Derrick Francis, the man convicted of murdering Brianna Destiny McKoy, daughter of popular Jamaican sound system selector Ricky Trooper, has been sentenced to 55 years in prison, per reports. The sentencing was handed down in Bridgeport, Connecticut, nearly two years after Brianna was found lifeless on April 6, 2023. Francis, now 43, was found guilty in April 2025 of fatally shooting McKoy, who wa... »
The Trinidad promoter behind the failed Vybz Kartel concert is now claiming that his life is in danger. There has been a big uproar among concertgoers in Trinidad who feel fleeced after buying tickets to see Vybz Karel headline the One Caribbean Music Festival concert last weekend on the Caribbean island. Promoter Odane Anderson, head of Jacho Entertainment, has come under fire from the dancehall ... »
Early Sunday morning, shortly after midnight, Vybz Kartel uploaded a video on social media in which he formally apologised to the ‘Trinidad People’ and details the multiple issues he had with the promoter of the One Caribbean Music Festival (OCMF), leading up to the show date on Saturday. “Promoter fi the Trinidad show memba a years mi know yo, memba when you forward initially for the show, my man... »
Hours before his highly anticipated performance in Trinidad and Tobago, it was announced on Saturday that Jamaican Dancehall star Vybz Kartel will not be appearing at the One Caribbean Music Festival (OCMF). Kartel’s management team issued a release, detailing that the artiste would not participate in the event due to the promoters’ alleged failure to honour contractual agreements. “Vybz Kartel ha... »
The leader of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Kamla Susheila Persad-Bissessar spoke on the upcoming visit of Vybz Kartel to the country, detailing the ‘dos and don’ts’ of the Dancehall artiste while he’s on the twin-island. She noted that she urged the Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge to restrict the deejay from talking to the media and interacting with the children of the country ahead of his highly an... »
More fireworks from the Cassie Ventura testimony in the Diddy case … she told the jury Diddy raped her on the floor of her own home after they broke up — and she later tried to hurt herself because she couldn’t take all the pain. The singer testified Wednesday that in August 2018 they had a closure conversation to shut the book on their relationship … meeting at a restauran... »
Tuesday morning, iconic Reggae singer Jah Cure made his first post on Instagram since 2025, with his previous post being about six months ago in October 2024 when he celebrated his last birthday, dubbing the occasion, the best birthday one could have behind bars. For his new post, he shared a video clip of Vybz Kartel singing to multiple of his songs and shouting him praises for his singing abilit... »
During an interview released on Sunday, Flippa Moggela talked about how music caused the rift between him, Bounty Killer, and Elephant Man despite the artistes being friendly during the very early days of their careers. As a young aspiring artiste, Flippa, a native of Waterhouse, was known at the iconic Jamaican music studio King Jammy’s. As a result, the Dem Yah deejay was well acquainted with ar... »
20 years ago, on January 20, 2005, Gerald Levy, more popularly known as Bogle, was shot and killed. Following his death, multiple rumours began circulating, and several theories remain today. The Jamaican dancer was the originator of several culturally iconic Dancehall moves like the Wacky Dip and the Willy Bounce. According to a newly released video on the true-crime podcast Watson’s World, befor... »
Vybz Kartel was once the poster child for skin bleaching in Jamaican culture, but those days are long behind him. Prior to his incarceration, Vybz Kartel famously bleached his skin and even released a song, “Cake Soap,” about it in 2010. Back then, the dancehall legend sported his lighter skin tone and numerous tattoos proudly. However, he received mixed reactions from fans, with some folks blamin... »
Rumour has been circulating since last year that rapper Pardison ‘Pardi’ Fontaine and Dancehall artiste Jada Kingdom split. Neither spoke openly on the matter until this week. The Hip Hop artiste finally confirmed their breakup in an interview released on Tuesday. Speaking on #Respectfully The Justin Laboy Show, Pardi stated that he is single and is taking it easy as he focuses on himself. While h... »
Dancehall artist Squash was back in court on Wednesday, April 2, to answer gun charges. The Montego Bay deejay pleaded not guilty to firearm charges when he appeared in court and opted for a trial by jury. His next court hearing in Florida is set for April 7, when the judge will decide on a trial date for the artist. Squash, whose real name is Andre Whittaker, and another man, Zidanne George Presc... »
The Jamaican sprint legend and his family are mourning the death of the family patriarch. According to the Jamaica Observer, Wellesley Bolt passed away on Monday, March 31, following a lengthy battle with an unknown illness. Usain Bolt has not yet released a statement confirming his father’s passing, but sources told Urban Islandz he is saddened by the news. “He (Usain Bolt) and the entire family ... »
Despite pleading their innocence since being arrested in 2024, Rapper Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, were found guilty on all counts in their federal wire fraud trial in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday. As per reports, the jury reached its verdict after a few hours of deliberation, convicting the pair of defrauding multiple luxury businesses, including a jewelry company, a high-e... »
6ix Boss aka Squash who has been in lockup since late February appeared in a Miami-Dade County court on Wednesday and as per reports, the deejay will return to court on April 2 to further discuss his fate. The court date, set for early next month, will be an arraignment hearing in which the Montego Bay native will be told the charges laid against him, and he’ll get the chance to enter a plea. Deta... »
Wednesday was day three of the trial, so far, jurors have heard testimony from witnesses, including Ariel Mateos, who claimed that Kingston failed to pay for a high-end television. Mateos testified that he sold Kingston a massive 232-inch TV worth $115,000. However, after receiving a $30,000 down payment, he installed the television but was never paid the remaining balance. He alleged that Kingsto... »
Bounty Killer back in the US: “God is the greatest all the times” Bounty Killer is back on U.S. soil after getting his visa reinstated after 15 years. The dancehall legend was among several Jamaican artists whose United States visas were revoked for unknown reasons two decades ago. Some artists lost their visas due to issues with gay rights groups, while others remained a mystery. Boun... »
Mavado’s hopes of returning home to Jamaica without facing possible prosecution remain doubtful. The dancehall singer’s attorney recently hinted that he could be returning to Jamaica soon following his son’s freedom. Mavado’s son, Dantay Brooks, was freed of a murder conviction by the Court of Appeal two weeks ago following his life sentence in 2021. The “So Special” singer celebrated the legal wi... »
A high school track and field event in Virginia took an unsporting turn when a runner was struck in the head with a baton mid-race, leading to serious injuries and controversy. The victim, Kaelen Tucker, a junior at Brookville High School, was competing in the 4×200 meter relay during the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 3 State Indoor Championships at Liberty University on Friday, March 7... »
Squash no longer in ICE custody in Florida Dancehall artist Squash seems to be no longer in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Reported last week that Squash, whose given name is Andre Whittaker, was taken into the custody of ICE agents in Florida on the same day he was granted bail for his firearm possession arrest. A check on the official ICE website on Friday ... »
Veteran reggae singer Cocoa Tea has died. The Jamaican music legend passed early Tuesday morning (March 11) at a hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed with the Gleaner that he passed away following a cardiac arrest. Cocoa Tea, whose real name is Colvin Scott, had been battling health issues for some time and was hospitalized last year following health complications... »
Dancehall deejay Squash is facing deportation to Jamaica following his recent arrest in Florida. Report on February 25 that Squash, whose real name is Andre Whittaker, was taken into custody and hit with firearm possession charges. Squash was charged with possession of a short-barrel shotgun, a rifle, possession of a machine gun, and possession of a concealed firearm. His court date was set for Ma... »
Mavado issued a lengthy statement condemning the Jamaican justice system for imprisoning his son for a crime he said was “concocted.” Report on Friday (March 7) that Mavado’s son, Dantay Brooks, and his co-accused, Andre Hinds, were freed by the Jamaica Court of Appeal four years after they were convicted and sentence life for the murder of Lorenzo Thomas. Police say Thomas was killed in a h... »
Dancehall artiste Squash, whose real name is Andre Maurice Whittaker is believed to be released from police custody after posting a $3,000 bond following his arrest in February on firearm-related charges in Miami, Florida. The 33-year-old entertainer is now set to appear in court on March 26 at 9:15 AM. Squash, a well-known figure in the Jamaican Dancehall scene, was arrested on February 24 after ... »
Dancehall artist Squash is currently in police custody in Florida following his arrest on firearm charges. The Montego Bay deejay was picked up by the Miami-Dade police on Tuesday (February 25). According to court documents obtained by Urban Islandz, Squash, whose real name is Andre Whittaker, was hot with charges of possession of a short-barrel shotgun, possession of a rifle, possession of a mach... »
