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Kingston Magazine is an e-magazine that aims to showcase the evolving lifestyle and cultural preferences of today’s urbane Jamaican men.

Kingston Magazine, birthed in May 2016, is an e-magazine that aims to showcase the evolving lifestyle and cultural preferences of today’s urbane Jamaican man.

15/06/2023

-Sports Briefs-
Top-flight basketball returns with this month’s NBL re-launch

IT’s been more than three months since Jamaicans saw the staging of the National Basketball League (NBL). The long wait is over. Come later this month, the hyper-competitive league returns to the National Stadium courts in Kingston with a feast of high-level competition sure to reignite fervour among local b-ball lovers.

Top teams like Runnin’ Rebels and defending champions St. George’s Slayers (among others who’ve been competing, in the meantime, in the SDC Community League) are currently in the throes of perfecting their game plans, aiming to make it to the grand finals set for later this year.

For JABA president Paulton Gordon, the official re-start can’t happen soon enough, given the big plans they have for the league. According to the prez, the organizers had set aside “the very last week of May” for kick-off but due to delays, the official start is now scheduled for June 17. “And we are expecting the top 10 teams in the island to participate,” he says.

“Our players are already in shape,” says St. George’s Slayers head coach, Rohan Robinson. “[We] are always a competitive team, and I think we can defend our title. But we have to be organized while being in shape and work in a system.”

Over 100 games will be contested by the 10 participating teams in the re-formatted league, with a prize package valued at $6.2 million. Among the key sponsors: Social Development Foundation (SDF), Lasco and Gatorade.

06/03/2023

-Destination-
TAKE ME THERE
Ghana’s friendly natives and vibrant culture seal the deal for Asafa Powell

FEELS like home. That’s how Asafa Powell sums up the atmosphere and the star treatment he received, as he touched down in Ghana for the first time. The retired sprinting great and his darling wife, Alyshia (who is Ghanaian by birth) have journeyed to the West African state to attend to personal and business-related matters and, of course, to soak up the hospitality like true tourists. In fact, since landing at the Kotoka International Airport, the Powells have met with top Ghanaian sports officials, visited the famed Black Square and made a stop at the Ghanaian House of Parliament.

On a more sombre note, they also visited the residence of Christian Atsu, the soccer superstar and native son who perished in the devastating earthquake in Turkey, where he was based on professional contract. Asafa was among the individuals signing the condolence book, as the funeral service coincided with their trip to the Motherland. Final respects aside, Powell’s Ghanaian sojourn ends on March 7, but before that the fun and fellowship continues, as he is scheduled to give talks to young local athletes, visit Cape Coast, where his wife once attended school, and meet with the President.

Given the love he’s received from the Ghanaian people while basking in their culture, Asafa could become a regular visitor to the Motherland. “The warmth, the music, the dancing and the hospitality was beyond fantastic,” the podcast host and former world record holder told reporters. “I feel like I am in my home away from home.”

17/02/2023

-Grooming-
Editor’s Picks: Your 2023 on-the-go grooming kit is complete with these 3 great additions

Smooth Finish: Boasting skin-guard technology, the Nivea Men Stubble Shave Gel is laced with nourishing ingredients that help protect your skin. Bonus: its sensitive stubble softener guarantees a comfortable shave.

Built to Last: Work-hard, play-harder gents can rely on the 48-hour protection of Dove Men + Care’s antiperspirant. Loaded with Vitamin E, it promises a mix of “sportcare comfort” and “powerful protection.”

Clear Winner: The Urban Rx daily razor bump and dark spot treatment stakes its claim among the most reliable, off-the-shelf brands for hair bump relief, with clean, smooth and lasting results. To reduce the look of razor bumps and dark spots, use the product to exfoliate dead skin cells after your shaving routine.

09/01/2023

-One to Watch-
VALIANT
From ‘Kotch di Hat’ to rising stardom, dancehall’s hottest newcomer is keeping his eyes on the prize

BY his own admission, his more “positive songs” weren’t connecting with listeners as they should. But as soon as he flipped the script and started rhyming about “guzzu” and putting a fun spin on the idea of being “dunce”, people found the humour in his lyrics and gave him the kind of energy he’d been seeking. Still, at age 26, Valiant, who hails from Stony Hill, St. Andrew is well aware of his social responsibility as a mainstream entertainer with the power to influence impressionable minds. To that end, he’s been drawing on his versatility to widen his catalogue while reaching for the stars.

He values education
“We guh nuff school because I moved around a lot…. [I also] grew with both parents. They wanted me to become something like a doctor, but that wasn’t for me. Music was always my thing,” he shared during an interview on the Let’s Be Honest podcast. “But they are still supportive.”

He started out as a member of Popcaan’s Unruly camp but…
…these days the artiste (né Raheem Bowes) calls the 1 Diplomats camp home, releasing such top-trending tunes as “Siance,” “Scholar” and “Dunce Cheque.” His fresher tracks include “St. Mary” and “North Carolina.” “I’m a versatile artiste… We’ve been wanting this [success]. Ah fi wi time,” he said. “We aim to give the fans what they want.”

His influences include
Mavado, Jah Vinci and Vybz Kartel. “I respect their styles but I always try to be original,” he explained. “We try to adapt and enhance, but no copycat thing.”

His belief in a higher power helps him overcome
“You have to just believe in yourself and put God inna it. People will see your greatness and don’t want you to go past them,” he noted. “We nah try get comfortable. We want to reach the top, so we’re just doing we. And everything we do we put God inna it, and do the right thing. We’re staying focused because this is not it.”

He’s set no ceiling on future accomplishments
“The aim is to take advantage of this attention I am being given to provide quality music and build a loyal fanbase,” he told The Star. “The aim is to conquer Jamaica and the Caribbean and make a transition to the international scene.”

15/12/2022

-Music Review-
Dunw3ll hits another home-run with PlayStation Riddim

SOME music producers have a rare talent for crafting beats and riddims that linger in your consciousness long after the record has ceased playing. Mario Dunwell is one of them. The hitmaker, who helped create such memorable jams as Dexter Daps and Masicka’s “Leader,” “Corner” by Masicka and Tarrus Riley and, most recently, Ding Dong’s monster chart-topper “Bounce” has again struck gold, bringing the seductive PlayStation riddim to stirring, supersonic life.

No surprise then that Masicka’s track is called “Like Gold.” It’s one of six songs featured on the riddim – all exploring intimacy, satisfaction and relationship ups and downs. Vybz Kartel and Stefflon Don deliver great chemistry on their collabo “Amazing,” while Shenseea also achieves stellar results, flying solo on “Bye Bye.” Sean Paul, meantime, brings a balance of raw emotion and grit to his number “Day 2 Day,” opposite Govana, whose “BFF” delivers his signature macho energy and erotic sparks.

But the real revelation here is Moyann. After owning the charts and street-party playlists alongside Jahshii (on “How We Ah Live”) this past summer, she brings more of that sass and lyrical skill to “Please Yuh Girl.” With producers like Dunw3ll in her corner, the girl’s future is golden.

15/12/2022

-Sports-
LEON BAILEY: Speaking My Mind
5 key revelations from the soccer superstar’s controversial new interview

FROM teen soccer sensation to internationally rated pro, Leon Bailey has grown by leaps and bounds playing the sport that has changed his life. Along the way, however, the Phoenix Academy-bred star has had to clear some tall hurdles, including a fractious relationship with the local federation and harsh criticism from the court of public opinion. Now 25, a father of one and making strides at Aston Villa, Bailey was recently the featured guest on the Let’s Be Honest podcast, where he got a lot off his chest, addressing the rumours, sharing his thoughts on the state of Jamaican football and highlighting what becoming a parent has taught him.

On his extraordinary love for football: “Even when I’m hungry, once mi start play ball, mi feel good. I don’t feel hungry anymore. It takes away all the negative feelings… From about 8, 9, mi start take it serious…. So a lot of work put in to reach where wi reach…”

On his bitter history with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF): “Them ah fight mi from mi ah ‘bout 8 or 9… Them even try block mi from going to Europe… I had to go to Cuba to get my visa to fly out… [But] I wasn’t going to let those people and what they did to me prevent me from helping my country. I didn’t want because of [the JFF] I didn’t represent my country. I wave the flag high everywhere… It was never about control for me… We want to see Jamaicans playing at the highest level.”

On becoming a father: “Everything changed… The way you go about things change, having another human depending on you. My son mek mi learn a whole heap of patience and helped me focus on the right path.”

On fame and dealing with criticism: “Even I was shocked by how fast I blew up. Sometimes it can get overwhelming, but I’m always gonna be the same Leon Bailey. I’m gonna enjoy myself… Mi inna this too long to mek what people say get to me. You get used to people talking. I’m used to [it], and it doesn’t bother me once it nah affect my home… I have to live my life. People will love you one day and hate you the next…”

On his hope for Jamaican football: “Things are getting better with regards to the players and the stance we took… We want to see a better Jamaica competing at the World Cup [level]. We’ve only been to one World Cup! If we can fight for [better] I’m willing to fight to see [us] playing, competing at the highest level. I will do that till the day I die… I’m a born Jamaican.”

19/11/2022

-upDATE-
‘BOSS’ MAN: Reggae singer Nation Boss talks success, self-expression and his bold new EP

AFTER wooing listeners and widening his fanbase with chart-climbers like “Calm & Steady”, “Vision” and “Faith”, to name a few of his popular singles, ascendant reggae crooner Nation Boss has released his long-awaited debut EP, Inkosi, which, he says, captures his approach to meditation and coping with pain and loss.

And, by all accounts, he’s still not a fan of humans. “I’m a yout’ weh nuh ‘fraid fi express how mi really feel,” he recently told The Fix. “I just stay in my zone. Mi good with being weird [because] at the end of the day, mi nah try fit in. I enjoy my own company.”

These days, the 23-year-old artiste (né Kushilo Kelly Lowe) is under new management and looking to take his artistry to great heights. “It’s a change for the better,” he explained. “Getting to do what I’ve [always] loved and to express myself in this way is the greatest thing. It’s a blessing.”

Inkosi, which includes the recent releases “Solidarity,” “No Emotions” and “Pablo Escobar” is available via all streaming platforms.

12/10/2022

-Man of the Moment-
STAR POWER
Ding Dong’s unbridled energy and versatility continue to woo corporate partners

ENERGY and charisma. Kemar ‘Ding Dong’ Ottey possesses these attributes in copious abundance. No wonder people are drawn to him and want to collaborate – including movers and shakers in corporate Jamaica.

The recording star and dancing king, who’s having a stellar year (thanks to the smash success of party starters like “Bounce” and “Happiness”) has been tapped by hardware and home-supplies giants H&L Rapid True Value to serve as their Happiness Ambassador, a title created just for him. Cool gig.

This latest ‘appointment’ adds to a growing list of roles for the Ravers frontman, who also currently works with GraceKennedy Ltd. and Magnum Tonic Wine as brand ambassador. He’s becoming a pro at this.

For Magnum, in particular, the four-year partnership is one they cherish. At Ding Dong’s Oct. 1 big-bash birthday celebration at the National Stadium car park in Kingston, the company announced that they’re adding another year to his contract. It was a night to remember, complete with gifts galore.

It would come as no surprise if more corporate entities come knocking. Clearly, Ding Dong’s one-of-a-kind style and life-of-the-party appeal are part of a winning formula that gets the stamp of approval across the board – from the entertainment sector to the business world.

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15/06/2023

06/03/2023

17/02/2023

09/01/2023

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