Jamaicans have always been known to ‘tek bad something mek laugh’. Drawing on everyday Jamaican experiences they continue to thrill audiences. Here our list of the top 10 Jamaican comedians.

Oliver Samuels – He is the undisputed King of Comedy. His sense of comedic timing and rhythm make him a treat to watch and listen to.

Ity & fancy Cat – These two are steadily making their way up the comedy ranks. With a hit TV show that has viewers in stitches, they are becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world of local comedy.

Owen “Blacka” Ellis – He was once part of a duo (Bellow & Blacka) and even announced his retirement, but that seemed to be a joke. He can always be counted on to tickle the funny bone.

Shebada – his cross-dressing act coupled with witty punch lines have made him a hit with roots theatre fans.

Delcita – ”Attitude…put that pon youchube”. With those words she has become a hit and a drawing card for those attending her plays.

Elva – There is no stopping this comedienne. She continues to build her fan base and is funny as hell.

Glen Campbell – For this actor, it’s all in the eyes. His work on stage is legendary and a new generation is just getting to know him.

Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley – from his days on the local TV series, ‘Lime Tree Lane’, to his current run of performances and appears on the local comedy scene, ‘Johnny’ is undoubtedly now a veteran in this business.

Apache Chief & Sarge – This is another comedic duo whose work continues to have audiences in laughter.

Leighton Smith – This young comedian is a product of the Comedy Bus. He provides hilarious food for thought in his comedy routine and should be given an ear.

If you’ve got suggestions, thoughts or feedback regarding our list of the top 10 Jamaican comedians, please feel free to post below.

Here’s our top 10 Jamaican movies of all-time list.

1. The Harder They Come – starring Jimmy Cliff, this 1972 movie was directed by Perry Henzell and is truly an example of outstanding Jamaican cinema.
2. Better Mus’ Come – with its amazing cinematography, this coming of age drama is set in Jamaica’s turbulent 1970s.
3. Life + Debt – a docu-film about Jamaica’s economic decline in the 20th century.
4. Cool Runnings – a 1993 comedy film that’s loosely based on the true story of the Jamaica national bobsled team’s debut at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta.
5. Smile Orange – a Trevor Rhone-directed Jamaican classic from 1976.
6. Rockers – a great reggae-based movie, with an outstanding soundtrack to match.
7. Shottas – Ky-Mani Marley, Spragga Benz, Louie Rankin and others show what Jamaican ‘badmanism’ is all about.
8. Dancehall Queen – energetic movie steeped in Kingston street life, intrigue and dancing.
9. Countryman – a 1982 contemporary Jamaican fable with a remarkable, out-of-nowhere hero Countryman, a Rastafarian fisherman who rescues a marijuana-smuggling, American couple from an airplane crash.
10. Rude Boy – not the best acting, but a true Western-style “shoot ‘em up” shottas film.

If you’ve got suggestions, thoughts or feedback regarding our list of the top 10 Jamaican movies, please feel free to post below.

The Rastafari movement aka Rastafarianism is a religious movement that arose from Christian culture in Jamaica in the 1930s. Its adherents, who worship Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, former Emperor of Ethiopia (1930–1936 and 1941–1974), as God incarnate, the Second Advent, are known as Rastafarians, or Rastas, and although the movement’s early beginnings in Jamaica were marked by controversy, angst and the prejudicial treatment of its faith, Rastafari is undoubtedly now an entrenched and important part of Jamaica’s culture. Below we’ve featured our top 10 Rastafarian expressions.

1. JAH … RASTAFARI – Rastafari’s rallying call
2. Babylon – any individual or institution deemed offensive to the movement, which is usually inclusive of the police, soldiers and Government in general
3. Selassie I – the name of Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, which is commonly used as an initial verbal greeting
4. I and I – ‘me’ or ‘I’, drawn from the Rastafarian belief in each person being at one with Jah
5. Irie – perhaps the most renowned expression that has evolved from the Rastafari movement, and is now one of the words that foreigners most commonly associate with Jamaicans
6. Ital – refers to the strict vegetarian and no-salt diet that’s followed by true Rastafarians
7. Blessed Love – a popular initial verbal greeting that’s used by many Rastafarians
8. Overstanding – there’s no ‘understanding’ in the world of Rasta, only ‘overstanding’, as they believe that if one has grasped a concept, there’s no need to ‘stand under it’.
9. Zion – usually refers to either Ethiopia or the entire content of Africa; Zion is home away from home, the promise land
10. Respeck – a greeting and showing of respect

If you have suggestions, thoughts or feedback regarding our list of the top 10 Rastafarian expressions, please feel free to post them below.

Whether you live in Jamaica, or just visiting, you’ll probably want to know what what’s happening and what’s there to do in Jamaica for Summer 2010. Here is our list of the Top 10 Things To Do This Summer In Jamaica.

1. Go to the beach – from Hellshire in Kingston, to the seven mile stretch in Negril, a beach flex is a must.
2. Reggae Sumfest 2010 – this much-anticipated annual show happens on July 17 and July 22-24, and features the best dancehall/reggae talents, along with a few select international pop/r&b artistes.
3. Negril Weekend – for the young and the young at heart, an extended weekend of unlimited partying awaits you in Negril this August.
4. Eat – get some jerked pork in Portland, saltfish & yam near Faith’s Pen, pan chicken in Kingston, fried fish at Hellshire, peppered shrimp in St. Elizabeth, patties anywhere, and the list goes on.
5. Go to a river – the native Arawaks used to call Jamaica the land of ‘wood & water’; there are many rivers to swim, raft and explore – the Rio Grande, White River etc. – not to mention the beautiful waterfalls such as Dunn’s River Falls, Reach Falls and YS Falls.
6. Go clubbing in Kingston – check out Club Privilege, the Quad and Fiction night clubs.
7. Celebrate our Independence & Emancipation – August 1 is celebrated as Emancipation Day (emancipation from slavery) and August 5 is Independence Day (independence from Great Britain). There are usually numerous celebratory events to mark these two dates.
8. Live Performances At The Village – every Tuesday night, there are live performances at the Village Cafe (Barbican Road in Kingston) featuring up & coming and established artistes.
9. Visit historical sites – great houses, old lighthouses, Port Royal, old plantations – numerous options exist across the island.
10. See some sporting activities – horse racing at Caymanas Park and competitive football and cricket at varying levels are just a few of the options.

If you’ve got suggestions, thoughts or feedback regarding our list of the top 10 things to do this summer in Jamaica, please feel free to post them below.

Every year, new artistes – singers and deejays – pop up, making their mark on Jamaica’s dancehall reggae scene. In recent times, we have seen artistes such as Tifa, Chino, Konshens, Charly Black and G-Whizz emerge. But which new, up & coming artistes are the ones to watch for in 2010? Here’s our top 10 list:

1. Keida – Makeida ‘Keida’ Beckford; this girl can sing
2. Kibaki – fresh new singing voice out of Bounty Killer’s “Alliance” crew
3. T-Nez – dancehall singjay who seems to be going places with the guidance of Chimney Records
4. Denyque – another fresh female face with a beautiful voice
5. Suhverto – dancehall singjay who’s quietly making his mark
6. Vanessa Bling – aka Gaza Slim, the newest recruit in Vybz Kartel’s “Portmore Empire” camp
7. Khago – he seemingly broke through in 2009 with “Cyaan Cool”, and seems likely to ‘buss’ fully in 2010
8. Taz – coming to come for several years now, his “Candle In The Wind” single may have prepped him for a big year in 2010
9. Toya – some have said she has no talent, but Downsound Records is pushing her to the forefront
10. Vybrant – this St. Thomas parish native looked very promising in 2009

If you’ve got suggestions, thoughts or feedback regarding our list of the top 10 up & coming dancehall/reggae artistes for 2010, please feel free to post them below.

The year’s most romantic day – Valentine’s Day – is tomorrow, and below we’ve featured our top 10 list of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Jamaica.

1. Go out to dinner – always the perfect opportunity for a couple to spend quality time together.
2. Go to the beach – going to the beach is a way of life here in Jamaica. The beautiful white sand beaches, aqua blue water and cooling sea breezes make it a great place to spend Valentine’s Day with that special someone.
3. Go to a concert – typically there are numerous Valentine’s concerts happening on Valentine’s Day (or nearest weekend) here in Jamaica. Tomorrow, reggae legend Freddie McGregor will be at Studio 38 and the legendary American group, The Drifters, will also be in town.
4. Spa treatments – matching his and her spa treatments (massages, scrubs etc.) are a great way to pamper yourselves TOGETHER.
5. Make love – create the mood for a full day and night of lovemaking. Is it possible? One way to find out!
6. Overnight resort stay – make the day truly special by getting away to your favorite resort for the night or weekend.
7. Watch a movie – whether you pop in a DVD or go to the movie theatre, it’s a great way to get close and personal with your special person.
8. Singles night out – not everyone has a date or special person. Single friends need to hit the town together or have a party!
9. Take a drive to the country – Valentine’s Day 2010 falls on a Sunday, perfect for a couple to jump into the car and head out of town – to the hills, to the beach, to a special spot, wherever.
10. See a play – numerous hilarious Jamaican plays are usual on a various playhouses in Kingston. Check the schedule and see what that suits your tastes.

If you’ve got suggestions, thoughts or feedback regarding our list of the top 10 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Jamaica, please feel free to post them below.