Kabaka Pyramid celebrates with ‘Jamaica’

Grammy-winning reggae lyricist and cultural ambassador Kabaka Pyramid released his vibrant new single, Jamaica, last Friday, a soulful tribute to his beloved homeland. The track arrives as part of the growing Pon Di Island riddim compilation, released via his Bebble Rock music imprint.

Built on a breezy, sun-soaked riddim originally introduced with Yaksta’s Pon Di Island, and followed by Jah Lil’s Hold Corner, the compilation now expands with six new songs.

In his signature lyrical style, Kabaka Pyramid paints a vivid portrait of Jamaican life and pride, expressing love for the island’s beaches, heroes, fruits, and athletic greatness. The track captures the essence of homecoming and national pride — a powerful reminder of Jamaica’s cultural dominance and natural beauty, delivered through a modern reggae lens.

The Pon Di Island riddim, produced by Kabaka Pyramid, features a powerful line-up, including Capleton and Pressure, Yaksta, Dre Island, Qraig (of Voicemail) and Singer J, Jah Lil, Irie Souljah, Jah Izrehl, and Khalia.

Region’s first audiobook app launched at Calabash Festival

Odiyo, the first-ever audiobook app created by and for the Caribbean, made its public début at the 2025 Calabash International Literary Festival. A bold new chapter in Caribbean literature is being written, not on pages, but in sound. From dramatic readings and poetry to full-length audiobooks and original works, Odiyo offers a growing library of content designed to celebrate and preserve the region’s literary and oral traditions.

“This isn’t just about hearing stories, it’s about hearing ourselves, completely and unapologetically,” said Saeed Thomas, co-founder of Odiy and CEO of M-One Productions.

“There’s something powerful about listening to a Caribbean story told in a Caribbean voice, surrounded by familiar sounds, maybe the low hum of a fan, the distant bark of a dog, or the chorus of crickets. These aren’t just background noises. They’re the soundtrack of our lives. And that’s what Odiyo is about, honouring the full audio landscape of our culture.”

The app features narrators like Desmond Dennis and Dike Rostant of Trinidad and Tobago. Among the standout titles already available are A Different Me, A Better You, by Janet Morrison; Riddim & Riddles, by Owen ‘Blakka’ Ellis; Girlcott by Florenz Webbe Maxwell; and All Over Again, by A-dZiko Simba Gegele, all published by Blue Banyan Books.

Fans can win tickets to Brian McKnight and Dru Hill concert on June 28

Grammy-nominated performer Brian McKnight, known for hits like Back at One, One Last Cry, and Anytime, and Dru Hill with chart-toppers In My Bed, Never Make a Promise, and How Deep is Your Love, will bring their smooth vocals and timeless classics to Jamaica on June 28, at the Constant Spring Golf Club in St Andrew.

Sponsor, Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) is offering its players the opportunity to win VIP tickets to watch the legendary artistes at the ‘Live and Direc’ concert.

“We’re very excited to partner with ‘Live and Direc’ for another year, and even more excited to give our players a chance to have a VIP experience at a world-class event featuring classic R&B hits and soulful performances,” said Stefan Miller, acting CEO of Supreme Ventures Gaming. “We’ve made it very easy and engaging for our customers to play their favourite games and get a chance to win a pair of free tickets.”

To complete entry, customers must visit promotions.supremegames.com and fill out the entry form. Each qualifying ticket purchase counts as one entry into the promotion.

This is the third time that SVL is doing a promotion of this nature, having partnered with ‘Live and Direc’ for two previous concert stagings.