Jamaican dancehall artiste Rygin King has been detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). King, whose given name is Matthew Smith, was reportedly taken into custody yesterday. His detention is listed on ICE’s website. No further details have been provided regarding the circumstances surrounding his detention. »
Reggae Sumfest 2026 will not be held at its home in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay. Instead, the festival heads to a new venue, Plantation Cove in St Ann for this year’s staging, for what the organisers say will be a one-off, one-night event, even as they emphasise that MoBay is its home. “A Taste of Reggae Sumfest [will be] a special one-night experience that will take place at Plantation Cove. It’s... »
Dancehall artistes Vybz Kartel and Mavado are set to share the Reggae Sumfest stage on July 18, 2026, at Plantation Cove in St Ann. The former dancehall rivals who led a pivotal period in Jamaica’s dancehall history, the Gully and Gaza clash at Sting, are set to share the stage once more. This was announced by the event’s organisers in a social media post on Friday. “A decade of rivalry… a lifetim... »
One of Buju Banton’s sons, Jahazeil Myrie, has been sharing his spiritual journey online in recent years and over the weekend, he appeared in his most recent interview in which he talked about his father, family and the many challenges he faced in life. As per Jahazeil Myrie, as a youngster, he did not have bad experiences, however, a lot of things changed when he became a man, highlighting that h... »
As Reggae Month activities intensify, the music’s influence is being felt far beyond its signature sound. Rooted in resistance and social consciousness, reggae continues to serve as a vehicle for justice. Embracing that tradition, Gramps Morgan has joined forces with Gassy Dread — the recording identity of Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne — on a new single titled Reparations. The s... »
Keznamdi walked away with the Best Reggae Album award at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, earning his first win with his second studio project, ‘Blxxd & Fyah‘. The Rastafarian singer faced an all-Jamaican shortlist that also included Lila Iké with ‘Treasure Self Love‘, Jesse Royal’s ‘No Place Like Home‘, Mortimer’s ‘From Within‘, and Kartel’s ‘First Week Out‘. Despite the competition, Keznamdi’s indepe... »
Dancehall entertainer Kiprich and his partner, Kizzy Donn, are mourning the death of their newborn daughter, who died while receiving medical care overseas. The baby, named Miracle, was born prematurely at six months and had been in intensive care since her birth. The infant passed away approximately two weeks after delivery. A close relative of the mother confirmed the development to the Jamaica ... »
Jahneil Ballentine, the son of incarcerated Dancehall artiste Ninjaman, reportedly fell unconscious in his prison cell and later was diagnosed with a stroke Ballentine, 38, is currently being held at the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, where he was moved to the facility’s medical dorm following the incident. Correctional sources have indicated that arrangements are being made to transfer h... »
Jamaican Dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel has publicly addressed reports that a Trinidad-based promoter has taken legal action against him following the cancellation of a major music event in last year. The artiste, whose given name is Adidja Azim Palmer, issued a brief statement, a day after the lawsuit became public, signalling that he would not engage further as the matter is now before the courts... »
On Wednesday, news broke that Jamaican Dancehall artiste Akeeme Jermane Campbell, better known as Chronic Law was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE. As per reports, the St. Thomas native was detained on Tuesday and remains in custody. The immigration officials have not released official charges, or indicated where the entertainer is being held. However, some reports online ar... »
‘We dem a do’ was released in 2006, it is Mavado’s follow-up hit to his breakout hit song ‘Real Mckoy’ which was released in 2005. 2026 marks ‘Weh dem a do’ second decade or 20 years of release. ‘Mavado Weh Dem a do’ is a hardcore Dancehall song, letting everyone know that disrespects won’t be taken lightly because he has his own guns.’ “Weh dem a duh, weh dem a try, marrow wi fly to the sky... »
What would Dancehall look like without the influence and endeavours of Bounty Killer in the genre? Well, as a starter, there would be an absence of at least 10 artistes who we have grown to love over the years. He has been directly influential or indirectly influential in the career of over a dozen popular artistes, starting with ‘Scare Dem Crew’ which was originated in his home community of Seavi... »
A day after Vybz Kartel’s 50th birthday, former member of the Gaza Crew, Sikka Rymes who was labelled as the Gaza vice-president up until a few years ago is continuing his condemnation of his former boss and crew members including Shawn Storm and Mad Suss. In an interview released on Thursday, Sikka details that he initially was working with Shawn Storm, bringing him food items and doing other dee... »
Bounty Killer has been consistent in recent weeks about his support for Masicka and lack of support for members of the Gaza circle including Tommy Lee Sparta who he had a lyrical feud with in the past. Days before Christmas, he answered to a comment of someone asking him, if himself and Vybz Kartel are on good terms, he stated, “I would like to know as well bcuz I said I rather Masicka over Tammy ... »
Almost a day after posting on social media that he is returning in a year and a couple months’ time, latest reports confirm that Jah Cure’s wait for freedom will be longer. The Amsterdam Court of Appeal has now sentenced him to eight years and four months in connection to the stabbing of a concert promoter in 2021. The reported ruling, which was handed down on Thursday October 30, extends the arti... »
journalist Andrew Williams reported that the son of Mavado, Dantay Brooks is in police custody. Notably, Dantay was released from prison this year after spending several years behind bars. Hence, news of his arrest again has been drawing attention online. The caption for the social media post reads, “Breaking Dante Brooks, son of dancehall giant Mavado is currently in police custody.” It continues... »
Minister Marion Hall, formerly known as Dancehall artiste Lady Saw, shared deeply personal details about her past during her regular Wednesday livestream. Now a pastor at The Holy Ghost Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ, Hall used the session to speak candidly about her first sexual encounter, which she revealed was a “rape” that occurred when she was in her late teens. Dressed in a white gown an... »
Dancehall artiste David ‘Mavado’ Brooks has taken a significant step toward resolving his long-standing legal issues after meeting with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on Wednesday morning. According to reports, the meeting took place at the Constant Spring Police Station in St Andrew, where it is understood that the arrest warrant issued for the entertainer in 2018 was vacated, meaning it is... »
Veteran dancehall artist Future Fambo had an ephiphany after suffering a mild heart attack on Sunday in New York. The Rum and Red Bull singer said that he is considering becoming a Christian in January next year. “Mi ah gi dem a last run and leave this life behind. Mi tired of the hypocrisy, the lying, the clout-chasing, it is mind-boggling sometimes,” he said. Recently, Future Fambo released a go... »
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s landmark single Welcome To Jamrock has officially been certified Platinum in the United Kingdom, nearly two decades after its release. According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the track was awarded a BRIT Certified Platinum plaque on Friday, October 3, signifying over 600,000 units (sales and streaming equivalents) in the UK, as measured by the Official Char... »
Shabba Ranks’ 1992 single Mr. Loverman is now certified Silver in the United Kingdom, his first certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). According to the BPI, the track was awarded a BRIT Certified Silver plaque on Friday, October 10, after surpassing 200,000 units (sales and streaming equivalents) in the UK, as measured by the Official Charts Company. The song first appeared in... »
Veteran Dancehall artiste Warren Gladstone Williams, popularly known as Future Fambo, revealed on Sunday that he suffered a heart-related emergency. The entertainer, known for hits such as ‘Rum and Red Bull‘, shared a 28-second video clip online, showing himself lying on a sofa with wires attached to various parts of his body as paramedics from the FDNY attended to him. The post was captioned, “Ju... »
On Friday, October 3, the home of veteran Dancehall star Sheldon Lawrence, popularly known as Aidonia, was searched during a major police operation in St Andrew. The early morning raid, carried out by the St Andrew North Police at around 5 a.m., formed part of a wider crackdown targeting illegal firearms in the area. Several properties were searched during the coordinated operation, including the ... »
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison following his conviction in July on two prostitution-related charges. The sentence, handed down by Judge Arun Subramanian on Friday, September 3 also included a $500,000 fine, the maximum allowed by law. Combs, 55, will serve approximately 36 months after being credited for the 13 months already spent in custody. He appeared subdued in c... »
More than a decade after his death, Jamaican-born hip hop legend Dwight Myers, also known as Heavy D, was posthumously honored by the Irie Jam Foundation in New York with the Purpose Talk Legacy Honor Award. The event took place recently at the Resorts World Casino in Queens. Heavy D’s parents, Eulahlee and Clifford Myers, accepted the award on his behalf. Syntyche “Syn” Clarke, co-chair of the Ir... »
Montego Bay Dancehall star Squash is set to learn his fate in a US federal court later this year, with sentencing scheduled for 24 November. The deejay, whose real name is Andrae Maurice Whittaker, recently pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. The charge stems from a traffic stop in February, during which police recovered two Glock pistols. Squash had reportedly bee... »
Dancehall star Squash has pleaded guilty in his firearm possession case in South Florida. The Montego Bay deejay returned to court on Friday (September 5), where he formally entered his plea in exchange for a reduced sentencing. According to court documents, Squash, whose real name is Andre Maurice Whittaker to one count of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm or ammunition. In exchan... »
Swizz Beatz has responded to recent rumors about his marriage with Alicia Keys hitting the rocks. Following weeks of speculation online, the super producer says his marriage to Alicia Keys is doing just fine. Swizz Beatz shared a video of himself and the singer dancing while calling out folks online spreading rumors that they are heading for a divorce. “Everybody knew we was divorced but us,” the ... »
With the general election set for September 3, the political energy across the country is strong as people openly show support for their political party of choice. One party that continues to receive strong backing from many Jamaican entertainers is the People’s National Party (PNP). Over the years, many well known Jamaicans who are not politicians from entertainment, business, sports, and other s... »
With Jamaica’s general election set for Wednesday, September 3, the role of Dancehall entertainers in local politics has once again come to the forefront. While the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is not traditionally known for having widespread support from the top names in Dancehall, the party does have a handful of artistes who have shown loyalty to the “green team.” However, when it comes to the Pe... »
Reports are saying that Dancehall artiste, Squash will no longer face a jury trial in the United States after deciding to change his plea in a federal gun case. The entertainer, whose real name is Andrae Whittaker, is expected to officially enter a guilty plea in court on September 3. This decision comes just before his trial was set to begin on September 2. The St James native deejay had up until... »
The legal pressure seems to be mounting on Dancehall artiste Squash, as U.S. federal prosecutors move to use his own music, phone videos, and messages as evidence in the gun-related case against him. The entertainer, born Andrae Whittaker, was arrested in February during a traffic stop in Miami, Florida. He’s now facing serious federal charges, including unlawful possession of a machine gun and be... »
Vybz Kartel reflects on his prison release a year ago on July 31st. The dancehall legend walked out of the Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility a year ago with his two co-accused, Shawn ‘Storm’ Campbell and Andre St. John, also known as Mad Suss. Vybz Kartel had been fighting for his freedom for thirteen years before catching a big break in his final appeal to the UK Privy Council.... »
Veteran Dancehall artiste, Baby Cham is currently grieving the loss of his Mother. The ‘Ghetto Story’ hitmaker confirmed the news in a series of posts in memory of his Mother on Monday, August 4. One of the posts captioned, “The Most Beautiful Human Being I Know, ONE DON MAMA JENNIE. May Jehovah Prepare A Place For You, I’m Gonna Miss You So Much . One Don, Mama Jennie I Love You With All My Bo... »
One of the many pillars of Jamaican culture is family, some are more about it than others. However, male Dancehall and Reggae artistes, specifically, have been known and stereotyped to have a large amount of children, usually with more than one partner. This was highlighted by a post, recent published on Instagram by Reggae artiste Nesbeth. This post shows a number of Dancehall icons and legends a... »
