Jamaica honors Jimmy Cliff
By Nelson A. King on 12/30/2025

Jamaica honors Jimmy Cliff

As the official funeral service for reggae icon Jimmy Cliff takes place this week in Kingston, Jamaica, at the National Indoor Sports Center, Louis “Louie” Grant, executive vice president and executive producer at Irie Jam Media, says that Cliff’s passing is “the end of an era.”The Government of Jam

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Cultural Gift
By Nelson A. King on 12/30/2025

Cultural Gift

The Brooklyn-based Tropicalfete, Inc., presented “The Finale: A Cultural Gift for the Community” on Sunday, Dec. 21, at the BMS Playhouse Theatre in Brooklyn.“The free, family-friendly event brought together residents, artists, educators, and cultural leaders for an afternoon of music, dance, theate

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Year-in-Review 2025 – Arts and Entertainment
By Nelson A. King on 12/30/2025

Year-in-Review 2025 – Arts and Entertainment

The year unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of Caribbean culture, music, community leadership, and diaspora engagement, particularly centered in New York City and extending across the Caribbean and international stages. From grassroots cultural recognition to global musical triumphs, each month highligh

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Robert Bailey releases ‘Breakthrough,’ an anthem of hope after Hurricane Melissa
By Tangerine Clarke on 12/29/2025

Robert Bailey releases ‘Breakthrough,’ an anthem of hope after Hurricane Melissa

Internationally acclaimed Jamaican Gospel singer Robert Bailey has released his highly anticipated new single “Breakthrough,” dedicating the upbeat ‘Anthem of Hope’ to Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa.The single, now available on all major streaming platforms, is described by Bailey as “A tim

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From Yard – A Kool and Irie response to Melissa
By Vinette K. Pryce on 12/27/2025

From Yard – A Kool and Irie response to Melissa

Kool 97 FM and Irie FM, two popular radio stations in Jamaica, recently corralled resources to rebuild infrastructure and aid in emergency relief for victims of Hurricane Melissa.According to Kool radio host Rosamond Brown-Kirkland, “We all have to do our bit to help our neighbors.” Throughout last

B By Vinette K. Pryce
US$1M goal for star-studded Jamaica Strong Relief Concert
By Nelson A. King on 12/27/2025

US$1M goal for star-studded Jamaica Strong Relief Concert

Producers of the Jamaica Strong Relief Concert are aiming to raise US$1 million at their star-studded benefit event, slated for Friday, Dec. 12, at the UBS Arena in New York.“This is New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania – the whole USA coming together,” Kacy Rankine, co-producer of the sh

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‘Her Name Is Love’: Masicka
By Nelson A. King on 12/27/2025

‘Her Name Is Love’: Masicka

Masicka announces his new EP, “Her Name Is Love,” set for release on Dec. 19 via Def Jam Recordings, marking a new artistic direction.“This project signals a refined, emotionally resonant evolution, one that embraces loyalty, sensuality, and connection, all while maintaining the lyrical precision an

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Moment of unity
By Nelson A. King on 12/27/2025

Moment of unity

Morgan Heritage co-founder Gramps Morgan says that the upcoming Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert at UBS Arena in Elmont, Long Island on Dec. 12 represents a moment of unity in Jamaican/Caribbean music that he is proud to be a part of.The UBS Arena, a multi-purpose indoor arena, is located at 2400 Hemp

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Reggae ‘Outlaw’ Terry Ganzie reawakens flame of conscious music
By Nelson A. King on 12/27/2025

Reggae ‘Outlaw’ Terry Ganzie reawakens flame of conscious music

Reggae artist Terry Ganzie is reigniting his mission to uplift audiences through conscious music, revisiting his roots and commanding global attention.“With a powerful catalog that defined the golden era of 90s conscious Dancehall and a renewed creative spark, Ganzie is writing the next chapter in h

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Major radio stations unite to boost Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert
Nelson A. King on 12/27/2025

Major radio stations unite to boost Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert

In what is arguably the biggest Caribbean Diaspora radio relief promotion ever, the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert — slated for Dec. 12 at the UBS Arena in Queens — has blown into a full-scale movement in the US, according to Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Radio.Clarke told Caribbean Life on Monday,

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