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Jamaica will posthumously honour Garnet āGarnett Silkā Smith with the Order of Distinction (Officer class) as part of the 2025 National Honours and Awards announced on 6 August. The investiture of insignia is scheduled for National Heroesā Day, Monday, 20 October 2025, at Kingās House, where more than 140 recipients will receive awards from the state. Garnet Silk, celebrated for his smooth tenor and message-driven repertoireāsongs such as āHello Africa,ā āLove Is the Answer,ā and āMamaāāis widely credited with helping to revive conscious, roots-based themes in early 1990s popular Jamaican music before his tragic death in a house fire in December 1994 at age 28. Family tributes, community legacy events during 2025, and music-industry commentary have framed the award as both overdue and culturally important, reinforcing Silkās place in Jamaicaās cultural memory and offering a moment for renewed public engagement with his musical legacy.
Celebrating 30 years in the music industry, Jamaican reggae icon Sizzla Kalonji (Miguel Orlando Collins) has evolved from an August Town youth to a global ambassador of conscious reggae. Born 17 April 1976 to Rastafarian parents, he cut his teeth with the Caveman Hi-Fi system and debuted in 1995 with Burning Up. His powerful combination of spirituality, social commentary and musical versatility propelled him near the forefront of the roots- revival movement, especially with his pivotal 1997 album Black Woman & Child. With over 50 solo albums released and a sustained global presence, Sizzla now commemorates three decades of message-rich music. His ongoing community-centred workāvia Judgement Yard and Kalonji Recordsāunderscores his legacy as more than an artist: a cultural custodian. As reggae continues to evolve, Sizzla remains relevant and active, setting the tone for what it means to build with roots, reach across borders and inspire generations.
Vybz Kartel has made history as the first and only dancehall artiste to sell out the main O2 Arena in London. Performing back-to-back shows on September 4 and 5, 2025, he drew 20,000 fans each night, marking an unprecedented moment for the genre. With guest appearances from Rvssian and Wizkid, Kartel delivered powerhouse performances despite an injured knee, ending each night with an emotional God Is the Greatest. Until now, no dancehall artiste had ever achieved such a feat at the O2, making Kartelās accomplishment a landmark for Jamaican music and a clear signal of dancehallās expanding global influence.
The 2025 Jamaican elections felt less like politics and more like a dancehall soundclash, with the JLP and PNP battling through dubplates, stage shows, and artist endorsements. From Buju Banton, Vybz Kartel, and Popcaan to Mr. Vegas, Shenseea, and Alkaline, the two parties turned rallies into festivals. In the end, Andrew Holness and the JLP Sound claimed victory, securing a historic third straight term.
Veteran dancehall icon Major Mackerel, known for his wild vocal stylings and defining hits of the 1980s, has survived a gauntlet of crisesāfrom a violent samurai sword attack to a devastating leg amputation caused by illness. Most recently, he suffered two strokes in quick succession. Despite these hardships, he remains a revered figure in reggae, buoyed by humor, courage, and the support of the music community. Fundraisers and benefit concerts have emerged to aid his recovery and celebrate his enduring influence, proving that legends donāt go silentāthey just find new ways to roar.
(ReggaeVibeMedia.com) ā In a triumphant return to his homelandās most iconic stage, Vybz Kartel has been officially crowned King of Dancehall at Reggae SumfestāÆ2025. The coronation took place at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay, where a record-breaking crowd witnessed the bold declaration of a dancehall legend reclaiming his throne. High above the […]
Reggae SumfestāÆ2025 delivered world-class production and emotionally rich performances. Night One saw Shaneil Muir command the stage in gold while performing chart hits and earning elite status. Govana and Masicka followed strong, and Kartelās coronation was marred by a livestream cut issue. Night Two spotlighted Angel Eyes Elliļ»æs, Annaeā, One Emma, and a breath-strained Fantan Mojah. Lila Ike owned her narrative with fan-favorite hits and bold truth-telling. Protojeās thought-provoking set and mentorship of rising stars solidified his influence. Though the livestream faced technical issues and youth artistry was scrutinized, Sumfest confirmed itself as Jamaicaās premier musical stage.
(ReggaeVibeMedia.com) – After a long and puzzling absence from the music scene, Grammy-winning Reggae star Koffee has officially returnedāand sheās come bearing fire. The Jamaican sensation reemerged from an extended hiatus with a surprise release of her brand-new, self-titled track, āKoffee,ā putting to rest months of swirling rumors and industry speculation. Fans had grown increasingly […]
At Reggae Vibe Radio, we are dedicated to providing uninterrupted access to the rhythms and culture you love. While we are in the final stages of redeveloping our advanced Android app to meet Google Play Store’s stringent requirements, we have released a basic version to ensure our Android users remain connected.ā Understanding the Installation Process: […]
(ReggaeVibeMedia.com) – The reggae community is in mourning following the death of legendary singer Calvin George Scott, known to fans worldwide as Cocoa Tea. The 65-year-old artist passed away on March 11, 2025, at a hospital in Broward, Florida, after suffering a cardiac arrest. His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed that Cocoa Tea had been battling […]
