entertainment

Unlocking a side of him that fans have perhaps never seen, reggae artiste Nesbeth has once again managed to thrust himself back into the musical spotlight with a song celebrating the role of “sidechicks” in a relationship.

The single Sidechick Save Nuff Relationship, released three months ago, is now growing in popularity as it sparks quite a conversation among listeners.

While some believe the track is a slap in the face to faithful wives, others have lauded the entertainer for paying respects to deserving ‘sneaky links’ who offer support in ways a wife does not.

But for Nesbeth, he believes he is simply a realist, highlighting dynamics that already exist.

“The inspiration came from observing real-life situations. As an artiste, I sing about what people live, whisper, and argue about. This one just happens to be a hot-button topic,” he said.

The entertainer, who has lived the life of a faithful husband (and now fiancé), carefully responded to the
Jamaica Observer’s enquiry about whether the song is the product of lived experience on his part. Indicating that entertainers do not always write about their personal experiences, Nesbeth shared that he does not need to be in the “fire to sing about the heat”.

‘ ‘To whom it may concern’ is an important line in the song that usually misses most people. My music isn’t limited to personal experience — it’s about perspective. As an artiste, I sing about life in all its forms,” he said.

The artiste also fielded questions about his track emboldening the sidechick culture in relationships.

He, however, dodged the blame ball, outlining that his track holds a mirror to many relationships.

The artiste has been managing the varied reviews of the track.

“It’s been mixed [from listeners], which is expected. Some laugh, some agree, some challenge it. That tells me the song is doing what it should — sparking dialogue... Surprisingly, I’ve received more support from wives than backlash. Some take the opportunity to highlight how good a wife they are since their husbands do not need sidechicks. Of course, backlash is part of art. If everyone agreed, the song would be ordinary,” shared Nesbeth.

As it relates to his own fiancée and how she feels about her future husband supporting side pieces, Nesbeth said she is not perturbed by the song or the chatter it has created. He added that his partner is fully aware of his role as an artiste and understands that sometimes his content will stir controversy.

“She does not take the song personally,” he told the Observer. “My spouse is always supportive of my music. She fully understands my role as an artiste, and... is definitely not threatened in real life.”

As he expressed gratitude for the support the single has received so far, Nesbeth said he is not putting any labels on the track, as its hit potential will be decided by the fans.

Still, he said: “This song is bigger than an anthem — it’s social commentary dressed up in melody. The conversation around it suggests it is making waves.”

As he readies the accompanying visuals for the track, Nesbeth said he is hoping to close out 2025 strongly as he amps up promotion around several other tracks.

“The visuals for the song are in the works. The aim is to match the energy of the track with a concept that keeps the people talking. Alongside Side Chick Save Nuff Relationship, I’m also pushing other tracks that speak to upliftment and social reflection, including Know God and Str888 Nation,” he said. “My catalogue always balances the serious with the light-hearted.”

— Shereita Grizzle

It was 1994 and a sultry song titled Practice What You Preach topped the United States pop chart and gave Barry White a huge comeback hit. One year later, a reggae version introduced a little-known singer named Mikey Spice to dancehall fans.

Reflecting on his breakthrough hit 30 years later, Mikey Spice credits the Barry O’Hare-produced Practice What You Preach for keeping him busy.

“It’s done a lot. I have frequent meals, I live somewhere, I have clothes on my back, my kids are fed,” he joked in an interview with Observer Online. “It was a good one, I didn’t expect it, as a matter of fact, but it came and we accepted it.”

Known for a distinctive baritone, Mikey Spice is scheduled to perform on October 11 at the Crown Hill Theatre in Brooklyn, New York. The following day, he has a gig at the Prestige Palace in Freeport, Long Island.

Prior to Practice What You Preach, Mikey Spice made his name as a singer/multi-instrumentalist on the North Coast hotel scene, which was then a stomping ground for emerging musicians like singer/bassist Benjy Myaz and drummer Paul Kastick.

He connected with O’Hare, who was based in Ocho Rios, where he was the go-to studio engineer for artistes such as Burning Spear, Buju Banton, Diana King and Daweh Congo. Practice What You Preach was the first big as a producer for O’Hare, who died in 2020.

Mikey Spice had a big follow-up in late 1995 with Born Again, produced by Bobby Digital. Since then, he has consistently made the charts with songs like Grab yu Lass (with Louie Culture) and a cover of Neil Diamond’s I Am I Said.

— Howard Campbell

Reggae singer Junior Kelly credits his 25-year-old hit If Love So Nice for changing his fortunes.

The song, which was first recorded in 1998, was officially released on vinyl RPM (revolutions per minute) in the year 2000.

“The success of the song, it changed my life significantly with popularity, visibility, interest, and financial earnings,” Junior Kelly told the Jamaica Observer on Friday.

The song, which he continues to perform to this day, brought the artiste to major stages across the world, while creating opportunities for him to work with independent record labels.

“I was able to perform on big stages all over the world as it grew to a major hit in many countries. It also did work with some well-established producers and record companies, like Jet Star and VP Records. It is a must in my performance set, everywhere that I go to perform to this day. It is also the most sought-after song up to now in terms of dub plates from my catalogue,” Junior Kelly disclosed.

But what was the inspiration behind the chart-topping song that was produced by Michael Stanford and released on the Mrosh Productions label?

Junior Kelly recalled: “I was living in Boston at the time during the winter playing Bob Marley’s Stir It Up and I heard an altercation next door between a couple, and the man who owned the home was taken away by the police and the hook came to me, ‘If love so nice tell me why it hurts so bad.’ ”

The veteran artiste said he had no idea that the song would have been a hit.

“I recorded the song at Anchor Studio between 8:00 pm to 3:00 am and everyone who heard it liked it. I was a bit numb because I came back home to record this song with the hope that this one would make it. But with so many songs being recorded and not seeing the light of day I wasn’t confident this one would hit the mark. I didn’t think it was going to become a hit. I have been doing music since I was 13 and I really got my big break at the age of 30. So I really was getting dejected, but still I still persisted as I felt this was my purpose in life to do musical works,” he shared.

If Love So Nice was first played in Canada and popular radio jock Barry G later gave the song some legs on his radio programme.

“A Canadian DJ purchased it in England and started playing it in Canada. The song made the Canadian DJ win a clash with Barry G, so he started playing it here in Jamaica. I still wasn’t sure this would be the song that would buss me, so I was taking it in stride and being cool about it,” Junior Kelly reminisced.

Prior to recording the song Junior Kelly worked as a painter and then did some boxing.

Since he hit pay dirt with If Love So Nice, the lanky singer, who is originally from Waltham Park Road then moved to Spanish Town, released 10 studio albums — Rise, Creation, Juvenile, Conscious Voice, Love So Nice, Tough Life, Smile, Red Pond, Piece of the Pie, and Urban Poet.

His other hit songs in the wake of the success of If Love So Nice include Jewel of the Nile, Sunshine (which topped charts in St Vincent & the Grenadines), Receive, and Missing You with singer Barbee.

Junior Kelly released his most recent single Only You on Friday October 3, produced by Big Feet Records. Another single titled Everything was released in August.

“I recently recorded an album of covers for Cleopatra Records in California, and I am awaiting the release date. It includes Bob Marley’s Could You Be Loved and Lovely Day by Bill Withers,” disclosed Junior Kelly, who continues to tour Europe annually

Dancehall artiste DiCelebrityy is ecstatic that he got a major social media boost for his Hydraulics single since a “song shout-out” engineered by social media personality Mama Cenat during the final day of United States (US) online streamer Kai Cenat's “Mafiathon 3” earlier this week.

DiCelebrityy has seen a fillip in his online searches, Spotify and Apple streams and downloads of his sizzling single, Hydraulics since the live Twitch stream.

“I just want to say thank you to 'Mama Cenat' and Kai Cenat for the shout-out because it gave my career and my Hydraulics song a major boost. My Apple Music boost, my Spotify got a major boost and a lot of people left comments under the song on YouTube, so that was a major thing, big up Kai Cenat for access to his platform,” DiCelebrityy said.

Kai Centa is the most-subscribed Twitch streamer in the world, as well as the most-followed Twitch streamer with 19 million followers. Approximately one million subscribers tuned in during his “Mafiathon 3” subathon in September 2025.

DiCelebrityy's most recent release, Hydraulics, produced by Pyyros Govament Production, has been in heavy rotation, receiving airplay on various global platforms all summer. But this unexpected push has given him access to a whole new audience.

Some of the comments under his YouTube channel since Mama Cenat's shout-out reveal the great influence of Kai Cenat's Twitch platform.

One user wrote mischievously, “Mama Cenat anyone.”

Another commented, “Kai Cenat saw your music on stream right now.”

Yet another user chimed in, “Kai Cenat rizz.”

DiCelebritty praised the Twitch platform's ability to serve as a powerful platform for artists to promote their work, engage with fans and generate income through live performances, interactive sessions, subscriptions, and merchandise sales.

“Twitch has helped people to discover my Hydraulics song. The platform significantly impacts music discovery. When Kai Cenat played the song, 500,000 people were live with him on Twitch, and a substantial portion of listeners found their way to my song as a result of that,” he said.

In the past week, Hydraulics has been popping up more on Spotify playlists all over the world, solidifying its claim as a classic dancehall record to watch in the last quarter of the year.

He has gained over several thousand views on YouTube over the past week to clock in at 57,000 views so far on his channel.

Born Adrian Anthony Campbell in St Ann's Bay, St Ann, but raised in St Mary, DiCelebrityy wants to be a globally recognised ambassador for Jamaican culture in a similar way to Bob Marley, who he has previously named as one of his role models.

Filled with his trademark layered lyrics and emotive songwriting for dancehall and hip-hop rhythms, DiCelebrityy's tracks Full Charge, White Liver and New Landlord made an impression on the patrons at Reggae Sumfest.

DiCelebrityy's career has been on an upward trajectory over the past year, providing momentum and room for artistic growth. He has collaborated with the likes of Skillibeng, Rytikal, Spice, Sikka Rymes and Renee 6:30.

He is known for singles like VIP with Skillibeng, Bounce Remix featuring Spice and Gal Academy with Teejay.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Gospel superstar Kevin Downswell is pleased that he has copped six nominations in this year’s Sterling Gospel Awards, which will be held Saturday at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Portmore, St Catherine.

He is nominated in the categories of Male Artiste of the Year, Local Hit Producer of the Year, Local Hit of the Year, Collab of the Year, Most Rated Event of the Year and Video of the Year.

“Receiving six nominations at the Sterling Gospel Awards, the largest Gospel Awards in the Caribbean, is more than recognition—it’s a reminder that God honours faithfulness in the midnight seasons. This year proved to me that even when the journey feels heavy, his grace always carries us to victory,” Downswell said.

Downswell shared that he is most proud of the nomination for the Most Rated Event of the Year because of its emphasis on ministry and the spiritual aspects like preaching, teaching and discipleship.

“Every nomination means the world to me, but if I had to choose one, it would be the category that celebrates ministry impact and that would be Most Rated Event of the Year. Music for me has never been just about songs—it’s about lives being changed, people drawing closer to God, and hope being restored. That’s the heartbeat of why I do what I do, so being recognised in that way touches me the deepest,” he said.

The event, dubbed Realignment, focuses on kids who have been abused and is held during June and July. Last year, there was a third leg, which was held in December, and all the events were successful.

“The work that goes behind Realignment is what matters to me. We bring in some good names for it but the cause behind it is what blesses me the most,” Downswell said.

He said this year has been one of the most successful and rewarding experiences. Downswell is really pleased with the response to his book, Midnight to Victory: 90-Day Devotional, which became a number one Amazon bestseller in the spiritual growth category.

He also released an Afro-gospel single with a video which has racked up over 226,000 views since its release.

Downswell, who is popularly known for his hit singles You Make Me Stronger, Carry Me and If It’s Not You, is overjoyed to see how God has rewarded his faithfulness.

“2025 has been one of the best years of my life, a year of both tremendous victories and challenges— challenges that have pushed me to a whole new level spiritually and in other areas of my life,” he said.

Downswell will be in the island of Guadeloupe where he will perform at the Caribbean Music festival and will not be able to attend the event on Saturday.

Popular producer Week.Day is on a high from a recent achievement with his hit production
Wild N Rich by dancehall artiste 450. It has surpassed the 50-million streams mark.

Released on November 3, 2023 under his Tru Ambassador Next Generation label, the track is quickly becoming an anthem for listeners worldwide, recognised for its relatable lyrics, infectious rhythm, and overall top-class production.

Wild N Rich is one of a few solo songs from new-gen artistes to have reached this milestone. It not only solidifies 450’s impact as a growing influence, but also highlights Week.Day’s creative vision and ear for standout records.

“To know that I’m one of the producers from the new generation to achieve this, I’m grateful. No other young producer has achieved that milestone so far this year, so it’s just motivation for me to keep working,” Week.Day said.

Bringing his versatile sound and signature arrangements to the dancehall landscape over the past seven years, Week.Day has been building an impressive production catalogue, with previously released tracks including
Pieces Of Me, Imperfection, No Patience, Levels, Addicted, Waterfall, Prayer, and Portrait. He has worked with a host of other talented acts like Valiant, Jquan, Alkaline, Iwaata, Julian Marley, Dre Santaana, Mavado, Jahmiel, Kranium, and Star Captyn.

Looking ahead, fans can expect even more new music from Week.Day and the Tru Ambassador Next Generation label. He confirmed that several new projects are currently in the works which are slated for release in the coming months.

“I’m always working on the next project and trying to elevate my career as a music producer, so you can look forward to what’s next,” the producer added.

— Kediesha Perry

Wet Fete, held on Saturday, September 19 at The University of the West Indies, Mona (The UWI), drew a massive turnout of college students and young adults, who danced non-stop to a wide array of musical delights.

Charged to provide the musical mayhem into the wee hours of Sunday morning were DJs Mindless, Breeze & Jubba, Cyclone, and Code Spectre.

With water trucks on standby and powdered paint in abundance, the fete went into overdrive at minutes to midnight. Students raved in wild abandon.

With Tip (remix) by Ayetian, Togetherness by Destra, and Ring Finger by 2025 soca sensation Lady Lava popping up on his play list, DJ Mindless took control of the crowd as he transported with hit after hit.

“Wet Fete is one of the most high-energy, liberating, and wildly fun parties you can experience, especially on the UWI campus. The whole concept is centred around water, powder, and fun. The energy is non-stop from start to finish,” DJ Mindless told the Jamaica Observer.

Sandre Malcolm of Campus Elite, partnered with the Butchers Block at The UWI for the staging of Wet Fete.

“Wet Fete was an event that was held before COVID, but then COVID messed up a lot of things. But when Campus Elite got involved we decided to partner with Butchers Block and also to make it bigger and put some innovation behind it,” Malcolm shared with the Observer.

He said the event has evolved over the years.

“This is now our third staging and since we’ve done the innovation, where we’ve had the teams competing against each other, the evolution has been great, because this is looking like out biggest staging so far,” he said.

Gianni Garel, a first-year student at The UWI told the Observer that this was his first time attending the party.

“I can’t drink because I am the driver tonight, but I am looking forward to having a great time with my friends, and I am expecting a lot of water and good vibes,” said Garel.

Rajae Cain was also attending the event for the first time.

“I’m expecting this event to be a good one because I’ve heard a lot about it since I started the university. I expect it to live up to expectations, and I am looking forward to the vibes, the energy, and the music,” he told the Observer.

Political science student Pierre, who is from Martinique, said the poster promoting the party was what brought him to Wet Fete.

“So far, the party has been good,” he shared before dashing off to party with the rest of his friends.

Kelsie Spaulding, a freshman who is pursuing a double major in journalism and intergrated marketing, said the party lived up to her expectations.

“I like the bounce-a-bouts, the balloons and the whole vibe. The water was of course the hit for me and my friends,” said Spaulding.

Christopher Graham said it was his third time attending.

“The soca vibe is unmatched and the energy is up there. The water was in abundance and paint, and I’m repping for the Red Team,” Graham shared.

FAST-RISING recording artiste Stouteesha has made an impact among women worldwide with her latest single SuperWoman.

The KnowCredit-produced track was released on September 19 following up with an accompanying music video, shot in downtown Toronto.

“The reception has been amazing. I’ve received so much love and support — from streaming numbers to feedback from fans who say the song resonates deeply with them. Some are already calling it a woman’s anthem,” the Toronto-based act told the Jamaica Observer.

Stouteesha, real name Tanisha Scott, whose parents are both Jamaican, attended Flemington Elementary, Lawrence Heights Middle School and Oakwood Collegiate High School.

According to her, being formally educated at these institutions nurtured her creativity.

The entertainer officially began her career in 2018. She was however convicted and imprisoned for two years in Canada, which forced her to introspect prior to her 2020 release.

“That experience forced me to reflect and grow. It gave me discipline, perspective, and a deeper understanding of life, which I now channel into my music. It made me stronger, more focused, and more determined to use my talent for something meaningful,” Stouteesha said.

She looks up to Spice, Vybz Kartel, and Cardi B because of their musical artistry. She is, however, confident in her own traits will set her apart in the expansive music industry.

“What sets me apart is my distinct voice, storytelling, versatility, and authenticity. My music reflects real-life experiences, and I make sure every track is honest and relatable,” she said.

There are several live performances, as well as three other songs in the pipeline, which will ultimately be included in her EP.

Having visited Jamaica last nine years ago, Stouteesha is looking to return soon to connect with her culture and loved ones.

In the meantime, she has her eyes set on a prosperous future.

“In five years, I see myself touring internationally, collaborating with major artistes, and continuing to build a legacy that inspires the next generation,” she said.

— Kediesha Perry

Even though there are many laugh lines in Indecent Proposal, the trials of the single mother also gets a lot of focus in Patrick Brown’s play, currently showing at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston.

Sharee Elise plays the role of Sarah, a waitress and mother of two children desperate to find stability. Along comes Lenny (Glen Campbell), a suitor who promises her a better life but finds that, as honourable as his motives are, there are challenges.

Playing Sarah is an eye-opener for Elise, a regular in Brown’s productions.

“Sarah has given me a unique perspective on the challenges that women in certain situations face. As a single mother struggling to make ends meet, Sarah’s experiences have shown me how a lack of resources can lead to difficult choices that might otherwise be deemed unacceptable,” she told the Jamaica Observer. “This role has helped me understand the complexities of decision-making in the face of limited options.”

The cast is completed by Courtney Wilson, another regular in Brown’s plays. He has the role of Rex, Sarah’s ex and one of her delinquent babyfathers.

One point Indecent Proposal reinforces is the breakdown of the nuclear family in Jamaica, once the hallmark of the country’s society.

“Too many households have been left on the backs of women who have to play the role of mother and father and, in light of that, something must give, and unfortunately what ‘gives’ is a firm foundation for kids to thrive and grow into well-rounded individuals. Instead, a lot of them become victims of the circumstances of their surroundings,” said Elise.

From Falmouth, Trelawny, Elise cut her creative teeth as a member of the Ashe performing arts ensemble for 16 years before moving into acting. She has appeared in several Patrick Brown plays, among them Windscream Posse, Right Girl, Wrong Address, Matey Chronicles, and Duppy Whisperer.

Indecent Proposal opened in July and is scheduled to close on October 20.

Reggae-dancehall fans associate Adrian “Donsome” Hanson with popular ‘riddim’ compilation albums featuring top acts such as Mykal Rose, Bugle and Kiprich.

But last year, the Atlanta-based producer went for a change in mood by recording Hz Vibrations of Light And Healing, a wellness album he did under the moniker, Nestful Nights Sounds.

The 20-song project is up for consideration in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category for next year’s Grammy Awards. 528 Hz The Love And Miracle Frequency, one of its songs, is also in the preliminaries for Best Alternative Music Performance.

“I’ve been personally using Hz frequency music for years as my go-to for wellness and healing. In 2023, that passion pushed me to purchase my cabin with the vision of creating a space for wellness and healing retreats,” Hanson told Observer Online.

“That’s when I decided to take it to a professional level and began creating the sounds myself, diving deeply into the study of Hz frequencies for healing and well-being. I wanted to design soundscapes that could truly help people feel better—emotionally, mentally, and physically.”

Coherent Marketing Insights, a global market intelligence and consulting organisation, recently reported that, “The Global Sound Therapy Market is estimated to be valued at US$2.48 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach US$4.20 billion in 2026, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 7.83 percent from 2025 to 2032. The market is witnessing increasing awareness about the therapeutic benefits of sound therapy such as stress reduction, improved sleep quality and enhanced mental well-being.”

The Clarendon-born Hanson is also in consideration as a producer for Best Reggae Album with Gruesome Act Riddim and Best Global Music Performance as an artiste with Kiprich for the song, No More Crime.

Since he started producing music almost 20 years ago, Hanson has forged a solid catalogue with his Donsome Records. In addition to many ‘riddim’ compilations, he produced I Give You Love, Mykal Rose's 2023 album as well as songs for Golden, Marcia Griffiths' album which came out that year.

With Hz Vibrations of Light And Healing, Hanson shed his dancehall persona for a completely different realm. He sees nothing wrong with artistes exploring.

“I believe music should go beyond entertainment — it should be a tool for connection, transformation, and healing. Unconventional music allows me to challenge norms, explore new soundscapes, and reach listeners in ways mainstream music often can’t,” he said. “By pushing these boundaries, my goal is to inspire people to rethink the power of sound, its healing potential, and the positive impact music can have on their lives.”

Nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards will be announced on November 7. The 2026 Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.