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Legendary Jamaican Jazz Maestro Monty Alexander Returns To Birdland For An Unforgettable Week Of Music

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CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, September 11, 2025: This September, New York’s jazz faithful are in for a treat, as one of the world’s most beloved pianists, the legendary Hon. Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J., returns to Birdland Jazz Club in the city he calls his “adopted hometown.”

Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J. (Bernd Scholkemper/INNTone)

The Grammy-nominated virtuoso, revered globally for fusing the soul of Jamaica with the improvisational fire of jazz, will bring his infectious spirit and boundless creativity to the stage, alongside bassist Luke Sellick and drummer Jason Brown. Together, the trio will perform from Tuesday, September 16th through Saturday, September 20th at the iconic venue, located at 315 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036.

Showtimes are 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. nightly, Tuesday through Thursday, and 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, ensuring multiple opportunities to experience a master at work.

A Living History Of Jazz And Jamaica

Alexander’s artistry is as alive and dynamic today as it was when he first burst on to the scene as a teenager in Kingston, Jamaica. At just 16, he already had recordings on the Jamaican hit parade before making the leap to the United States. He landed in Miami in 1962 and by 1963, at only 19, had moved to New York City, where he was soon captivating audiences at Jilly’s, the legendary club owned by Frank Sinatra’s close confidant, Jilly Rizzo. That was 65 years ago, yet his performances remain as fresh and fiery as ever.

In every set, Alexander channels the rhythms of his homeland and blends them seamlessly with the grooves, melodies and harmonies of America’s greatest art form. Whether it’s the swing of the American songbook, the soul of the blues, the reverence of gospel, the inventiveness of bebop, or the pulsating vibes of reggae and calypso, Monty Alexander builds musical bridges that connect cultures and ignite audiences. Each note carries with it his Jamaican heritage and a message of unity, joy, and resilience.

His motto – “to build up the heat and kick up a storm” – is not just a phrase, but a promise. For audiences, it means being transported on a journey that is equal parts elegance, energy and exhilaration.

A Legacy Beyond Compare

With more than 75 albums to his name and countless performances across every major jazz festival and venue on the planet, Alexander’s reputation is firmly cemented as one of the greats. He was named the fifth greatest jazz pianist of all time in The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of All Time (Hal Leonard Publishing), a recognition that underscores both his virtuosity and his influence.

His homeland of Jamaica has also celebrated him at the highest levels: in 2000, he was appointed Commander in the Order of Distinction (C.D.), and in 2022, he received the Order of Jamaica (O.J.) for his “sterling contributions to the promotion of Jamaican music and the jazz genre globally.” In 2018, the University of the West Indies awarded him an honorary doctorate (DLitt), recognizing not just his technical mastery, but also his cultural impact on generations of listeners.

Adding to his living legacy, the very trio that will join him on stage at Birdland – Sellick and Brown – also recorded with him on his most recent album, D-Day, which received multiple “Best of the Year” honors in France last year.

Birdland: A Perfect Stage For Monty’s Magic

Birdland Jazz Club, known as “The Jazz Corner of the World,” has long been a home for the greatest names in jazz. For Alexander, returning to this stage is more than tradition – it’s a homecoming. His Birdland shows attract loyal fans, new listeners and fellow musicians eager to be part of his musical storytelling. Now, 65 years since his first recordings, Alexander’s legacy continues to grow, inspiring new generations while captivating audiences worldwide.

Ticket Information

Tickets for this must-see residency are available now at birdlandjazz.com. With limited seating and Monty’s enduring popularity, early booking is strongly encouraged. Visit the official event page here or birdlandjazz.com/ 24 hours a day.

Stay Connected with Monty

Keep up with Monty and his journey across stages worldwide:

Facebook: facebook.com/officialmontyalexander

Twitter/X: @_MontyAlexander

Instagram: @monty.alexander

YouTube & Official Website: montyalexander.com

Caribbean Roots Busta Rhymes Honored With Historic Rock The Bells Visionary Award At 2025 VMAs

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Sept. 8, 2025: Busta Rhymes, the son of Jamaican immigrants, cemented his place in hip-hop history on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at the VMAs, when he became the first-ever recipient of the Rock the Bells Visionary Award at the MTV Video Music Awards. The honor, long overdue, recognized not only his legendary music career but also his cultural impact and boundary-breaking creativity.

Busta Rhymes speaks onstage during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Manny Carabel/Getty Images for MTV)

The 53-year-old rapper, born Trevor George Smith Jr. in Brooklyn, New York, delivered a fiery performance at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, before accepting his golden moonperson statue. Dressed head-to-toe in an all-red leather ensemble and joined by his longtime hype man Spliff Star, Busta brought the house down with a medley of classics. He performed “Pass the Courvoisier Part II,” “Touch It (Remix),” “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” and “Scenario” — the 1992 A Tribe Called Quest anthem that first introduced his unique cadence and booming delivery to the world.

He wasn’t alone. Fellow rappers Joyner Lucas, Papoose, and breakout star GloRilla shared the stage, bridging generations of hip-hop and underscoring Busta’s enduring influence.

A Visionary Finally Recognized’

(L-R) Busta Rhymes and Ciara attend the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for MTV)

The Rock the Bells Visionary Award celebrates an artist whose creativity reshapes the culture — and Busta Rhymes has been doing just that for over three decades. From his kaleidoscopic music videos to his innovative flow, he has consistently redefined what hip-hop can be.

VMAs host and hip-hop pioneer LL Cool J presented the award, describing Busta’s visuals as “borderline alien warping our reality.” Accepting the award, Busta returned the love, crediting LL as the reason he wrote his first rhyme. With his trademark humor, he added: “Next time y’all take 35 years to give me one of these, y’all gonna let me talk as long as I want!”

But the moment turned emotional when Busta honored Ananda Lewis, the beloved MTV VJ who passed away earlier this year from stage 4 breast cancer. “She loved us, she loved the culture, she lifted us up,” Busta said, paying tribute to the woman who championed hip-hop on MTV during its golden era.

Caribbean Roots, Global Impact

Busta Rhymes’ recognition is also a proud moment for the Caribbean diaspora. The son of Jamaican parents, he has always infused his artistry with the sounds and spirit of his heritage. From patois-inflected rhymes to reggae-inspired beats, the Caribbean has been woven into his identity as an artist.

That influence was evident once again on the VMAs stage, as his rhythmic cadences and high-energy performance reminded fans of the Jamaican musical DNA at the heart of hip-hop itself.

From Leaders of the New School to Global Icon

Before becoming a solo superstar, Busta Rhymes first made his mark as part of Leaders of the New School, a hip-hop group that debuted in the early 1990s. His breakout moment came with his verse on “Scenario,” which turned him into an instant standout.

In 1996, he launched his solo career with the smash single “Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check,” a track that became an anthem and earned him his first Grammy nomination. Over the years, he has released 11 studio albums, three compilations, and more than 100 singles, selling nearly nine million albums by 2019. His catalogue spans club bangers, introspective cuts, and unforgettable collaborations with artists from Janet Jackson to Mariah Carey.

Beyond music, Busta has worked as a producer and appeared in film and television, further proving his versatility as an entertainer. His performances in movies like Higher Learning and appearances in shows such as The Boondocks added new dimensions to his career.

Legacy Sealed

The Rock the Bells Visionary Award marks Busta’s first MTV VMA win, a surprising fact given his immense contributions to music and culture. The audience’s roaring approval made clear that the recognition was long overdue.

Closing his speech, Busta thanked his parents, his children, and his fans, declaring: “The blessings don’t stop, so we don’t stop.”

For hip-hop, the award represents acknowledgment of a creative genius. For the Caribbean diaspora, it is another proud reminder of how deeply Caribbean heritage has shaped global music.

After more than 30 years of hits, innovation, and influence, Busta Rhymes is finally receiving his flowers — and he’s not slowing down.

New Music Fridays: The Hottest Caribbean Releases You Need This Weekend

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By News Americas ET EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 6, 2025: It’s New Music Fridays, which means fresh drops across the Caribbean music spectrum. From reggae meditations and dancehall bangers to soca experiments and star-powered collabs, here’s what’s new this week.

Freshest Find: Lila Iké – Scatter

The Jamaican songbird opens her debut album with “Scatter,” a Protoje-produced gem sampling Peter Tosh’s Igziabeher and Garnett Silk’s Complaint. It’s a spiritual prayer, a bold statement of resilience, and a reminder that Iké is firmly rooted in reggae’s powerful lineage. Listen HERE

Mortimer & Zion I Kings – Round & Round

Mortimer’s velvet tone shines alongside roots collective Zion I Kings. With trumpets, flutes, and synths weaving through a deep bass groove, “Round & Round” is a soulful meditation on faith, flaws, and shared humanity. Check it out HERE

Ayetian, Govana & Nvtzz – Wah Yo Deh Pan

Dancehall’s breakout star Ayetian links up with Govana and Nvtzz for a raw, hypnotic anthem. With its chant-worthy hook and unfiltered lyrics, “Wah Yo Deh Pan” is destined for heavy rotation on dance floors across the region. Listen HERE

Hollie Cook – Frontline

UK reggae siren Hollie Cook leans into vulnerability with “Frontline,” blending punk guitars with a breezy groove. Her falsetto floats over Ben McKone’s production as she sings of inner battles and the search for self-love. LISTEN NOW

Mr. Vegas feat. U-Roy – Call Tyrone

Mr. Vegas

The dancehall veteran brings grit and humor on his Ghetto Reggae LP standout. With the late U-Roy in tow, “Call Tyrone” is classic Caribbean commentary wrapped in brassy, easy-skanking riddims.

V’ghn – POV

Grenadian soca star V’ghn shifts gears with the title track from his new EP. A thoughtful mix of Afrobeats, reggae, and R&B, “POV” finds him reflecting on growth and perspective.

Skillibeng feat. Moliy – Too Hot

The Jamaican hitmaker reunites with Ghanaian songstress Moliy for a sultry crossover cut. “Too Hot” fuses R&B sensuality with Skilli’s gritty delivery, showing their chemistry goes well beyond the dancehall.

Jesse Royal & Melanie Fiona – Too Late

Grammy-nominated reggae star Jesse Royal teams up with Guyanese-Canadian R&B powerhouse Melanie Fiona. “Too Late” is a heartbreak anthem with doo-wop touches, bouncy production, and undeniable vocal synergy.

Ras Mista Fyah – Meh Nevah

From his Infinity album, Ras Mista Fyah delivers a cultural declaration of defiance. The Ras Kassa-directed video amplifies the song’s message of resilience, cementing his place as one of reggae’s fiercest truth-tellers. Catch it here

Pete Francis feat. Demarco – Smile Everyday

American singer-songwriter Pete Francis teams up with dancehall star Demarco on a radiant reggae-pop anthem. “Smile Everyday” is a feel-good track about gratitude, joy, and embracing life’s simple blessings.

Reggae Virus Riddim Remix – Various Artists

Tad’s Record revives its Reggae Virus Riddim with a remix compilation featuring Mikey Spice, Sanchez, Glen Washington, Sophia Squire, and more. Expect doses of roots, love, and lyrical medicine for the soul. It’s a beautiful mix to spice up your weekend.

STREAM & SUPPORT: All tracks are now available on major platforms. Press play, run the riddims, and let the Caribbean soundtrack your weekend.

Vybz Kartel To Headline Back-To-Back Shows At London’s O2 Arena

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News Americas, LONDON, ENGLAND, Weds. Sept. 3, 2025: Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel is set to electrify fans in the United Kingdom this week as he headlines two nights at London’s O2 Arena on Thursday, Sept. 4, and Friday, Sept. 5, as part of his Worl’ Boss Tour.

The shows mark Kartel’s first-ever UK arena performances and come on the heels of his widely celebrated set at this year’s Wireless Festival, where he commemorated two decades in music. Known for his commanding stage presence and chart-topping catalog, Kartel is expected to deliver a career-spanning performance for his London audience.

FLASHBACK – Vybz Kartel performs live on stage during day three of Wireless Festival 2025 at Finsbury Park on July 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Simone Joyner/Getty Images)

Stage Times

6:30 p.m. – Arena doors open

7:00 p.m. – Support DJs

9:00 p.m. – Vybz Kartel

Weeknight events at the O2 typically conclude by 10:30 p.m. and no later than 11:00 p.m., meaning fans can expect Kartel’s show to run for just under two hours.

The two-night run is part of Kartel’s Worl’ Boss Tour, which has seen the dancehall icon extend his influence across global stages while celebrating the evolution of the genre. His O2 Arena appearances are widely anticipated, with both longtime supporters and new fans eager to witness one of dancehall’s most controversial and influential figures in action.

Kartel will also play Manchester at the Co-op Live on September 10th from 8:30 pm.

Kartel, often hailed as “World Boss,” remains one of the most impactful voices in Jamaican music. From classics such as Clarks and Romping Shop to newer hits that continue to dominate dancehall playlists, his influence extends beyond music into style, culture, and politics.

The O2 Arena shows are expected to draw large crowds, with many fans seeing them as a rare opportunity to experience a living legend at the peak of his career.

Award-Winning Jamaican Drama Pilot Now Streaming on Tubi

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NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, Sept 1, 2025: ‘From Yard,’ the critically acclaimed and award-winning Jamaican drama television pilot, is now available for streaming worldwide on Tubi, one of the fastest-growing free streaming platforms.

Shevrado Oliver (left) and Joe Herrera in From Yard. (PHOTO CREDIT- Nick Whatley)

The highly anticipated pilot first premiered on the red carpet in Kingston, Jamaica, in 2023, and has since gained international recognition on the film festival circuit. With its arrival on Tubi, the production team behind From Yard hopes to build a global audience and secure support for a full season of episodes.

A Story Rooted in Immigration and Identity

Based on the autobiographical novel Yardie by David G. Heron, From Yard is described as an immigrant urban drama that follows Heron’s personal journey from his childhood in Jamaica to his often turbulent life in New York City. The series explores his career as an NYPD parole officer while delving into the challenges, tragedies, and cultural complexities that shaped his life.

Darron Donaldson (left) and Shevrado Oliver in From Yard. (PHOTO CREDIT- Nick Whatley)

“It is a deeply personal story,” said Heron, who also serves as the pilot’s executive producer. “The journey to this moment began with the publication of Yardie several years ago. To now see it reach international audiences on Tubi, after premiering in Jamaica and traveling the festival circuit, is a testament to passion, dedication, and persistence.”

Heron added that streaming on Tubi offers the production the kind of exposure that could lead to the greenlighting of a full season: “The more viewers tune in, the stronger our case becomes for bringing this powerful Caribbean story to life on a larger scale.”

Production and Creative Team

The one-hour pilot was produced by Leland and Phaedra Benford through Cupcake Rapture Studios in Atlanta, with Benford directing from a script adapted by Heron, Noel E. Dunn, and Maya Hall. The pilot is distributed by Wish Love Media.

According to the team, the pilot is envisioned as the first step in a long-form television series that will span multiple episodes and continue exploring the immigrant experience in all of its complexity.

Festival Success and Awards

Following its world premiere at Kingston’s Palace Cineplex in 2023, From Yard was featured at a range of international film festivals, where it won accolades and recognition. Among its honors:

Best Short Drama at the 2024 Shoot Your Shot Film Festival

Special Recognition Award at the 2025 Spotlight Short Film Awards

Finalist at the 2024 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival

Official selection at the 2024 Atlanta Black Film Festival

Official selection at the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival in Toronto

These achievements helped cement From Yard’s reputation as a standout Caribbean production with international appeal.

Rising Cast of Jamaican and Caribbean Talent

The pilot features a strong cast of primarily Jamaican actors, led by Shevrado Oliver as David G. Heron. The ensemble also includes Glen “Titus” Campbell, playwright and actor David Heron (no relation to the executive producer), Joe Herrera, Darron Donaldson, Miranda Melhado, and Adam Christian as the younger David.

Since filming, several members of the cast have seen their careers flourish:

Shevrado Oliver won the 2024 Accolade Global Recognition Award for Best Actor in Behind Closed Doors and made his New York stage debut in Love and Marriage and New York City.

David G. Heron earned the 2024 Broadway World Award for Best Supporting Performer in Shakespeare in the Park’s The Tempest (Rhode Island).

Glen Campbell took home Jamaica’s 2024 Actor Boy Award for Best Actor in the comedy Room 513.

Joe Herrera appeared in STARZ’s hit crime drama BMF (Black Mafia Family).

Producers on the Tubi Deal

Producer-director Leland Benford, whose feature film Empathy is also streaming on Tubi, said he was proud of the cast and their accomplishments:

“We are extremely happy and proud to congratulate our cast who have continued to excel since working on From Yard. Their growing fan bases can make a major difference in how well our series performs on Tubi, and hopefully, this will pave the way for producing our full first season.”

How to Watch

From Yard is now streaming for free on Tubi, where audiences worldwide can access the pilot without a subscription.

For more information on the production, visit www.fromyardtheseries.com or watch directly on Tubi at https://bit.ly/fromyard.

New Music Friday – Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Mavado, DJ Khaled And More

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Aug. 29, 2025: It’s Labor Day and that means the West Indian American Day Carnival in Brooklyn. But it’s also New Music Fridays and that means new Caribbean music fans should know of this week. Here’s what we are looking at:

DJ Khaled, Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Mavado

DJ Khaled, Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Mavado have dropped ‘You Remind Me,’ under exclusive license to Republic Records a division of UMG Recordings, Inc. The song is infectious and the female dancers and models are sizzling. See it below

Spice “Slow Motion”

Spice joins forces with British Romanian social media star Lavbbe on “Slow Motion,” a high-energy single produced by Shaggy and Shane Hoosong for VP Records and Ranch Entertainment. Blending Spice’s fiery deejaying with Lavbbe’s melodic vocals, the track is designed as an electrifying dancefloor anthem. Its music video, directed by Meeks + Frost and filmed at London’s Roller Nation, also premieres Friday. The release follows Spice’s blockbuster hit “Go Down Deh,” which recently surpassed 300 million Spotify streams. Spice is her usual sexy self on this album.

Check it out HERE

Beres Hammond and Tanya Stephens “Love Story”

On the reggae front, Beres Hammond delivers this incredible “Love Story,” his first studio collaboration with singer-songwriter Tanya Stephens. Produced by Arthur Wale for Free Willy Records, the duet is a soulful ode to rekindled romance, weaving timeless storytelling with Hammond’s signature warmth. Stephens called the experience “the pinnacle of all pinnacles” in her career. This one is hot and takes you back to a time when love was surely simple.

Check it out here

“Dancehall Godfather” Johnny Osbourne

“Dancehall Godfather” Johnny Osbourne has revisited his classic catalog on Universal Love Showcase, a new album produced by Frenchie of Maximum Sound. The set features fresh vocal performances of his signature tracks alongside accompanying dub mixes, and is out today via VP Records.

The project includes updated versions of “Ice Cream Love” and “Never Stop Fighting,” among others, with contributions from Tarrus Riley, Alborosie, Anthony B, Macka B, and Aza Lineage. alongside saxophonist Dean Fraser and engineer Gregory Morris.

Listen to it HERE

MOJO MORGAN – JAMAICA LOVE EP OUT NOW!

Grammy Award–winning artist and Morgan Heritage founding member Mojo Morgan delivers his highly anticipated solo project Jamaica Love. The 9-track EP blends reggae, country, soul, and global rhythms into a genre-defying sound Mojo calls Rasta Rock.

The project includes powerful collaborations, making it a true celebration of generational talent and global fusion. Anchored by singles like Dreams, Jamaica Love, Mountain Song, and Make It, the EP is both a tribute to Mojo’s late brother Peetah Morgan and a bold step into his own artistic path.

This release follows the success of the Morgan Heritage 2.0 World Tour, where the group performed at major festivals across Europe, solidifying their reputation as one of reggae’s most electrifying live acts. With that momentum, Mojo now expands his solo vision directly to the world.

Check it out HERE

Khalia & Jahshii – ‘Jamaica’ out now!

Jamaican born and UK grown rising reggae star Khalia teams up with breakout Jamaican artist Jahshii to deliver their new anthemic single ‘Jamaica’. Produced by GRAMMY nominated producer J-Vibe, it serves as the third single off Khalia’s upcoming album. The album follows her debut EP ‘Stay True’, which included features from Shaggy, Mortimer, Tanya Stephens, and Blvk H3ro. Khalia recently performed at Protoje’s Lost In Time Festival and Rototom Sunsplash in Jamaica, and Summerjam Festival in Germany. Jahshii has been featured on songs with powerhouses in the Caribbean space like Masicka, Protoje, and Mavado. Released via Ineffable Records.

Listen to it HERE

Caribbean Music Awards 2025 – Here Are The Winners

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Aug. 29, 2025: The Caribbean Music Awards 2025 lit up the stage with vibrant performances and a celebration of the region’s top musical talent, honoring artists across dancehall, reggae, soca, calypso, bouyon, and beyond. Here are the winners and the attendees of this year’s event at the King’s Theater in Brooklyn. The awards will air on BET on Sept. 12th.

Female Artists of the Year

Three powerhouse women each took home the coveted Female Artist of the Year title in their respective genres:

Shenseea – Dancehall Artist of the Year – Female

Lila Iké – Reggae Artist of the Year – Female

Patrice Roberts – Soca Artist of the Year – Female

Their wins reflected the diverse and dynamic contributions of women shaping Caribbean music globally.

Dancehall star Spice attends 2025 Caribbean Music Awards on August 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Claude Yao Sahi/Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Male Artists of the Year

On the male side, the spotlight was shared by three standouts:

Valiant – Dancehall Artist of the Year – Male

Romain Virgo – Reggae Artist of the Year – Male

Skinny Fabulous – Soca Artist of the Year – Male

Elephant Man attends 2025 Caribbean Music Awards on August 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Claude Yao Sahi/Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Iconic Honors

The night also paid tribute to industry pioneers and legends:

Busta Rhymes received the Elite Icon Award, underscoring his trailblazing contributions as a Caribbean-rooted global superstar.

Bounty Killer was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his decades of influence on dancehall and reggae.

Austin “Super Blue” Lyons was saluted with the Calypso Honors, a nod to his lasting legacy in the art form.

DJ Khaled attends 2025 Caribbean Music Awards on August 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Special Recognitions

Producer Honors: Kerwin Du Bois

Humanitarian Award: Sizzla Youth Foundation

Gospel Excellence: Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers

Legacy Honors: Haitian band Carimi

Sizzla and Swizz Beatz attend 2025 Caribbean Music Awards on August 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Notable Wins

Reggae Collaboration of the Year: Bugle for “Thank You Lord” featuring Buju Banton and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley

Bouyon Artist of the Year: The Bouyon Boys

Bouyon Collaborator of the Year: Lady Lava

Mya attends 2025 Caribbean Music Awards on August 28, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

A Night of Culture and Celebration

The Caribbean Music Awards 2025 reaffirmed the region’s influence on global music, highlighting artists who continue to push boundaries while honoring the legends who paved the way. From Shenseea’s commanding presence to Lila Iké’s soulful reggae vocals and Patrice Roberts’ infectious soca rhythms, the event showcased the creativity and resilience of Caribbean artistry.

The King of Caribbean Comedy, Majah Hype, against hosted the CEG event. This year’s “Voice of the Caribbean” theme came alive with performances from Skinny Fabulous of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada’s Lady Lava, as well as Jamaican stars Lila Iké, Ding Dong, Konshens, Kranium, and Chronic Law.

New Music Fridays: Caribbean Stars Drop Hot New Releases

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News Americas, New York, Fri. Aug. 22, 2025: The Caribbean music scene is on fire this week, with soca, reggae, and soulful covers making waves worldwide. From Machel Montano’s latest video to Lila Iké’s powerful debut album, here’s what’s trending in on #newmusicfriday on the Caribbean music scene.

Machel Montano ft. Davido – “Fling It Up”

Trinidad’s own Machel Montano, the undisputed “King of Soca,” has released the official video for “Fling It Up” featuring Nigerian superstar Davido. Directed by Fresh Juice and filmed during Trinidad Carnival 2025, the video showcases the vibrant energy of Carnival while fusing afrobeats and soca.

The single already landed on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart earlier this year and is one of the highlights of Montano’s latest album, One Degree Hotter. The star is now gearing up for the U.S. leg of his One Degree Hotter Tour, with major stops at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Aug. 24 and Washington D.C.’s Afro Plus Fest on Aug. 31.

Watch the video here

Lila Iké – Treasure Self Love (Debut Album)

Rising reggae sensation Lila Iké has dropped her much-anticipated debut album, Treasure Self Love. Featuring collaborations with H.E.R., Protoje, Masicka, Joey Bada$$, and Maverick Sabre, the album is a bold statement of empowerment and artistry.

Released on Ineffable Records, Treasure Self Love is already gaining global buzz, with praise from Rolling Stone, SPIN, Vogue, and The New York Times. Lila recently toured Europe and Japan, and performed at Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest.

Stream the album now

Kojo Rigault – Cruisin’

UK-Trinidadian artist Kojo Rigault has released a soulful reggae cover of Smokey Robinson’s timeless ballad “Cruisin’.” Arranged by John Kpiaye and produced by Smokey Joe, the track adds lush reggae grooves while keeping the romance of the original alive.

Rigault says he wanted to honor Smokey’s classic while adding “Caribbean reggae, London edge, and late-night intimacy.” Perfect for winding down or driving with the windows down.

Listen to Kojo Rigault’s “Cruisin’” here

New Compilation – Junior Murvin & King Jammy

Out today on VP Records/Greensleeves is a new posthumous album that honors Junior Murvin, famous for “Police and Thieves.” Remixed by King Jammy, the album highlights Murvin’s 1980s recordings, including “Cool Out Son” and “Ism Schism.” Several tracks are available for streaming for the first time. Listen HERE

From soca’s global takeover to reggae’s soulful reinventions, Caribbean music continues to push boundaries and command international stages.

12-Year-Old Ignites With Bounty Killer & Richie Stephens On New Reggae Single

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Aug. 19, 2025: Jamaican Canadian rising star Jazmin Headley is turning heads with her latest reggae release “The Fire Inside,” featuring none other than dancehall legend Bounty Killer and reggae icon Richie Stephens.

At just 12 years old, Jazmin is proving she’s a voice to watch. Her new single pairs youthful fire with seasoned artistry, blending Stephens’ soulful vocals and Bounty’s commanding delivery into what the Warlord himself calls a “musical masterpiece.”

“When you carry a fire inside, no one can shatter your dreams,” Bounty shared while in Toronto, marking his first visit to the city in 20 years. Stephens added: “It’s a powerful song filled with emotional depth and an empowering message.”

The track follows a milestone year for Jazmin, who made her film debut in MGM’s The Fire Inside, the critically acclaimed biopic of boxing champion Claressa Shields. Starring Ryan Destiny and directed by Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Rachel Morrison, the movie gave Jazmin her first taste of the global spotlight—now extended through music.

Released via VPAL Music, the single is already resonating with fans for its uplifting lyrics and cross-generational collaboration, bridging the gap between Jamaica’s musical past and its future.

Watch the Official Video Here: YouTube

Headley is a Canadian singer, actor and voice-over artist who just completed a successful run as Judah Joseph’s brother in ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream coat.’ She is also a cast member of the CBC Kids Series Ukulele U.

From Billboard To Behind Bars: Sean Kingston Sentenced In $1M Fraud Case.

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By NAN ET Entertainer

News Americas, MAIMI, FL, Mon. 18, 2025: Jamaican-American rapper Sean Kingston, once a Billboard chart-topper with hits like “Beautiful Girls,” is headed to federal prison after being convicted in a US$1 million fraud scheme.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida confirmed that Kingston, born Kisean Paul Anderson, was sentenced on Friday to 42 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge David S. Leibowitz.

FLASHBACK – Sean Kingston performings onstage at Shaggy’s Hot Summer Nights Tour on June 03, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Live Nation)

A Fall From Grace

Kingston, now 35, rose to international fame as a teenager, blending pop and reggae to create crossover anthems that defined mid-2000s radio. But prosecutors say behind the glitz of fame, the artist orchestrated a scheme to defraud luxury vendors of over US$1 million in goods.

According to trial evidence, Kingston contacted sellers of high-end merchandise — including a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade, luxury watches, and a massive 232-inch LED television — via social media. He invited them to his luxury homes in Broward County, Florida, leveraging his celebrity status to secure trust.

Instead of paying, prosecutors said Kingston and his mother, Janice Eleanor Turner, 62, sent fake wire receipts as proof of payment. While some victims eventually received restitution after filing lawsuits or involving police, most never saw a dollar.

The Family Scheme

Turner, who prosecutors described as central to producing the fraudulent documents, was sentenced last month to five years in federal prison for her role in the conspiracy.

“The defendants used fame as a weapon,” the prosecution argued. “What appeared to be opportunity for small businesses turned into financial loss and betrayal.”

Kingston’s Statement

In court, Kingston offered brief remarks, acknowledging wrongdoing. “I’ve learned from my actions,” he said, as Judge Leibowitz handed down the sentence.

A Career Overshadowed

The rapper, who once collaborated with global stars including Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj, now sees his career defined as much by courtroom headlines as by music charts.

His story marks yet another reminder of how quickly celebrity fortune can fade — from Billboard stardom to federal prison in less than two decades.