In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the global reggae community is uniting to support Jamaica’s recovery through the inaugural One Love Jamaica Live Stream Charity, taking place on Saturday, December 20.

Hosted from the Kingston home of legendary guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith, the livestream will feature performances from musicians gathered on-site as well as contributions from international artists streaming in from around the world. Among the many talents expected to lend their voices are Kiddus I, Prince Alla, Ras Michael, Fred Locks, Jhamiela Smith, The Viceroys, Danakil, Warrior King, and others. The initiative also carries the patronage of renowned reggae artist Clinton Fearon.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Hurricane Relief – Food For The Poor Jamaica, supporting urgent needs across the island. The charity drive is organized by JOLAS (Jamaica One Love Association Switzerland) and is officially endorsed by the Jamaican Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport. Organizers note that this livestream marks the first in a planned series dedicated to ongoing support for Jamaica.

Those wishing to contribute may donate via the official link: foodforthepoorja.org/hurricane-melissa-relief.

The Kingston Creative Artwalk Festival returns on Sunday, December 21st, with its vibrant Gran’ Market Edition set to transform Downtown Kingston into a hub of creativity and cultural celebration. The event runs from 10 AM to 6 PM across Church Street and Water Lane and is completely free to the public. Convenient parking will be available at 21 East Street at the Myers, Fletcher, Gordon Parking Lot.

This year’s festival is headlined by GRAMMY-nominated reggae artist Mortimer, who will take the main stage as part of a dynamic entertainment lineup. Attendees can look forward to a full day of activities, including Christmas shopping with local artisans, delicious offerings at the food court, Paint & Sip experiences, Hop On Hop Off bus tours to notable cultural hotspots, and skateboarding demonstrations with the Jamaica Skate Culture Foundation.

Powered by strong partnerships, the event is supported by the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation, Catherine’s Peak Water, Main Event Entertainment Group, GWM Jamaica, and Stewart’s Automotive Group.

The highly anticipated Kumingoli Island Bash, originally scheduled for August 4–8, 2026 in Cape Maclear, Malawi, has officially been cancelled. The event—previously promoted as a multi-day music and cultural experience on the shores of Lake Malawi—was being organized by Sound System Club in collaboration with Sound Addicts Live.

According to the promoter, the cancellation resulted from Sound Addicts Live’s inability to fulfil their contractual obligations. Despite the setback, Sound System Club has confirmed that the situation will serve as a turning point for a bigger and more dynamic production.

In a statement shared with the press, the promoter said the following:

“Prepare yourself for a spectacular event hosted by Sound System Club and its esteemed partners! Originally known as the Kumingoli Island Bash in Cape Maclear, Malawi, this festival is undergoing an exciting makeover. Initially set for August 4th–8th, 2026, the original event was unfortunately cancelled due to Sound Addicts Live being unable to fulfil their contractual obligations. However, this opens up a fantastic opportunity to transform the celebration with a stunning new location, a fresh name, and an expanded line-up of even more world-class talent. Stay tuned for updates on the new dates and venue—this promises to be an unforgettable experience that will elevate your festival enjoyment to new heights!”

While details of the new venue, revised dates, and updated lineup have not yet been released, organizers assure fans that the reimagined festival will exceed expectations. Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

Legendary reggae artist Sister Carol is set to celebrate her birthday in style with a Royal Birthday Bash on Saturday, January 17, 2026. This will be a night of roots music and culture, beginning at 10 PM and running until late. Fans of the pioneering deejay, known as the Black Cinderella, will not want to miss this special occasion.

The celebration will be hosted at the Cultcha Palace, a popular venue located at 3605 Church Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. This professional-grade event serves not only as a birthday party but also as a key cultural gathering for the New York reggae community.

The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has confirmed that an Official Funeral will be held for legendary Reggae artist Jimmy Cliff on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The service is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers in 1944, passed away on November 24, 2025 at age 81. He is being honoured with an Official Funeral in recognition of his extraordinary impact on Jamaica’s cultural and entertainment landscape.

According to Minister Olivia Grange, arrangements for the ceremony are being coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister alongside the Ministry and the Cliff family. She noted that the service will allow Jamaicans to pay their final respects to “a remarkable son of the island and a true icon.”

In accordance with Jimmy Cliff’s personal wishes, the programme will focus on spoken tributes, dance, and musical presentations.