From entertainment news to crime news that shocked the country, these are some of the top stories that gripped the headlines in Jamaica for 2024. Names that made the headlines includes, Jada Kingdom, Vybz Kartel, Spice, Bob Marley, Peter Morgan, Nia Gang, 41 Busshead etc.
This list was put together by Yardhype and is hugely influenced by the reactions and views that the stories got when shared to yardhype.com and social media pages.
The list is in no particular order.
1. Jada Kingdom vs. Stefflon Don
While Jamaicans have become accustomed to male Dancehall artistes throwing barbs at each other, in recent years there has not quite been a lyrical war between female artistes that has caught the attention of many, like this one.
After Dancehall artiste Stefflon Don explicitly called out Jada Kingdom on her single Dat A Dat, Jada took aim at the British artiste in London Bed.
Both artistes would go on to release more scathing tracks directed at each other, with a shared ex, Burna Boy, at the root of the dispute. The feud between the pair intrigued fans locally and internationally, with their diss tracks enlivening the Dancehall scene.
2. Bob Marley: One Love Movie Release
Following the announcement that a Bob Marley biopic was in development years ago, the film was finally released this year in February. Bob Marley: One Love depicted the life and musical journey of Reggae icon Bob Marley, with members of his family serving as co-producers of the film.
Despite the inclusion of the Marley family behind the scenes, some Jamaicans were not pleased by the casting of British actors Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch as Bob and Rita Marley. Additionally, the accuracy of the film was also debated, with the depiction of some events questioned while the exclusion of others departed.
Nonetheless, the film was well-received by many critics and commercially successful. Bob Marley: One Love is currently ranked in the top five highest-grossing music biopics, surpassing the 2019 Elton John biopic, Rocketman, in the eighth week after its release.
3. Peter Morgan Passes Away
Earlier this year, the Jamaican music industry was shaken by the news of the passing of Morgan Heritage lead singer Peter Morgan. Peter, who was reportedly diabetic, died on February 25 following weeks of hospitalisation in America after suffering a stroke.
More fondly known as ‘Peetah’, for decades the musician was the lead singer of his family band, Morgan Heritage, and performed alongside several of his siblings.
4. 8 People Killed in Clarendon Mass Shooting
In August, the country was rocked by news of the gruesome killing of eight people during a mass shooting in Cherry Tree Lane, Four Paths, Clarendon. In two separate locations in the Cherry Tree Lane Community, armed men travelling together in a car began shooting at groups of unsuspecting men, women, and children.
Among the list of deceased were a 58-year-old butcher and a seven-year-old student of Four Path Primary. It was later disclosed that criminals based overseas and incarcerated persons were involved in the mass shooting.
5. Vybz Kartel Released from Prison
After over a decade in prison, Adidja Palmer, professionally known as Vybz Kartel, was declared a free man on July 31. Kartel’s first win came in March when his murder conviction and those of his co-accused were overturned by the United Kingdom Privy Council.
After the case was remitted back to the Jamaica Court of Appeal, which previously upheld his conviction, it was ruled that Kartel would not be retried for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. While it has been 13 years for Kartel, for fans of the artiste who have pushed him back to the forefront of Dancehall, it is as if no time has gone by.
6. TikToker Niah Gang Killed During a Live Stream
Members of the Jamaican TikTok community were left in mourning following the death of Xavier ‘Niah Gang’ Fogah on December 7. Some of Niah’s last moments were captured during a live stream, with his killer opening fire on him and a friend as they were engaged in a TikTok match.
The circumstances of the 23-year-old’s murder ignited a wave of rumours, with many speculating that a TikTok feud caused his death.
7. Romeich Accused of Ordering Physical Assault
Usually capturing headlines for his business endeavours and charity work, Romeich Major was labelled a ‘Corporate Don’ after reports of him ordering the physical assault of two TikTokers. The incident occurred at the end of November at dancer Dancing Rebel’s birthday party.
TikToker TJ was severely attacked by multiple men said to be in Romeich’s employ, and his girlfriend Moya was also assaulted after trying to help him. While Romeich did issue a public apology, it was rejected by the couple, who have since retained a lawyer.
8. Integrity Commission Releases Report on Prime Minister Andrew Holness
In September, the Integrity Commission (IC) tabled its report in the House of Representatives regarding a declaration submitted by the Prime Minister for the year 2021. The IC had been investigating allegations that Holness had omitted bank accounts from his financial declarations, among other things.
It was the IC’s recommendation that the Financial Investigation Division (FID), Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) further examine some of Holness’s financial dealings to ensure that no laws were breached.
The Prime Minister later applied to the Supreme Court to have the IC’s investigation report into his financial affairs rejected. Holness expressed that the tabling of the report was intended to “embarrass” and cause him harm.
9. 41 Busshead killing in Montego Bay
The popular Jamaican TikToker was shot and killed in Montego Bay on December 20.
Samuels’ murder sent the local social media community as well as his friends and family into mourning, and many gathered to pay their respects at his candlelight service. Notably, Nicki Minaj also shared a message about his death to her Instagram followers via a story post.
10. Freedom Street
Vybz Kartel’s highly anticipated Freedom Street concert lived up to expectations, being the biggest local event of 2024 and Vybz Kartel’s first performance in over 13 years.
Scheduled to perform for three hours, Kartel delivered hits after hits from his extensive catalogue of songs after making his grand entrance on centre stage.
While Kartel was the headliner, the event’s attendees were also treated to a stellar lineup, which included his former Gaza Empire members, recent collaborators, and rising Dancehall artistes. Among the standouts were Spice, Sheba, Jah Vinci, Skeng, Eddy G Bomba, Popcaan, Jamal, Chronic Law, and Bounty Killer.
