Yasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer

May 4, 2026 by Yasmine Peru

Music lovers show up for International Jazz Day 
Jamaica's fulsome participation in the celebration of International Jazz Day last Thursday was a story sonically  crafted in the spirit of resilience, and all those involved in the production…
Dancehall artiste Jason ‘IWaata’ Bailey
May 1, 2026 by Yasmine Peru

5 Questions With IWaata

Dancehall artiste Jason ‘IWaata’ Bailey, who continues to make his mark with his sharp-edged delivery and a sound that is described as “moving between raw energy and catchy, crowd-ready hooks”,…
Reggae legend Ernie Smith passed on April 16. He would have turned 81 today.
May 1, 2026 by Yasmine Peru

Ernie Smith’s thanksgiving service in Florida on May 16

The official celebration of life for reggae legend Glenroy ‘Ernie’ Smith – who would have turned 81 years old today – will be held on Saturday, May 16, at the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Hollywood,…
Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor, record producer,singer and songwriter was among the specially invited guests at ONErpm Celebration held on Saturday at The Courtyard, Louise Bennett Garden Theatre, Hope Road.
April 30, 2026 by Yasmine Peru

Stephen ‘Di Genius’ writes a new chapter with ‘Hill and Gully’ riddim

Multi-Grammy Award-winning producer, Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor , is excited about his newest riddim, Hill and Gully, which is a spin-off of the original mento song and riddim of the same name. “I…
Veteran fashion designer Earl Turner, better known as Biggy.
April 24, 2026 by Yasmine Peru

5 Questions With Biggy

The name Earl Turner may not immediately excite, but drop the moniker ‘Biggy’ in the middle, and it’s a completely different reaction. Biggy isn’t just a name, it’s a brand. And, incidentally, for…
From left: Miss Jamaica 1978, Joan McDonald; Miss Jamaica World 2025 Nevaeh Allen; Miss World 1976, Cindy Breakspeare; and Queen of Reggae Marcia Griffiths each hold a doll of themselves, made by Beverley Robotham-Reynolds of Island Dolls, at the Fashion E
April 21, 2026 by Yasmine Peru

50 years after winning Miss World, Cindy Breakspeare is a ‘dolly’

If Fashion Elevation were a dancehall show, its full title might read something like ‘Fashion Elevation: Queens and Dolls’ or, perhaps, ‘Fashion Elevation: Di Dolly Dem Come Out’. Last Saturday night…
Grammy Award-winning artiste, fashion designer and actor, Septimius The Great.
April 17, 2026 by Yasmine Peru

5 Questions With Septimius The Great

Grammy Award-winning artiste, fashion designer and actor, Septimius The Great, headlines Fashion Elevation 2026: The Essence of Style, this Saturday at The Summit, 16 Chelsea Avenue in New Kingston.
Ernie Smith is photographed by The Gleaner during Reggae Month on February 7, 2017.
April 17, 2026 by Yasmine Peru

Ernie Smith dies at 80

The music fraternity is mourning the passing of legendary singer Ernie Smith, who died on Thursday evening at a hospital in Florida. “He’s gone. He’s no longer with us,” his wife, Claudette…
Buju Banton
April 16, 2026 by Yasmine Peru

Buju Banton sings about love on ‘Butterflies’

Fans of Buju Banton will be smiling ear to ear to learn that the Gargamel is back to his old ways, musically. His latest song shouts ‘90s dancehall meets the present, and it is sure to keep the dance…