Paul Campbell— By Shereita Grizzle– The date is set for the fifth staging of the Braata Productions Fifth Anniversary Fundraising Gala. The acclaimed Braata Folk Singers of New York will continue their year-long celebrations with an award ceremony honoring outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions in the arts, sports, business, and community service. Among the five awardees for this year is internationally acclaimed Jamaican actor Paul Campbell. In a career spanning three decades, Campbell has managed to emerge as one of the most highly respected and most recognised Caribbean actors of his generation. His illustrious career has gained him international attention as the veteran actor has, over the years, received many awards and accolades for his performances, the Braata Award being the most recent. Campbell burst onto the local film scene in 1997 as Priest in the movieDancehall Queen. … Read entire article »

By Simone Morgan–  Robert Minott– ATLANTA-BASED reggae singer Robert Minott is upbeat with the response to his recently released album Splendid Woman. The 12-track set, produced by Sly and Robbie and Kirk ‘Kirkledove’ Bennett, is available on iTunes and distributed by Fox Fuse. “Since its release in June, I have been contacted by the distribution company which is saying that the sales are increasing. So far, they have sold over 20,000 copies and that is a ‘good look’ for me, and the genre,” Minott told the Jamaica Observer. In addition to the title track, the singer said he has high hopes for other singles including Tell Me, No More Trouble, Love At First Sight, and a collab with the late Bunny Ruggs called Irie. “This project is a mixture of reggae and R&B. It’s really smooth … Read entire article »

  Dancehall singjay Mr Vegas and his mother, Lucille Ellis Maitland, in happier times.– DANCEHALL singjay Mr Vegas is mourning the loss of his mother Lucille Ellis Maitland, who died on Monday night. She was 82. According to Vegas, whose given name is Clifford Smith, his mother was hospitalised in critical condition at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew on Monday after suffering a stroke early morning. She never recovered and sucumbed to the effects by late evening. “I ask that you continue to pray for my family and I, as we mourn our beloved mother. I also thank you in advance for privacy during this very difficult time. RIP Mama Lucille…Love you forever!!,” the artist posted his Facebook Page last night. Mr Vegas has been hit hard by this sudden tragedy. … Read entire article »

Reggae singer Hezron has been on a roll since the release of his debut album titled The Life I Live(d). The album which was released by Tads International recently topped the Jamaica Music Countdown Top Ten Albums Chart, for a total of three weeks. The Life I Live(d) is currently holding down the number two spot on the chart. Hezron’s album has also registered on a number of charts overseas including the University of California’s KDVS 90.3 FM Caribbean/African Top 25 Album Chart, where it is currently in the number one position. Over in New York the album is slotted in the number nine spot on the Foundation Radio Network Top 20 Albums Chart. Meanwhile in South Florida it is number seven on the South Florida Top 15 Albums Chart. The lead single from the album … Read entire article »

  NIAMEY, Niger (AFP) – The government of Niger, one of the poorest countries in the world, has provoked anger with the purchase of a $40 million (30 million euros) presidential jet. The country’s Defence Minister Karidjo Mahamadou confirmed the deal on Monday, saying it would help improve the “influence of our illustrious republic”. The minister told state television the Boeing 737-700 was received on Sunday afternoon after being paid for with “around 20 billion CFA francs” in government money. The plane it is replacing — also a Boeing 737 — was bought in the 1970s by the country’s former president Seyni Kountche. While it will remain in service, one aviation expert likened it to a “flying coffin,” telling AFP that it “no longer meets international standards”. But the country’s opposition has been highly critical of the … Read entire article »