CLINTON LINDSAY

BY KEDIESHA PERRY—Observer writer— George Nooks (Photo: Jason Tulloch) —- Although he has been doing music for more than four decades, George Nooks said the announcement that he will receive a Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) Honor Award came as a surprise. “I wasn’t expecting it. I am just doing my job and I am honored that I will be rewarded for my hard work. I am humbled,” he told the Jamaica Observer. Nooks, 61, is one of 25 artistes/organisations to … Read entire article »

BY KEVIN JACKSON—Observer writer— Machel Montano  Soca star Machel Montano has topped the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart with his latest effort, the 19-song G.O.A.T . , which debuts this week with 419 copies sold. G.O.A.T. features collaborations with fellow soca artistes Super Blue, Farmer Nappy, Bunji Garlin and Skinny Fabulous. Another, titled So Good, features dancehall artiste Ding Dong. This is Machel’s first Billboard number one. His Monk Monte peaked at number two in 2015, while Monk Evolution stalled at number five in 2016. Estelle’s Lovers Rock rebounds to number two from five last week. The … Read entire article »

Irie Jam disc jock Dubbmaster Chris— A New York radio disc jock is in the middle of the imposition of a one-month ban on songs that show disrespect to members of the police force. Caught up in that hit list, compiled by Christopher ‘Dubbmaster Chris’ McDonald, a senior broadcaster and disc jockey at Irie Jam Radio, are tracks like Babylon City from dancehall favorite Vybz Kartel and Serve and Protect from conscious singer Queen Ifrica, who lashed out against “bad man police” … Read entire article »

By Howard Campbell—Observer senior writer— Etana at the Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday.  She was not nominated for a Grammy Award, but Melissa Dunkley was very much on display at music’s biggest spectacle last Sunday at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Singer Etana wore one of her designs on the red carpet. Though Etana’s Reggae Forever lost to Sting and Shaggy’s 44/876 in the Best Reggae Album category, Dunkley said her creation being exposed to … Read entire article »

Harry Belafonte The story of the life of American singer, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte, whose mother was of Jamaican descent, could soon be heading to the New York stage. According to reports, producer Ken Davenport has obtained Broadway stage rights to a musical framed around the life and times of the Grammy-winning music icon and Tony-winning actor. “The live theater opened up so many worlds for me as a young man,” said Belafonte in a statement. “From … Read entire article »

By Kediesha Perry–Observer writer– Father Romie — OWNER of Exodus Nuclear Sound Ernest “Father Romie” Braithwaite said he is giving thanks for life after being shot and injured near his studio in Havendale, St Andrew, last Sunday. “I’m just in a little pain, you know. But mi a give God thanks, mi alive,” he told the Jamaica Observer yesterday. According to police reports, an attempt was made by robbers to take the music producer’s gold chain. In the tussle, he … Read entire article »

Reggae singer Cocoa Tea is upping his game and thinking outside the studio. The veteran artiste recently announced to fans via social media that he will be treating them to a triple combo – a song, a tour and a clothing line, all in one package, under the title CocoRobics. Cocoa Tea While the Rastaman is no stranger to releasing singles and going on tours all over the world, the release of a clothing line is totally … Read entire article »