Daddy U-Roy’s tribute to Count Machukie illuminates the profound impact of toasting on early American songs, underscoring Machukie’s enduring influence on dance enthusiasts. Reggae, synonymous with Jamaican music, is a vibrant mosaic of styles, encompassing the folk-inspired Mento of the 1950s, the soul-stirring Jamaican Gospel, the upbeat rhythms of Ska, the smooth melodies of Rocksteady, and the anthemic Festival Songs. It also includes the inventive Dubs & Specials, the tender sentiments of Reggae Love Songs (Lovers Rock), the profound messages of Root & Culture, and the high-energy ..read more

Jamaican American Pinky Cole Hayes, the founder of the Slutty Vegan, a plant-based burger restaurant chain, surprised the students at Benjamin E. Mays High School in Atlanta, Georgia, by announcing that her foundation will sponsor this year’s school prom, which is scheduled for April 27, 2024. Through the Pinky Cole Foundation, Cole Hayes is a strong supporter of the communities where her businesses are located. She said she was “thrilled” to support Mays High School and its goal of inspiring and challenging students toward attaining their academic, social, and future goals. Former prom queen ..read more

May in South Florida is packed with thrilling events that cater to various interests, from high-speed races to reggae celebrations and patriotic tributes. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening: May 3-5 Formula 1 Crypto.Com Miami Grand Prix: For the third consecutive year, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens will host a Formula 1 Grand Prix race: the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. The world’s finest drivers will start their engines and race on a 19-turn track that speeds them past a beach, a marina, palm trees, 11 grandstands and numerous fan zones. May 11 Jamaica Hi5 5K Reggae Run/Walk ..read more

She had promised God and she was determined to keep her promise.  Grateful to Him for blessing her womb after years of barrenness, Hannah handed young Samuel to Eli, the priest, with the words, “For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him: therefore also I have lent [dedicated] him to the Lord; as long as he liveth, he shall be lent [dedicated] to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:27–28a, KJV). Samuel was not only asked of and received from God (v.20); now he was being lent [dedicated] back to God.   On this point, Bible scholar Matthew Henry writes, “(1 ..read more

After over 15 years, renowned dancehall artist Buju Banton, born Mark Myrie, is back in the United States. The celebrated artist, known for hits like “Wanna Be Loved,” expressed his gratitude, declaring, “God is amazing.” In a surprise announcement made by DJ Khaled during a live Instagram video, Buju Banton was welcomed back to the USA with open arms. “Buju Banton is back in America,” Khaled announced enthusiastically, highlighting the significance of this return after such a long absence. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ KHALED (@djkhaled) In his own words, Buju conveyed h ..read more

Jamaicans Daneon Parchment and Odette Hamilton will be among the 89 referees from 45 countries chosen by the FIFA Referees Committee to officiate the football tournaments at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The 89 individuals selected include 21 referees, 42 assistant referees, 20 video match officials, and six support referees. The officials will receive the support of goal-line technology and the VAR system with semi-automated offside technology. Parchment “overjoyed” to be chosen Daneon Parchment, who was born in 1981 in Kingston, Jamaica, and heads the physical education department at Cedr ..read more

The month of May is calling locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in its rich offerings of events in New York. At the illustrious Met Fifth Avenue, journey back in time to the Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism exhibition, a captivating exploration of how Black artists reshaped the canvas of everyday life through their evocative works. The Braata Singers are marking their 15th Anniversary with “Still Standing” at the IRT Theater to the uproarious laughter guaranteed at the Apollo Theater’s “Strength of A Woman Presents: Tiffany Haddish,” curated by none other than Mary J ..read more

Broadway World Award winner David Heron will produce and direct the American Premiere presentation of the late Dominican born playwright Alwin Bully’s Caribbean drama McBee in Jamaica, Queens in June. The play will be presented as a one night only staged reading production at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) on Sunday June 23 at 7pm, preceded by a Caribbean cuisine reception from  5:30pm. The premiere is an exclusive cultural event in celebration of New York City’s annual Caribbean American Heritage Month festivities, held across the city each June. Ph ..read more

Jamaica celebrates a wide variety of milestones during the month of May. Nationally, Child Month and Labour Day are celebrated. However there are lots of activities to participate in across the island. The national focus will be on persons with disabilities, elderly and the vulnerable. May 2 Jamaica Frenzy – Thursday, May 2 – Tuesday, May 7 – this is a one of a kind, 5-night and 6 day all inclusive music festival in Negril. The event features over 20 of the best DJs of House and Electronic music the world has to offer coupled with the best NEGRIL Experience. May 4 Diner En Blanc is BACK! Satur ..read more

As Canadians cross their fingers with hopes that April showers really do bring May flowers, one thing is certain: the weather in Toronto is slowly warming up which can only mean one thing – we are back outside. To ease into the summer months filled with patios, day parties, cultural events and festivals, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best events for Jamaicans in Toronto. May 3, 2024 Redemption Dancehall Story –  May 3, 2024 at 10:30 pm – 3:30 am  – Grand Bizarre, 15 Saskatchewan Road, Toronto, ON, M6K 3C3   Get ready for a night of reggae and dancehall at Grand Bizarre in ..read more