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Busy Signal Drops Summer Anthem “Party Next Door”

News Americas, New York, NY, May 23, 2025: Jamaican dancehall star Busy Signal is officially turning up the heat and kicking off the summer party season with a high-energy bang, thanks to his sizzling new single “Party Next Door,” now streaming on all major platforms via Nuh Rush Records and distributed by Tuff Gong International.

Known for igniting dancefloors across the globe, the Jamaican hitmaker has teamed up once again with veteran producer and longtime collaborator IamNuhRush, (aka Junior Brown), to deliver what’s already being hailed as a summer anthem. And if the music alone doesn’t do it for you, the just-dropped official video will.

Premiered exclusively on Boomshots, the go-to platform for reggae and dancehall culture, the video is everything a party lover dreams of—sun-soaked vibes, big riddims, tight security, and a guest list hotter than the Jamaican sun. Directed by the creative force 300, the visuals take fans to a hilltop mansion bash where bottles pop, the vibes are up, and the music hits hard. Adding a dose of humor is rising actor Trilla Milla, who plays a persistent gatecrasher trying every trick to get into the event – until Busy himself clears the way.

“Turning up to dancehall, take it back to basic, original dem cah replace it,” Busy chants in the track, which is laced with heavy bass and infectious hooks that guarantee this one’s destined to dominate playlists and party scenes from Kingston to Queens.

Rob Kenner, founding editor of Boomshots, nailed the sentiment perfectly: “What better way to kick off Memorial Day weekend than with this banger? ‘Party Next Door’ is a prime example of a champion DJ in action.”

The release comes just in time for the start of summer and carries Busy Signal’s unmistakable stamp of energy, versatility, and global appeal. Fans of the dancehall icon know to expect nothing less. With past hits like “Watch Out For This (Bumaye)” with Major Lazer, “Come Over,” and “Bedroom Bully,” Busy has consistently delivered, fusing Caribbean flavor with global beats including Afrobeat, EDM, hip hop, and Soca.

This isn’t the first magic Busy and IamNuhRush have made together. Their previous collaborations – like “Big Chune,” “Steam Chalice,” and “Cruising”—have all garnered acclaim. But “Party Next Door” is poised to take their creative synergy to new heights.

So whether you’re on a rooftop in New York, a beach in Miami, or a yard in Montego Bay, turn up the volume – because Busy Signal just declared that summer has officially started.

WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO HERE

Decolonising Co-Production: CaribbeanTales Brings The Diaspora Home

News Americas, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, May 20,2025: The Caribbean is calling her children home.

In just 3 weeks, the Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025, hosted by CaribbeanTales Media Group, (CTMG), in partnership with the Department of Creative and Performing Arts, UWI Cave Hill,  will bring together leading film and television producers  from the UK, Canada, South Africa, the US, and across the Caribbean. They will join creatives, cultural entrepreneurs and the general public, for five powerful days in beautiful Barbados.

Under the theme “Decolonising Co-Production,” the Forum will explore innovative ways to foster collaboration through the empowering lens of the Global South.

“We’re creating a space where Global South producers from around the world can meet on our home soil to together shape new models of financing, storytelling, and ownership,” said Frances-Anne Solomon, founder of CTMG and the visionary force behind the Forum.

Canada will have the largest number of film producers at this year’s Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025, hosted by CaribbeanTales Media Group, (CTMG), in partnership with the Department of Creative and Performing Arts and UWI Cave Hill.

Producers will be joining from the following countries:

Canada  – (10)Jennifer HolnessFloyd KaneJennifer PodemskiAndrew Burrows-TrotmanNauzanin KnightGail MauriceVirinder SinghIfe AlabaGeorge Tamakloe

Yejide Emioladipupo

United Kingdom – (6)Ameenah Ayub AllenJonte RichardsonEmma GrazetteLauren GeeFemi Oyeniran

Victoria Thomas

The Caribbean

            Trinidad & Tobago – (3)

Sophie WalcottCamille Abrahams

Shari Petti

            Barbados – (4)

Penelope HynamAlison  Sealy SmithRyan Wilfred

Sheldon St.Clair

                The Bahamas – (3)

Tabitha RitchieKarel Pinder

Maria Govan

            The Dominican Republic – (2)

Eunice Levis

Jenna Cavelle

            Guyana – (2)

Victoria Arjoon

Mason Richar

South Africa – (2)Nhlanhla Mthethwa

SB Sithebe

A Forum For Cultural, Economic, And Creative Evolution

Now in its second year, CCF aims to become a vital platform for reshaping co-production norms and building lasting partnerships across borders.

For the Canada Media Fund, one of the Forum’s key funders, the sense of homecoming is profound. During the Forum’s online opening, CMF’s Joy Loewen remarked, “It’s long overdue. We need to build meaningful and sustainable bridges between our industries and our communities.”

The event addresses critical inequities in the global media production landscape. Agnieszka Moody, Head of International Relations at the British Film Institute, emphasized, “The old models of production and co-production disproportionately favor the Global North. The Cross Continental Forum offers a space to create a blueprint for new ones built on trust, equity, and shared legacy.”

More Than Culture This Is Economic Empowerment

South African producer Kethiwe Ngcobo reflected on the significance of this gathering, “We are here to work, to connect, and to create wealth from our stories. This is not just about culture – it’s about economics. And it starts with us, together.”

ABOUT THE CROSS CONTINENTAL FORUM

The Cross Continental Forum (CCF) 2025 is a production of CaribbeanTales Media Group in collaboration with the Department of Creative and Performing Arts (UWI Cave Hill). Support for the CCF is generously provided by numerous organizations, including the Canada Media Fund, British Film Institute, Mango Bay Group of Companies, Invest Barbados, Inter-American Development Bank, Picture NL, National Cultural Foundation of Barbados, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, Barbados Film and Television Association, Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago, Telefilm Canada, and many other international partners.

Guiding CCF 2025 is a Steering Group comprised of: Frances-Anne Solomon (CEO, CaribbeanTales Media Group), Andrew Millington (Head, Department of Creative and Performing Arts – UWI Cave Hill), CCH Pounder (Guyanese-born actor and activist), Dr. Keith Nurse (Founding Chair, CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution and President of COSTAATT), Zikethiwe Ngcobo (CEO, Fuzebox Entertainment, South Africa), John Reid (Former CEO of FLOW Telecommunications, Caribbean and Latin America), Agnieszka Moody (Head of International Relations, British Film Institute), Chloe Sosa Simms (CBC Senior Advisor, Acquisitions), and international events producer Diana Webley (Director of Events, CaribbeanTales Media Group).

Case Against Dancehall Artiste Kiprich Adjourned

News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Tues. May 21, 2025: The legal case against Jamaican born dancehall artiste, Kiprich, who is facing criminal charges for allegedly promoting gang violence through music, has been adjourned until September 16, 2025.

FLASHBACK: Kiprich during Reggae Sunsplash in Japan 2006 at Yokohama Minato Mirai 21 in Yokohama, Japan. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)

The decision was handed down today by Acting Senior Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle at the St Catherine Parish Court, after it was revealed that the case file remains incomplete. A critical report from the police’s Communication Forensic Cybercrime Division is still outstanding.

Kiprich, 45, whose real name is Marlon Plunkett, is charged with the use of audio and audiovisual communication to promote criminal activity. The charges stem from a song titled Stay Far Freestyle, which authorities allege glorifies criminality and pays tribute to Othniel ‘Thickman’ Lobban, the alleged leader of the One Order Gang who was fatally shot by law enforcement officers.

According to police, the song was circulated on WhatsApp on January 25, 2025, and reportedly includes threats against the police in retaliation for Lobban’s killing.

Following the release of the song, Plunkett and several other men were listed as persons of interest and were asked to surrender to authorities. Kiprich complied and admitted to recording the song but maintains that it was created for a promoter and carried no malicious intent.

As the case remains under investigation, the next court hearing is set for September 16, pending the completion of the forensic cybercrime report.

Caribbean Cinema Takes Over Cannes: First-Ever ‘Caribbean Day’ Set To Dazzle The World Stage

News Americas, New York, NY, May 19, 2025: Caribbean filmmakers will take center stage at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival during the first-ever “Caribbean Day” at Pavillon Afriques on Wednesday, May 21th. This landmark event will spotlight the dynamic creativity and growing influence of the Caribbean film industry with a full day of screenings, panels, and networking opportunities.

FLASHBACK – (L-R) Producer Angela White, Director / Actor Chris Attoh, actresses Juliet Ibrahim, Chasity Saunders and Damien D Smith and Fondatrice de Pavillon Afriques founder Karine Barclais attend the “Nine” Chris Attoh’s Film Cocktail Party and Mike Sylla’s 30th Anniversary Ethnic Creations Show during the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Pavillon Afrique on May 20, 2024 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Foc Kan/WireImage)

Hosted by Pavillon Afriques, the premier space for African and diaspora cinema at Cannes, Caribbean Day is tailored to connect regional storytellers with international producers, distributors, investors, and media executives. The initiative promises to elevate the visibility of Caribbean talent and content in one of the world’s most prestigious cinematic arenas.

The event will feature the Curaçao-set drama Double Play by renowned director Ernest Dickerson, and The Tall Boy, a compelling documentary on Trinidadian Carnival icon Peter Minshall, directed by Life Garland. Attendees will also engage with leading Caribbean filmmakers, producers, and industry thought leaders through panel discussions, followed by a curated networking session and a celebratory after-party headlined by singer John G.

“Caribbean Day is a call to industry professionals looking for fresh stories, new talent, and untapped co-production opportunities,” noted Mark Walton, Ambassador for Pavillon Afriques and Associate Professor at The New School. “The Caribbean is open for collaboration and ready to take its place on the global film stage.”

The initiative also underscores the powerful role of film and television in tourism marketing. “We’re proud to support Caribbean Day at Cannes, which strengthens the bridge between tourism and the creative industries,” said Faye Gill of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

The Jamaica Tourist Board is the official sponsor of Caribbean Day, reinforcing Jamaica’s leadership in regional cultural promotion. Pavillon Afriques founder Karine Barclais emphasized that Caribbean Day is a “natural evolution” in the platform’s mission to showcase global Black cinema.

With more than 3,500 professionals from 61 countries attending Pavillon Afriques in 2024, Caribbean Day marks a significant step forward in spotlighting the Caribbean’s rich storytelling tradition and global film potential.

Shaggy Goes “Pandtastic” With Fiat

News Americas, New York, NY, May 16, 2025: It’s been three decades since Jamaican born reggae star Shaggy’s global hit “Boombastic” shook up the charts – and to mark the milestone, the Jamaican Grammy-winner is hitting the road in style, accompanied by none other than an animated panda.

Shaggy Celebrates 30 Years of “Boombastic” with Fiat and a Grooving Panda

Yes, “Boombastic” is officially 30, and to celebrate, Shaggy has rerecorded the iconic track for a high-energy new campaign with Fiat, starring in a commercial alongside a dancing digital panda. The campaign introduces a new term – “Pandtastic” – and brings the vibes with a playful, nostalgia-rich ride through time.

Fiat’s sleek new Grande Panda, inspired by vintage design, is the centerpiece of the ad, which was creatively led by M+C Saatchi Europe. Music video director Joseph Khan, known for reviving dance-floor hits with visual flair, brings the funky fantasy to life with style.

Back in 1995, “Boombastic” exploded internationally after featuring in a Levi’s 501 commercial. Now, 30 years later, the hit makes a full-circle comeback, this time cruising to the beat in a car commercial instead of jeans – just with more panda.

For longtime fans and new listeners alike, it’s a celebration of Caribbean sound and cultural impact, made even more memorable with a side of animated fun.

Shaggy proves once again: timeless hits don’t just age – they evolve. Check it out HERE

Guyana Organization Slams Vybz Kartel Over New Song

News Americas, New York, NY, May 14, 2025: Guyana’s Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), has issued a strong condemnation of Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel’s new song, “Good Like Jesus,” labeling its lyrics as “blasphemous and deeply offensive” to Christian and other religious communities. The Commission is advocating for an immediate ban on the song’s broadcast and digital distribution within Guyana.

Vybz Kartel performs during the MOBO Awards 2025 at the Utilita Arena on February 18, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

In a statement released on Wednesday, the ERC emphasized that the song’s content is “profoundly disrespectful to Christian religious sensibilities” and undermines the values of reverence, respect, and harmony that are fundamental to Guyana’s multicultural society. Some of the lyrics of the song by Kartel states: “You pussy good, you pussy good like Jesus.”

The Commission highlighted that Jesus Christ is not only a central figure in Christianity but is also revered in Islam and respected in certain Hindu traditions. It warned that content demeaning such a universally respected figure risks offending multiple faith communities and threatens the delicate balance of inter-religious harmony in the country.

While acknowledging the right to freedom of artistic expression, the ERC stated that this freedom is not absolute and must be exercised responsibly, with due regard for the religious and cultural values of all communities. The Commission is formally calling for the song to be banned from the airwaves in Guyana and to be removed from all digital platforms accessible in the country.

Additionally, the ERC is engaging the promoter of the upcoming concert in Guyana, featuring Vybz Kartel, scheduled for May 24, to ensure that the event does not contribute to the dissemination of the offensive content. The Commission expects full cooperation in ensuring that the event upholds interfaith harmony.

In a related matter, the ERC addressed public speculation regarding the recent arrest of local artist Baby Skello by the Guyana Police Force, following the release of a song reportedly containing offensive material against the Hindu faith. The Commission clarified that Baby Skello has not been referred to law enforcement by the ERC and that the matter is currently being handled internally, with the artist summoned to appear before the Commission. Baby Skello released a song that allegedly depicted the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi in a “vulgar, sexually explicit, and blasphemous manner.” This sparked outrage and condemnation from Hindu organizations in Guyana, such as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and the Guyana Pandits’ Council.

The ERC also confirmed that artists Richard Singh and Vision Clarke have been summoned over their controversial song “Chiney,” which has sparked criticism for its potentially offensive content.

The Commission reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and faiths of all Guyanese, stating that acts of religious disrespect will not be tolerated and will be addressed with firm and constructive measures.

See the video here

Meet Beenie Man In Queens, New York

News Americas, New York, NY, May 13, 2025: Jamaican-born dancehall icon Beenie Man is set to make a special appearance at the VP Records Retail Store in Queens, New York, this Friday, May 16, for an exclusive in-store meet and greet with fans.

Meet dancehall legend Beenie Man in Queens, NY on May 16 at VP Records. Enjoy exclusive offers, a live Irie Jam Radio broadcast, and get concert details for his UBS Arena show.

The event will take place from 4 PM to 8 PM at 170-19 Jamaica Avenue and will feature a live broadcast from Irie Jam Radio 97.1FM HD3 throughout the evening. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the Grammy-winning Jamaican entertainer, purchase exclusive Beenie Man vinyl and CDs, and enjoy a 10% discount on all Beenie Man music available in-store during the event.

This rare meet-and-greet comes ahead of Beenie Man’s much-anticipated “King of the Dancehall Tour” performance at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, Elmont, New York, on Saturday, May 24. The concert will also feature high-energy performances from Caribbean stars including Christopher Martin, Lyrikal, Louie Culture, and Kevin Lyttle, along with surprise guest appearances. Tickets for the concert are available now via Ticketmaster.

Dancehall fans and music lovers are encouraged to come out, connect with “The Doctor” himself, and enjoy a festive evening celebrating one of reggae and dancehall’s most enduring icons.

For more information or to purchase concert tickets, visit Ticketmaster.

Caribbean Roots Stars Set The Met Gala 2025 Ablaze

News Americas, New York, NY, May 6, 2025: Caribbean-American stars lit up the red carpet with glamour and cultural pride last night at the 2025 Met Gala in New York City. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” paid homage to Black dandyism and the power of fashion in shaping Black identity — and Caribbean-rooted celebrities brought that theme to life with elegance and flair.

Leading the night’s style parade was Barbados-born Rihanna, radiant and expectant with her third child. The fashion mogul turned heads in a custom Marc Jacobs ensemble — a perfectly tailored suit that highlighted her baby bump, topped with a dramatic wide-brimmed hat.

Rihanna attending the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit Gala 2025 in New York on Monday May 5, 2025. (Photo by Matt Crossick/PA Images via Getty Images)

Trinidad-born rap queen Nicki Minaj made her eighth Met Gala appearance in a striking pinstripe suit dress by Thom Browne, detailed with a cascade of ruffled flowers down one shoulder. Minaj’s look blended power and femininity, making a bold statement in line with the evening’s theme.

Nicki Minaj leaves the New York’s luxury Mark Hotel before the 2025 Met Gala, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday, May 5, in New York City, United States. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Puerto Rican global sensation Bad Bunny channeled island elegance in a dark brown Prada suit, paired with a traditional Puerto Rican pava hat and golden tie, delivering a cultural nod wrapped in sharp tailoring.

Bad Bunny attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/GC Images)

ASAP Rocky, whose father is Barbadian, brought Harlem swag and Caribbean pride to his co-chair role. The rapper wore a custom AWGE parka-inspired double-breasted jacket in technical wool with Marmot-style details — a tribute to Harlem street fashion and his own Caribbean roots.

ASAP Rocky attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/GC Images)

Another co-chair, Grenadian-descended F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, walked the carpet with trademark sophistication, showing that speed and style can go hand in hand.

Lewis Hamilton at The 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Belizean roots actor Colman Domingo turned the red carpet into his personal stage in a pleated cape with an embellished collar. Underneath, a sharp Valentino suit underscored the elegance of contemporary Black tailoring.

US actor Colman Domingo arrives for the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025, in New York. The Gala raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The 2025 Met Gala is themed “Tailored for You,” aligning with the Costume Institute’s exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” set to open to the public on May 10. (Photo by ANDREA RENAULT/AFP via Getty Images)

Trinidadian-American entertainer Teyana Taylor honored her Caribbean heritage in a bold fashion-forward look, affirming her place as a multi-talented creative force who embraces her island roots.

US singer-songwriter and actress Teyana Taylor arrives for the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025, in New York. Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

Cardi B, who boasts both Dominican Republic and Trinidadian ancestry, wowed in a green Burberry suit reminiscent of Victorian grandeur. With a ruffled silk shirt and velvet trousers, the chart-topper brought drama and regality to her sixth Met Gala appearance.

Cardi B attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/Getty Images)

Ayo Edebiri, whose mother hails from Barbados, stunned in a custom Ferragamo creation with coral beading — a tribute to traditional Nigerian Edo attire. Her look was a masterclass in cultural fusion and thematic excellence.

Ayo Edebiri attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/MG25/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

From floor-sweeping capes to tailored power suits, Caribbean-American stars didn’t just attend the Met Gala — they defined it, celebrating the richness of Black and Caribbean culture through cutting-edge fashion.

Soul-Rebel Marley Drops Futuristic “Loving Jah” Visuals

News Americas, New York, NY, May 5, 2025: Afro-futurist artist and director Gianni Lee brings a bold reimagining of the biblical Fall of Jericho to life in the visually striking animated video for Soul-Rebel Marley’s debut single, “Loving Jah,” premiering today on the artist’s official YouTube channel.

Set in the year 3285, the futuristic interpretation follows a disciplined young warrior on a divine mission, guided by ancestral spirits and shielded by the Almighty Jah in an epic showdown of good versus evil.

Watch “Loving Jah” Animated Video Here

To celebrate the release, Tuff Gong International has launched a new merchandise line inspired by Soul-Rebel Marley and the empowering spiritual themes of “Loving Jah.” The collection features unisex organic apparel available in multiple colors and designs, merging streetwear with soul.

View the “Loving Jah” Merch Line Here

Drawing inspiration from his legendary grandfather Bob Marley, Soul-Rebel blazes his own trail with a message rooted in faith, resilience, and ancestral pride. The track “Loving Jah” is now streaming on all major digital platforms through a joint release from the artist’s Tek Time Productions and the iconic Tuff Gong International label.

View “Loving Jah” Here

With this powerful debut, Soul-Rebel Marley bridges legacy and innovation, ushering in a new chapter of conscious music infused with futuristic artistry and deep spiritual roots.

Sean Paul, Wiz Khalifa & DaBaby Set Summer On Fire With 2025 ‘Good Vibes Only’ Tour

News Americas, New York, NY, May 3, 2025: Global Jamaican born dancehall superstar Sean Paul is turning up the heat this summer as he joins forces with hip-hop mogul Wiz Khalifa and rap heavyweight DaBaby for the high-energy ‘Good Vibes Only Tour’—a 15-city North American tour guaranteed to bring pure fire to amphitheaters across the continent.

Sean Paul, Wiz Khalifa, and DaBaby hit 15 cities on the 2025 Good Vibes Only Tour, blending dancehall and hip-hop in a high-energy summer run.

The tour kicks off on July 6 at the Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, NY, promising fans a summer soaked in rhythm, charisma, and world-class performances. It’s the ultimate mash-up of Caribbean flavor, West Coast cool, and Southern swagger, blending Sean Paul’s electrifying dancehall hits with Wiz Khalifa’s laid-back lyricism and DaBaby’s commanding stage presence.

“There’s no better feeling than connecting with fans live,” said Sean Paul. “Touring with Wiz and DaBaby brings such a wicked mix of sounds—hip-hop, dancehall, and raw energy. This tour is about unity, good vibes, and non-stop vibes all summer long. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!”

Fresh off his 2025 UK arena run with Ashanti and a 2024 U.S. tour, Sean Paul is ready to blaze through hits like “Get Busy,” “Temperature,” “Gimme the Light,” and his latest remix with Tyla, “Push 2 Start.” With over 14 billion streams on Spotify and collaborations with global icons like Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Sia, and J Balvin, the Jamaican hitmaker is set to deliver an unforgettable show.

Fans can expect not just a concert but an explosive cultural celebration—a party on stage that crosses genres and generations. With DaBaby amping up the raw edge and Wiz Khalifa delivering his signature chill vibes, this tour is more than music—it’s a movement of good energy and unity.

Good Vibes Only Tour 2025 – Select Dates:

Jul 6: Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater

Jul 9: Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

Jul 18: Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

Jul 27: Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

Tickets: Presales begin April 30 at 10am local time. General sales start May 2 via LiveNation.com. Citi cardholders get early access at citientertainment.com.