Johnny Osbourne, Tarrus Riley Join Forces On New Reggae Revival Anthem

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By News Americas ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. July 14, 2025: Make a joyful noise! Reggae royalty bridges generations as legendary vocalist Johnny Osbourne and modern roots icon Tarrus Riley unite for a soul-stirring new cut: “We Need Love”. Dropping August 1, 2025, via VP Records, the single breathes new life into a deep cut from Osbourne’s seminal 1979 album Truth & Rights — transforming it into a powerful anthem for the present.

Johnny Osborne is releasing a new song with Taurus Riley.

Originally recorded over the Otis Gayle interpretation of The Spinners’ “I’ll Be Around” riddim, the track is steeped in Studio One history. Backed by the legendary Sound Dimension, Gayle’s version — complete with Jackie Mittoo’s iconic organ lines — became a staple of Jamaica’s sound system scene and a foundation stone in Osbourne’s early solo career after returning from Canada.

Fast forward to 2025, and the timeless message of “We Need Love” is reignited through a bold, collaborative reworking with Tarrus Riley — an artist whose voice has defined the modern roots era. Together, the two vocalists bring spiritual uplift and rhythmic finesse to this righteous reggae revival, layering harmony, soul, and grit over a fresh mix that honors the original while blazing its own path.

The release is the first glimpse of Osbourne’s upcoming album, Universal Love Showcase, set to arrive August 29, 2025, marking a new chapter in the singer’s storied career.

Behind the boards, the project is powered by respected producer Frenchie of Maximum Sound, whose credits include work with Luciano, Anthony B, and other reggae luminaries. Gregory Morris adds a modern dub touch, while the legendary Dean Fraser lends saxophone and arrangement, culminating in a striking solo that nods to past versions of the riddim — including Chronixx’s “Majesty” from Roots & Chalice (2016).

Uplifting, spiritual, and unapologetically rooted, “We Need Love” is a handclapping, foot-stomping reminder of reggae’s timeless call for unity — a message that feels more urgent than ever.

Listen HERE first

“We Need Love” drops on all digital platforms August 1, 2025.

Trinidad’s Kes Music Featured In Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Destination Wedding

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, July 14, 2025: Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant soca sound is now streaming across the globe, thanks to a high-profile feature in Tyler Perry’s latest Netflix release, Madea’s Destination Wedding. The blockbuster comedy, which premiered on July 11, includes the infectious track “Love It” by Kes the Band, one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated musical groups.

FLASHBACK – Kes performing live on stage at Mann Center For Performing Arts on September 09, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images)

The feel-good inclusion has sparked a wave of regional pride, with Caribbean fans taking to social media to cheer the soundtrack credit — and to celebrate what many are calling “another huge win for Trinbago music culture.” Madea’s Destination Wedding marks a rare but welcome moment where Caribbean sound, style, and scenery all align in a major U.S. production.

The film, shot partially in the Bahamas, especially at the iconic Atlantis Paradise Island, features a tropical backdrop and a cast peppered with local talent. According to casting director Kevvanna Hall, more than 300 Bahamian actors and extras were hired for the film. Hall, who owns the casting company Rhythm in Motion, nearly passed on the opportunity.

“Honestly, I thought it was a scam,” she admitted. “But when I got the call from Tyler Perry Studios, I knew it was real.”

Tyler Perry attends a special screening of Madea’s Destination Wedding ATL at Regal Atlantic Station on July 10, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Netflix)

Caribbean Vibes, Global Stage
While the film has drawn mixed reviews online — with some viewers criticizing its editing and storyline — Caribbean audiences have remained laser-focused on the positive: the music.

At the end of the movie, Kes is formally credited for his contribution, and fans were quick to note how seamlessly “Love It” complemented the film’s island setting. The track’s inclusion is more than a nod to Trinidad’s musical prowess; it places Kes among a growing list of Caribbean artists whose sound is making waves in international cinema.

“Seeing Kes in the credits felt like a big deal,” said one viewer on X. “It’s about time our music gets this kind of recognition on global platforms.”

A Madea Movie with a Caribbean Twist
The film’s setting in the Bahamas offers a sunny, sea-splashed backdrop that’s relatively new for Perry’s long-running Madea series. Though much of the production was shot in just 11 days at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, the Caribbean essence was preserved thanks to location scenes and a soundtrack that leaned into island vibes.

And while the plot may not have earned glowing praise — reviews have ranged from “cute” to “cringeworthy” — the impact for Caribbean creatives is undeniable.

From casting to music to location, Madea’s Destination Wedding offers a rare showcase for regional talent in a genre and franchise that reaches millions.

Caribbean Creatives On the Rise
For Kes the Band, whose high-energy blend of soca, reggae, and soul has already earned them a global following, this latest achievement adds another milestone to their journey.

As soca continues to push beyond Carnival stages and into global consciousness, features like this help prove what Caribbean fans already know: our music is world-class — and it belongs everywhere.

“Love It” by Kes is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Madea’s Destination Wedding is now streaming on Netflix.

Tariffs, Transformation And The Time To Lead

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By Dr. Isaac Newton

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. July 14, 2025: With President Donald J. Trump back in office, his administration has begun re-imposing and expanding tariffs on key imports. Among the most affected are Caribbean economies, which depend heavily on exports to the United States. Jamaica, for instance, has reported a sharp rise in trade costs, with aluminum and bauxite exports now facing up to 17 percent in additional duties. Exporters throughout the region are also confronting increased shipping fees, higher insurance premiums, and longer customs processing times. This is not merely an economic inconvenience. It is a wake-up call. The Caribbean must decide: will we passively endure another cycle of dependency, or will we courageously redesign our economic future?

FLASHBACK: US President Donald Trump holds a chart as he delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled “Make America Wealthy Again” at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

The global economy is evolving rapidly. Leadership must now be shaped by global awareness, technological readiness, and strategic foresight. According to the Caribbean Export Development Agency, trade between CARICOM and African nations still accounts for less than four percent of total external trade. This is despite Africa’s population now surpassing 1.46 billion people and witnessing strong gross domestic product (GDP) growth in countries such as Rwanda, Ghana, and Kenya. GDP, which measures the total value of goods and services produced in a country, is a vital indicator of economic opportunity, and Africa is surging.

Some Caribbean nations have started to tap into this potential. Trinidad and Ghana are in formal discussions around energy cooperation. Jamaica, with its global cultural influence, is well-positioned to expand intellectual property partnerships and digital service exports with nations such as Nigeria and South Africa. Barbados is forging climate and finance partnerships with Kenya and Namibia, focused on renewable energy and sustainable development.

This is the moment to finalize trade agreements with the African Continental Free Trade Area, (AfCFTA), the world’s largest single market comprising 54 countries. The Caribbean must also accelerate engagement with MERCOSUR, the Southern Common Market comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and deepen economic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, (ASEAN), which represents over 600 million people and some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. By doing so, the region can redefine itself as a strategic trade bridge connecting the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Yet, transformation begins at home. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, (MSMEs) employ more than 70 percent of the Caribbean workforce, yet receive less than 11 percent of total private-sector credit, according to the Caribbean Development Bank’s 2024 report. This financing gap stifles innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth. Guyana’s agro-processing sector, Haiti’s artisan cooperatives, and Saint Vincent’s organic farming initiatives all have untapped potential. To unlock it, CARICOM governments must unite to create a regional development finance institution capable of pooling public and private capital. Targeted funding must be paired with business development services, digital training programs, and simplified tax and regulatory frameworks for emerging enterprises.

We already see proof of progress. In Jamaica, the Lynk digital wallet has registered over 500,000 users since its 2022 launch. It empowers small businesses to receive instant payments and operate without reliance on cash. In Barbados, the Blue Economy Innovation Hub, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank, is nurturing startups focused on marine biotechnology, sustainable tourism, and fisheries. These examples underscore what is possible when public policy aligns with innovation and community priorities.

The region’s infrastructure, however, must catch up. According to the 2025 Caribbean Maritime and Logistics Survey, fewer than 55 percent of CARICOM’s customs and port systems are fully digitalized. The result: excessive paperwork, delays, and inflated logistics costs. Shipping goods from Trinidad to Dominica can take over four days due to manual clearance processes. In contrast, ports in Singapore, the Netherlands, and South Korea process cargo in under 24 hours using streamlined digital systems. The Caribbean must adopt modern e-customs platforms, blockchain-backed export tracking, and harmonized regional standards for trade documentation. This is essential for faster trade, greater transparency, and increased competitiveness.

Even in the region’s most challenging contexts, innovation is taking root. In Haiti, solar-powered cooperatives are supporting rural digital hubs and agricultural startups in regions such as Plateau Central and Artibonite. These centers offer online education, mobile banking, and small business development, all sustained by renewable energy. This proves that, with visionary leadership and strong partnerships, progress is possible even in adversity.

For more than three decades, I have worked alongside governments, faith-based institutions, and international partners across Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America to reform public institutions and design high-performance systems. Whether advising Liberia’s transitional government, crafting youth empowerment strategies in Antigua and Barbuda, building conflict resolution tools in Saint Lucia, developing change management models in Jamaica, or leading political campaign strategies across the region, or lecturing at our universities on reimagining the future, or preaching and teaching in our faith-based institutions on policy transformation, my mission has remained constant: leadership must serve people and produce systems that endure.

The Caribbean’s moment is now. Tariffs may bruise our trade, but outdated thinking poses a far greater threat. Let us not respond with fear, but with fresh vision. Let us trade not only goods, but creativity, services, and ideas. Let us lead not by clinging to the past, but by preparing our people for the future we are destined to shape.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Isaac Newton is a Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia-trained expert in change management, public sector reform, and international development. Advisor to governments, faith institutions, and multilateral organizations. Author and keynote speaker on governance, strategy, and leadership for the Global South.

Baby Cham, Stephen Marley & Damian Marley Unite For Gritty Street Anthem “Hustling In My Blood”

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 11, 2025: Three titans of Jamaican music – Baby Cham, Stephen Marley, and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley—join forces on the explosive new single “Hustling In My Blood,” out today (July 11) via Lawless Army Music, Cham’s independent label.

The track marks the first single off Cham’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, Sherlock, dropping July 25th.

Produced by the UK hitmakers The FaNaTiX, whose credits span Vybz Kartel, Giggs, Stylo G, and Nicki Minaj, the track is an unapologetic anthem of resilience, ambition, and survival. It’s a raw, triumphant celebration of hustle culture – woven deeply into Jamaican identity.

“This song is an anthem! A true hustler’s anthem,” Cham says. “It reminds people that you can make it through anything. You just can’t give up.”

Three Powerhouses, One Message

On “Hustling In My Blood,” Cham and Jr. Gong go bar-for-bar over militant drums and haunting horns, while Stephen Marley delivers a soaring, soulful chorus:
“Hustling ina mi blood, guh for it ina di mud,
Tru the fire and the flood, listen to my every wud,
Whoa, we the strongest of the strongest,
Whoa, we will be here the longest.”

Watch the Video Now

Directed by Jay Lenz (Finesse2tymes, Plies), the official music video, shot on location in Miami, brings the record to life with gritty urban visuals and powerful performances from all three artists. It’s already gaining buzz across reggae and hip-hop circles.

Watch “Hustling In My Blood” on Baby Cham’s YouTube now.

A Veteran With New Fire

Cham, who burst onto the international scene with hits like “Ghetto Story” feat. Alicia Keys, “Vitamin S,” and “Joyride,” continues to evolve as one of dancehall’s most versatile lyricists and cultural storytellers.

Still collaborating with his longtime mentor Dave Kelly, Cham has kept his finger on the pulse of both street and global music culture. From working with Foxy Brown to Usain Bolt, Cham remains a force – consistently fusing dancehall DNA with crossover appeal.

Sherlock, due July 25, promises to be a bold chapter in Cham’s ongoing legacy.

Carl Meeks’ Digital Dancehall Classic “Weh Dem Fah” Gets First-Ever Digital Reissue

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. July 10, 2025: VP Records’ reissue arm 17 North Parade is set to drop a digital-era dancehall gem this summer with the first-ever digital release of Carl Meeks’ “Weh Dem Fah.” The Hugh “Redman” James-produced track – and full album – will arrive on July 18th, remastered from the original studio tapes for streaming and digital platforms. You can, however, listen to it here first.

Originally released as a 12″ single in 1987, “Weh Dem Fah” quickly became a standout in Meeks’ catalog, capturing the energy of Jamaica’s then-emerging digital dancehall movement. Recorded at Gussie Clarke’s Anchor Studio, the track features production by Steely & Clevie, whose Yamaha CS-01, DX-100 synths, and Oberheim DX drum machine defined the futuristic sound of the era.

The reissue marks a key moment in VP’s ongoing high-definition archive series, spotlighting foundational dancehall and roots releases from the late 1970s through the digital revolution of the late ’80s.

“Weh Dem Fah” was a breakout moment for Meeks, who first gained national attention in 1983 after finishing runner-up at Jamaica’s Tastee Talent Competition, performing Johnny Osbourne’s “Ice Cream Love.” That performance caught the attention of Yellowman, who brought Meeks into the sound system scene—opening the door to future studio work with Redman.

In an archival interview, Meeks recalled the studio session that launched his career: “Redman heard me sing and said, ‘Yeah, I’m going to have studio time at Gussie studio with Souljie—be there.’ That’s how ‘Weh Dem Fah’ happened.”

Following the success of the single, Redman and Meeks returned to the studio to complete a nine-track album, enlisting Steely & Clevie to provide riddims. The 1988 LP was accompanied by cover art from Wilfred Limonious, one of Jamaica’s most iconic visual artists.

While the album circulated on vinyl and cassette in its original release, this will be the first time the full project is available digitally, complete with an instrumental and extended version of the title track.

“Weh Dem Fah” will be available globally on July 18 via VP Records / 17 North Parade. LISTEN TO IT HERE

The Mighty Sparrow Is 90

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BY NAN ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. July 9, 2025: Calypso’s crown jewel, The Mighty Sparrow, turns 90 today, and many Caribbean nationals around the world are pausing to honor the man who transformed a regional tradition into a global force.

Trinidadian Calypso monarch the Mighty Sparrow, performing at the Lincoln Center Out of Doors ‘Caribbean Cultural Center: 30 Years of Carnival’ concert in Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park, New York, New York, on August 13, 2006. He turned 90 on July 9, 2025. (Photo by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images)

Born Slinger Francisco in Grand Roy, Grenada, on July 9, 1935, and raised in Trinidad from the age of one, the man known to millions as The Mighty Sparrow has defined Caribbean music, commentary, and charisma for more than seven decades. His title as the “Calypso King of the World” isn’t just honorary – it’s earned.

With unmatched lyrical sharpness, vocal prowess, and cultural impact, Sparrow’s music captured the Caribbean’s heartbeat through Carnival hits, political critiques, and unapologetically bold storytelling. Today, he stands among the rare few whose voices have shaped not just songs, but national consciousness.

“No one has documented the Caribbean condition with as much wit, skill, and courage as Sparrow,” said fellow calypsonian and historian Chalkdust (Dr. Hollis Liverpool). “His calypsoes are historical records.”

The Voice of a Region

FLASHBACK – Calypso singer and songwriter Mighty Sparrow at London Airport, March 15th 1962. (Photo by George Stroud/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Sparrow’s breakout came in 1956, when his legendary hit “Jean and Dinah” won him the Calypso Monarch crown and instantly rewrote the genre’s rulebook. From there, his rise was meteoric. He headlined calypso tents, dropped album after album, and wrote hundreds of songs that blended humor with razor-sharp political and social critique.

His discography includes classics like “Congo Man,” “Melda,” “Sparrow Dead,” “Slave,” and “Education” – tracks that tackled everything from colonialism to morality, with a wit and boldness that became Sparrow’s calling card.

Tributes from Across the Diaspora

On his 90th birthday, tributes are pouring in from around the globe – from fellow artists to heads of state to fans who grew up dancing to his music.

David Rudder called him “the reason many of us picked up a microphone.”
Calypso Rose praised him as “a brother in music” who pushed her to be better.
Machel Montano wrote: “We stand on Sparrow’s shoulders… His music is forever.”

Despite health challenges and no longer performing, Sparrow’s spirit remains strong. His last major live performance, “Live at 85!” at Joe’s Pub in New York, was a sold-out celebration of legacy. These days, he splits his time between New York and Trinidad, still sharp in interviews and full of stories from the golden era of calypso.

A Global Calypso Ambassador

Sparrow’s contributions stretch far beyond music. He has been a vocal champion of Caribbean unity, Black pride, and working-class struggles—often when it was risky to do so. He’s received countless awards, including the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) and the Chaconia Gold Medal, as well as international honors from the U.K. and Caribbean diaspora groups.

His influence extends across generations of artists—from soca to reggae to hip hop—who cite his lyrical storytelling and stage command as foundational.

The Bird Still Flies

As he turns 90, The Mighty Sparrow may no longer rule the stage, but his legacy is alive and roaring in the DNA of Caribbean culture. His voice, wit, and vision continue to shape how the world hears, understands, and dances to the Caribbean.

And as the calypso tents prepare for next Carnival season, his music will surely echo – louder than ever. Happy 90th to the Birdie. Long live the King.

From Abuja To Basseterre: How Prime Minister Terrance Drew and Aisha Maina Are Championing A New Africa–Caribbean Alliance

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News Americas, Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, July 9, 2025: Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, is being recognised as one of the most forward-looking leaders working to deepen economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Africa and the Caribbean. His recent engagements reflect a serious commitment to long-term cooperation between the two regions.

FLASHBACK – Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, addressing national delegations during the First Part of the High-Level Segment for Heads of States and Governments during the COP28, UN Climate Change Conference, held by UNFCCC in Dubai Exhibition Center, United Arab Emirates on December 2, 2023. COP28, running from November 29 to December 12 focuses on how particular nations managed realization of its climate goals. The Conference in Dubai focuses also on the most vulnerable communities and Loss and Damage Fund. (Photo by Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“Today, the Caribbean is no longer a distant observer to Africa’s renaissance. We have become an active partner as the sixth region of the African Union,” said Dr. Drew during a visit to Abuja, Nigeria, last month.. That statement has since resonated across capitals on both sides of the Atlantic.

That momentum is exemplified by Dr. Drew’s instrumental role in a landmark initiative spearheaded by Nigerian business leader and economic strategist Aisha Maina, Managing Director of Aquarian Consult.

In March 2025, Dr. Drew travelled to Abuja at Maina’s invitation to attend the Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS 25), a bold private-sector-led convening aimed at creating lasting Afro-Caribbean economic frameworks.

“His Excellency, Honourable Terrance Drew, took the chance, planted the seed, and boarded the flight after a series of strategic conversations with a Nigerian woman who said, ‘Come to Nigeria,’ and he did,” said Aisha Maina. “He didn’t come alone. He came with his team and his full commitment.”

Maina also acknowledged Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, for his role in reinforcing the partnership. “There cannot be a great leader without a great team. Honourable Duggins has stood out for his belief in the vision, his clear understanding of our goals, and his deep respect for the mission.”

Building on the momentum of the Abuja summit, Aisha Maina personally funded and led a 120-person Nigerian delegation to St. Kitts and Nevis in June 2025. This was the largest African delegation ever to visit the island. Arriving via a chartered Air Peace flight, the group included business leaders, creatives, policymakers, cultural advocates, and youth voices. Their objective was clear: to create new pathways in trade, tourism, investment, education, and cultural connection.
Dr. Drew and his cabinet played a central role in hosting and facilitating the week-long exchange, which included bilateral forums, cultural showcases, and youth engagement sessions, setting a new benchmark for South-South collaboration.

“Prime Minister Drew’s leadership reflects a clear understanding that this is not just about reconnection but about redefinition,” said Maina. “It is about how we co-create value and open new frontiers across sectors for people on both sides.”

Looking ahead, Aquarian Consult and its partners are working on several follow-up initiatives, including:

• The launch of an Afri-Caribbean Youth Fellowship Programme
• A series of Diaspora Policy Labs for shared policymaking and learning
• A second summit to be hosted in the Caribbean in 2026
• Broader platforms for trade, education, and creative industry exchange

This partnership is being built through purposeful action and shared values. The foundations are strong because the people leading it, including Prime Minister Drew and Aisha Maina, are not simply visiting each other’s countries. They are making long-term investments in trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Media Enquiries:
info@sbbmedia.com
www.aquarianconsult.com

Hess Withdraws From Suriname Offshore Oil Block, Ending Exploration Effort

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By News Americas Business Editor

News Americas, PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Weds. July 9, 2025: The American energy company Hess Corporation has quietly ended its pursuit of oil exploration in Block 59, a deepwater offshore area in Suriname, after failing to secure drilling partners and determining the project carried excessive risk.

The withdrawal was confirmed by Suriname’s state-owned oil firm, Staatsolie, which said Hess had fulfilled its minimum exploration requirements and opted not to advance to the next phase of its contract. The move effectively relinquishes Block 59, a high-potential but technically challenging zone spanning 11,480 square kilometers in ultra-deep waters.

“Hess has fulfilled its minimum work obligations and decided not to proceed to the next phase of the exploration period ending July 8, 2025,” Staatsolie said in a statement. The block will now be reopened for bidding by new companies.

The retreat comes after ExxonMobil and Equinor (formerly Statoil), original partners in the 2017 Production Sharing Contract, transferred their stakes to Hess last year—leaving the U.S. firm as the sole stakeholder in Block 59.

Despite collecting 6,000 kilometers of 2D seismic data and another 9,000 square kilometers of 3D data, the partners deemed the prospect of drilling an exploration well too risky—a sobering reminder of the technical and financial challenges facing frontier oil plays.

Efforts by Hess to attract new partners throughout the past year were unsuccessful, further underscoring industry caution about offshore Suriname’s unexplored zones.

While the relinquishment marks a setback in Suriname’s ambition to become a major offshore oil player—especially following discoveries in adjacent Guyanese waters – Hess continues to maintain a stake in Block 42, which lies immediately to the south of Block 59.

Staatsolie noted that voluntary withdrawals are common in the energy sector and reflect the exploratory nature of early-stage offshore licensing.

The news adds a sobering note to Suriname’s recent oil narrative, as industry eyes now turn to the country’s more promising southern blocks—and whether next-generation seismic analysis or strategic partnerships will reignite exploration activity.

Unreleased John Holt Track “We Nah Leave” Drops July 11

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. July 9, 2025: To celebrate what would have been Jamaican reggae legend John Holt’s 78th birthday, VP Records’ classic imprint 17 North Parade is giving fans a gift: an unreleased, Henry “Junjo” Lawes-produced track titled “We Nah Leave.” And yes—you can hear it here first.

John Holt performing in the UK. (Photo by James Emmett/Redferns)

Set to drop July 11, 2025, the heavyweight roots anthem was originally recorded in 1981 and is now being released in full high-definition glory. The track has been lifted direct from the original Reel To Reel 1/4” 15 IPS master tape—delivered to Greensleeves Records more than four decades ago but never officially put into production. Mastering engineer Billy Polo has reworked the track, ensuring it now hits as hard and clear as it was meant to.

Though versions of the song previously circulated on Randy’s Jah Guidance label in Jamaica and New York—and even under the title “Not Leaving” on Holt’s own imprint—this marks the first-ever official digital release of the original mix, complete with instrumental and extended versions available across all major platforms.

“We Nah Leave” was crafted by the same sonic dream team that built “Police In Helicopter,” one of reggae’s most iconic protest tracks. Backing Holt is the legendary Roots Radics band, captured in full force at Channel One Studios in Western Kingston. With Style Scott’s militant drums and Flabba Holt’s heavy, hypnotic bass, the track is pure rebel soul—a true sufferah’s anthem for those who know the weight of struggle and the fire of resistance.

And Holt’s vocal? Vintage and defiant – like a man refusing to be moved.

John Kenneth Holt, OD, was a legendary Jamaican reggae singer who rose to prominence as a member of The Paragons before launching a successful solo career that helped shape the sound of lovers rock and roots reggae.

Born in the Greenwich Farm district of Kingston, Jamaica, Holt was immersed in music from an early age. His mother, Amy, worked as a nurse, while young John quickly showed signs of remarkable vocal talent. By the age of 12, he had become a familiar face on the island’s talent show circuit, regularly competing in the popular Vere Johns Opportunity Hour contests held at local theatres. Holt won 28 competitions, many of which were broadcast live on Radio Jamaica, setting the stage for a career that would span more than five decades. Holt died in October 2014. He was just 67.

“We Nah Leave” drops July 11 on all digital platforms via VP Records. LISTEN TO IT HERE FIRST

Haiti’s Historic Hotel Oloffson Burnt By Gangs

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By Staff Writer

News Americas, PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Tues. July 8, 2025: One of Haiti’s most treasured architectural landmarks, the iconic Hotel Oloffson, was reduced to ashes this week after gang members reportedly set fire to the property in the upscale Pacot neighborhood of Port-au-Prince.

The hotel’s owner, Richard Auguste Morse, confirmed the devastating loss via social media.

“The Hotel Oloffson has burned to the ground…” Morse posted on X (formerly Twitter), marking a somber end to the centuries-old cultural institution.

Authorities have attributed the arson attack to the notorious “Viv Ansanm” gang coalition, which continues to sow chaos across the capital. The destruction of the Oloffson represents not just a loss of property, but a blow to Haiti’s historical and cultural fabric.

The front of the Victorian-style Grand Hotel Olaffson in Port au Prince, Haiti before it was burnt by gangs in July 2025.

Built entirely of wood in the intricate “gingerbread” architectural style, the hotel was originally constructed in the 1890s as a private residence for the family of Haitian President Tirésias Simon Sam (1896–1902). During the U.S. Marine occupation of Haiti beginning in 1915, the property was repurposed as a military hospital until the occupation ended in 1934.

In 1935, Swedish Navy Captain Werner Gustav Oloffson converted the building into a hotel, which quickly became a hub for artists, intellectuals, and global celebrities. Over the decades, it hosted names such as Jackie Onassis Kennedy, Mick Jagger, Graham Greene, and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

However, the hotel’s popularity waned during the 1980s under the repressive regime of Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier. In 1987, musician and cultural figure Richard Morse took over as owner and began reviving the space with weekly performances by his band RAM and other cultural events, reestablishing the Oloffson as a heartbeat of Haitian artistic life.

Despite its legacy, the hotel had not been accepting guests in recent months due to escalating gang violence in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. The fire marks yet another tragic chapter in Haiti’s ongoing security crisis.

Photos circulating online show the once-vibrant structure reduced to smoldering ruins – a haunting image of a nation struggling to preserve its cultural identity amid lawlessness and unrest.