Music News
‘Lucifer Puppet’ – New Track Brings It Straight. Minister on A Mission.
Armed with purpose and strengthened daily by his virtue, Minister – a spiritually inclined artiste, is set to unleash a track that he knows, has the power and potential to persuade change in depressed communities across Trinidad and Tobago.
Ronald Herry is a man on a mission. He has dedicated his life to serving God and doing God’s will, using his talent now, to go beyond the walls of his ministry, and reach into the hearts of men. “‘Lucifer Puppet’ is a song that is made for a time such as this,” he says. The track, penned by the artiste himself and produced by Chinx Roots, seeks to revive consciousness, awaken right thinking, particularly since Minister is of the firm belief that much of what the world is presently experiencing goes beyond the physical realm. “With the crime situation as it is, and the way that our youths are involving themselves in gangs and violence, I believe this song is relevant. For those of us who believe in the spiritual side of things, we know there are forces behind it all, and I think the song will bring heightened consciousness to what is behind these things,” said the singer.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, reacting to a spate of violent attacks among school aged children recently, has threatened expulsion for those found violating the expected code of conduct. For the artiste, Minister, and the team of creatives dedicatedly pushing positivity, efforts are consistently being made to reach troubled youth on their level. “In marketing this song and its lyrics, our creative team will utilize social media to a great extent. We’ve also placed a lot of effort into the visuals for the single, which directly speaks the language of the youths,” said Stephon Gabriel – engineer at Gabriel Creative Studios. Together with Minister, he has given great consideration to the impact music has had on society. “The video for the song will show, in the simplest way, just how much people are being used in nefarious ways. Negativity has been glamorized, particularly on social media. The song will point out the ways in which society is being used and abused, and we’re confident it will awaken a sense of consciousness,” said Minister.
‘Lucifer’s Puppet’ isn’t the artiste’s first deliverable in the creative space. “I’ve worked alongside artistes like Blackie and Chucky in the past. I’ve been around the industry, but I never pursued it heavily. I didn’t really think it was for me,” explained Herry. He however believes in the power of evangelism and the importance of using one’s gifts with purpose. “As a minister in ministry and the leader of a youth group, I am heavily involved in evangelism. I understand the importance of reaching the youths on their level. I am privy to their stories and in dealing with them I understand what they are involved in,” he said, reiterating the importance of restoring sight to the blind. “Many of these youths are just children and they are more or less spiritually blinded or lacking knowledge and understanding, so you really can’t blame them. Many of them do not have the parental guidance needed.”
Minister believes parents are the first crime stoppers in any society and urges proper guidance. “Instilling positive values in our youth is still very important. Another important aspect of parenting is ensuring that children understand rules and adhering to them because this essentially trickles down into society. What we see happening across our communities is simply a reflection of what is happening in the home,” he said. Optimistic in the power of positive music, Minister says he wants to deliver music that will stimulate the mind and spark a thought, bringing light into dark areas. He laments the popular culture that propagates negative expression, saying that while a song may seek to share one person’s story with the rest of the world, it may have an adverse effect on someone else. “If the music does not highlight solutions and encourage change, all that’s being shared is a negative narrative. If the song is speaking about the impact of a particular lifestyle, it’s important that the solutions be shared as well,” he argued, adding that while the world has glorified negativity, the truth is, those singing the negative lyrics are merely seeking a way out, unconscious of those they are leaving in the mess.
Music News
Producer Advocates for More Positive Content. Leads The Way With ‘The Only 1’ Riddim.
One music producer in Trinidad and Tobago is calling on all artistes to create more meaningful music. He’s however advocating for positive content and says the time has come to counteract the negative as much as possible.
Khadeem Edwards is the man formerly known as Twin Island Studio, but he switched gears around 2023, after what he describes as a rebirth. He now runs Xklusiv Music Productions and earlier this year, saw the success of his Relief Riddim- a project that featured the likes of Skinny Fabulous, Rae, Dev and Mr. Lee. In the aftermath of that, he’s pushing more positive energy with a new project called, The Only 1 Riddim, and this time he has worked with several talented artistes, among them, Christo and Island Boy Preedy.
For Edwards, the mission of creating music is one that’s as important as it is necessary. He firmly believes that music’s influence can be uplifting or damaging, and because of that belief, he is advocating for change. “As a producer, I know that my work influences people. Because of that, I’ve made the conscious decision to work on this particular project with the intention to influence people positively,” said Edwards. The Only 1 Riddim is a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B and Soul music. By its acoustic nature, the production demands lyrics that are soulful, sweet and life-giving. “We were given emotions, and music plays with these emotions. If you have an aggressive style of music and you consume that frequently, that aggression will begin to develop in you as a person. For this riddim, I’ve incorporated Afrobeats so we can still dance, but the harmonies deliver on the typical R&B and Soul sounds.”
The release of the songs on The Only 1 Riddim coincided with the celebration of Mother’s Day. Edwards explained that each song is meant to stir something inside the soul of the listener and engage them in a way that promotes love. “I think it’s important for listeners to be offered a choice when it comes to music. There’s a great opportunity for our artistes to bring forward more music that counteracts the negative, and I think the onus is on the people who hold the power to promote positive music, to do just that,” said Edwards. His expression comes in the aftermath of several incidents of violence in Trinidad and Tobago in recent weeks, which have been linked to gang warfare. Many across society have argued that music which perpetuates criminality plays a powerful role in the end result that often spikes the murder toll.
Artiste support weighs heavily on the overall thrust to deliver music that’s needed for a better outcome in today’s society. Edwards says between the marketing and promotional efforts and the consumer’s reaction to the music, a lot can happen. “Delivering music takes a big toll on all artistes as well as the producer. Marketing costs and all other associated costs are heavy. What’s sad is that after all those expenses, the consumer hardly ever makes a purchase. They rip pirated versions or stream for free. A song is 99 cents on iTunes. When you pay for the music, you feed the artiste and the producer. We need more people to buy the music and support our artistes,” he urged.
A single acceptance of a new life by Khadeem Edwards a few years ago altered his life’s direction. “I accepted Jesus Christ. I wasn’t perfect and I’m still not perfect, but I’m working towards perfection, being a better person, and I believe any artiste, any person, can do the same,” he said. He hopes The Only 1 Riddim will decrease the sense of urgency presently consuming many across the world. “My hope for this project is for all of us to really slow down. The world is moving really fast and we need to slow down and appreciate the people who truly matter. The songs on this riddim express that. I believe that if we listen to this style of music, we’ll slow down, reminisce, capture a vibe of love and appreciation for the people we love, and return to tenderness and vulnerability.”
Plans are afoot to generate more music that promotes the positives of life. Edwards and his team at Xklusiv Music Productions are answering a call that runs deeper than the eye can see. “The bonus track on this riddim will be a gospel single and in that song, The Only 1 will ultimately be God. I’m pleased to be doing this and I hope that its value will be appreciated.”
The artistes on The Only 1 Riddim are Christo with “Woman,” Maki who delivers “D Only One,” Preedy who sings “Fight No More,” Mr. Lee with “Take Care,” Temisha from the US Virgin Islands, who sings “Paradise,” and LFS Music returns with “Sweet Love.”
Reggae
New ‘Jamrock’ Documentary Celebrates Unforgettable Moments. Cruise Returns to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa, This Year.
Ahead of its 11th annual voyage in November, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise shares its story through a new film. VIBE premiered All in the Same Boat, a documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Reshma B and produced by Boomshots TV that traces Marley and his manager Dan Dalton’s brainchild from a bold, outsider idea into one of the most culturally significant movements in reggae and dancehall today.
With over a decade’s worth of unforgettable moments pulled from the last 10 voyages, this 30+ minute documentary captures the spirit of a global reggae community built on shared identity, resilience, and reverence for Jamaican culture. It features iconic performances, real conversations with the artistes and DJs, and the heartbeat of it all: the “Jamrockers.” These are die-hard reggae lovers from over 40 countries who pull up every year for one reason – to feel that irreplaceable connection to Jamaican culture and keep the Marley message of “One Love” alive.
Having successfully navigated challenges including extreme weather and a global pandemic, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise continues to thrive. Its 11th staging will return for its annual voyage from November 11th to the 16th, sailing from Miami aboard Norwegian Joy.
Stacked from foundation to future, this year’s lineup brings together reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley (Traffic Jam Set), Burning Spear, Sizzla, Capleton, Beenie Man, Protoje, Barrington Levy, Elephant Man, Junior Reid, Lila Iké, Ding Dong & the Ravers Clavers, Tony Matterhorn “Man on the Moon”, Gyptian, 450, Richie Spice, Ghost, Mr. Lexx, Professor Nuts, L.U.S.T., Sister Carol, Sevana, Flourgon, Johnny P, and Jemere Morgan are confirmed.
The cruise’s famed Sound Clash at Sea will return alongside powerhouse sound systems including Stone Love (Geefus), King Jammy, Silverhawk Sound, Rory Stone Love, Renaissance Sound, Federation Sound, Warrior Sound, Rampage Sound, Kingston12 HiFi and Souljah1 Muzik, preserving a cornerstone of Jamaican music culture in its most authentic form.
Jamrock is a Premiere Reggae Event
The Jamrock experience has evolved into the premier reggae event at sea—one that continues to redefine how the culture is celebrated on a global stage. The five-day experience continues to immerse guests in the full spectrum of Jamaican life—from Nyabinghi sunrise sessions and sound bath meditations to dancehall workshops, fitness programming, and curated culinary offerings led by acclaimed Chef Lumley. A new addition this year includes a live theatrical production by legendary playwright Oliver Samuels, adding yet another layer to the cruise’s ever-expanding cultural canvas.
Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the cruise will return to Jamaica with renewed purpose, maintaining its distinction as the only chartered cruise with two Jamaican port stops. That commitment translates into tangible impact, generating millions annually for the island’s tourism and cultural economy while reinforcing a direct connection between the music, the people, and the place that birthed it.
As All in the Same Boat makes clear, Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is a movement with its own rhythm, one that continues to bring the diaspora home, while inviting the world in. Since its inception in 2014, the mission remains the same: to create a space where reggae lives, breathes, and connects us all.
The documentary made its debut during the 10th annual cruise and later screened at Art Basel in support of hurricane relief efforts led by the Marley family’s Ghetto Youths Foundation. Damian Marley and Dan Dalton were executive producers of the film.
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