The hype, vibes and excitement of attending a stage show often peaks when many artistes take the stage at the same time. Teino Evans takes a look at the phenomenon.

News that murders plummeted nearly 23 per cent in January, compared to the same period in 2005, has bolstered the police force's confidence in light of plans announced yesterday to reduce the homicide rate by five per cent in 2006.

As the 2006 carnival season bears down in Jamaica, organisers and patrons alike are busy making last minute preparations, in anticipation of another year of excitement.

Mark Myrie aka Buju Banton, was freed of an assault charge in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

Beenie Man performed twice, about seven hours apart, at Sting 2005 on Monday. The first time he was preceded by Shocking Vibes colleagues Don Mafia and D'Angel, the second and closing appearance was with his 'nephew' Vybz Kartel.

The absence of the 'Energy God' Elephant Man from Kiprich's album launch has since sparked rumours that the two artistes may be at odds, but according to Kiprich, he knows nothing about an existing 'beef'.

The self-proclaimed king of the dancehall, Beenie Man, will again be one of the headline acts at this year's staging of the Guinness Sting event.

Irie FM has pulled all of the Jah Cure's songs from its airplay roster. The move was made by Irie's management in response to death threats the station received to play more of the artiste's songs.

Jamaican dancehall megastar Sean Paul is using his new album The Trinity to speak out against gun violence in Jamaica.

The rift between Caribbean football powers Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica could widen after regional football boss Austin "Jack" Warner accused the JFF of selling out the twin-isle republic.