Usain Bolt – Music Producer Extraordinaire

usain

Is there anything this man can’t do? After leaving track and field Usain Bolt has tried his hands at many different careers including cricket, football and now he is a rising producer. Knowing that there are many with the opinion that is he not serious because of the many changes in his career – and that maybe the former athlete was just bored, since he had told “The Sun” in an interview that this new change wasn’t just because of love but because during the pandemic lockdown he wasn’t doing much. Bolt decided to set the record straight on the matter by ensuring that each work he puts out is one to remember.

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Exploring the Richness of Callaloo: 4 Irresistible Dishes You Must Try

Jamaican red callaloo


Callaloo, a beloved staple of Caribbean cuisine, is a leafy green vegetable with a distinct flavor and incredible versatility. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, callaloo has found its way into numerous mouthwatering dishes across the Caribbean. In this article, we invite you to embark on a culinary adventure as we explore four irresistible callaloo dishes that showcase the richness and diversity of this vibrant ingredient. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and savor the essence of Caribbean cuisine!

  1. Callaloo Soup: A Hearty Delight

Callaloo soup is a popular dish found throughout the Caribbean, and each region adds its own unique twist. The soup is typically made with sautéed callaloo leaves, aromatics like onions and garlic, and a medley of vegetables and meats such as crab, salted fish, or smoked meats. The result is a flavorful and nourishing bowl of goodness.

Review excerpt from Melissa:
“I tried callaloo soup during my visit to Jamaica, and it was a revelation! The rich, earthy flavors of the callaloo leaves melded beautifully with the spices and the tender crab meat. It was hearty, comforting, and utterly delicious. A must-try for any food lover!”

  1. Callaloo and Saltfish: A Perfect Marriage

Callaloo and saltfish is a classic Caribbean dish that combines the savory salted fish with the vibrant flavors of callaloo. The dish is prepared by sautéing callaloo leaves with onions, tomatoes, herbs, and spices, then adding flaked salted fish to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. It is often enjoyed with steamed dumplings, boiled provisions, or rice.

Review excerpt from Ricardo:
“The combination of callaloo and saltfish is a match made in culinary heaven! The tender callaloo leaves paired with the savory, flaky saltfish create a symphony of flavors. The dish is a true taste of the Caribbean and an absolute delight for seafood enthusiasts.”

  1. Stuffed Callaloo: A Flavorful Surprise

Stuffed callaloo is a unique dish that showcases the versatility of callaloo leaves. The leaves are blanched, then filled with a delectable mixture of ground meat, onions, herbs, and spices. The stuffed leaves are then rolled, secured, and cooked until tender. This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and a burst of flavors in every bite.

Review excerpt from Sophia:
“I had the pleasure of trying stuffed callaloo during my trip to Trinidad, and it was an explosion of flavors! The juicy meat filling complemented the slightly bitter callaloo leaves perfectly. The dish was comforting and satisfying—a true celebration of Caribbean cuisine.”

  1. Callaloo Quiche: A Unique Twist

For those seeking a fusion of Caribbean and European flavors, callaloo quiche is an excellent choice. This dish combines the vibrant callaloo leaves with eggs, cheese, and a medley of vegetables and spices. Baked to perfection in a flaky crust, the result is a savory and indulgent delight that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or any time of the day.

Review excerpt from David:
“The callaloo quiche I had in Barbados was a revelation! The combination of the tender callaloo leaves with the creamy cheese and the buttery crust was simply divine. It was a delightful twist on a classic dish and a testament to the versatility of callaloo.”

Conclusion:
Callaloo is a true culinary gem that adds depth, flavor, and vibrancy to Caribbean cuisine. From comforting soups to

Savor the Authentic Flavors: Discover the 4 Best Places to Buy Jerked Chicken in Jamaica


Jerked chicken is a tantalizing culinary delight that has become synonymous with the vibrant flavors of Jamaica. The island is renowned for its mastery of this fiery and aromatic dish. In this article, we unveil the four best places to buy jerked chicken in Jamaica, each offering its own unique take on this iconic delicacy. Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey and experience the true essence of Jamaican cuisine!

  1. Scotchies: A Timeless Tradition

Located in Montego Bay, Scotchies is a legendary establishment that has become synonymous with exceptional jerked chicken. Their commitment to traditional cooking methods and authentic ingredients is what sets them apart. The chicken is marinated with a secret blend of spices, slow-cooked over pimento wood, and smoked to perfection.

Review excerpt from Michael:
“Scotchies is a jerk chicken heaven! The aroma that fills the air is simply intoxicating. The chicken is incredibly tender, and the smoky flavor is out of this world. Pair it with their homemade sauces, and you’ll have a taste experience you won’t soon forget!”

  1. Boston Jerk Centre: A Feast for the Senses

Nestled in the heart of Portland Parish, the Boston Jerk Centre is a bustling hub of jerked chicken stalls. This vibrant and lively spot offers an array of vendors, each with their own special jerk seasoning and cooking techniques. The open-air setting allows visitors to witness the preparation process while enjoying the tantalizing scents.

Review excerpt from Sarah:
“The Boston Jerk Centre is a sensory delight! Walking through the stalls, I was captivated by the sizzling chicken and the vibrant colors of the spices. Each vendor has their unique flavor profile, and it’s a joy to sample them all. The energy and atmosphere make the experience even more memorable!”

  1. Sweetwood Jerk Joint: Fusion with a Twist

For a unique twist on jerked chicken, Sweetwood Jerk Joint in Ocho Rios offers a fusion of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. Combining Jamaican jerk spices with influences from other Caribbean cuisines, they create a delightful culinary fusion. The result is a harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.

Review excerpt from Emma:
“Sweetwood Jerk Joint is a hidden gem! The jerk chicken here is like no other. The fusion of flavors adds an extra layer of excitement, and the chicken is incredibly juicy and succulent. The friendly staff and cozy ambiance make it a must-visit for any food lover!”

  1. Scotchie’s Too: Jerk Excellence in Kingston

Scotchie’s Too, located in Kingston, is a sister restaurant to the renowned Scotchies. This establishment maintains the same commitment to quality and authenticity that has made its predecessor a household name. Here, you’ll find perfectly jerked chicken with that unmistakable smoky flavor, complemented by traditional side dishes.

Review excerpt from Marcus:
“Scotchie’s Too brings the magic of jerked chicken to Kingston! The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the seasoning is on point. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff make it a fantastic spot to enjoy a delicious meal with friends. You can’t go wrong with their jerked chicken!”


Jamaica’s jerked chicken is a culinary treasure, and these four establishments represent the pinnacle of this iconic dish. Whether you’re seeking traditional flavors, a vibrant atmosphere, a fusion twist, or a taste of jerked chicken in Kingston, these places are sure to satisfy your cravings. Embark on a flavorsome journey and indulge in the authentic tastes of Jamaica—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

Jamaican Reggae Artists We Lost in 2020-2021

Across the world, Reggae fans are grieving the sad news of their beloved artists who passed away between 2020-2021.

Keith “Bob Andy” Anderson

Keith “Bob Andy” Anderson, one of our veteran Reggae entertainers and prolific songwriter, passed away on March 27, 2020, after succumbing to cancer. His songwriting skills allowed him to be recognized as one of Jamaica’s most influential songwriters of all time. His most popular singles were “Desperate Lover” and “I Have got to Go Back Home.” You are resting in peace now Bob Andy but your true home will always be in our hearts. 

Frederick Nathaniel Hibbert

On September 11, 2020, Frederick Nathaniel Hibbert, better known as “Toots” passed away at the University Hospital of the West Indies after failing to overcome the deadly Coronavirus. Toots was a Jamaican Reggae singer, songwriter, and the lead vocalist for Toots and the Maytals, a Reggae and “Ska” band.  He was a renowned Reggae artist with a ground-breaking music career of over six decades. His fellow bandmates Paul Douglas and Jackie Jackson confirmed in November 2020 that the Maytals will continue as a homage to Toots. Not only that, but Reggae fans will also continue to listen to his raspy yet gorgeously supple sound that captures the true essence of Reggae music as a tribute to the great Reggae pioneer, “Toot Hibbert.”

Bunny Wailer

Bunny Wailer

Finally, 2020’s calamity was but the passing of our remarkable Bunny Wailer – The Blackheart Man (April 10, 1947 – March 2, 2021), was a sad awakening for fans. He was an original member of the world-renowned Reggae group Bob Marley and the Wailers. Their first single called, “Simmer Down” quickly spread across the world. This song is even widely recognized by the younger generations due to Bunny’s prolific writing and vocal skills          

Lee “Scratch” Perry

Later on in 2021, we got more bad news, Lee “Scratch” Perry passed away on August 29, 2021. He died at the age of 85 but he left a mark on Reggae after achieving an instrumental hit with “The Upsetter” in the late 1960s. He was also a key figure in the early success of Jamaica’s most famous group, the Bob Marley and the Wailers. The Most Honourable Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to Lee “Scratch” Perry on his own Twitter post saying, “Perry was a pioneer in the 1970s’ development of dub music with his early adoption of studio effects to create new instrumentals of existing Reggae.” It couldn’t have been said any better. We love you Legend

Click here: https://twitter.com/AndrewHolnessJM/status/1431994929841049606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1431994929841049606%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercurynews.com%2F2021%2F08%2F30%2Flee-scratch-perry-legendary-reggae-musician-from-jamaica-dies-at-85  

Yvonne Sterling

Our Reggae songstress Yvonne Sterling passed away at 65 years old in September 2020 and Reggae fans were saddened by the news. Even though death silenced her voice that once reverberated the cultural and entertainment sector- just shortly after she re-kindled her music career, with a hit collaboration with Jamaican artists Little Lenny and Richie Stephens; her legacy will still live on. Her greatest hits were “If you love me” and “O Jah.”

Despite the sadness that we feel during these times of loss, we say rest on to our Reggae Legends – the ones who we lost from 2020-2021 and the ones we lost before. You will be sadly missed, but your musical contributions shall live forever!!

KOFFEE MAKING BIG BRAND SPONSORSHIPS IN THE PANDEMIC

braces in jamaica

               Jamaican reggae sensation, Mikayla “Koffee” Simpson, copped a Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2020, making her the youngest reggae recipient in history and the first woman to get an award in that category since it has been around from 1985. Lately, Koffee has been expanding her footprint across the world by spreading her positivity and helping to unite people through music. With the global recognition that Koffee has been getting, she has been using her platform to promote what she truly represents- positivity and humility. The artist used her achievement to inspire young people in Jamaica through her “Haffi Mek It” school initiative, where she engaged her listeners in musical performances and motivational speeches. In 2020, Koffee must have said, “COVID-19 nah stop the progress” because she  launched a virtual music  tour with all proceeds going towards the improvement of children’s education.  

Koffee : Grammy-Winning Superstar

          In 2020, she was named an ambassador for the Jordan Unite campaign. This global campaign celebrates a generation joining together to create an impact that extends beyond the game of basketball. With the mantra of the campaign being, “Impossible alone! Possible together!” Koffee has been showing a promising career that continues to have reverberations across the world. In her Vogue interview when asked why she is partnering with the Jordan brand, she asserted, “I generally wear a sports style, a lot of sports clothes like sweatpants, sweatsuits, and sneakers, so Jordan’s already within my style and what I represent.” She strongly believes that this campaign will enhance her chances of inspiring her peers to strive for greatness while remaining grounded and free of corruption.

             Not only did she cop a Brand Ambassador deal with Jordan but she has endorsed the H&M Holiday Campaign titled “Bring in the Future” In this ad where you can hear Koffee reciting these soul-stirring lines, “Come out! Let out the love within, Call inequality for all, Let the voice of justice call, Let’s love, let loose, let it begin.” Furthermore, Koffee opened up to H&M about her hopes and dreams for 2021, where she stated, “I am hopeful in my heart that we will see a world that is more connected and empathetic.” 

Check out the video of Koffee reciting the inspirational poem in the H&M Ad Campaign. 

The Jordan Unite and H&M campaigns are just a few of her sponsorship deals. Later in the year, she also added  the Mastercard and Malta Ad campaigns, both great brands to be aligned with and big wins for Koffee.

Click to view the Malta Ad: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGlNQRohpbx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again

One viewer commented under the Malta ad, “Me affi come back come watch this while me a drink a Malta, the ad just “shot” yo.” This exemplifies how impactful Koffee is on a cultural and entertainment level.

         Most recently, she has endorsed, Calvin Klein’s Spring campaign in 2021, titled, “The Feeling of Letting Go.” The endorsement was announced in an epic Instagram post where Koffee “was outfitted in” a tightly-fitted sports bra – very unlike her usual ensemble of loosely fitted clothing. 

Click here to view the Calvin Klein photo: http://radiojamaicanewsonline.com/assets/img/stories/display_pic/1614920461e-Calvin-Klein.jpg

Through all of Koffee’s brand sponsorships, she continues to expand the advocacy of working towards a world filled with more love, equality, and positivity. We’ll certainly be expecting more from Koffee because there are no limits for this multi-talented reggae artist. 

How‌ ‌to‌ ‌send‌ ‌barrels‌ ‌to‌ ‌Jamaica‌ ‌from‌ ‌the‌ ‌USA‌

send barrels to jamaica

Every year we send thousands of barrels from the United States to Jamaica. Both businesses and households use this method to get their supplies across international waters.

Sending a barrel to Jamaica from the United States is not as hard as you may think. Here we list the steps you may take to get a barrel to Jamaica from the United States. 

Step 1. 

Be sure your barrel is well packed. Keep common items together and putting canned items at the bottom of your barrel. Wrap your bottles in plastic wrap or traps to avoid spills or damage to other goods. Soap and other strong smells can penetrate thin bags such as flour and rice bags, and should be sent in a different container if possible. Now your barrel is ready to be sent.

Step 2.

Call a shipping company. Usually, a google search for ‘shipping companies near me’ will show you a list of companies that ship barrels and containers to other countries, including Jamaica. Be sure to check their reviews and shop around for better rates if you have more than one option. Arrange and time and date for the shipping company to come and collect your barrel for your house. Some companies will have you deliver the barrel to send to Jamaica at their location, or come with your items and pack the barrel at their location.

send package to jamaica

Step 3. 

After your barrel is collected, be sure to have the relevant documents you may need to give to the barrel’s recipient. You may need the name of the shipping company in the US, the name of the collecting agency in Jamaica, You will also need the bill of Lading and the airway bill to clear your goods through customs. 

Step 4.

Now that your goods have arrived in Jamaica, it is time to collect them at the pier if the barrel was not directly sent to your home. You will need to visit the company that your barrel was sent to and get the necessary documents to take to the wharf to get your barrel. Please note that more than one fee may be associated with this effort depending on the company you ship with and the value of items that are in the barrel.

 

Step 5.

The recipient of the barrel should have a valid Government Issue Identification card, a tax registration number, and the documents given by the shipping company. Take them to the customs officer and wait to be identified. After being identified, be prepared to open your barrel so the customs officer can assess the items.

 If contraband or items that will need to pay additional duty are found, you may need to have further inspection done.

Step 6.

After your items have been checked, you will pay the amount specified by the officer that assessed your goods. After returning that receipt, you will collect your barrel and be on your way. 

Total Costs as of November 22 is JMD $13000 for one barrel. This is inclusive of all fees both for your shipping company and all Jamaica customs fees.

It is important to note that you can have someone collect your barrel for you or have your barrel sent directly to your home. Whichever option you may use, ensure your paperwork is in place, and you should be ready.