Posts

Beres Hammond Celebrates Birthday With “Let Me Help You”

News Americas, New York, NY, August 29, 2024: Celebrating his 69th birthday in style on August 28th, veteran reggae artist Beres Hammond has released a visualizer for his latest single, “Let Me Help You.”

Jamaican iconic reggae singer Beres Hammond has dropped a new video.

The visualizer, shot and edited by SAMO, enhances the soulful track with a compelling visual narrative, featuring cameos from notable figures like Machel Montano, Sevana, D’Yani, and others. Interspersed with concert footage and personal photos, the video offers a glimpse into Beres’ remarkable journey in music.

“Let Me Help You” is a re-recording of his 1988 hidden gem, “Let Me Help You Smile Again,” and was released on May 3rd via Harmony House / VP Records. As with the original, Beres himself produced, arranged, wrote, and performed the new version. This track is a rarity in his extensive catalog, as it joins only a few songs that he has re-recorded over his illustrious five-decade career.

The decision to revisit the track was sparked by a conversation about its lyrics during a call to his office. When Beres discovered that the original master recording was lost, he chose to redo the song, enlisting longtime drummer and collaborator Kirk “Kirkledove” Bennett, who assembled a talented team of musicians, including legendary horn player Dean Fraser. The 2024 version of the song replaces the digital elements of the original with live instrumentation, giving the classic a fresh, vibrant sound.

Upon its release, “Let Me Help You” received significant attention, even earning a spot on Spotify’s New Music Friday billboards in New York City’s Times Square and Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square—an honor typically reserved for album releases rather than singles.

Beres announced the single during his annual Love and Harmony Cruise in April, where he performed an all-white concert at sea. Following this, he embarked on an extensive North American tour, visiting cities like New York, Toronto, Miami, and Los Angeles, where he delighted fans with his timeless hits and soulful performances.

Catch it here

Julian Marley & Antaeus Submit ‘Jah Sees Them – Amapiano Remix’ for Grammy® Consideration

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Aug. 27, 2024: Julian Marley, the son of legendary reggae icon Bob Marley, and Grammy-winning artist/producer Antaeus are once again making waves in the music industry with their submission for the 67th Grammy® Awards.

Following their recent Grammy® win for Best Reggae Album with Colors of Royal at the 66th Grammy® Awards, Julian and Antaeus are now eyeing a new category: Best Remixed Recording in the Pop & Dance/Electronic field. With eligibility for the 2025 Grammy® Awards running from September 2023 to August 2024, Julian Marley’s remix is already generating buzz among fans and critics alike.

The Grammy® timeline includes First Round Voting from October 4 to 15, the Nominations Announcement on November 8, Final Round Voting from December 12, 2024, to January 3, 2025, culminating in the awards ceremony on February 2, 2025.

Their latest release, “Jah Sees Them – Amapiano Remix,” is a high-energy club track that brilliantly fuses Julian’s signature reggae sound with the infectious rhythms of South Africa’s Amapiano genre. Produced by UK DJ Footsteps, MrMyish, and Antaeus, the remix showcases a dynamic blend of cultures and genres. The track, out now via Monom Records and distributed by The Orchard/Sony, features mixing and mastering by Grammy®-winning engineers Joe Maldonado and Alex Psaroudakis.

Julian Marley expressed his passion for the project, stating: “The Jah Sees Them Amapiano Remix represents my deep love for music beyond reggae. It’s a powerful fusion that bridges cultures and genres, reflecting my belief that music has no boundaries.” Antaeus echoed this sentiment, adding, “This remix embodies our dedication to creating timeless music that resonates across generations and transcends borders.”

The official video for the remix has just premiered on Monom’s YouTube channel, directed by Damaniac Visualz. Shot in iconic Jamaican locations like Kingston, Wickie Wackie Beach, and Port Antonio, the video captures the vibrant energy of the track, featuring stunning Caribbean scenery, bonfires, and captivating performances.

Fresh off a successful European tour, Julian will also join The Marley Brothers on their Legacy US Tour, beginning September 5.

Julian Marley continues to make his mark on the global music scene, following in the footsteps of his father, while Antaeus, with his diverse and acclaimed work, solidifies his role as a visionary force in the industry.

Preview here

Caribbean Roots Actress Stars In Zoe Kravitz’ Blink Twice

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. August, 26, 2024: Caribbean roots star Naomi Sarah Ackie lit up the screen this weekend as ‘Blink Twice,’ the movie from Zoë Kravitz, opened in fourth place with $7.3 million.

Caribbean roots actress Naomi Ackie attending the European premiere of “Blink Twice” at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on August 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Jo Hale/FilmMagic)

Ackie, 32, the daughter of second-generation immigrants from Grenada, stars opposite Kravitz’ real life fiancee, Channing Tatum, who plays tech billionaire Slater King. He invites Ackie, who plays cocktail waitress and aspiring nail artist Frida, to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. Wild nights blend into sun-soaked days, and everyone’s having a great time. plays cocktail waitress and aspiring nail artist Frida, who ventures to the island alongside friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) and strangers Sarah (Adria Arjona), Camilla (Liz Caribel), and Heather (Trew Mullen). Their host, Slater, is a fresh off of an apology tour from some kind of undisclosed misconduct and claims he’s a changed man.

When the guests arrive, their phones are collected, they’re given matching linen dresses and swimsuits, and then the booze, drugs, and gourmet delights come out. What could go wrong? As it turns out, plenty. Jess goes missing, the maid (María Elena Olivares) keeps repeating cryptic phrases (“red rabbit”?). Manipulations and abuse rise to the surface. Soon Frida, like Daniel Kaluuya’s Chris in Get Out, goes from cheery to petrified – and joins forces with the other women to plot bloody revenge.

Blink Twice reportedly cost a modest $20 million to produce before marketing and received a B- CinemaScore from audiences. The film is from MGM and Amazon, with Warner Bros. handling overseas.

Ackie, born in London, is known for her television roles as Bonnie in The End of the F***ing World (2019) and Master of None (2021) and for her role as Jannah in the film Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). In 2022, she portrayed American singer Whitney Houston in the biopic ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody.’

Her father was a Transport for London employee and her mother worked for the National Health Service. She is one of three children and has an older brother and sister. She went to Walthamstow School for Girls.

Her first role was at the age of 11, playing the angel Gabriel in a school nativity play. She studied at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and graduated in 2012.’

Blink Twice was shot in Yucatán, Mexico. plays cocktail waitress and aspiring nail artist Frida, who ventures to the island alongside friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) and strangers Sarah (Adria Arjona), Camilla (Liz Caribel), and Heather (Trew Mullen). Their host, Slater, is a fresh off of an apology tour from some kind of undisclosed misconduct and claims he’s a changed man. When the guests arrive, their phones are collected, they’re given matching linen dresses and swimsuits, and then the booze, drugs, and gourmet delights come out. What could go wrong?
As it turns out, plenty. Jess goes missing, the maid (María Elena Olivares) keeps repeating cryptic phrases (“red rabbit”?). Manipulations and abuse rise to the surface. Soon Frida, like Daniel Kaluuya’s Chris in Get Out, goes from cheery to petrified — and joins forces with the other women to plot bloody revenge.

Ackie recently shared a funny story in a candid interview with PEOPLE about her experience with rock musician Lenny Kravitz, the father of Zoe Kravitz, whose mother also has roots in the Caribbean. Ackie shared that during the making of Blink Twice, while she was going through her filming activities, she went out from her bedroom and found herself face to face with Lenny Kravitz right outside.

Since they had never met before, Lenny Kravitz, known for his hit songs like “Are You Gonna Go My Way?”, introduced himself in a friendly manner. However, so overwhelmed by how famous he was that she automatically shut the door.

“I’d never met him before. I opened my bedroom door, and Lenny was just there. He was like, ‘Hi, you must be Naomi. I’m Lenny.’ I was like — I shut the door.” After getting herself together for a second, however, Ackie reopened the door to greet Kravitz properly. I took a moment to calm down and then said, ‘Okay, now I’m ready,’” she recalled.

For a glimpse of Ackie in Blink Twice, check out the clip here: Watch Now.

Marley Brothers Announce Historic 2024 Legacy Tour

News Americas, New York, NY, Thurs. August 22, 2024: The Marley Brothers – Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani, and Damian – have announced The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour, their first tour together in two decades. Produced by Live Nation, the 22-date tour will kick off on September 5, 2024, at Festival Lawn in Deer Lake Park, Vancouver, BC, and will cover major cities across the U.S. and Canada through the fall.

This historic tour celebrates the enduring legacy of their father, reggae legend Bob Marley, whose music remains a symbol of strength, hope, and unity worldwide. For over 30 years, the Marley brothers have each made their mark as solo artists, collectively earning 22 GRAMMY® Awards. Julian Marley added to the family’s accolades with his 2024 Grammy win for “Best Reggae Album.”

The Legacy Tour will feature both individual hits from the brothers and classic Bob Marley songs, paying tribute to their father’s global influence as the world approaches what would have been Bob Marley’s 80th birthday in 2025. Fans can purchase tickets at MarleyBrothers.com.

Adding to the excitement, the tour will offer immersive VIP packages, including pre-show soundcheck access and VIP lounge experiences. For more details, visit VIPNation.com.

This tour follows the success of the Bob Marley biopic, Bob Marley: One Love, and marks the 40th anniversary of his revolutionary album, Legend, further highlighting his lasting impact on culture.

The 2024 Legacy Tour dates will take the brothers to iconic venues, including Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, NY, PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, and the FPL Solar Amphitheatre in Miami, FL, where the tour concludes on October 5.

The Marley Brothers are individually celebrated for their unique contributions to music, from Ziggy Marley’s pioneering fusion of reggae with other genres to Damian Marley’s groundbreaking collaborations with artists like Nas and Skrillex. Together, they continue to honor Bob Marley’s message of love, unity, and empowerment, ensuring his legacy lives on for generations to come.

For tour dates and ticket information, visit MarleyBrothers.com.

Shaggy Revives Vintage Dancehall With New ‘Badman’ Riddim Project

News Americas, New York, NY, August 22, 2024: Grammy-winning reggae singer Shaggy is taking fans on a nostalgic ride through vintage Dancehall with the release of three new singles from the highly anticipated “Badman” riddim project.

Produced by Shaggy and Shane Hoosong in collaboration with VP Records and Ranch Entertainment, the project offers a fresh take on the iconic 1980s “Gunman” riddim by legendary producer Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes. The first two singles, by Olaf Blackwood featuring Shaggy and Junior Cat, drop today, August 22nd.

Olaf Blackwood and Shaggy drop three singles from the Badman Riddim project.

The single, “Selector Pull It,” celebrates Dancehall’s lively party culture. The track captures the vibrant atmosphere of Dancehall events, urging DJs to keep the energy alive by replaying crowd favorites. The music video, directed by Jay Will, transports viewers to an authentic Dancehall party in Kingston, Jamaica, with cameos from icons like Bounty Killer, Gyptian, and DJ Boom Boom.

Shaggy, managed by Martin Kierszenbaum/Cherrytree Music Company, debuted the song during a live performance on On the Radar Radio in late July. Reflecting on the project, Olaf Blackwood said, “The ‘Gunman’ riddim was one of my go-tos for stage shows as a youngster. Co-writing this song with Shaggy and bringing it full circle has been an amazing experience.”

Shaggy shared his admiration for Junjo Lawes, saying, “His music was synonymous with the sound system movement of the ‘80s and ‘90s. I wanted to recreate that vibe while adding some new ideas.”

The second single, “Rude Bwoy Sumthin,” by Junior Cat, also drops on August 22. Known as “The Wild Indian,” Junior Cat is a veteran of the sound system scene. His track pays homage to the original gangster persona of Dancehall, delivering raw energy and vivid storytelling.

Fans can also look forward to the release of Spice’s track on September 12th, as well as additional songs from the “Badman” riddim series. This latest collaboration between VP Records and Ranch Entertainment follows the success of Shaggy’s 2023 soca-inspired EP, In The Mood.

The “Gunman” riddim, known for its heavy brass and unforgettable drum and bass, gained fame as the instrumental behind Michael Prophet’s hit “Gunman,” a defining track of early ‘80s Dancehall. With the “Badman” riddim series, Shaggy aims to blend nostalgia with a modern twist, inviting a new generation of Dancehall lovers to experience the energy and culture of that era. Like traditional “juggling” projects, the series will feature multiple artists interpreting the same instrumental in their unique styles.

Stay tuned for more details on the “Badman” riddim project as Shaggy continues to innovate and honor Dancehall’s rich legacy.

Legendary Guyana Singer Dave Martins Cremated

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Aug. 21, 2024: Legendary musician David Anthony Martins was funeralized Tuesday at a private funeral service at the Kaashi Dhaam Crematorium, Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Guyana. His body was later cremated after being lauded by his wife Annette Arjoon and children Alex and Victoria Arjoon as an excellent husband and father.

Dave Martins wife is consoled by the President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali. (Newsroom Guyana image)

Annette spoke of the first time she met Dave 15 years ago and married after just one year. With tears, she said, “I was really blessed to have him in my life and to have 15 years of absolute joy and happiness and solitude and today he is in a good place surrounded by friends and family all of you I know love him dearly.”

Guyanese musician, Dave Martins, of Dave Martin and the Tradewinds fame, is dead at 90. (Facebook image/Dave Martins)

Alex and Victoria both shared that while Martins was known as a musician, he was a remarkable and incredible father figure. “His incredible wits, his humour and his love for my mom is something I would cherish forever,” Victoria said.

Also addressing those gathered at Tuesday’s solemn ceremony was Ret’d Major General Joseph Singh who shared a close relationship with Martins. He “has served his country with dignity, honour, with love as reflected in his over 300 songs that he produced,” Singh said.

He added that Martins was able to “reach across divides politicians dream to,” as he brought Guyanese together in a patriotic manner while fights for its sovereignty.

Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, Charles Ramson Jnr. in his remarks said it is difficult to ever say good bye to such an exceptional person. “He will never be forgotten. He must never be forgotten and his work and his love through you must also live on forever,” the minister noted.

The iconic artiste was lauded as an ‘Icon of Caribbean Identity’ by President Dr Irfaan Ali who noted that Martins’s legacy will continue to form connections with generations to come through his music, selfless contributions to the cultural sector and his ability to foster national unity.

“We know that this man is not a national asset, every single regional leader as young, as experienced and as young, they all are acquainted with Dave and they see him as a regional man, they value him as a regional man,” the President said in his sentiments expressed at the funeral.

The singer of the “anthem” ‘Not a Blade of Grass’ died on August 18th in Guyana, leaving a profound legacy of musical excellence and cultural contribution. The cause of death was not released publicly. He was 90.

Read more on Dave Martins HERE

A public memorial will be held at a later date his family announced.

Jamaican Actor Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley Gears Up for Global Performances and HBO Role

News Americas, New York, NY, August 16, 2024: “I believe that one of Jamaica’s greatest untapped creative resources is the incredible acting talent that resides in our beautiful little island. I think the time has come to unleash that resource. And I’m ready for the moment—and ready for the world.”

Jamaican born actor Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley. (Photo courtesy of Travis Muschett)

These are the words of award-winning, Jamaican born actor, comedian, and former child star, Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley, as he embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career. Daley, known for his iconic role as ‘Johnny,’ on the beloved Jamaican television series Lime Tree Lane, is gearing up for several international performances and a featured role in a highly anticipated television series co-produced by HBO and the UK’s Channel 4.

Daley will headline The Kings of Jamaican Comedy event in Dorchester, Massachusetts, on Sunday, August 25th, as part of Boston’s Carnival Weekend celebrations at Kay’s Oasis is located at 1125 Blue Hill Avenue, Boston Massachusetts, 02124.

Daley with fellow actors Oliver Samuels, Hugh Smith and comedian Drew Thomas. (Photo courtesy of Johnny Live Productions.)

Reflecting on Jamaica’s global influence in areas like music, athletics, fashion, and beauty, Daley emphasized that the country’s actors are yet to receive their full recognition on the world stage. “We’ve given the world the Marleys, Shaggys, and Sean Pauls, as well as Usain Bolts, Asafa Powells, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryces. We’ve had four Miss Worlds. But in the realm of film, theater, and television performance, we have yet to fully set the world ablaze,” Daley explained. “Icons such as Sheryl Lee Ralph and the late Madge Sinclair have left an indelible mark on the industry. Now, with the increasing interest in Jamaican stories told by Jamaican actors, I’m excited to be part of that renaissance and see what the future holds.”

Daley’s excitement extends to his upcoming role in Get Millie Black, a crime drama surrounding Jamaican-born detective Millie Black, who returns to Kingston after working for Scotland Yard. Daley plays Detective Lance Stennet, whose tense relationship with Millie Black intensifies the drama. Daley described the character as “ambitious, tenacious, and serious about policing,” adding that the role allows him to explore the complex dynamics between the two detectives.

In addition to his work on Get Millie Black, Daley has a busy schedule of live performances. After his appearance in Boston, he will perform at the Premier Restaurant and Lounge in Lithonia, Georgia, on October 13 for the Laugh A Ton event. He will also take the stage at the annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in South Florida on November 10. Back home in Jamaica, he will appear at the Grace Food Festival in Hope Gardens on August 24 and continues to host the popular Johnny Live Comedy Bar at his venue, Johnny’s Place, every Tuesday night.

Reflecting on his journey, Daley shared how his early mischief as a primary school student led him to join the school’s drama club, eventually landing him the lead role in his first play and a summer scholarship to The Jamaica School of Drama. It was there that he met television writer Melita Samuels, who cast him in Lime Tree Lane. The show’s popularity made Daley a household name across Jamaica, and he embraced the nickname ‘Johnny’ from his character on the show.

Decades later, Daley has successfully transitioned from child star to acclaimed actor, with nearly forty major stage productions under his belt and screen appearances in films like One Love and Kingston Paradise. He has worked alongside some of Jamaica and the Caribbean’s most celebrated icons, earning accolades such as the International Theatre Institute (Jamaica) Actor Boy Award for Best Actor.

Though he juggles a demanding career, Daley remains committed to carving out time for his family, including his three children. Looking ahead, he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly with the growing interest in Jamaican-themed projects in Jamaica and abroad.

“There is a movement happening right now, and you can feel it,” Daley said. “At long last, Jamaican actors are going to start getting our due. And for me, while Jamaica will always be home, I’m willing to go wherever the work is. We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. I’m going to make the most of it.”

For more information on The Kings of Jamaican Comedy event, call 508-882-2566.

Famous Guyanese Singer – Dave Martins – Is Dead

News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mon. Aug. 19, 2024: Guyanese-born singer, Dave Martins, band leader of the Tradewinds and the patriotic ode, ‘Not A Blade of Grass,’ passed away in Guyana on Sunday, August 18th, reports from Guyana indicate. He was 90.

Guyanese musician, Dave Martins, of Dave Martin and the Tradewinds fame, is dead at 90. (Facebook image/Dave Martins)

Martins wife, Annette Arjoon-Martins, wrote on Facebook: “Eternally grateful to have shared fifteen years of unconditional love, support and especially shared passions for everything Guyanese with my soulmate.” The cause of death was not immediately known.

President Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton both paid tribute to Dave, a former resident of Canada and the Cayman Islands.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a true Caribbean icon, Dave Martins, whose music was the heartbeat of our region. As the leader of the Tradewinds band, Dave captured the essence of the Caribbean spirit and its identity, blending upbeat rhythms with biting satire that spoke to our hearts and minds. His music not only invited us to laugh at ourselves but also encouraged us to stand tall and be proud of our Guyanese and Caribbean heritage,” said Ali, “‘Not a Blade of Grass,’ his timeless anthem, stands as a powerful statement to our nation’s collective resistance against threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity. In our moments of challenges, it was Dave’s music that lifted our spirits, reminding us of the strength and resilience we hold as a people and our duty never to surrender an inch of our territory. Dave Martins was more than just a musician; he was a true Caribbean person whose influence extended beyond borders, touching the lives of countless individuals across the region. His loss is deeply felt, not only in Guyana but throughout the entire Caribbean and in our diaspora. Whenever his music plays, no matter where you are, it stirs a deep sense of pride in being a Caribbean person. The rhythms and melodies carry the essence of our shared heritage, reminding us of who we are and where we come from. Dave Martins’ music connects us to our roots and fills us with a profound love for our Caribbean identity. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Annette and to his family, friends and massive following of fans.”

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton told Demerara Waves Online News: “It’s a great loss to Guyana. He is one of our cultural icons and one of the men who took a lot of Guyanese culture and put it into music and wherever you went in the world, you could have related to it and be proud of it. It is my only hope that we can have more of him. The death of Dave Martins is a great loss to Guyana.”

Martins was born and raised in the village of Hague in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to Joseph and Zepherina Martins. However, at the tender age of 10, his parents relocated to Vreed-en-Hoop where he completed his primary education and went on to attend St. Stanislaus College in Georgetown. And this is where the young Martins developed an interest in literature, music, and a love for different languages.

He fondly recalled in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle last year, that his mother was the one who enjoyed playing and singing songs while his father farmed extensively in the Pomeroon River in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Dave enjoyed travelling back and forth with his dad from Pomeroon to Vreed-en-Hoop, which allowed him to interact with a number of people he encountered along the way. The conversations would entail their “real life” stories, which he found fascinating, and because of those conversations, Dave believes the composer/musical side of him was triggered.

Dave also credited the Trinidadian Calypso, which in those days had “drama, suspense, comedy, bravery, and power in the music. I became familiar with the old Trinidad Calypso music from recordings, and I knew I wanted to do that type of music but with my twist.”

He and his family moved to Toronto, Canada, and, there, he was exposed to the “business side” of his musical life. According to him, one day he came across an advertisement in the newspaper for a new Caribbean band. He applied, got through, and played with four other musicians. The band (the Debonairs) was hired to play for six evenings a week, and they performed exceptionally well.

The band moved away from the traditional Latin music to playing a calypso-heavy blend. For several years, the band performed in this style, but Martins’ life was adversely affected by the demanding schedule, and in 1963, he quit his weekly job and only performed at the weekends, but the music kept calling him, and in 1966, he founded an entirely new Caribbean band and named it “The Trade Winds.”

“We were a natural group who loved the music, the stories, and the people, and we just grew,” he told The Chronicle. “When we started to record, Canada didn’t have any radio stations that played Caribbean music as they do now, and so we were the pioneers at that time. The market was there at the time, and if you had started a band with good music, you would have gotten work, which we did. I don’t know why I felt like I needed to write the type of music that I did, but I knew I must be true to myself and my roots, which are in Guyana.”

The band’s other songs include “Honeymooning Couple,” “Cricket in the Jungle,” “Civilisation,” “It’s Traditional,” “Copycats,” “Sweet Talk,” “Wong Ping,” “I Want to Be A Puppy,’ “You Can’t Get,” “Boyhood Day,” “Where Are Your Heroes,” “Play De Ting,” “Mr. Rooster,” and “West Indian Alphabet.”

“The song about the honeymooning couple, I wrote that from a joke that I heard, and it blew up, and of course the famous ‘Not a blade of grass’ came from the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. I also wanted people to relate to what I was singing and get a message from the songs, so I wrote and sang about what was happening at the moment.”

Martins turned 90 in April this year. In 2022, the University of Guyana conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.

Madonna And 28-Year-Old Jamaican Spotted in Italy

News Americas, New York, NY, August 14, 2024: Jamaican-born soccer player Akeem Morris is making headlines globally due to his relationship with music icon Madonna, who is 37 years his senior.

Madonna is seen out and about on August 13, 2024 in Portofino, Italy with her Jamaican beau. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

The couple was recently seen enjoying the scenic streets of Portofino, Italy, just ahead of Madonna’s 65th birthday on August 16th. The pop legend appeared relaxed and content, holding onto Morris’s arm as they explored the charming locale. Their romantic getaway included a leisurely al fresco lunch with friends, enhancing the laid-back atmosphere of their Italian retreat. As always, Madonna turned heads with her bold fashion choices, wearing a stunning black gown paired with a dramatic lace overlay that flowed down to her ankles, complete with a cape.

Madonna is seen out and about on August 13, 2024 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

Morris reportedly met the “Like a Prayer” singer during her August 2022 cover shoot for Paper magazine, and their relationship has blossomed quickly since. Morris has been featured in several of Madonna’s Instagram posts, often in intimate and playful settings. In a recent post, Madonna surprised her fans by going topless in a series of sultry photos, including one where she was seated on Morris’s lap, exuding a steamy chemistry. The caption, “Hot Fun in The Summer Time……… [fire emoji],” perfectly encapsulated their sizzling connection.

Madonna is seen out and about on August 13, 2024 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

The couple is currently enjoying their stay at the exclusive Dolce & Gabbana estate in Portofino, having made a stylish arrival by boat, with Madonna dressed, fittingly, in Dolce & Gabbana.

Morris, originally from Spanish Town, Jamaica, moved to New York to attend Stony Brook University from 2014 to 2018, where he balanced his studies with playing soccer. Post-graduation, he had a brief stint with Oyster Bay United FC, a premier league team in New York, although his official stats show he played just one match with the team.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival Celebrates Another Spectacular Year

News Americas, New York, NY, August 5, 2024: Revellers transformed Lake Shore Boulevard into a dazzling spectacle of feathers, embellished costumes, and dancing on Saturday, August 3rd, as the city celebrated the Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Grand Parade. The parade capped off a month of festivities celebrating Caribbean culture.

North America’s second Largest Caribbean Carnival takes over the exhibition grounds. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Mayor Olivia Chow helped kick off the parade, dancing with revellers Saturday morning in a vibrant purple and pink feathered costume. “Every part of my body is moving,” said Chow from the parade sidelines.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival took over the exhibition grounds. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Toronto’s 57th annual Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade drew crowds to Lake Shore Boulevard, including Mayor Olivia Chow. The parade marks the climax of a month-long celebration of Caribbean culture and emancipation, the end of slavery.

A fan celebrates at the 57th Toronto Caribbean Carnival on august 3, 2024. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Toronto boasts the largest carnival in North America, with organizers expecting nearly a million attendees this year. Carnival is a significant cultural event celebrated across several countries in the Americas and the Caribbean.

Amber Wilson, a seasoned participant, described playing mas in the parade as “pure happiness.” She explained that participants choose a musical band to join, which then designs their elaborate costumes. “Putting them on is a very skilled and time-consuming process,” Wilson told the Toronto Star. This year, she paraded with Saldenah Carnival, one of Toronto’s longest-standing and most successful bands.

Faith Roberson (left) and Imani divinity (right) show off their regalia. North America’s Largest Caribbean Carnival takes over the exhibition grounds. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Karissa Singh, another Saldenah participant, told the Toronto Star she started getting ready at 5:30 a.m. “But it feels like it’s all worth it to come here on the stage and party with everybody we love,” she said.

A reveller at North America’s second largest Caribbean Carnival takes over the exhibition grounds. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Faith Hilliman-Foster emphasized the cultural significance of playing mas. “It’s a chance to take part in my culture and express it through my city,” she told the Toronto Star. Kadiaja McCalla, parading alongside Hilliman-Foster, highlighted the inclusive nature of the carnival. “Regardless of body type, everyone is encouraged to participate,” she said. “In our culture, we celebrate you anywhere.”

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also attended the Grand Parade. Though not in costume, Singh, who has been attending the festival since he was 19, praised the event. “This is one of the premier events for the City of Toronto,” he told the Toronto Star. “The vibes, the energy, the people.”

The carnival’s history dates back to 1967, when founding member Maurice Bygrave and his group organized what they thought would be a one-off event. Its success led then-Mayor William Dennison to request it become an annual festival.

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival continues to be a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and community spirit, bringing the Caribbean experience to the heart of Toronto.