Veteran dancehall artiste Frankie Sly has stepped into the simmering fallout between Buju Banton and Wayne Wonder, releasing a pointed new single, Dutty Heart, that lays bare old wounds and highlights broken friendship. There have been tension between Buju Banton and Wayne Wonder amid renewed questions over the authorship of the 1993 hit Murderer. Frankie Sly insists it was a collective effort, ma... »
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. »
The management and legal representatives of Buju Banton have issued a formal statement rejecting what they describe as false and defamatory claims circulating on social media, as tensions continue to build Buju and his longtime friend Wayne Wonder. In a legal notice distributed to media houses on Monday, attorneys representing the Grammy-winning artiste, born Mark Anthony Myrie, stated that the al... »
HOLLYWOOD, United States — Michael B Jordan on Sunday won the best actor Oscar for playing twins confronted with pure evil in vampire race fable “Sinners.” He bested “Marty Supreme” star Timothee Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio of “One Battle After Another,” Wagner Moura (“The Secret Agent”) and Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”). The Oscars kicked off on Sunday after months of expensive campaigns, with all ey... »
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... »
International dancehall group T.O.K delivered an impressive set as the headliners of Panama’s Carnival. “It was our first time headlining the Carnival. It was an amazing experience that we definitely enjoyed. It was very humbling to see all the turnout, support, and the love of the Panamanian people. I really felt at home, and it was a good vibe and good energy. I had heard about it before, but, h... »
No after-service gatherings will take place this week, according to a pastor’s wife, whose private events have stirred debate since first coming to light in late January. She was quick to clarify that the pause is unrelated to the start of Lent, insisting that participation in the season does not serve as “a moral certificate”. Speaking again with THE STAR, she said she has been reflecting on her ... »
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... »
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 ... »
The organisers of one of Jamaican’s most anticipated annual shows, Rebel Salute, plans on taking the event to the USA this year, right after Summer. The festivities will feature live music, food village, art, herb curb, and more. The last staging in Jamaica was on January 18, the first major Reggae show of the calendar year. It was the 31st-anniversary staging of the iconic show that looks to high... »
Organisers of the long-running Rebel Salute music festival announced that the event will not be staged in Jamaica in 2026, citing the far-reaching impact of Hurricane Melissa on planning and logistics. The decision was confirmed in an official statement released Wednesday morning, December 24. According to the organisers, the scale of disruption caused by the hurricane made it impossible to meet t... »
Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, Gabrielle Henry, has issued her first public statement since returning to the island after sustaining serious injuries during the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand. The 28-year-old shared the message on social media on Friday, thanking supporters and outlining her focus on recovery. “In a time that calls for stillness and healing, I am grateful to be in Jamaica and... »
Sprint legend Usain Bolt has partnered with sponsor Puma to donate J$5 million each to St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) and his alma mater William Knibb Memorial High in Trelawny to aid in their recovery following Hurricane Melissa. Both schools were significantly damaged during the passage of the powerful Category 5 storm in late October. STETHS, located in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, su... »
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... »
