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Spice Army Wins Red Bull Culture Clash 2025

Spice Army Wins Red Bull Culture Clash 2025 in London

The Queen of Dancehall, Spice, has once again proven her dominance, leading her crew, Spice Army, to victory at Red Bull Culture Clash 2025 in London. Held at Drumsheds on March 8th, the event saw a crowd of 10,000 music fans decide the champions of the UK’s biggest sound clash competition.

Spice Army faced off against Voice of the Streets, Native, and Homegrown in a thrilling four-round battle, ultimately securing the win with their high-energy performances and strategic dubplate selections. The team, featuring Jiggy D, Loyal Squad, Mak 10, Noah Powa, Rampage Sound, and Richie Feelings, represented Caribbean sound and Jamaican culture with pride.

A Winning Formula of Music and Surprise Performances

Spice Army set themselves apart with exclusive dubplates from global icons like Sting, Giggs, and Vybz Kartel, electrifying the crowd with their musical arsenal. The excitement reached new heights with surprise performances from Chip, D Double E, Skraps, and Lady Leshurr, solidifying their lead in the competition.

Their competitors brought strong contenders to the stage. Voice of the Streets (VOTS), led by Kenny Allstar, featured artists like Big Narstie, Ghetts, and Cristale. Native, led by Lagos artist Teezee, showcased NSG, Spinall, and Pa Salieu, while Homegrown, with DJ Jyoty at the helm, featured Conducta, Flowdan, and Lil Silva. Despite the tough competition, Spice Army’s energy, crowd connection, and musical strategy led them to victory.

Championship Trophy and New Rewards

For the first time, the Red Bull Culture Clash champions will receive custom-designed championship rings, created in collaboration with A Jewellers, in addition to the coveted trophy. The trophy itself was designed by Goldie, a jungle music pioneer and former Culture Clash champion with his Metalheadz crew.

With this victory, Spice Army secures bragging rights and the opportunity to defend their title at the next Red Bull Culture Clash. The event showcased the global impact of Dancehall and Caribbean culture, proving that Spice remains a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Stay tuned for more updates on Spice Army’s journey and what’s next for the reigning champions.

https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/spice-army-win-red-bull-culture-clash-2025

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Dancehall artiste “squash” arrest in Florida for gun related charges

Dancehall artiste squash also known as Andre Whittaker. The entertainer, a member of the 6ixs was arrested on February 25,2025 in Florida, United States, around 3:00 am for gun- related charges. According to the Miami-Dade Police, the artist has been charged with possession of a short-barrel shotgun, a rifle, a machine gun as well as a concealed firearm. The Miami-Dade Department records indicate a fee of US $3,000 has been set; however no warrant case date has been listed. This incident follows previous legal issues for Squash in Florida, including a 2023 arrest on immigration-related charges and alleged connections to a 2022 double murder in Lauderhill, Florida.

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Sevana and Tems Spark Excitement with Behind-the-Scenes Photos in Jamaica

Jamaican singer Sevana recently shared a special moment with Nigerian superstar Tems while the latter was in Jamaica filming the music video for her Dancehall-inspired track, “Turn Me Up.”

On Thursday, November 21, Tems took to her verified Instagram to post behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot, captioning the images with the phrase “Open your eyes” along with a Jamaican flag emoji. Just a few days later, on Monday, November 25, Sevana also shared her own set of behind-the-scenes snapshots, tagging Tems and posting a combination of the Jamaican and Nigerian flags, with a heart-shaped hand emoji between them.

While Sevana wasn’t featured in the music video, the photos sparked buzz among fans, with the two artists clearly enjoying each other’s company. Sevana, who recently released her music video for “Keep Going (Chosen)” eight months ago, is focused on her own music career. The video has already garnered 132,000 views, marking her first release of 2024. Reflecting on the song, Sevana shared, “It’s a song I wrote and still listen to, even now, to remind myself of my power and purpose. We’ve all faced trauma, challenges, and dark times. This track is for those moments when you’re unsure whether to keep moving forward.”

Sevana’s journey to success began with Protoje’s In.Digg.Nation collective, which signed a deal with Sony Music Entertainment’s RCA Records in 2020. She released her debut EP Sevana in 2016 and followed up with Be Somebody in 2020. After leaving the collective in 2022, she launched her own label, GoodHzMusic, and has released several singles under it, including “Brand New,” “Lowe Mi,” and “One More Time.”

Meanwhile, “Turn Me Up” is part of Tems’ latest album, Born in the Wild, which has already amassed over 545,000 views on YouTube within just five days of release.

This exciting moment also comes on the heels of Tems’ impressive three Grammy nominations: Best R&B Song for Burning, Best Global Music Album for Born in the Wild, and Best African Music Performance for Love Me Jeje.

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Dancehall Legend Sean Paul Awarded Honorary Doctorate by UTech, Jamaica

In a moment of immense recognition, international dancehall icon Sean Paul was conferred with the Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa by the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) last Friday, marking a significant milestone in his celebrated career.

This prestigious award honored his exceptional contributions to music and his pivotal role in nation-building, further solidifying his status as one of dancehall’s most influential artists.

“Sean Paul’s success with his albums and live performances has earned him global acclaim, making him the first Jamaican artist to perform in countries like Kazakhstan and Madagascar, in addition to more than 100 other nations,” UTech stated.

Before achieving worldwide fame, Sean Paul, whose full name is Sean Paul Francis Henriques, was a student at UTech when it was known as the College of Arts, Science and Technology. He pursued studies in hospitality and tourism management but ultimately made the bold decision to leave his studies to follow his passion for music. This unorthodox path led him to become one of Jamaica’s most decorated musicians, boasting accolades such as a Grammy, a BET Award, and a Soul Train Award.

Returning to his alma mater to accept the honor, Sean Paul expressed a deep sense of pride and joy.

“This is a unique kind of pride, especially because I had the chance to share my journey and insights with the class of 2024,” he told THE STAR in an interview.

“The campus has evolved tremendously since I last visited, and it’s inspiring to see how UTech continues to produce individuals who will drive positive change,” he added.

In his address, Sean Paul reflected on his evolving dreams and shared valuable advice with the graduates, urging them to embrace change and take bold steps toward their goals.

“My message to the class of 2024 is simple: Don’t fear dreaming big, adapt to changes, and remember that change is inevitable,” he said. Despite not completing his degree, he credited UTech with instilling the discipline and strong work ethic that became the foundation of his success in music.

“At that time, I was like a blank canvas, unsure of what the final painting of my life would look like or where the future would lead me. But I remained committed to putting in my best effort, no matter the outcome,” Sean Paul shared.

Drawing from his experiences in the competitive music industry, he encouraged graduates to remain steadfast in the face of challenges. He acknowledged that every career path, including music, is fraught with difficulties and setbacks.

“Someone once told me that I was well-suited to this business, which is filled with egos, disappointments, and broken promises. I didn’t give up, and neither should you,” he urged.

Reflecting further in his interview, the artist emphasized perseverance and resilience as key to overcoming obstacles.

“Keep pushing forward, and remember that brighter days are ahead,” he encouraged.

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“Spice Launches Graci Noir: A Vibrant Clothing Line Inspired by Jamaican Culture”

Dancehall artist Spice is expanding her entrepreneurial ventures with the launch of her first clothing line, Graci Noir.

The brand’s official website went live on Thursday, and Spice marked the occasion with a virtual celebration alongside her three million Instagram followers.

Earlier in the week, Spice debuted a promotional video for the collection, featuring models of all sizes showcasing the stylish pieces.

The Graci Noir line includes a range of apparel such as tracksuits, jumpsuits, bodysuits, tops, t-shirts, and dresses, each uniquely named after popular Jamaican slang phrases.

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Alkaline’s Manager/Sister Earns Her Masters of Entertainment, Valedictorian of Her Class of 2024!

Kereena Beckford, a renowned artiste manager and entrepreneur, has reached an impressive milestone in her career by earning a Master of Science in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Her academic achievement is even more remarkable as she was named valedictorian of her graduating class, underscoring her dedication and leadership.

Beckford has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry, particularly through her management of her brother, reggae-dancehall sensation Alkaline. Her work has helped propel his career, making her a key figure in the global music scene. Additionally, as the organizer of the New Rules Festival, Beckford has demonstrated her entrepreneurial acumen by curating successful events that highlight her ability to blend business with creativity.

This latest academic accomplishment further enhances Beckford’s expertise in the entertainment field, positioning her for continued success as she expands her influence in both the management and entrepreneurial sectors.

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Shenseea Celebrates Her First Grammy Nomination

Shenseea has earned her first Grammy nomination for her album Never Gets Late Here, and she couldn’t wait to share the excitement with her fans. Going LIVE on social media, she expressed her joy and gratitude, encouraging her fans to support her by voting. Fighting back tears, Shenseea shared how thrilled she was and how she couldn’t wait to share the news with her son. Joining her in the Grammy nomination category are other celebrated artists, including Vybz Kartel, Bob Marley, and Collie Buddz.

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Sean Paul Collaborates with Will Smith for “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die” Soundtrack

Sean Paul has teamed up with Will Smith on the track “Light Em Up” for the soundtrack of “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die,” the fourth installment in the iconic Bad Boys franchise. This collaboration marks Smith’s return to music since his 2020 cameo on Joyner Lucas’ “Will (Remix).” The soundtrack boasts ten songs, including two featuring Sean Paul: “Light Em Up” with Smith and “Bad Boys” with Argentine artist Trueno. Known for his dancehall style, Sean Paul embraced the “bad man” theme for “Light Em Up,” which has received overwhelming support from fans on social media, flooding his Instagram with fire emojis. Currently on a U.S. tour, Sean Paul shared that a secretive writing boot camp led to his involvement in this project.

“Bad Boys: Ride Or Die” Achieves $56 Million Opening

“Bad Boys: Ride Or Die,” the latest film in the Will Smith-Martin Lawrence franchise, opened with an estimated $56 million, marking Smith’s biggest box office success since his 2022 Oscar controversy. Despite mixed reviews, the film received an A- CinemaScore from audiences. This release comes during a challenging summer for Hollywood, with ticket sales significantly down compared to pre-pandemic levels. Smith avoided discussing the Oscars incident during his promotional tour, focusing instead on the film’s release. With a $100-million production budget, the film was briefly put on hold due to the controversy but ultimately moved forward.

Immersive 4DX Experience at Palace Amusement

The film is now showing at Palace Amusement’s newly renovated 4DX cinema at the Carib 5 location, offering an immersive movie-watching experience that engages multiple senses. The 4DX technology enhances films with physical effects such as moving seats, water sprays, and high-pressure air. Executive Director Steven Cooke believes this technology will revolutionize movie-watching by making viewers feel part of the action. A select group experienced the 4DX effects during a special showing of “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die,” noting the realistic driving sensations, smoke, mist, bright LED flashes, and more. The cinema, seating 112, features refurbished seats with footrests and may inspire more 4DX cinemas if successful. Attendees left with high praise for the experience.

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BountyKiller Set to Start Producing with Alliance Music

Celebrated recording artist Bounty Killer is gearing up to make waves in the music industry once again, this time as a producer under his record label, Alliance Music. The artist took to Instagram to share the exciting news, posting a picture of his new logo, designed by celebrity graphic designer @AntoineChung from #CoverArtExpress (CAE Communication). In his post, Bounty Killer expressed his eagerness to dive into production:

“Label is ready now for some production. It’s been a while now, I haven’t done any production. Let’s go folks!”

This announcement marks a significant return for Bounty Killer, who has been on a hiatus from the music scene while recovering from surgery three years ago. The artist shared updates on his recovery journey, including a before-and-after picture showcasing the remarkable healing of his stitches. He expressed gratitude for his recovery, stating:

“3 years ago vs today with the mercy of the Almighty God and the handy works of the doctors up Tony Thwaites Wing at UWH. No scar, just looking like a birth mark now.”

Fans and fellow artists alike are eagerly anticipating the new music Bounty Killer will produce under Alliance Music. With his extensive experience and fresh enthusiasm, there’s no doubt that his return to the production side of the industry will bring exciting new sounds and collaborations. Stay tuned for more updates as Bounty Killer embarks on this new chapter in his illustrious career.

#caenews#coverartexpress#antoinechung#alliancemusic