News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Mar. 28, 2024: Gladys Knight and Seal are coming to the Caribbean this summer.

American singer & songwriter Gladys Knight, seen here performing at the Ryman Auditorium on April 25, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee, is set to perform in Curacao this August. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

The top global entertainers are set to perform at the much-anticipated return of the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Piscadera Bay, this three-day extravaganza is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, August 29, marking a triumphant revival after a five-year hiatus.

Joining the ranks of esteemed headliners like Mark Anthony and Nile Rodgers from the legendary disco band CHIC, Gladys Knight and Seal are poised to deliver unforgettable performances, captivating audiences with their timeless hits. From soulful ballads to infectious rhythms, their presence adds a dynamic dimension to the festival’s diverse musical offerings, which span across genres from R&B to Latin.

Heralded as a celebration of both music and the idyllic destination of Curaçao itself, the event promises an immersive experience for attendees. Against a backdrop of swaying palm trees and pristine beaches, festival-goers will have the opportunity to revel in the magic of live music across three stages, basking in the warm Caribbean breeze as they dance the night away.

“We are thrilled to announce the stellar lineup for the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival,” expressed Hugo Clarinda, Deputy Director of Tourism for the Curaçao Tourist Board. “As we mark the festival’s tenth edition, we invite music enthusiasts and travelers alike to join us for an unforgettable weekend filled with world-class entertainment and the vibrant spirit of Curaçao.”

In addition to the musical extravaganza, attendees can indulge in the island’s rich culinary offerings and explore its cultural treasures, making the festival a truly immersive experience. Ticket sales for the Curaçao North Sea Jazz 2024 Festival will commence on April 1, offering music lovers the opportunity to secure their spot at this eagerly awaited event.

As anticipation builds for the return of this iconic festival, Curaçao says it stands ready to welcome visitors from around the globe for a weekend of unparalleled music, entertainment, and Caribbean hospitality.

News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Thurs. Mar. 7, 2024: A memorial service is set to be held from 4 p.m. Est this afternoon at a church in Orlando, Florida for Peter “Peetah” Morgan, lead vocalist of Grammy-winning reggae group, Morgan Heritage. Morgan died on Feb. 25th at the age of 46.

Peetah Morgan of Morgan Heritage performs during the 52nd annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival at Fair Grounds Race Course on May 04, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage)

The New York-born Morgan’s distinctive vocals led his sister Una, and brothers Gramps, Lukes and Mr. Mojo on a number of hit songs including the defiant ‘Don’t Haffi Dread,’ ‘Down by The River,’ ‘Reggae Bring Back Love,’ and ‘She’s Still Loving Me.’The service is set this afternoon for the First United Methodist Church of Orlando at 142 E. Jackson Street. There will be an addition of the celebration of his life in Kingston, Jamaica at the beginning of April.Peetah Morgan’s death is another blow to the reggae community, following the loss of bassist Aston “Familyman” Barrett and guitarist Donald Kinsey of The Wailers, also in February.One of his last performances came in November at the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in South Florida.

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In an Instagram post on Sunday, Grammy winning singer Buju Banton recounted meeting the band for the first time in New York and expressed deep sorrow over Morgan’s unexpected death, especially as they were working on a new project together.

“Over twenty five years ago, I was invited to listen to a new group on the horizon. I was in NYC. I went to a place called Bushwick, Brooklyn, to listen to this set of new musicians/artists. I was completely in love with the sound, the work ethic and the good vibe I felt. That day I immediately added them to my European Tour dates and would go on to bring that sound to the world with the help of Penthouse’s Donovan Germain,” the Hills and Valleys singer wrote.

“We have always kept it honest with all we have done for our people and people of the world by extension. I spent the last two weeks of your life with you working on a very special project only to wake up today learning that you took a shortcut Peter. I am so saddened by this sudden turn of events. You a totally a reggae music superstar who gave from where our father said we should, our hearts,” he added.

“All those memories, all that laughter, all those tours. I am going to miss you Peter and I will comfort myself with this thought. You cannot come to us but we must come to where you are. Until then Peter, I love you. The brother I never had,” Buju ended.

Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, expressed his profound sorrow on X, remarking on the significant impact of Morgan’s death on both Jamaica and the reggae music scene, describing it as a “colossal loss.”

“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the passing today of Peter “Peetah” Morgan, lead singer of Morgan Heritage,” tweeted Olivia Babsy Grange, Jamaica’ minister of culture, gender and entertainment.”

“Shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Peetah Morgan, lead singer in Morgan Heritage. His voice was so special and his contribution to Reggae music globally was incredible. Heartfelt condolences to his family,” David Rodigan, reggae deejay and BBC1 host posted.

“Peetah has left us much too soon” said Randy Chin, President of VP Records, “we send heartfelt condolences to his family and fans.”

Morgan Heritage followed their father’s path into the music industry. The senior Morgan, who was from Clarendon parish in rural Jamaica, had a strong seller in the United States in 1981 with “I’ll do Anything For You.” He died in Atlanta in 2022 at 76.While Morgan Heritage recorded one album for MCA Records in 1994, it was not until they relocated to Jamaica shortly after and worked with producers such as Bobby Digital that they gathered momentum.Known for his work with Shabba Ranks, Bobby Digital produced “Don’t Haffi Dread,” and the 1999 album of the same name, which contained several hit singles. It earned Morgan Heritage a following in Jamaica, Europe, the United States and Japan where they toured.

Peetah Morgan and his siblings won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2016 for Strictly Roots. He is survived by his loving wife Maria Gunabe-Morgan, 11 children and 2 grandchildren.

News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mon. Mar. 4, 2024: Fresh off the triumph of his chart-topping track ‘Continent,’ dancehall sensation Nigy Boy took flight to the CARICOM, South American nation of Guyana, headlining Guyana’s vibrant Mashramani festival.

Nigy Boy performing in Guyana on Feb. 23, 2024.

Amidst the electrifying atmosphere at Mash A-Rama, Nigy Boy enthralled over 20,000 enthusiastic fans with his energetic performance, declaring Guyana’s reception as nothing short of sensational. Joining forces with renowned music producer Rvssian and a stellar lineup of artists, including Rajah Wild, Brysco, and Matic Queen, Nigy Boy celebrated the contagious energy of dancehall music.

Amidst the festivities, the visually impaired artist had the honor of meeting Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali, a humbling experience that underscored his growing influence in the music industry.

“Guyana was sensational! The ladies could not get enough of the ‘Continent Boss’” Nigy Boy declared moments after his performance adding, “I executed as best as I could, and the crowd showed me love and support. It was a wonderful experience.”

“Being able to perform side-by-side with the other artists on the ‘Dutty Money’ riddim was a special moment. The synergy was just unreal. Dancehall has found a new energy, a new force,” Nigy added.

With his hit single ‘Continent’ amassing over 6.7 million views on YouTube, Nigy Boy’s meteoric rise continues as he prepares to unveil his next release on Rvssian’s ‘Payment Plan Riddim.’

*Rewritten from Images Newsletter