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Vybzkartel (second from left) is pictured with his fiancée, Sidem Öztürk, alongside Josef Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment (second from right), and Skatta Burrell, Head of A&R at Downsound Entertainment, at the Freedom Street press conference held at Janga’s Soundbar on Wednesday.

Fans of recently released dancehall star are encouraged to take advantage of an upcoming Black Friday sale, where ticket prices for the Bleacher section at his Freedom Street concert will be slashed by 50%.

In an announcement during Wednesday’s official launch of the much-anticipated New Year’s Eve concert, Kartel shared that on November 29 and 30, Bleachers tickets will be reduced to approximately $60 USD, down from the usual price of $125 USD. This discount is intended as a response to fans who expressed concerns about high ticket costs.

"Vybz Kartel represents the people who may not have as much. We love all our fans, but I’m here for the Gaza supporters and those who need a break, so for Black Friday, we’re cutting the price of the Bleachers tickets in half," Kartel said. "A lot of people were saying, 'Kartel, the tickets are too expensive,' so for that weekend only, they’ll get 50% off. But if you wait until Monday morning, you’ll miss the deal."

Kartel also shared some details about the concert, promising plenty of surprises. In addition to performances by artists like , , and his sons, Likkle Vybz and Likkle Addi, he hinted at a “reunion” featuring several acts he helped launch through his Empire collective.

"It’s going to be an incredible reunion. For all the dancehall fans, especially those who love the Portmore Empire, this is going to be wild. Expect to see all the familiar faces you know and love. Sheba, Tommy Lee Sparta , Popcaan, Lisa Hyper, and Shawn Storm Sivva Official will all be there, so you can expect an unforgettable night.”

He also mentioned that several international artists, including Busta Rhymes and a popular Canadian rapper, along with some big-name female rappers, are expected to attend.

“For those wondering if Vybz Kartel is ready, I’m fully prepared, doing the ‘kim-nastics,’ keeping fit with a mix of exercises. Get ready to start the new year with me—it’s going to be a truly magical experience."

The gates for Freedom Street, set to be held at the National Stadium, will open at 4:00 p.m. Kartel, who has been following a rigorous fitness routine that includes gym and yoga, promised fans a full three-hour performance of unforgettable entertainment.

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Today we remember Jamaican legend Derrick Lara on his birthday.

Born on November 6, 1958, Lara made a lasting mark in music, first performing with Errol Lee in the Bare Essentials Band and later drumming in the Seventh Extension Band on ’s north coast.

By the early 1970s, 's unique falsetto caught the attention of producer , leading to his recording debut with the track “What We Need.” This marked the beginning of his solo career, which included a debut album and collaborations with other artists like the deejay Trinity on the track “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough.” In 1982, he released *Right On Time,* his first solo album.

In 1983, Lara joined The Tamlins, a well-known vocal trio, replacing Winston Morgan. The Tamlins recorded with Sly & Robbie and toured extensively, even accompanying Rita Marley and appearing on Julian Marley’s track “Baby Lotion” in 2019. During this time, Lara continued solo work, releasing hits like “Gun Man” and “Man Fe Know,” as well as his acclaimed album *Motherless Child,* a tribute to his mother.

In 1999, he released *All About Life,* collaborating with artists like Sly & Robbie and the Firehouse Crew. His later solo albums, including *Solid* (2016) and *Striving* (2019), further showcased his musical talent. Despite his passing in 2020 from lung cancer, Derrick Lara’s legacy and spirit live on through his music.

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🚨🚨 🚨
**NEWZ JUS DROP!**
Vybz Kartel jus ask Sidem fi marry him!💍💚💛🖤

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Fans of Jah Cure remain uncertain about his release date from a Dutch prison, as his case has not yet reached a final verdict. In 2022, the reggae singer, born Siccature Alcock, was sentenced to six years for attempted manslaughter after an incident where he stabbed a Dutch concert promoter over unpaid fees. However, while Cure’s legal team has appealed this conviction, Dutch prosecutors have also appealed his acquittal on the more serious charge of attempted murder.

According to Tuscha Essed, press officer for the Public Prosecution Service, the case is still under pre-trial status, and every 90 days a judge reviews the validity of Cure’s detention. The judge considers factors like the societal impact, the investigation’s needs, and the risks of reoffending or fleeing when deciding whether to continue the detention.

The next review is set for November 12. Once a final, irrevocable decision is made, any pre-trial time will be subtracted from Cure’s sentence. If acquitted or given a lesser sentence, Cure may apply for compensation if his pre-trial detention has exceeded the final prison term.

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Happy 53rd Birthday to Paul Gayle, born November 5, 1971, better known by his stage name .

A singer from Farm Town, Discovery Bay in St. Ann, , Little Hero began his musical journey in the early 1990s. He recorded his first tracks with producer Courtney Cole in 1992 and achieved his breakthrough in 1994 with the hit single "God Alone," which topped the Jamaican charts. This iconic track was a collaboration with artists Merciless and Action Fire.

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Happy Birthday to the talented Jamaican singer Deborah Adela Marla Brown,born.November 5, 1986,
daughter of the "Crown Prince of Reggae," Dennis Emmanuel Brown. Wishing you a wonderful day filled with joy and celebration!

Marla Brown Dennis Emmanuel Brown

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Today, we remember , the Jamaican dancehall veteran known for his lively and humorous style, tragically killed outside a Bronx motel on October 13, 2012.

Born Joslyn Hamilton on November 4, 1951, he gained fame with 1990s dancehall hits like “Go Go Wine” and “Bun Fi Bun,” known for his rapid rhymes and energetic vocals.

Captain Barkey was killed alongside his companion, Tracy Bennett, allegedly by her ex-partner, Joseph Kernizan, who had repeatedly threatened Barkey to end his relationship with Bennett. According to Barkey’s longtime friend and collaborator, Wickerman, Kernizan’s intentions had been clear for some time. Despite warnings, Barkey continued his relationship, a decision that ultimately ended in tragedy.

A member of the Defense Force for six years, Barkey entered music through Stereo One sound system, alongside and . His disciplined approach and comedic style made him a standout. Producer Cleveland Browne of Steely and Clevie recalls Barkey’s skill and humor, noting the irony that his life ended by gun violence, a topic he had addressed in his lyrics without endorsing.

Though his peak recording years were in the 1990s, Captain Barkey’s performances remained popular globally, including shows in Europe in 2012. His untimely death cut short a vibrant chapter in , but his legacy endures, celebrated by fans who remember his joy and creativity on stage.

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Farewell, Quincy Jones. ❤️

The legendary producer, songwriter, composer and arranger has died, aged 91.

With a career that spanned over 70 years, including 28 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Legend Award, and collaborations with icons like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, he left a colossal impact on the music world. Rooted in both classical and jazz traditions, he transcended musical barriers and forever changed the landscape as we know it.

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Today, we remember Captain Barkey, the Jamaican dancehall veteran known for his lively and humorous style, tragically killed outside a Bronx motel on October 13, 2012. Born Joslyn Hamilton on November 4, 1951, he gained fame with 1990s dancehall hits like “Go Go Wine” and “Bun Fi Bun,” known for his rapid rhymes and energetic vocals.

Captain Barkey was killed alongside his companion, Tracy Bennett, allegedly by her ex-partner, Joseph Kernizan, who had repeatedly threatened Barkey to end his relationship with Bennett. According to Barkey’s longtime friend and collaborator, Wickerman, Kernizan’s intentions had been clear for some time. Despite warnings, Barkey continued his relationship, a decision that ultimately ended in tragedy.

A member of the Jamaica Defense Force for six years, Barkey entered music through Stereo One sound system, alongside Lieutenant Stitchie and Wickerman. His disciplined approach and comedic style made him a standout. Producer Cleveland Browne of Steely and Clevie recalls Barkey’s skill and humor, noting the irony that his life ended by gun violence, a topic he had addressed in his lyrics without endorsing.

Though his peak recording years were in the 1990s, Captain Barkey’s performances remained popular globally, including recent shows in Europe in 2012. His untimely death cut short a vibrant chapter in dancehall, but his legacy endures, celebrated by fans who remember his joy and creativity on stage.

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Crucial 📸
Dennis Tommy & Sly.
Masters of Reggae.

Dennis Emmanuel Brown Sly Dunbar

Today marks the birthday of Sean "Diddy" Combs, born on November 4, 1969, who turns 55 years old. Currently, he is in federal custody after pleading not guilty to charges involving trafficking and abuse amid multiple allegations. Over the past year, Combs has faced numerous lawsuits tied to claims of sexual assault, with accusations spanning many years. Federal prosecutors allege that he participated in illegal activities related to trafficking, with former associates accusing him of coercion, physical abuse, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Combs has denied all allegations and expressed his intent to fight the charges and prove his innocence.

Blessed earthstrong Tommy Lee Sparta
More life , more riches

Today we honor the memory of , the legendary Jamaican musician and producer, whose influence in music remains profound.

Born Byron Aloysius St. Elmo Lee in Christiana, Manchester Parish, Jamaica, he was the son of an Afro-Jamaican mother and a Chinese father from Hong Kong. His early years were steeped in the musical traditions of both African and Chinese heritage, a blend that would shape his career. After moving to around age 8, Lee began learning piano but set music aside for a time to join ’s national soccer team.

In the 1950s, Lee taught himself bass on a homemade instrument and, alongside friend Carl Brady, started the first version of the Dragonaires, a band named after their college football team. By 1956, the Dragonaires had gone professional, becoming one of Jamaica’s most influential ska groups, while also venturing into calypso and soca.

Lee is credited with introducing the electric bass to Jamaican music around 1959. He switched from the cumbersome double bass to a more portable electric one, a change that significantly shaped the sound of Jamaican music and was soon adopted by other musicians. Lee’s production work also left a legacy—he produced for the Maytals and launched touring shows that helped Caribbean music reach wider audiences. Purchasing West Indies Records Limited and establishing Dynamic Sounds, Lee’s studio attracted stars like Paul Simon and the .

In 1990, he founded the Byron Lee Jamaica Carnival, uniting all walks of Jamaican society in a celebration that quickly became an iconic annual event. Although he fought bladder cancer, Lee remained active in music until his passing on November 4, 2008. His contributions earned him high national honors, including the Order of Jamaica.

June 27, 1935 – November 4, 2008. Never forgotten.

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Today we remember the birthday of Jamaican reggae icon, David Jahson, who now rests in peace.

Born Everald G. Pickersgill, David was raised among some of the most influential musicians in Jamaica. He grew up on Third Street in , close to music legends like on First Street, on Second, and on Fifth.

's career took off with his debut single, "For I," recorded at Kingston's Dynamic Studios, which quickly rose to number seven on ’s Radio Charts in 1975. Building on that success, he continued to write and produce hits, including "Child of the King" and "Natty Chase the Barber," which reached number two on JBC Radio Charts. David also shared stages with icons, performing just before Bob Marley at a Twelve Tribes of Israel celebration.

In 1977, he joined the band *Well Pleased and Satisfied*, working with Jerry Baxter to produce tracks like "Black on Black" and "Gates of Zion," still beloved in Jamaica today. When the group disbanded, David was invited by Inner Circle’s Ian Lewis and to co-produce the album *Natty Chase the Barber Away*, recorded at and mixed at ’s Studios.

Throughout the 1980s, now based in England, David continued producing music, including his own albums *Past and Present* and *Come Again Showcase*. He collaborated with legends like and Mike Brooks, delivering songs that resonated in dance halls worldwide. In the 2000s, David released four more albums, with *King of Glory* as his final work in 2020.

David Jahson passed away due to complications from diabetes, but his legacy lives on.

November 4, 1954 – October 29, 2021

After 5 rounds , a tie breaker and bere vibes MADHOUSE EXPERIENCE is 2024 winner . Four teams:
• Madhouse Experience
•Big Bad Soca
• Lon Don Crew
• Jamaica Wi Seh
competed for the crown.

Last edition held by Jack Scorpio’s Do It For The Culture team in 2019.

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A photo of the legend of reggae music Burning Spear in South Africa .
burningspearmusic

Irie Soldiers 💚💛❤️

Jamaican sprinter smiles for the camera ahead of tonight’s Culture Clash at the National Arena in St Andrew , .

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