分类： entertainment

Former Calypso Queen Tameika Darius recently hosted a heartfelt concert, ‘Reflections 2, Down Memory Lane,’ to honor her mother, Angela ‘Angie’ Darius, for her unwavering support and contributions to the family’s musical legacy. The event took place on November 9 at the Little Theatre, Southern Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA-South), and featured a medley of songs penned by Angie, performed by her daughters and grandson. Tameika, who began her calypso journey at the age of five, was joined by her sister Makeda Darius, also a former Calypso Queen, and her son Xhaiden Darius, the reigning Junior Calypso Monarch. The concert highlighted the family’s deep gratitude for Angie’s love and dedication, with performances including Xhaiden’s ‘The Right to Play,’ Tameika’s ‘Who’s De Man,’ and Makeda’s ‘My People Arise.’ The evening also featured notable artists like Vaughnette Bigford, Roderick ‘Chuck’ Gordon, Renee Fortune, and Freetown Collective’s Muhammad Muwakil, who captivated the audience with their renditions of classic and contemporary calypso hits. The event concluded with a collaborative performance of Muwakil’s 2025 hit ‘Take Me Home,’ featuring Xhaiden, leaving the audience inspired and moved by the Darius family’s musical journey and their tribute to a matriarch who has shaped their artistic paths.

In a significant announcement, Production One Ltd (POL) has confirmed the cancellation of the Jazz Artists on the Greens event for 2026. The decision, disclosed on November 15, stems from the lingering uncertainties of the post-pandemic economy, coupled with state policies affecting the entertainment sector and its influence on private sector sponsorship. The company highlighted the minimal uptake of tax incentives for sponsorship by private entities as a contributing factor. Additionally, the recent national budget statement underscored public sector funding shortfalls, prompting a reevaluation of financial management strategies. POL emphasized its commitment to realigning its services and products to adapt to these new economic realities. After 22 successful editions—20 in Trinidad and two in Tobago—the company is rebranding and reassessing its business model. While the live event will not proceed, POL plans to commercialize recorded content from previous productions, pending negotiations with rights holders. The company assured patrons that the legacy of the event will endure through digital platforms, where performances, memorabilia, and branded merchandise will remain accessible. POL reaffirmed its mission to support local and Caribbean artists, focusing on recalibrating the jazz ecosystem and exploring new avenues for talent showcase. The company expressed gratitude to its patrons and partners, urging them to stay updated via its website. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced measures to address noise pollution, including halting fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and introducing enhanced noise pollution legislation by the end of 2025.

Marinna Shareef, a 27-year-old full-time artist, fearlessly channels her inner world into her vibrant and surreal creations, often exploring themes of bipolar disorder and Caribbean identity. Her work, rich in color and symbolism, reflects her personal struggles and cultural heritage, offering a deeply intimate narrative. Recently, Shareef completed a one-week residency at York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change in Canada, where she engaged with students, delivered artist talks, and completed a painting in just three days. During her stay, she also showcased her collaborative piece, *God of Whimsy*, at the *Nature’s Wild with Andil Gosine* exhibition in Toronto. This work, part of her *God of Depression* and *God of Mania* series, marked her first collaboration with another artist. Shareef found resonance in Gosine’s book *Nature’s Wild: Love, Sex and Law in the Caribbean*, which explores themes of inherited trauma and identity. Her art often evokes mixed reactions, ranging from discomfort to laughter, mirroring her own experiences with bipolar disorder, diagnosed at 18. Despite the challenges, Shareef remains stable and uses her art to process her emotions, creating surreal and pop art self-portraits that delve into the highs and lows of her condition. Her work incorporates Trinidadian iconography, such as local snacks and nostalgic objects, blending comfort with metaphor. Shareef’s art is meticulously planned, rarely spontaneous, and serves as a form of advocacy for mental health awareness. She aims to destigmatize mental illness and inspire others to seek help. With a bachelor’s degree in visual arts from UWI, St Augustine, Shareef has already held solo exhibitions and won awards for her work. Mentored by artists like Christopher Cozier and Andil Gosine, she continues to refine her craft and aspires to exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. For now, she focuses on applying for residencies and grants, determined to share her message through her art.