An unsuspecting, musically gifted trailblazeris slowly but surely taking her place. Much like Jamaica’s Koffee seemed to have emerged out of nowhere overnight, and quickly stamped her name into history, so too will Trinidad and Tobago born rising star, Phia.
Sophia Smith is a 20-year-old diamond in the rough. According to engineering mastermind, PengCo Music, she’s the real deal. In fact, so confident is PengCo in Phia’s natural talent, her passion and drive, that he’s ready to risk it all, to take her to the heights of the music business.
Phia grew up in Gonzales, Belmont with her mother, grandmother and extended family members. She fondly recalls being called upon by her uncle to perform for friends who would come over to house parties held at the family home. They would encourage her talent, often gifting her with cash after her impromptu performances. An eventual relocation to Petite Bourg, in San Juan with her father brought with it an even greater appreciation for music and dance. Noting her father and uncles’ constant singing and dancing display at the house, Phia said it was not too long before she too became completely mesmerized by music.
“All I think about is music,” relays a most recent Instagram post by the young soulful singer. Unlike most in the Caribbean, who’re attuned to island beats and the Caribbean flavour, this young artist stays true to herself, maintaining her love for soulful genres of music. “I grew up with my grandmother. Our neighbour would play music every morning,” she explains. “I grew up listening to Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Johnny Cash, just to name a few.”
Untraditional for a youth of this era some may argue, but for PengCo, Phia’s vibe is refreshing, new, exciting. “She’s going to be big,” he says confidently, and with that assurance, Phia too, stands ready to push even harder. On April 1st, Phia released visuals for her single, ‘Red,’ which she penned. The track was recorded at Proden Studios and mixed and mastered by Pengco Music. Asserting herself as a GenZ neo-soul artist, Phia’s laid back delivery is reminiscent of that of RnB singer, the late, Aaliyah Haughton.
“I’d describe my music as soothing. I think my music’s relatable to events that unfold in most people’s everyday lives,” she explains, admitting that her major contemporary influences have come from international RnB superstars, Chris Brown and Kehlani. “Dancing was really my first love. I used to watch Chris Brown’s music videos and try to emulate every move and his voice. On the flip side, Kehlani has influenced my style a bit. They’re both major vocal influences but I like the way Kehlani dresses,” she said.
With her eye on the prize, her heart humble and her passion unwavering, Phia’s on a journey that’ll ultimately lead to the big leagues. Her only hope is that the support at home in the Caribbean is forthcoming, after all, the love and support of ‘home’ beats all else.
The Caribbean is mourning the loss of one of its greatest sporting icons following the death of Sir Garfield Sobers, the Barbadian cricket legend widely regarded as one of the finest players the game has ever known. He was 89.
Cricket West Indies confirmed Sir Garfield’s passing on Friday. According to reports, he died at his home in Barbados after a period of illness, just days before his 90th birthday.
Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, on July 28, 1936, Sir Garfield became one of the most influential figures in the history of West Indies cricket. His achievements on the field, coupled with the dignity and pride with which he represented the Caribbean, earned him admiration across generations and around the world. He was knighted in 1975 for his services to cricket and was later named a National Hero of Barbados, one of the country’s highest honours.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the Caribbean and the wider cricketing community. In a statement, Cricket West Indies said, “A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers.”
Fellow Bajan National hero, Rihanna shared her sentiments in a voice message.
Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow also honoured the Barbadian legend, saying, “Sir Garfield Sobers has completed his final innings, but his legacy will forever endure in the hearts of our region, and the story of the cricketing world.”
Sir Garfield’s influence extended far beyond the cricket field. Throughout his life, he became a symbol of Caribbean excellence, inspiring generations of athletes and earning respect as one of the region’s greatest ambassadors.
His passing marks the end of an extraordinary era, but his legacy will continue to live on in Barbados, throughout the Caribbean and wherever the game of cricket is played.
Grammy Award-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage returns with “Come Feel The Love,” an uplifting new single written and produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Stephen Marley.
Released on July 10th through Ghetto Youths International, the song serves as a vibrant musical invitation to experience Jamaica through its people, culture, landscapes, and unmistakable spirit. According to a media release the song celebrates the essence of Jamaica through authentic storytelling, using the universal language of reggae to capture the island’s warmth, resilience, beauty, and enduring sense of community.
Led by the unmistakable voices of Gramps Morgan and Mojo Morgan, the single paints vivid images of Jamaica’s natural beauty, from the iconic lignum vitae and soursop trees to Negril’s coastline, Lovers’ Leap, and the communities where generations have shaped one of the world’s most influential musical cultures.
Complementing the song is a visually stunning official music video produced by Filmaica and directed by Fernando Hevia. Filmed entirely on location throughout Jamaica, the visual showcases many of the island’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks. Gramps Morgan’s performance scenes were captured in Negril and at the iconic Lovers’ Leap in St. Elizabeth, both destinations referenced in the lyrics, bringing an added level of authenticity and emotional connection, while celebrating the beauty and diversity of Jamaica.
Built around the infectious refrain, “Come Feel The Love,” the record embodies Jamaica as more than a destination – it is a feeling rooted in family, music, community, and connection.
Celebrating Home.
“Come Feel The Love” marks Morgan Heritage’s first newly recorded release since the ascension of one of its founding members, Peetah Morgan, opening a new chapter for one of reggae’s most celebrated groups while honoring the legacy he helped build. The single reflects the band’s enduring commitment to carrying its message of unity, love, and cultural pride to audiences around the world.
“Jamaica has given us so much, our identity, our music, our culture, and our purpose,” said Gramps Morgan. “This song celebrates everything we love about home and invites the world to experience the same warmth and inspiration that continues to shape who we are.”
Mojo Morgan added, “Reggae has always connected people across cultures and generations. ‘Come Feel The Love’ reminds us that Jamaica’s greatest gift isn’t just its beauty, it’s the love, unity, and positive spirit that people feel the moment they arrive.”
The record seamlessly blends Morgan Heritage’s signature harmonies with Stephen Marley’s timeless production, creating a contemporary roots,reggae anthem that honors Jamaica’s traditions while introducing its story to a new generation of listeners.
As one of reggae’s most celebrated families, Morgan Heritage has spent decades carrying Jamaican music to audiences around the world, earning a Grammy Award and building a legacy of socially conscious, spiritually uplifting recordings. Their collaboration with Stephen Marley, one of reggae’s most accomplished artists and producers, brings together two of Jamaica’s most influential musical legacies in a powerful celebration of the island, its people, and its culture.
More than the release of a new single, “Come Feel The Love” represents the beginning of Morgan Heritage’s next chapter, one rooted in the same values that have defined the band for generations while embracing a renewed purpose. As they honor Peetah Morgan’s enduring legacy, the group continues its mission of celebrating Jamaica through music and spreading love, unity, hope, and positivity to audiences around the world.
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