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From Billboard Charts To Courtrooms: Sean Kingston’s Family Empire Collapses Under Fraud Convictions

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By News Americas ET Editor

News Americas, MIAMI, FL, Mon. July 28, 2025: Once hailed as a breakout Caribbean-American pop star with platinum hits and high-profile collaborations, Sean Kingston now finds himself at the center of a legal and financial spiral that’s unraveling not just his career – but his family, too.

Last week, the singer’s mother, Janice Turner, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after being convicted in a sweeping $1 million fraud case that also implicated her son. The 63-year-old matriarch had long been seen as the force behind Kingston’s rise, managing aspects of his career and lifestyle. Now, she is headed back to prison – her second federal conviction for fraud.

Sean Kingston’s mother, Janice Tunrer. (Photo Credit: WPLG Local 10 YouTube Screenshot)

“My intention was to keep my son afloat in this difficult industry,” Turner pleaded before the court. “They used him and abused him. I am begging for mercy.”

The judge showed limited leniency. Turner will also serve three years of probation and pay restitution for her role in the scheme, which targeted vendors of luxury vehicles, jewelry, and custom furniture – none of which were ever fully paid for.

Sean Kingston: The Price of a Lavish Image

FLASHBACK: Sean Kingston performing live on stage during “Hot Summer Night” concert at FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park on June 3, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)Sean Kingston, who performed live on stage during “Hot Summer Night” concert at FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park on June 3, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)

While Kingston awaits his own federal sentencing on August 28, the 35-year-old artist – who once topped the charts with Beautiful Girls and performed with Justin Bieber – is battling fresh problems closer to home. In Broward County court, he faces nine additional state charges, including grand theft and operating an organized scheme to defraud.

Worse still: Kingston appears to be out of money. His lawyer, Robert Rosenblatt, recently filed a motion to withdraw from the case, citing the singer’s failure to pay legal fees. Court documents now suggest the entertainer “may be indigent” – and could soon rely on a public defender.

Behind the Headlines: A Family Hustle Gone Wrong

According to prosecutors, the mother-son duo pulled off a high-level con between October 2023 and March 2024, posing as wealthy clients who claimed to have sent wire transfers for goods they never intended to pay for. Among the victims were:

A luxury SUV dealer ($160,000)

A custom jeweler ($500,000)

A boutique furniture company ($86,000)

Major banks, including Bank of America and First Republic ($300,000+ combined)

Their scam unraveled in May 2024, when Kingston was arrested on a U.S. Army base in California and Turner was detained during a SWAT raid at a rented South Florida mansion.

The collapse marks a dramatic fall for both – particularly Turner, who served 18 months for a prior bank fraud conviction in 2006.

Fame, Pressure, and the Facade of Wealth

For some in the industry, the Kingston saga is a cautionary tale of what happens when the demands of celebrity outweigh the means to maintain it.

“Too many artists are trying to keep up appearances when the checks stop coming,” one former music exec commented anonymously. “Behind the scenes, it’s debt, fake flexing, and sometimes crime.”

As Kingston’s sentencing nears, one question looms: can the star who once captured the world’s attention reinvent himself – or is this the final chapter in a story that began with Beautiful Girls and ended in betrayal?

New Music Friday: Caribbean Artists Drop Fire Tracks For The Weekend Playlist

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By News Americas ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 25, 2025: It’s Friday – and that means it’s time to refresh your playlist with the latest new music from the Caribbean. Whether you’re vibing to reggae, grooving to soca, or in the mood for genre-bending innovation, this week’s new music releases are a celebration of Caribbean sound and soul.

Reggae Meets Africa: Selector A & VP Records Drop ‘Reggae Loves Africa, Vol. 2’

Out now via VP Records, this 10-track compilation is a soulful homage to Nelson Mandela’s legacy, curated by Japanese-born reggae producer Selector A. Featuring legends like Buju Banton, Sizzla, Luciano, and Culture, the album bridges reggae and African consciousness. It’s conscious music with a global message – and a beat you can feel.
Stream it here

Soca Universe 2025 Has Landed – And It’s Massive

Machel Montano’s Monk Music delivers again with the release of Soca Universe 2025, the definitive soundtrack to this year’s Carnival season. From “The Greatest Bend Over” by Yung Bredda & Full Blown to the Afro-Soca anthem “Fling It Up” featuring Davido, this 30+ track compilation is jam-packed with anthems from Patrice Roberts, Voice, Kes, Fay-Ann Lyons, Lyrikal, and more.
Stream it here

Jimmy October Returns With “BAM BAM”

Trinidad’s genre-fusing wordsmith Jimmy October is back with his latest single “BAM BAM”—a percussive, sun-soaked fusion of soca, dancehall, reggae, and afrobeats. Produced by Brooklyn Decent and released via Ineffable Records, it’s a feel-good groove perfect for your weekend vibes.
Listen now

Yeza & Rorystonelove Shake the Roots with ‘Star Of The East’

Conscious reggae gets a fiery new chapter with Yeza’s debut album Star Of The East, produced by dub legend Rorystonelove. From viral hit “Organic” to gritty bangers like “Preacher Man”, this is a no-skips record redefining what rebel music sounds like today.
Stream now

Mr. Easy Drops ‘Caribbean Ting’

Dancehall veteran Mr. Easy switches lanes and embraces his soca side with the release of “Caribbean Ting,” part of the Soca Jam EP. The result? A vibrant fusion of island energy and classic grooves that pays homage to calypso legends.
Listen here

Da’ville Makes Emotional Comeback with “Sunshine Days”

After a 13-year hiatus, reggae-pop sensation Da’ville is back with “Sunshine Days” – a personal anthem of healing, love, and gratitude. Distributed by AMP Music and featuring a feel-good visual by BlingBlang, it marks a soulful new chapter for the artist behind hits like “Always On My Mind.”
Watch & Stream

Rayvon & Sugar Bear Keep It Light with “She Just Wanna Party”

Need a party jam? Rayvon and Sugar Bear team up for “She Just Wanna Party,” a breezy summer banger that lives up to its name. Produced by DJ Mac and released via GTC Entertainment, it’s made for the beach, the club – or wherever you’re turning up.
Stream now

This Week’s Caribbean Heat Recap Playlist:

“The Greatest Bend Over” – Yung Bredda & Full Blown

“Sunshine Days” – Da’ville

“Organic” – Yeza

“Fling It Up” – Machel Montano ft. Davido

“BAM BAM” – Jimmy October

“Caribbean Ting” – Mr. Easy

“She Just Wanna Party” – Rayvon & Sugar Bear

Whether you’re on the road, at the beach, or just catching a vibe, these new tracks are a must-add to your playlist. Stay locked to News Americas for the latest from the Caribbean music scene every New Music Friday.

Baby Cham Drops Explosive New Album, Includes Stephen & Damian Marley

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By News Americas ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 25, 2025: Grammy-nominated Dancehall icon Baby Cham is back in a big way with the release of his long-anticipated fourth studio album, ‘Sherlock’ — out now on all major platforms via his Lawless Army Music imprint.

A blazing collection of eight hard-hitting tracks, Sherlock showcases Cham’s signature mix of grit, swagger, and storytelling finesse. The project opens with a bold title track and climaxes with “Starlight,” a melodic closer that blends reflective tones with Cham’s signature lyrical command.

The album’s lead single, “Hustling In My Blood,” featuring Stephen Marley and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, is already making waves, racking up over 250,000 views on YouTube in just two weeks. The official video is a gritty visual ode to street survival and resilience, echoing the themes that have defined Cham’s career.

From “Maddest Life” to “Lamborghini Boy,” Cham delivers high-energy anthems for dance floors and headphones alike, while tracks like “Miss Seductress” and “Hall of Fame” flex his flair for seductive storytelling and emotional range.

“The cover is inspired by the community I grew up in — Duhaney Park, Kingston 20,” Cham shared on social media. “Some call it ‘The Ghetto,’ some ‘Inner City,’ but I call it ‘Home.’ I want youth to know I walked those streets too. They can make it also.”

With hits like “Ghetto Story,” “Vitamin S,” and “Lockdown” (with Usain Bolt), Cham continues to evolve while staying rooted in Dancehall tradition. Sherlock is a reminder of Cham’s lyrical depth, cultural storytelling, and undeniable star power.

STREAM ‘SHERLOCK’ NOW:

https://lnk.to/BabyChamSherlockWATCH “HUSTLING IN MY BLOOD”:

https://youtu.be/ChamHustling

TOUR DATES:

July 27 – Heaven On Earth, Baltimore, MD

Aug. 1 – Soca vs. Reggae, Bermuda

Aug. 9 – Carifest, Rochester, NY

Aug. 16–17 – Beres Hammond & Friends, NJ + Coney Island

Aug. 23 – Oasis Festival, Toronto

Aug. 31 – 90s Rewind, FL

Oct. 28 – Welcome to Jamrock Cruise

Whether you’re a Dancehall day-one or a new-school fan, Sherlock proves Baby Cham is still at the top of his game — sharp, fearless, and unapologetically authentic.

 From Talk To Transformation – The Cross Continental Forum Was Only The Beginning

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News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Thurs. July 24, 2025: The Cross Continental Forum 2025 was more than a gathering – it was is a blueprint in motion. At the core of the forum was one undeniable truth: the future of global storytelling is being rewritten by the Global South.

The Cross Continental Forum founder, Frances Anne Solomon, in red at l, with film producers and sponsors at CCF 2025 in Bridgetown, Barbados.

“There’s a depth and richness in our storytelling that often gets overlooked in traditional spaces. I’m excited to see what solutions emerge to help us produce these stories in ways that truly reflect the beauty, complexity, and brilliance already in the room,” commented Melanie Hoyes, Director of Inclusion at the British Film Institute.

In mid-June producers, funders, storytellers, and cultural strategists from across the world met for several days in Barbados to not only discuss problems but find solutions to produce culturally relevant films by creatives who tend to be overlooked by the Global North (who generally decides who gets to tell their stories and how). 

What Comes Next

Producers, funders, storytellers, and cultural strategists from across the world met for several days in Barbados in June at The Cross Continental Forum 2025 from The Caribbean Tales.

CCF 2025 served as a real-time lab for creative problem-solving, cultural equity, and economic strategy. With over 30 producers directly participating and hundreds more reached through public events and screenings, the forum sparked new partnerships, reshaped how stories are valued, and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.

Key developments already in progress:

The CCF Manifesto
A unified declaration of intent and action – documenting concrete next steps from producers, partners, and collaborators, and signaling a collective commitment to move decisively from conversation to co-production.

Cross-Continental Collaborations
New cross-border alliances are taking shape from Lagos to Kingston to Port of Spain – grounded in equity, creative ownership, and cultural authenticity.

Financing & Policy Shifts
Funding strategies and policy shifts are already taking shape across public and private sectors, ignited by the ideas and commitments forged at the forum.

Stay Connected

This was the second staging of the forum, and the movement continues to grow.

If you’re a funder, commissioning body, or industry ally committed to equity-driven storytelling – we invite you to connect. Equity-driven storytelling needs bold partners. Join us as we shape a creative ecosystem where the Global South leads, owns and tells its stories on its own terms.

Visit the official site to explore more and express your interest or follow @crosscontintentalforum on Instagram or email ccf@creatorsofcolour.com 

This isn’t the end – it’s the shift.

Curtains Close on Reggae Sumfest 2025 – See All the Top Performances Here

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By News Americas ET EDITOR

News Americas, MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Mon. July 21, 2025: The curtains have officially closed on Reggae Sumfest 2025, but the memories will echo for years to come. From reggae royalty to rising stars, Jamaica’s biggest music festival lit up Montego Bay with unforgettable performances. From Tarrus Riley’s family tribute to I Wayne’s fiery set and Toni Braxton’s R&B nostalgia, this year’s show proved once again why Sumfest remains the Greatest Reggae Show on Earth.

R&B singer Toni Braxton performed at Reggae Sumfest 2025 on July 19, 2025.

Didn’t catch it live? See some of the top performances here.

Tribute to Dennis Brown and Gregory Issacs

While international R&B star Toni Braxton was the marquee name on the lineup, it was Jamaica’s own musical royalty who truly owned the stage. The performances by Fantan Mojah, Bugle, Pressure Buss Pipe, I Wayne, Tarrus Riley, Lila Iké, and Protoje were the heartbeat of the festival – showcasing the unmatched depth of Caribbean talent.

A 12-Year-Old Steals the Show
Veteran Fantan Mojah opened the night with a short yet powerful set, introducing 12-year-old singer Emma, whose original song “God Is Real” stunned the audience into roaring applause. Her voice, message, and stage presence were a revelation and one of the weekend’s most talked-about moments.

Vybz Kartel

Vybz Kartel was crowned the King of Dancehall and then performed

Roots and Conscious Vibes
Pressure Buss Pipe followed with hits like Love and Affection and Be Free, setting a deeply spiritual tone. Then came I Wayne, whose razor-sharp lyrics and conscious delivery lit up Catherine Hall. With songs like Book of Life, Touch Her Softly, and Bleacher, he delivered what many are calling the festival’s best performance — even if his set was cut short.

Time constraints would become a theme of the evening, with several acts like Bugle, Lila Iké, and Protoje trimming their sets. Bugle gave a heartfelt dedication to his late mother during Pearly Gates, while Lila Iké used her first solo Sumfest appearance to dazzle in iridescent fashion, blending hits like Solitude and Second Chance with a personal message about her recent arrest: “Dem couldn’t stop this.”

Lila Ike performs

Protoje followed as mentor and star in his own right, performing crowd favorites like Blood Money and Kingston Be Wise.

Toni Braxton Tries, But Locals Triumph
While fans were eager to see Toni Braxton, technical issues marred her set. Songs like Unbreak My Heart and Breathe Again showcased her vocal power, but her connection with the Jamaican audience felt delayed — picking up only near the end of her set.

Tarrus Riley’s Royal Finale
It was up to “Singy Singy” Tarrus Riley to close out the festival – and he delivered in full. With hits like She’s Royal, Gimme Likkle One Drop, and Superman, Riley reminded fans why he’s one of Jamaica’s most beloved acts. He brought out his children, Tsehai “Pepsi” Riley and Mekiem Riley, in a moving family tribute capped by a sweet rendition of Human Nature.

Riley also paid homage to legends Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Cocoa Tea, and his own late father Jimmy Riley, bringing emotional depth to the final act.

As the curtain fell on Reggae Sumfest 2025, one message rang clear: no matter who headlines, Jamaica’s own are the soul of this stage.

It’s New Music Friday! Here Are 4 New Caribbean Tracks You Need To Hear

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By NAN ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 18, 2025: It’s New Music Friday, and the Caribbean’s musical heartbeat is pulsing louder than ever. This week’s lineup of fresh releases features a mix of island soul, reggae roots, and creative collaborations that spotlight just how expansive Caribbean talent really is. From chart-toppers to underground favorites, here are four new tracks that deserve a place on your weekend playlist.

Lila Iké & Masicka — “Romantic”

Two of Jamaica’s most exciting artists team up again for “Romantic”, a sultry, nostalgic nod to the iconic “Romantic Call” by Patra. Lila Iké, known for her soulful reggae delivery, blends seamlessly with Masicka, one of dancehall’s lyrical kings, to give us a genre-blending track that feels both classic and fresh.

“Romantic” marks the second collaboration between the pair — following their hit “Triumph” — and is the fourth single off Lila’s highly anticipated debut album Treasure Self Love, out August 22 via Ineffable Records, Protoje’s In.Digg.Nation Collective, and Lila’s Wurl Iké Records.

Lila, who’s performed on NPR Tiny Desk and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, has earned accolades from Rolling Stone, Vogue, The New York Times, and more. With recent tours in Japan and Europe, she continues to represent modern reggae on a global scale.

Watch/Listen HERE

Irie Souljah — “I Know Dem”

Irie Souljah, the Spanish-born, Jamaica-based reggae artist, drops “I Know Dem”, the final single before his new album World Citizen drops on August 1. Known for his spiritual, roots-heavy reggae, Irie’s newest track delivers a message of resilience and authenticity — in both lyrics and tone.

His upcoming album includes features from Kabaka Pyramid and Alborosie, and follows the success of his 2023 project All About Love, which featured Anthony B, Chronic Law, and Iya Terra. A seasoned stage performer, Irie Souljah has played alongside Chronixx, Cocoa Tea, and Damian Marley.

Currently on tour across Germany, Denmark, Spain, and Italy, Souljah is proof that reggae’s reach is global — and powerful.

Listen and view now

Nailah Blackman — “Busy Body” and “Desert Flower”

Trinidadian powerhouse Nailah Blackman is back with “Busy Body” and “Desert Flower.” Busy Body is a bold, genre-blending anthem that brings her signature mix of sass, soul, and soca-infused flair. This track is everything fans love about Nailah: vibrant, high-energy, and impossible not to dance to.

Written by Nailah, Anson Pro, Felicia Jones, and Michael Coleman, the song was produced by Anson Pro with additional production from Jakey Krumm. It was mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Leslie Brathwaite and mastered by Johann Seaton, giving it a polished, radio-ready feel while still pulsing with island energy.

The official music video, directed with Nailah’s usual bold visuals and expressive style, enhances the track’s celebration of freedom and individuality — themes that run through much of her recent work. Busy Body is fun, flirty, and full of rhythm, showing Nailah’s continued growth as both a performer and storyteller.

Watch: Busy Body Official Video

“Desert Flower”

On “Desert Flower” Blackman surprises fans with an introspective, guitar-laced track that leans more acoustic soul than her usual Carnival bangers. It’s a lyrical, vulnerable moment — a sonic shift that showcases her artistic range.

Nailah wrote and co-produced the song with Anson Pro, also playing lead guitar. The track was mixed by Anson Pro and mastered by Madmen Productions, with a visually stunning music video co-directed by Nailah and Precise Lee Film.

Known for fusing soca with R&B, pop, and reggae, “Desert Flower” continues Nailah’s path as one of the Caribbean’s most versatile new-generation artists. It’s raw, reflective, and refreshingly different.

Watch: Desert Flower Official Video

Bad Bunny’s Record-Breaking Residency Set To Inject Over US 200M Into Puerto Rico’s Economy

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By NAN ET Editor

News Americas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Weds. July 16, 2025: The beat dropped. The lights came up. And with it, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny launched what’s already being called the largest economic stimulus in the island’s cultural history.

Bad Bunny performs onstage during Night One of Bad Bunny: “No Me Quiero Ir De Aqui” Residencia En El Choli at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot on July 11, 2025 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

His sold-out, 30-show residency, titled “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí”, opened this week at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico and is expected to bring more than 600,000 visitors to San Juan between July and September — pumping an estimated $200 million into the local economy.

It marks Puerto Rico’s first-ever concert residency, and tickets sold out in under four hours, confirming Bad Bunny’s unrivaled global draw and the residency’s once-in-a-generation scale.

Bad Bunny performs onstage during Night One of Bad Bunny: “No Me Quiero Ir De Aqui” Residencia En El Choli at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot on July 11, 2025 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

A Cultural & Economic Earthquake
The numbers are staggering. Over 35,000 hotel nights have already been booked, and short-term rentals are up 1,150% compared to last year, according to tourism officials. The concerts could boost tourism-related jobs by 3% and are forecasted to increase the island’s GDP by 0.15% – a critical lift for a territory still navigating financial uncertainty and post-pandemic recovery.

“This residency isn’t just about music. It’s about what Puerto Rico represents to the world – resilience, rhythm, and reinvention,” said one economist at the University of Puerto Rico. “Bad Bunny is single-handedly fueling an economic mini-boom.”

JetBlue Takes Fans Along for the Ride
JetBlue, the island’s largest airline, isn’t just watching from the tarmac. As official sponsor of the residency, the airline has launched a national sweepstakes to fly five lucky fans to the show.

Winners will get roundtrip tickets to San Juan and access to one of the August 29 or 30 performances. On-site, JetBlue is hosting exclusive fan activations and promising “surprises throughout the summer,” reinforcing its 20-year commitment to Puerto Rico’s growth.

“Partnering with Bad Bunny’s residency, which embodies the pride and global influence of the Boricua spirit, is an extension of our commitment to this island,” said JetBlue President Marty St. George.

More Than a Concert — A National Moment
The residency has already transformed parts of San Juan into a festival zone. Merch lines stretch around corners, Uber wait times are surging, and nearby restaurants and local vendors are reporting record sales.

“This is our Coachella,” said Carolina native and event volunteer Julissa Mateo. “But better – because it’s ours.”

Fans are flying in from the mainland U.S., Europe, and Latin America, many for the first time. For some, it’s a pilgrimage. For others, it’s a party. But for Puerto Rico, it’s validation: that culture, when rooted in authenticity and amplified by global talent, can move markets — and reshape economies.

No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí — And Why Would He?
For the island that birthed him, Bad Bunny is no longer just an artist. He’s an economic engine, cultural ambassador, and symbol of a new era where Puerto Rico exports more than just goods — it exports influence.

The residency runs through September 30 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.
Enter JetBlue’s sweepstakes at jetblue.com/boardingpasssweeps
Projected $200 +M impact | 600K+ attendees | GDP boost: +0.15%

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.

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.