Multi-GRAMMY award-winner, Stephen Marley has released his new EP, which is dedicated to Nina Simone. ‘Celebrating Nina: Reggae Tribute To Nina Simone,’ is released via Ghetto Youths Int’l and was co-produced by Paul Fakhourie. The EP comes as the world observes the strength and resilience of women this month.
Nina Simone
Nina Simone was one of America’s most legendary singers and songwriters. She was also a musical arranger, but outside of her music, she was well respected for her role as a civil rights activist during the 1960 & 70s. Stephen Marley has never shied away from his musical appreciation for Nina. In the past, he has produced songs for himself such as Father of The Man featuring Wyclef Jean and a classic Nina sample from her iconic Keeper Of The Flame hit. He is a big fan of her work.
The new EP has seven tracks as an ode to some of Nina’s greatest hits. Stephen has been building anticipation for this release for someone time, riding on the high of single releases like Queen Ifrica’s Four Women in April of 2021 and Etana’s Young Gifted And Black in February of this year.
“This project is about preserving Nina Simone’s legacy, passing it on to younger generations, including my children, because you don’t often find music this substantial,” said Stephen. He said when the project began the team reached out to Nina’s daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly and to the Nina Simone Foundation to establish a connection. ”We want to donate a portion of proceeds to the things that she was all about,” he explained. Marley said, ’Celebrating Nina: Reggae Tribute to Nina Simone,’ highlights the strength, power, and resilience of women.
The EP features tracks by artistes like Terri Walker, who does a beautiful rendition of Nina’s 1961s ‘No Good Man,’ Joss Stone who chimes in with ‘Here Comes The Sun,’ and Melanie Fiona who inspires with her version of ‘Don’t Explain.’ In addition to these artistes, Cedella Marley honors the well-known 1964 hit ‘Misunderstood.’
The Atlantic Ocean has long connected Africa and the Caribbean through history and culture. That connection finds a powerful new expression with “Love Again,” an Afro-Caribbean collaboration between global Ghanaian superstar, Black Sherif and Trinidad and Tobago’s acclaimed songwriting and performing duo, brothers Kory and Kevon Hart of Full Blown.
The single was released globally through EMPIRE on September 4th. Built around themes of vulnerability, healing and the courage to love again, the record arrives at a time when creative partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean are reshaping the sound of global music.
‘Love Again’ captures the emotional highs and lows of choosing hope after heartbreak. For Black Sherif, whose introspective storytelling has earned him over 1bn+ streams from his previous album “Iron Boy,” over 5bn+ streams across his catalogue, and a global audience, the collaboration represents another step in expanding the dialogue between African and Caribbean music.
For Kory and Kevon Hart, internationally respected producers and songwriters whose work has shaped countless Caribbean hits, it marks an opportunity to showcase their artistry alongside one of Africa’s defining voices. As Black Sherif continues to share his life through his music, he is not shy about discussing intimacy and love. “Almost all of the necessary affections that I have needed, and have gotten, came from afar, physically and figuratively. As a result, I have a tough time receiving and keeping love or better say intimacy, even though I crave them intensely,” he shared.
Black Sherif
He admits that in his adult years this topic “has become one of the greatest discussions in my bedroom mirror and with this project, I have allowed you a glimpse of it.” Remarkably, despite creating this song together, the artistes did so from different parts of the world. They did not meet until the filming of the official music video. The reality TV-inspired video, which drops on October 15th, further celebrates the undeniable musical chemistry between West Africa and the Caribbean – regions whose cultural ties continue to inspire some of the world’s most exciting sounds.
Full Blown’s involvement in this project further supports their continued exploration of themes related to love and relationships. “This project felt natural and fits our vibe and style perfectly,” the brothers expressed cohesively.
Hailing from the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, where Soca music is the dominant genre, a big part of their dream for the genre has always been to carry the sound of Soca music to the corners of the globe, and to collaborate and share their particular vibe with artistes from different cultures. “This project is another step forward for Full Blown. We’re keeping our dream alive,” said the duo.
As Afrobeats continues its global rise and Caribbean music expands its international reach, ‘Love Again’ reflects a broader movement bringing African and Caribbean artistes closer together. Rather than borrowing from one another, the record celebrates a shared musical lineage while pointing toward an increasingly connected future.
‘Love Again’ is one of 6 tracks featured on his EP titled SUN SHERIF, which is set to follow the success of his second studio album.
According to Forbes, Rihanna’s net worth has taken a significant hit, dropping by 29% since 2024. The singer-turned-business mogul, who previously reached billionaire status with an estimated fortune of $1.4 billion, now holds an estimated $1 billion. Her fall in valuation was one of the most notable shifts in Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women, where she now ranks at No. 35.
The outlet notes that the decline is attributed largely to stalled growth across her business empire. Although the Fenty Beauty expanded into China last year, LVMH cited a “challenging environment” that has affected global sales.
Adding to the turbulence, the CEO of Rihanna’s lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty, stepped down in August 2024 to take over at Victoria’s Secret. The departure marked a leadership shakeup during a period when profits were already under pressure.
A companion article by Forbes explored broader structural issues impacting celebrity-run brands, especially in fashion and beauty, where evolving market trends and consumer fatigue have led to tighter margins—even for mega-celebrities like Rihanna.
NEW BRIDAL LINGERIE COLLECTION LAUNCHED
The 37-year-old superstar remains focused. Savage X Fenty launched a new Bridal Collection in April 2025, and Fenty Beauty brought back its cult-favorite Body Lava luminizers just in time for summer. The brand also introduced a mascara line and a Roblox-based digital experience to expand its reach.
Beyond business, Rihanna made headlines with a personal milestone: the announcement of her third pregnancy at the 2025 Met Gala. Appearing on the red carpet with longtime partner, the singer revealed her baby bump, engaging the world, particular across social media.
THE LOSS OF HER FATHER
Tragically, Rihanna has also faced personal loss this year. Her father, Ronald Fenty, passed away recently. While she has not commented publicly, sources close to the family say the two had maintained a complicated but evolving relationship in recent years.
Despite the financial setback and personal challenges, Barbados born Rihanna continues to shape her legacy—both as a cultural icon and an entrepreneur, navigating a shifting business landscape and keeping true fans engrossed in all that she becomes involved in.
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