 months, which would effectively have been time served since he has been incarcerated in Brooklyn for more than a year.

Addressing the court before the judge handed down the sentence, Combs said he was "truly sorry" for his actions and asked the judge for "another chance."

"I ask your honor for mercy," he said. "I beg your honor for mercy."

Combs was acquitted by a jury in July of the most serious charges against him -- sex trafficking and racketeering -- but convicted of two counts of transporting people across state lines for prostitution.

Combs's former girlfriend Casandra Ventura submitted a letter to the judge asking him to consider "the many lives that Sean Combs has upended with his abuse and control."

Ventura, the 39-year-old singer known as Cassie, described in wrenching detail the physical, emotional and sexual abuse she suffered while in a more than decade-long relationship with Combs.

Ventura and another woman, identified as Jane, said they were coerced into performing so-called "freak offs": sexual marathons with hired men that Combs directed and sometimes filmed.

"The entire courtroom watched actual footage of Combs kicking and beating me as I tried to run away from a freak off in 2016," Ventura wrote.

She said she has nightmares and flashbacks "on a regular, everyday basis."

Ventura said she and her family had left the New York area for fear of "retribution" from Combs if he is released.

Speaking before the sentencing, prosecutor Christy Slavik said Combs has not accepted responsibility for his actions.

"His remorse was qualified. It's as though he thinks the law doesn't apply to him," Slavik said.

Slavik said Combs had booked speaking engagements in Miami next week in anticipation of a light sentence, which she called "the height of hubris."

Arguing for a lesser sentence, Nicole Westmoreland, one of Combs's lawyers, called him an "inspiration" to the Black community and a social justice crusader.

"No, Combs is not larger than life," she said. "He's just a human being. He's made mistakes."

But he is remorseful and "it's of no benefit to anyone to warehouse him in a prison."

Combs's six adult children each delivered an emotional plea on their father's behalf, with the eldest Quincy Brown calling him "a changed man."

"Please, please give our family the chance to heal together," said one of his daughters, D'Lila Combs. "Not as headlines but as human beings."

LONDON, United Kingdom — Celebrated British Actress Dame Patricia Routledge, best known for her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in comedy sitcom Keeping up Appearances, has died, according to media reports from the United Kingdom (UK).

Routledge was 96 at the time of her death, and her agent told the PA News Agency that the actress died "peacefully in her sleep" Friday morning.

"I'm sorry, as I'm sure so so many people will be to hear of the death of Patricia Routledge,” said Roy Clarke, the Keeping Up Appearances creator in a statement to the BBC.

Describing her as an accomplished actor who used her body and voice to bring characters to life, Clarke said Routledge took his scripts to new heights.

The actress earned several BAFTA nominations for her roles, which also included several Talking Head Monolouges, and her portrayal as Kitty in As Seen on TV. She was also the recipient of a Tony Award in the United States for her part in Darling of the Day.

Her character found favour with Jamaican audiences as well, with Keeping Up Appearances airing on local television on weekdays.

She was made a Dame in the United Kingdom in 2017 after several other national honours for her contribution to the arts and charity.

Eighteen years into the game, the Unity Singers have been instrumental in spreading the gospel across the island.

The group has earned its second Sterling Gospel Music Awards nomination in the category Group of the Year. It’s an accolade that the outfit says signifies its commitment to the ministry.

“This is our second nomination in the Sterling Gospel Music Awards for Group of the Year. We were nominated in 2022, and to be recognized among other remarkable groups is truly an honor, and we are deeply grateful. Win or lose, this nomination reaffirms our commitment to the ministry, and it will not stop the progress of the work God has called us to do,” Shane Haslam, CEO of Unity Singers Ministry told Observer Online recently.

Aside from Haslam, the other members of The Unity Singers include sopranos Alisha Cole Smith, Kadine McKenzie, Tracey Hall Treasure, Rushel Smith Haslam, altos Rushene Smith, Stacey-Marie Burnett, Chudine Hodgson, Felecia Forde, Shanice Brown-Rose, tenors Johnoy Harrison, Kareem Mayne, Derron Davidson, keyboardists Kirkland Tulloch, Conroy Bryan, Joel Anderson, Dwayne Barnett, drummers Phillip Whynn, Adrian Barnett, Demoy Thomas and bass players Davian Barnett and Emilio Hall.

“The journey has truly been marked by the Glory of God. For 18 years, The Unity Singers have traveled the length and breadth of Jamaica, faithfully ministering in song. Our vision has always been to expand the territory that God has given us — both nationally and internationally — for His Kingdom. The group has remained a non-denominational body with members from various church backgrounds including Apostolic, Pentecostal, Church of God, and Tabernacle ministries. Despite a few changes in members over the years, our expectations have never been disappointed, and the ministry has continued to flourish under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” said Haslam.

The Unity Singers has ministered at major concerts, national events, parish galas, political rallies, and conferences. Some highlights include Kevin Downswell’s All the Way album tour, Jermaine Edwards’ Redemption Live Tour, Praise Fest with Bobby Jones in Montego Bay, and sharing stages with gospel acts including Rhoda Isabella and Marion Hall.

The Unity Singers have previously received awards, including Best Group of the Year (National) from Love Gospel Station in New York City (2014, 2015, 2016) and Best Gospel Group on the North Coast (2018, 2019)

Over the years, the act has released seven original songs, including Usher in Your Presence, The Name of Jesus, Find Myself in You, My God Never Fails, Rise Up and Live, Jordan Medley, and Redeem Praise Medley.

Asked what the idea was behind starting the Unity Singers, Haslam shared “The group was originally birthed in May 2005 out of a vision. Along with original members Kimola Brown (2008 JCDC Top 10 Finalist), Ruthann Scott, and Livingston Johnson, the group ministered at an event hosted by UTECH’s UCCF where they sang Silver & Gold by Kirk Franklin & Family. That night, after a powerful move of the Spirit, we encountered spiritual warfare that confirmed God’s call upon the group. Inspired by the unity in prayer and protection from God, I was led to name the group Unity,” Haslam disclosed.

He continued, “Although the group went dormant for a season as members pursued different paths, the vision never died. In February 2007, God revived the ministry, and The Unity Singers was reborn. Since then, through challenges and transitions, God has faithfully added members, and the ministry has grown stronger and wider in impact.”

Said Haslam, “The most fulfilling part of our ministry is witnessing lives transformed by the power of God — both saved and unsaved. We also treasure the fellowship, testimonies, and share life experiences within the group as we journey together.”

The Unity Singers’ most recent single is Redeem Praise Medley, produced by Phillip Whynn.

The other groups nominated in the Group of the Year category are Levy’s Heritage, Genesis Praise Squad, HUMBLE and Gilead Collective.

The Sterling Gospel Music Awards takes place this Saturday October 4 at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Portmore.

Gospel artiste Johnmark Wiggan leads this year’s Sterling Gospel Music Awards nominations with a total of eight, including Male Artiste of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Local Hit of the Year, and Video of the Year. He is nominated in four categories.

Sebastian Braham and Prince Saj are runners-up with four nominations each, while Kevin Downswell and Petra Kaye tie with three nominations each.

Rhoda Isabella, Ryan Mark, Orville Sutherland, Levy’s Heritage, Chevelle Franklyn, LeoNell Teape, Jucal Dyer, Mical Forsythe, Sara Ann Edwards Miller, Ava Gay Blair Black, DJ Rebirth, Gilead Collective, and Genesis Praise Squad, all received two nominations each.

When quizzed about the chemistry she shares with fellow entertainer Khago, entertainer D’Angel immediately starts gushing about the whirlwind that has enveloped her career since the two collaborated.

For D’Angel, embracing one’s creative side should birth top-class entertainment music fans will find irresistible, and that is exactly what she and Khago did on their new track, Personal.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer’s Splash D’Angel described Khago as a passionate go-getter. The
Stronger singer said the song came to fruition after fans picked up on their on-screen chemistry and urged the pair to collaborate.

“It was pretty much the demand of the fans who saw the musical chemistry whenever I was on Khago’s live, so we just decided to give them a song and Personal was born,” she said. “When you do music you always have expectations, but it’s usually up to the fans, and I can say this song has become a fan favourite. From the first time the audio was previewed, and then came the video that brought everything to life, people are just loving it.”

The pair have been spotted on social media on a beach. In other videos now making the rounds on social media, D’Angel can be seen visiting Khago’s home in Manchester, giving rise to questions surrounding their relationship outside of music.

Not dwelling too much on the status of their personal relationship, D’Angel remained diplomatic in her response to inquiries of a budding romance between her and Khago, stating that they’re both in the show business and are keeping their respective fans entertained.

“We performed the track in St Elizabeth for the first time and the audience was in a frenzy. We had to sing it again about three times, and the demand for us to perform the track is growing. We are already booked for a few shows right up to 2026, so look out for us and expect greatness,” she shared.

For Khago, D Angel is someone he cares for and respects highly. The singer said that, as one of the leading females in the entertainment industry, D’Angel is not often given her flowers.

“I respect every artiste, and if yah go work with someone yuh haffi respect dem, and I respect Angel as a good vocalist. She has a unique voice weh nuff producer in the industry nuh take time out fi really pay no attention because of whatever personal vendetta dem have against her,” Khago said. “We have nuff more music fi release, but the year kinda just rush already... so we just a promote this one and run wid it.”

Many artistes are anxious whenever they record a follow-up song, but Jahdeed Rawbawn felt no such pangs when doing Solution, his second single, which was recently released.

He co-produced it with Stephen Ndungu.

“I felt less pressured based on the fact that I knew Solution is out and the reaction of the fans is great. It’s a different vibe because it’s a different song with an energetic and upbeat tempo,” the South Florida-based artiste told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash.

Adjustment, his first song, was released in March 2024 and came after years of him toying with thoughts of a music career.

Born Howard Samuels, he was big into music from his time at St Elizabeth Technical High School, listening to diverse acts such as Desmond Dekker, Hopeton Lewis, Peter Tosh, Johnny Osbourne, and Leroy Gibbons.

Academics, however, was priority and his next stop was the University of Technology, Jamaica, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering.

Jahdeed Rawbawn migrated to the United States shortly after and it was not until last year that he officially launched his music career with Adjustment, which he co-produced with Jordan Lowe.

Jahdeed Rawbawn is currently working on a six-song EP with Marlon Wright of Cyberleaf Entertainment, scheduled to be released in early 2026.

— Howard Campbell

A starring role in the upcoming Jamaican film Stew Peas may be her acting début, but Kerry-Ann “Chiney K” Collins is no stranger to the performing arts.

In fact, as an alum of William Paterson University in New Jersey and California State University, Northridge, where she studied film-making — including videography, lighting, camerawork, and acting — the content creator-turned-radio personality was meant for the silver screen.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer’s Splash, Chiney K recalls how her formative years in college and her leap into the world of media have all prepared her for her acting début.

Indicating that she was born for the spotlight, the effervescent influencer says she is living answered prayers as her journey reflects the perfect alignment between purpose and talent.

“A part of my major in college was acting. Along with my media classes I did acting for the stage, theatre, camera, and that kinda helped me now years later to hone my craft. I studied to help bring this role forward, and this right here is my first serious, official feature film,” she said, beaming with pride.

Produced by iKon Media & Films in collaboration with Fareye Films, with post-production support from GoalPost and international distribution by FilmWorks Global, Stew Peas is a suspense drama of mystery, manipulation, and long-buried secrets, all set against a distinctly Jamaican backdrop.

Chiney K is set to play Tessa Riley in the film to be released in summer 2026.

She could hardly contain her emotions as she chronicled her life’s journey.

“It’s a lot going on right now, but this is what I cried about, what I worked towards, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities that come my way. It’s so surreal now because, looking back at that girl in college, I had no clue what I wanted to do. I went to California because that was the place to be for film and that industry, and the school was good, but it was a very lonely experience,” she shared. “[M]any times I wondered what I was gonna do with my career because I was getting a lot of no’s until I started the On My Mind series. I was doing that for the love and hoped everything would fall in place. Looking back, I wish I could just hug that girl and be like, ‘What were you crying for? You did this, you got this.’ ”

“It’s... so crazy to me that things that I’ve prayed and cried about are happening, and I could not be more grateful and more happy,” she stressed.

Fresh off two trips on which she represented Jamaica in China and India, Chiney K makes no qualms about the work she has put in to get to the place at which opportunities now flow in abundance.

“Nothing was presented to me. I had to go to interviews for my opportunities in China and India. My name was among those of other creators; they just happened to go with me. Nothing I have was given to me; I worked for every single thing. But people don’t see those times when you’re working,” she said. “With this role in
Stew Peas, a contact was made out to my manager that they were interested in me to audition for the role of Tessa. At that time, I was in the middle of fine-tuning the India trip, and that was where my focus was, but I was still like, ‘I’ll do it.’ I sent in my audition tape right before I left for India, and they liked it,” she shared.

“We spoke to the director and reassured her that I would do my part. I knew what I could bring to the character, and just as a person in general with my work ethic, I made sure I studied that script back and forth, even though I was doing my duties in India. Wherever I could study, I studied, because even though I wasn’t present 100 per cent of the time for the rehearsals, I wanted to make sure I was prepared 150 per cent,” she said. “The preparation for this role was a lot, but I think I pulled it off.”

Having received a small taste of the sweet success of the silver screens, Chiney K says she’s hungry for more. She is ready to make major moves in the film industry and believes this is just the beginning.

“My performance in the film was well-received. I got a lot of positive feedback and people saying I should do more, and that’s something I want to explore, not just in Jamaican film but in films in general,” she said. “I feel like it can only get up from here. Up in being a content creator/influencer, radio personality, and now that I’m all of a sudden I’m a professional, I hope I get more film roles. I’m ready to level up in my brand, products, everything. I want to do so much more.”

Reggae-dancehall artiste Tifa has highlighted once more ill intent with her online content that is impacting her career.

The artiste, who has landed yet another trending single called Can’t Cancel Me, is facing challenges on her
TikTok platform.

“I’ve always said that my posts have been flagged and shadow banned and sometimes I don’t even talk about it because I come across as paranoid. But this is obvious with my current song’s audio being removed and muted as unauthorised content. There is nothing wrong with the content, but people hide behind fake pages and make an effort to report everything I post,” Tifa commented.

Just last week one of her posts using one minute of the Can’t Cancel Me single was removed and more than 5,000 videos using the audio muted on TikTok. This occurred two days later after Tifa highlighted that only one post had been muted but the second was still visible — that post was also reported.

The song itself is still authorised on TikTok but the viral clips that have thousands of remixes seem targeted she said.

Tifa has since contacted the relevant representatives from the social media platforms and they are conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the circumstance with a view for more action will be taken.

“I’m definitely being targeted because of simple jealousy; they recognise I’ve gotten another hit song and they are trying hard to derail it, but it won’t work. They have even tried to hack my WhatsApp and IG, but this is just showing me how threatened they feel by my success. Evil will never prevail, though, and as the song says ‘God a my Boss, so them can’t cancel me,’ ” Tifa added.

The artiste is super upbeat with the success of the Can’t Cancel Me single thus far and is seeing greater things in the works.

Can’t Cancel Me has already been added to I Heart Radio play lists in the United States and has now been added for rotation on New York’s premier urban station Hot 97.

The single is produced by Digital One Productions and is recorded as part of the Santa Jamaica Riddim project.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Odiyo, the Caribbean’s pioneering digital audiobook platform, has announced the acquisition of audio rights to five celebrated titles from the acclaimed independent publisher Akashic Books.

The deal will bring to life works from some of the most compelling voices in Caribbean and diaspora literature, including two novels by the late Jamaican literary giant Anthony Winkler.

Under the agreement, Odiyo will produce and release audiobook editions of The Tower of the Antilles by Achy Obejas, My Own Dear People by Dwight Thompson, God Carlos by Anthony Winkler, The Family Mansion by Anthony Winkler and Watch Out for Falling Iguanas by Edwidge Danticat.

“We are thrilled to see these extraordinary works find new life in audio through Odiyo. The Caribbean’s literary tradition is rich, diverse and deserving of wider access. Odiyo’s commitment to amplifying regional voices makes them the perfect partner for these titles,” said Johnny Temple, chief executive officer of Akashic Books, in welcoming the partnership.

Anthony Winkler, best known for his internationally celebrated novel The Lunatic, remains one of Jamaica’s most beloved literary figures. This deal ensures that God Carlos and The Family Mansion will be available in audio for the first time, preserving Winkler’s sharp wit, historical insight and uniquely Jamaican storytelling for future generations.

Noting the significance of the deal, Lesley-Ann Wanliss, Odiyo’s head of acquisitions, said: “These are important works, not just for their literary merit, but for the way they capture and preserve the Caribbean’s voice and history. This partnership began through our shared mission with Akashic Books to make underrepresented stories accessible to more listeners. For Odiyo users, it means the ability to experience these narratives in an intimate and dynamic way, whether they’re discovering them for the first time or revisiting them in a new format.”

This acquisition marks a continued expansion of Odiyo’s curated catalogue of Caribbean literature in audio form, reinforcing the platform’s role as a champion for regional storytelling on a global stage.

Billboard-charting DJ and producer Walsh Fire of the multi-platinum charting EDM act Major Lazer has joined the lineup for this Saturday’s Xodus Wet Music Festival.

The event, which will run from 4:00 am to 11:00 am at the Kingston Waterfront, is set to kick off the 2026 carnival season in Jamaica in a major way.

According to Pierre Goubault, chief executive officer (CEO) of Xodus Carnival, “Major Lazer is one of the biggest entertainment products from Jamaican descent and Walshy Fire has broken ground on the international forefront, bringing a fusion of soca/dancehall/ reggae/house to the world. We can expect nothing but special remixes/dub plates and new releases.”

The event, which promises paint, powder, water, foam and a heavy serving of soca music, will be epic, according to the Xodus CEO.

“Plans are in motion. We have started setting up and will have added some new activations from our title sponsor, Campari. Paint and power have already arrived and cleared. Fog cannons and drones are ready. This will be the most epic event of the decade,” Goubault told Observer Online on Thursday.

Said Carlos Phillpotts, festival director, “Xodus Wet isn’t just a music festival, it’s a full-blown sensory escape. We’re blending top-tier performances, water-infused vibes and immersive experiences to create something unforgettable. This year, we’re pushing the boundaries even further. Expect the unexpected.”

Headlining this year’s high-energy lineup are Trinidadian natives, Bunji Garlin, the Viking of Soca, and the ladies’ favourite GBM Nutron, delivering electrifying live performances that will keep the party pumping from darkness to daylight.

The vibe doesn’t stop there, however, as the event boasts a stellar lineup of international and local disc jocks bringing nonstop hype with soca, dancehall and other genres to fuel your fete. The lineup includes Jus Jay from Barbados, Major Penny fresh out of Trinidad, United States-based DJs Nocturnal Sound & Tony X, and Zess, Rico the DJ, Franco, and Brush 1 representing Jamaica.

“Xodus Wet is where music, culture and freedom collide. We’re giving our patrons more than just a show; we’re delivering a movement, a moment and a memory. Patrons just need to bring their coolers, bring their crew and come ready to get wet. They can also be prepared to enjoy some great offerings from our sponsors Wata, KFC and Chas E Ramson,” Phillpotts shared.

VP Records in Queens, New York, synonymous with hard-rocking dancehall music, on September 27, hosted Poetry: Echoes of Expression, an event organised by Richie Innocent.

It was the second instalment of the show, a forum to expose the work of poets and authors.

In an interview with Observer Online, Richie Innocent said there was even a greater response this year.

“The turnout was great, and the space was about family and community. This was historical and a revelation, with the atmosphere that was at VP Records’ Cultural Centre,” he said.

The St Elizabeth-reared artiste, who lives in New York City, was among the performers who represented different regions of the Jamaican diaspora. They included Ras Igus and Marj Da Poet, also based in the Big Apple, Marcia Jackson from Florida, Amaziyah The Great out of Rhode Island and American Blaq Ice, who is based in Chicago.

Author Sharon Gordon, another Jamaican creative based in New York, also read excerpts from Sheribaby, her well-received debut book, which was released in May.

The event was attended by Pat Chin, the matriarch of VP Records, who celebrated her 88th birthday on September 20. The author of the book, My Reggae Music Journey, spoke about the importance of poetry to Jamaican culture.

Richie Innocent, who closed the show, performed Babylon Slaves, Good Old Days, Community, Hills mi Deh and The Passover, his latest song. Despite minor hiccups, he expects Poetry: Echoes of Expression to grow substantially.

“The glitches weren’t major, but there are things to include that will make this the product that it is becoming, and we are looking forward to the third show, and like the words of an attendee, we are looking forward to celebrating the 10th staging,” he said.

— Howard Campbell