分类: entertainment

  • Theron Shaw presents Sankofa on October 19

    Theron Shaw presents Sankofa on October 19

    Renowned guitarist, composer, and arranger Theron Shaw is set to captivate audiences this October with his highly anticipated concert, *Sankofa*. Scheduled for October 19 at 7 pm at Kafé Blue on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, the event promises to be a soul-stirring celebration of Shaw’s illustrious career and the vibrant musical heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. Drawing inspiration from the Akan concept of *Sankofa*, which translates to “to go back and fetch it,” Shaw’s performance will reflect on his journey as a musician and educator, while honoring the milestones that have shaped his artistic path. Born in October, Shaw views this concert as both a personal gift and a shared experience with his audience. Known for his unique fusion of Caribbean rhythms, jazz, and original compositions, Shaw will reimagine his work with fresh arrangements, paying tribute to Trinidadian legends like the Mighty Shadow, Ras Shorty I, André Tanker, and Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe. The concert will feature a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Caribbean jazz singer Vaughnette Bigford, calypso artist Krisson Joseph, violinist Simon Browne, classical guitarist John Hussain, and saxophonist Michelle Henry. Shaw’s backing quartet, comprising master percussionist Tamba Gwindi, Rodney Harris (keyboards), André Jack (electric bass), and Jonathan Hensley (drums), will further elevate the performance. Shaw describes the evening as a blend of “good vibes and some different music,” offering a heartfelt celebration of artistry, collaboration, and cultural roots. For more information, contact 751-7623 or 477-2262.

  • Karen Sylvester to exhibit at Studio Joli

    Karen Sylvester to exhibit at Studio Joli

    Renowned artist Karen Sylvester is set to unveil her latest exhibition, ‘Somewhat Familiar,’ at Studio Joli in St James, Trinidad, starting October 18. The showcase will feature Sylvester’s signature lush landscapes and intricate details, which have cemented her reputation as a master of her craft. Drawing inspiration from her childhood along the banks of a river in Trinidad’s Northern Range, Sylvester’s works are a heartfelt tribute to nature and her homeland. Despite lacking formal training, she has honed her skills through meticulous observation, blending sketches, photographs, and vivid memory recall to transform physical landscapes into evocative emotional experiences. Since 1993, Sylvester has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions both locally and internationally. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she is deeply committed to community engagement, contributing to art auctions, environmental conservation, and educational initiatives. Her works are celebrated in the National Museum and private collections worldwide. ‘Somewhat Familiar’ will run until October 30, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in her art and rediscover their appreciation for the natural world. For more details, contact Studio Joli at 705-7907 or visit their website.

  • Trini Cooking with Natasha adds creative twist to Divali sweets

    Trini Cooking with Natasha adds creative twist to Divali sweets

    For Natasha Laggan, a renowned food content creator and culinary influencer, Divali transcends the boundaries of a mere festival—it is an emotion, a sensory experience that defines her identity. Born into a Trinidad and Tobago family of Indian descent, Laggan’s earliest memories of Divali are steeped in the flickering glow of deyas, the aromatic allure of ghee and geera, and the joyous laughter echoing from the kitchen. These moments not only shaped her love for food but also cemented her connection to her cultural roots.

  • Apple secures US broadcasting rights for Formula One

    Apple secures US broadcasting rights for Formula One

    In a groundbreaking move, Apple has clinched exclusive US broadcasting rights for Formula One (F1) in a five-year partnership set to commence in 2026. The tech giant and the motorsport competition jointly announced the deal on Friday, marking a significant shift in the sports broadcasting landscape. Starting in 2026, all F1 races will be exclusively available on Apple TV, with select races and all practice sessions offered for free via the Apple TV app during the season. This agreement sees Apple TV taking over from ESPN, which currently holds the broadcasting rights. Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, ‘We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Formula One and offer Apple TV subscribers in the US front-row access to one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports on the planet.’ The deal, reportedly valued at $750 million over five years, underscores Apple’s aggressive push into live sports. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted the potential for increased visibility in the US market, saying, ‘Thanks to Apple, we’re going to be ready to get into more houses and more in the culture of the American fans.’ Since acquiring F1 in 2017, Liberty Media has been working to boost the sport’s presence in the US, where motorsport fans traditionally favor NASCAR or IndyCar. The partnership builds on the success of ‘F1 The Movie,’ which has grossed $629 million globally since its summer release and will debut on Apple TV’s streaming service on December 12. Additionally, F1 TV Premium, the sport’s own streaming platform, will remain available in the US exclusively through Apple TV and will be included free for Apple TV subscribers.

  • Sean Paul and Dua Lipa’s No Lie sells 1.8 million units in the UK

    Sean Paul and Dua Lipa’s No Lie sells 1.8 million units in the UK

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Nearly a decade after its initial release, the collaborative hit ‘No Lie’ by Sean Paul and Dua Lipa continues to resonate strongly in the United Kingdom. On October 17, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarded the track a 3x platinum certification, recognizing sales and streaming equivalents surpassing 1.8 million units. Originally released in November 2016 as the lead single from Sean Paul’s EP ‘Mad Love: The Prequel,’ the song also found a place on Dua Lipa’s 2018 deluxe album, ‘Complete Edition.’ Crafted by British producers Sermstyle and Pip Kembo, with contributions from Sean Paul, Andrew Jackson, Emily Warren, and Sermstyle, ‘No Lie’ has become a global phenomenon. Its official music video, directed by Tim Nackashi and filmed at West London’s Sunbeam Studios, has amassed over 1.4 billion views since its January 2017 debut. While the song failed to chart in the United States, it achieved significant success across Europe, peaking at #10 in the UK and securing Top 20 placements in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Scotland, and Slovakia. Additionally, ‘No Lie’ has garnered numerous certifications worldwide, including Diamond in Brazil and France, 4x platinum in Italy, 3x platinum in Poland, 3x gold in Germany, gold in Denmark, 2x platinum in New Zealand, and platinum in Spain, Austria, Canada, the Netherlands, and Poland.

  • Reggae acts unite for ‘Higher Education’ benefit album

    Reggae acts unite for ‘Higher Education’ benefit album

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a groundbreaking collaboration, Naya Rockers and Iceland’s Floki Studios have unveiled *Higher Education*, an 11-track benefit album that bridges reggae, ska, dub, and New Orleans R&B. Recorded across 15 studios in five countries, the project features Grammy-winning artists, engineers, and musicians, all united to support youth music education at the Alpha School of Music. The album is backed by the 10-piece Naya Rockers band, which includes reggae legends such as Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, members of The Skatalites, John Brown’s Body, and Slightly Stoopid. *Higher Education* is both a cultural statement and a musical milestone, showcasing the power of global collaboration.

    Nathan Sabanayagam, founder of Naya Records, drummer, and producer, shared his vision for the project: ‘I wanted to create a classic roots album from start to finish, from recording to vinyl pressing. The inspiration for the lineup came from artists Naya Rockers had previously worked with, including Sister Nancy, Clinton Fearon, and Hector Lewis. For others, it was about reaching out to those I had connections with to see who would join this meaningful endeavor.’

    The album opens with Clinton Fearon’s *Come With Us* and concludes with Mad Professor’s reflective *Thanks Dub*. Side A features Ivan Neville’s title track *Higher Education*, Sister Nancy’s *Teach The Youths*, Hector ‘Roots’ Lewis’s soulful *Thanks*, Stephen Marley’s uplifting *The Right Path*, and Mad Professor’s bass-heavy *Dub With Us*. Side B includes Mike Love’s *Long Way Down*, Angelo Moore & The Tamlins’ unifying *The Brotherhood*, Queen Omega’s empowering *Words of Wisdom*, Micah Shemaiah’s meditative *Same Lessons to Learn*, and another dub masterpiece from Mad Professor.

    Sabanayagam emphasized the importance of supporting Alpha School of Music, calling it ‘the cradle of Jamaican music.’ He explained, ‘From Don Drummond to Horsemouth, Alpha has produced legendary musicians who have influenced me deeply. This project honors their legacy and supports music education, which is the foundation for all musicians.’

    Wade Koeman, director of Flóki Studios, expressed his hopes for the album: ‘I hope it is listened to and loved worldwide, providing substantial support to Alpha. May it inspire others to learn or create music with intention, driving positive impact through their art.’

    The album was mixed by Stephen Stewart and Sabanayagam at Kingston’s iconic Tuff Gong Studio and Anchor Studios, further cementing its connection to Jamaica’s rich musical heritage.

  • Island clinches top wedding destination award for second year

    Island clinches top wedding destination award for second year

    For the second year in a row, Barbados has been crowned the Caribbean’s leading wedding destination, solidifying its reputation as the region’s most sought-after location for matrimonial celebrations. This prestigious title was announced at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Caribbean & North American Gala Ceremony, held on October 4 at Sandals Grande in Saint Lucia. The event, which honors excellence in travel and tourism, attracted prominent industry leaders and competitors from across the region. The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) celebrated the achievement, attributing it to the island’s unwavering commitment to developing a world-class wedding industry. Cheryl Carter, BTMI’s Chief Operations Officer, expressed pride in the recognition, stating that it underscores Barbados’ ability to create unforgettable experiences for couples. She highlighted the island’s diverse wedding offerings, from intimate ceremonies to lavish celebrations, all enriched by its vibrant culture, breathtaking venues, and unparalleled hospitality. Graham Clarke, Director of BTMI’s Caribbean department, emphasized the significance of the award amidst fierce competition from neighboring destinations. He praised local stakeholders for their contributions to maintaining Barbados’ status as a wedding haven. WTA founder Graham Cooke lauded the winners as exemplars of tourism excellence, noting their role in elevating industry standards. Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are widely regarded as the pinnacle of recognition for achievements in global travel, tourism, and hospitality.

  • Two Saint Lucian stars return home on holiday

    Two Saint Lucian stars return home on holiday

    Joseph Marcell, the internationally renowned actor celebrated for his iconic role as Geoffrey Butler in *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*, is currently savoring a much-needed holiday in his homeland, Saint Lucia. This visit follows his recent performance in Scotland, where he starred in the world premiere staging of Bach’s rediscovered work, *Markus Passion*.

  • Antiguan-born Dr. Dave Ray Inducted into the Hall of Fame at Inaugural Beauty Icon Awards

    Antiguan-born Dr. Dave Ray Inducted into the Hall of Fame at Inaugural Beauty Icon Awards

    Dr. Dave Ray, a celebrated figure from Antigua known as ‘The Beauty Surgeon,’ has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the first-ever Beauty Icon Awards. Organized by the prestigious Bronner Bros Beauty Conglomerate, the event took place on October 11, 2025, at the Riverside Epicenter in Atlanta, Georgia. This landmark ceremony celebrated the profound impact of Black beauty and culture, honoring icons, legends, and innovators who have shaped the industry.

    The star-studded event featured heartfelt tributes to influential personalities, including Chaka Khan, the ‘Queen of Funk,’ and makeup visionary Danessa Myricks. Chaka Khan, a multi-Grammy Award-winning artist, was described by Kelly Keith, Executive Producer of the show, as ‘the embodiment of a beauty icon.’ Her music and fearless style have empowered generations, redefining beauty on her own terms.

    Dr. Dave Ray, one of the 15 distinguished honorees, expressed deep humility upon receiving the honor. ‘For the past 35 years, I’ve dedicated myself to education, mentorship, and fostering the legacy of Black beauty—not for awards, but to pass on my knowledge,’ he shared. ‘I will continue this work as long as I am able.’

    The Beauty Icon Awards, co-sponsored by Kiss Collection and featuring their subsidiary brands Vivacé and Red by Kiss, is set to become an annual tradition in Atlanta. The event not only celebrated the enduring legacy of Black beauty but also aimed to inspire future generations through art and innovation. Dr. Ray’s induction further highlights his groundbreaking contributions and unwavering dedication to elevating Black talent and innovation in the global beauty industry.

  • Waar licht en stad samensmelten: een onvergetelijke avond in Chaoyang

    Waar licht en stad samensmelten: een onvergetelijke avond in Chaoyang

    The 2025 Beijing Chaoyang International Light Festival has transformed the city into a dazzling wonderland, where light, art, and technology converge to create an unforgettable sensory experience. Held in the heart of Beijing’s Liangma River Cultural and Economic Belt, the festival, themed ‘Shining Galaxy,’ has captivated visitors with its enchanting displays and innovative use of digital technologies. From flying dragons dancing among trees to a luminous opera singer gliding across a shimmering lake, the festival is a testament to the harmonious blend of nature and urban life.