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Montego Bay, Jamaica - International superstar Jennifer Hudson is the confirmed headliner for the final night of Reggae Sumfest 2015, Saturday July 18th at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Johnny Gourzong Executive Director of Summerfest Productions, producers of the event, are elated to have such a quality performer on the roster for this years event. “We are extremely happy to have been able to confirm Jennifer Hudson as the headline artiste on International Night 2. She is a powerhouse vocalist and a has huge catalogue of hits that Jamaicans and people from all across the world know and love,” Gourzong said. American recording artist, actress and philanthropist Jennifer Hudson made her film debut as Effie White in the 2006 film "Dreamgirls," garnering her several awards that year, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Hudson went to release her first Grammy-winning, RIAA Gold Certified album in 2008. The self-titled album entered Billboard’s Top 200 at No. 2 and marked the biggest first week sales for an R&B female entry since 2004 and has since sold over 1.1 million albums worldwide to date. Hudson’s sophomore album, “I Remember Me,” was introduced on March 22, 2011 to rave reviews. The album debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top 200 and R&B Albums charts and has since been certified RIAA Gold in the U.S. Most recently, Hudson released her third critically acclaimed album, “JHUD,” which opened in the Billboard Top 10 on September 23, 2014. The album, released by Sony/RCA, features hit tracks in collaboration with the likes of Pharrell Williams, R. Kelly, Iggy Azalea and OVO/1985. Additional film credits include “Sex and the City,” “The Secret Life of Bees,” “Winnie Mandela,” “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete,” “Black Nativity” and others. Most recently, she was seen in the debut season of the hit-television series EMPIRE in which she also performed. Hudson will make her Broadway debut this fall in “The Color Purple.” This will be the first time that Hudson will perform in Jamaica and she is looking forward to it. “We understand that she is anticipating the trip to Jamaica and is already preparing for her performance,” he added. The Reggae Sumfest stage has been the platform for many international and local acts to showcase their talent, artistes like Kanye West, Lionel Richie, Usher and Rihanna, have all delivered at the event. This year, Summerfest Productions promises an amazing production, superb entertainment and a truly Jamaican experience for all who attend. Reggae Sumfest will be begin on Sunday July 12th with a beach party at the Aquasol Theme Park, All White party at Pier 1 on Tuesday July 14th and the main event, Thursday July 16th to Saturday July 18th at Catherine Hall. The event is being held in association with sponsors - Digicel, Iberostar, Secrets, Pepsi, Jamaica Tourist Board, Red Stripe, Red Bull and the Gleaner. “What better way to end the festival than with a mega-star like Jennifer Hudson.” Gourzong ended.

Dexta Daps hit single "7Eleven" is blazing the streets & airwaves both locally and internationally. Pushed by his overhelming female fanbase Dexta is set to be the next superstar out of Jamaica. The single was produced by Troyton Music on The "Intoxxicated Riddim" and Video Directed & Edited By Robin Chin.

Reggae singer Alaine has a new album Ten of Hearts which was released by Jukeboxx productions and Zojak. The album which consists of 14 emotional tracks takes a journey through the twists and turns of love and life. Ten of Hearts boasts tracks from top reggae producers Shane Brown, Jordan McClure and David Hale for Chimney Records, Andrew Myrie aka Anju Blaxx for UIM Records, Craig and David Harrisingh for Daseca Productions, Andre ‘DJ Frass’ Gordon, Tony Kelly and Dean Fraser. “Favorite Boy’, produced by Chimney Records, will be the first single released from the album. The album featured artists such as , Dre Island, Tarrus Riley, J Boog, Dexta Daps

Jah Yute Entertainment (JYE) releases Sgt Remo’s latest official video titled Give Thanks for Life. This is the album's title track and is one of the strongest cuts on the record. Give Thanks for Life urges the celebration of life’s blessings that are oftentimes taken for granted. Sgt Remo penned the song after experiencing his daughter’s battle with cancer which she triumphantly defeated. “Give thanks for life, give thanks for joy, give thanks for the opportunity to live my life.” He goes on to champion all women in this song acknowledging the hardships they experience as mothers, and often as single parents. He states “give thanks for mama, set the rule and the order. Without a father, she is the mama and the dada.” The video was artfully directed and filmed by Iriemedia Films in beautiful Mexico City. The city's rich history provided a perfect backdrop for this video. Much of the filming took place in the historic site of Tlatelolco where, in 1968, thousands of demonstrating students were caught in a rain of bullets by the presidential forces. The site, and the tragic event that took place, continue to foster in the minds of the Mexican people. This song and this beautiful video celebrate life and the moving forward in the midst of adversity. The song was produced by Spain’s Rey JahB Estudio. The album features 13 solid tracks with production by long time Sgt Remo collaborator Pedro Hernandez from EA Productions (St. Petersburg, FL) and an array of producers from around the world. This summer Sgt Remo continues touring in support of the album promotion with a Columbia and Mexico tour this July.

John Brown Russwurm was born in Port Antonio, Jamaica, the son of a black woman and an English merchant. He lived in Jamaica until his father sent him to Quebec at age eight for a better education. He and his father moved to Maine in 1812; his father died shortly thereafter in 1815, but not before changing his name from John Brown to John Brown Russwurm. John lived on with his family after his stepmother remarried. They continued to encourage his education and helped him to enter Bowdoin College. He was the first African American to graduate from that college and the third African-American to graduate from college in America. Mr. Russwurm became interested in Black liberation during college. He wrote term papers on Toussaint L'Overture and his graduation speech focused on the Haitian Revolution. He considered immigration to Haiti or teaching in Boston but decided to move to New York where he met Samuel Cornish. He and Cornish, a Presbyterian minister edited and published the very first African-American newspaper, "Freedom's Journal", which first appeared in 1827. It was started as a response to the racism of established media, an advocate for abolition and education of free Blacks. Russwurm eventually converted to the belief that Blacks could only prosper through recolonization to Africa. As a result, Cornish left the paper and the newspaper's readership turned against Russwurm. In 1829, he left the newspaper and immigrated to Liberia. Liberia suffered a dearth of Black intellectuals during this time and Mr. Russwurm was much in demand.He worked as Colonial Secretary for four years and edited the Liberia Herald for five. In 1836 he became the first black Governor of Maryland County, Liberia. He learned many African languages, established positive relationships with neighboring nations, encouraged African-American immigration and worked diplomatically with whites. His administration also supported and enhanced agriculture and trade. In 1833, John married Sarah McGill, daughter of the Lieutenant-Governor of Monrovia, Liberia,they had four children. A monument has been erected to Mr. Russwurm on the island off the coast of Liberia.

In honor of National Caribbean-Heritage Month, 2015 - Mona Scott-Young Mona Scott-Young is a multi-millionaire business and television mogul who was born and raised in Haiti. She is the CEO of Monami Entertainment, a multimedia entertainment company that produces VH1's hit reality program, "Love and Hip-Hop". Her company has also produced numerous spin-offs from the show such as "Chrissy & Mr. Jones", "K. Michelle: My Life", and "The Gossip Game" on VH1. Additionally it has also produced shows such as "Donald Trump Presents: The Ultimate Merger" on TV One and; "Cocaine: History Between the Lines" on the History Channel. Ms. Young got her start as a temp at Radio City Music Hall where she caught the attention of a group called Track Masters and became their Manager. Mona subsequently started her own company, Violator Management and became an in-demand Record Executive, Manager and mentor to big name celebrities such as Missy Elliott, 50 Cent and LL Cool J. As co- owner and founder of Violator Management, she built a reputation of success and reaped considerable financial rewards. Scott-Young founded her own management company, Monami Entertainment after leaving Violator. Along with its traditional music management role, Monami has considerable impact on the television landscape, and has now expanded into film projects with its first feature length film, "The Promise Keepers". Mona most recently ventured into brand marketing and is part owner and Chief Marketing Officer of a ready-to-drink moscato line, Myx Fusions. In addition to running her business Ms. Scott-Young is known for many charitable contributions and has been recognized by many organizations including Black Enterprise, Vibe magazine, the National Association of Black Females in Music Entertainment, as well as the National Congress and Convention of Haitian-Americans. She has also been honored with ASCAP's "Woman Behind the Music" Award and Ad Age's "Marketer of the Year" Award. Ms. Scott-Young currently serves on the boards of the Haitian Roundtable, the RSQ Foundation, and the GrassROOTS Foundation.

King of the Dancehall Beenie Man will be performing at that ESSENCE Fest MainStage on the Fourth of July. Beenie man will be creating fireworks in New Orleans with his live crew, The Zagga Zow Band, with dozens of explosive no. 1 hits The weekend will be filled with empowering experiences and electrifying performances from various artists such as Usher, Missy Elliott, Erykah Badu, Common and many more. Nephew Tommy from The Steve Harvey Morning Show will return as the Mainstage host, with special DJ moments by Doug E. Fresh.

Jamaican entertainer Keith "Anthony B" Blair was arrested in Port of Spain, Trinidad after performing at the Redemption 2 concert. An arrest warrant was issued for Anthony B after promoter Barry Lewis claimed he owed him money and Lewis's attorneys filed an application for a Fugae warrant under the Absconding Debtors Act. A judge Justice Andre Des Vignes ordered that court marshals immediately arrest Blair. In court documents Lewis stated that Blair had failed to perform at a concert on Independence Day 2013, after an agreement was made between one of Blair's booking agents for Blair to perform at the concert in Trinidad. Lewis claimed spent $73,126 to secure the services for the concert's headline performer. The amount represented the deposit for Blair's performance and airfare for him and his representatives. Lewis also stated that on August 28, 2013 he was informed that Blair could not meet his contractual obligation. Lewis hired two other performers. A video of Blair's apology for his absence was shown to patrons at the concert. Court documents state that Blair failed to compensate Lewis and Lewis sued Blair claiming damages for breach of contract, interest and cost. Blair was later release and ordered to pay Lewis US$7,000 immediately and the balance of $27,976 on or before June 30 with cost in the sum of $5,000. Lewis was represented by attorneys Michael Rooplal and Carina Jailal. Attorney Fitzgerald Hinds appeared on Blair's behalf.

Victoria Small clinched the title at the 1st annual Miss Barbados UK 2015 which took place on Saturday 25th April at Bush Hall in London. Seven contestants vied for the title, but in the end Small with her poised was crowned the first Miss Barbados UK. She lives in Reading and is currently a full -time business and finance student with aspirations of having her own creative media business in the future. First runner up went to Marika Kinch, was also awarded Most Improved, Most Creative Wear, Most Dedicated and the people’s choice award. Sophia Mackay was second runner-up and took the picture perfect and Miss Twilight awards. Miss Barbados UK is an annual pageant created to educate young ladies of Barbadian citizenship or descent on their history & culture.

New York, NY - May 28, 2015 - Sharissa Ryan, Fox Lane High School alumni and more recently, division I tennis Fairfield University graduate of 2014, could not have imagined where this year would have led her. Currently ambassador and festival queen for the island Montserrat, she will represent her country in this year’s Caribbean Week. Last December Sharissa decided to compete in the Miss Montserrat Festival Queen Pageant on her island and won. Since winning the title and crown, she has done community service in her country, hosting a weekend of tennis for youth and establishing a reading program working with the Montserrat Public Library. Since her return to New York in May, she has made appearances at events such as the Montserrat Progressive Society’s Mother’s Day event and the Aids Walk NYC that have helped expose, and spark conversations about her island. On Wednesday June 3rd, Sharissa will speak and perform at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Student Colloquium event themed “ Students Taking Centre Stage: A forum for Rising Stars in Caribbean Tourism”. She will address a body of student teams from the College of the Bahamas, Monroe College in New York, Jamaica’s University of Technology and the Turks and Caios Islands Community College as they challenge each other on sustainable tourism issues. The students will also hear from featured speaker, Denis Walcott the former New York City education chancellor who served from 2011 to 2013. Born in Montserrat, Sharissa moved to Bedford Hills, NY at the tender age of 4 with her family after the Soufriere Hills Volcano erupted on the island in 1995. This year marks 20 years since this devastation to the southern half of the island. During that time, her parents encouraged her to start tennis lessons and shortly after she decided to learn how to play the violin. Some of her proud accomplishments include the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) title in 2012, Inter-collegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Scholar athlete in 2014, and MAAC player of the week 4 times throughout her college career. In 2006, at 12 years old, she decided to share her skills with her home country by leading a volunteer tennis clinic for the children on the island to learn the game. When asked about the upcoming event she said; “I am excited to share my experiences among my peers, encouraging them to also re-connect with their own Caribbean heritage”. The journey is always the best part of any adventure, and this is just the beginning. Later this summer Sharissa goes on to compete in three pageants: Jaycees Queen Show in Antigua, Caribbean Culture Queen in Nevis and The Commonwealth Caribbean in St. Lucia.

Queen of hip-hop Nicki Minaj last week released her new music video for "The Night is Still Young" exclusively on Tidal and recently on Vevo. “The Night Is Still Young” celebrates the joy of summertime. In the video, the Minaj appears alongside a group of very Harajuku Barbie-inspired dancers as they sport bright colors and even wackier outfits. The track was co-written by Minaj, Lukasz Gottwalk, Henry Walker, Donnie Lewis, Ester Dean, Ziggy Mcstalin and Theron Thomas.

Reggae singer Chronixx will bring his unique energy when he perfoms tonight at Alrosa Villa in Columbus Ohio . Chronixx, has been touring throughout Europe since his first EP, Hooked on Chronixx. He is now doing his Capture Land U.S. Tour. His newest album, The Dread & Terrible Project, topped both the Billboard and iTunes reggae charts with the tracks, “Rastaman Wheel Out” and “Here Comes Trouble.” See the list of tour dates for Chronixx and the Zincfence Redemption: Captureland US Tour