By Brian Bonitto—- ZIGGY Marley—–ZIGGY Marley is plotting a new course with his latest album, Fly Rasta. The 10-track set, the singer-songwriter’s fifth studio effort, is scheduled for release on April 15. Marley, the eldest son of reggae legend Bob Marley, spoke to the Sunday Observer about his new project which he labels “epic reggae”. “Is a concept album. I took the arrangement seriously and had to educate myself, as I wanted emotions in the music. It is not … Read entire article »

By Sunny Hostin and Greg Botelho, CNN ‘Loud Music’ jury stuck on one count STORY HIGHLIGHTS NEW: Prosecutors says she’ll push for a new trial on first-degree murder NEW: Late teen’s mother is “very happy to have just a little bit of closure” Dunn is convicted on three counts of attempted second-degree murder But the judge declares a mistrial on one count of first-degree murder Jacksonville, Florida (CNN) — The Florida jury in the case of Michael Dunn found him guilty on four charges, including three for attempted second-degree … Read entire article »

By Cecelia Campbell-Livingston— Keith ‘Keithy’ Walford Jr. of Bass Odyssey— ST ANN-based sound Bass Odyssey will be among the recipients of the Jamaica Reggae Industry (JaRia) Honor Awards scheduled for the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston, tonight. Sound manager and selector Keith ‘Keithy’ Walford Jnr told the Jamaica Observer it’s a pleasure to be recognised by JaRia. “You hardly find sound systems receiving this kind of honor, especially one out in the country. It’s heartening to see that people … Read entire article »

  Calypso King, the Mighty Sparrow returned to Trinidad and Tobago from New York on Monday, according to the Trinidad Express. Mighty Sparrow, given name Slinger Francisco, returned home to spend time with his family and do Carnival performances, the newspaper reported. Sparrow arrived on a Caribbean Airlines flight around 1:00 pm. The 78-year-old’s return to the twin island republic follows a bout of illness in the United Sates where he spent time in a New York hospital in … Read entire article »

By Brian Bonitto— Tommy Lee Sparta—- DANCEHALL deejay Tommy Lee Sparta was yesterday charged for breaches under the Anti-Lottery Act. The deejay’s attorney, Bert Samuels said the artiste will appear in Half-Way-Tree Court but could not yet confirm a date. “He has been charged and he has been granted bail for the sum of $400,000,” Samuels told the Jamaica Observer. Tommy Lee Sparta, whose given name is Leroy Russell, has been in police custody since February 3 on suspected breaches … Read entire article »

  The 12-day event brings together local, regional and international musicians performing straight-up jazz, R&B, reggae and other Caribbean music, as well as French and Latin rhythms.—- CASTRIES, St Lucia–– Jamaican reggae fusion artist Tessanne Chin, who outclassed the competition to win season five of NBC’s talent show The Voice, will headline the 2014 St Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival. One of the biggest attractions on the island’s calendar of events, St Lucia Jazz has evolved into an … Read entire article »

Sean Paul—Grammy-winning deejay Sean Paul is expected to perform at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles today and at the 9 Mile Music Festival in Florida tomorrow to promote his latest album Full Frequency. Full Frequency, his sixth studio album, is scheduled to be released jointly on February 18 by Atlantic and VP Records. The album boasts several collaborations with pop acts Nicky Minaj, 2Chainz and Juicy J. Two singles from the album, Want Dem All (featuring Konshens) … Read entire article »