Despite a light drizzle, the vibrant spirit of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival remained undeterred as the Rise & Rum sunrise beach party commenced at Copacabana Beach Club on Bay Street. The event, which ran from 4:15 a.m. to early afternoon, transformed the area into a lively hub of music, delectable local cuisine, and communal joy. Attendees danced barefoot in the sand, savoring innovative dishes and cocktails crafted with island-grown herbs and fruits, all while celebrating the essence of Bajan culture. In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Carol Roberts, CEO of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and festival producer, emphasized the event’s focus on local sourcing and sustainability. She highlighted the collaboration with small fishermen and farmers, ensuring that only seasonal and locally harvested ingredients were used. Roberts also praised the new organizational model, with the NCF handling event execution and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) managing international promotion. The festival’s entertainment lineup featured soca performances by artists like HypaSounds, King Bubba, and Lil Rick, complemented by stilt walkers and percussionists. Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams lauded the event as a celebration of Barbadian identity, culture, and independence. As the clouds cleared, attendees toasted to Bajan creativity, eagerly anticipating the festival’s grand finale, Liquid Gold, set for Sunday at the CARIFESTA House.
分类: entertainment
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Grace Jerk Festival to support hurricane recovery today
The much-anticipated Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival (GJJF) makes its grand return to South Florida on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Miramar Regional Park. This year’s event not only promises a vibrant showcase of Caribbean culture, delectable cuisine, and pulsating reggae and soca music but also serves as a rallying point for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. The festival has partnered with Connex Air Cargo and SSMC Xpress International Couriers to collect and deliver urgently needed supplies to communities devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica two weeks ago. Attendees are encouraged to contribute by donating essential items at the festival or through designated collection points. The first shipment of relief supplies is set to depart Miami in the coming days, carrying food, water, clothing, and hygiene essentials directly to Kingston. On the entertainment front, the festival will feature electrifying performances by reggae legend Romain Virgo, dancehall icon Mr Vegas, and soca sensation Destra Garcia, alongside The Wailers, who will perform timeless Bob Marley classics. Culinary enthusiasts can look forward to interactive cooking demos, celebrity chef appearances, and innovative Caribbean dishes. Festival organizers emphasize the importance of community support, urging South Florida residents to stand with Jamaica during this challenging time. Eddy Edwards, president and CEO of Jerk Festivals USA, highlighted the festival’s dual purpose: celebrating Caribbean heritage while aiding recovery efforts. Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair echoed this sentiment, calling for solidarity and generosity. Connex Air Cargo’s chairman, Luke Hamilton, and SSMC Xpress International’s Florida operations manager, Christopher Morris, reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating timely and secure delivery of donations. As the largest Caribbean food festival in the U.S., GJJF continues to unite people through culture, cuisine, and compassion.
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The Crooner wins Canadian calypso competition – in every category
Bill Newman, famously known as ‘The Mighty Crooner,’ achieved a historic sweep at the annual Canadian Calypso Competition on July 26, hosted by The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA). His winning composition, *The 51st State*, not only earned him the prestigious title of Calypso Monarch by the judges but also secured the People’s Choice award through audience votes. Newman’s triumph extended to every major category, including Best Melody, Best Lyrics, Best Composition on a Local Topic, Most Humorous, and Best Rendition. Renowned Canadian calypso scholar Roger Gibbs praised Newman as ‘an unstoppable force,’ highlighting his signature suave style, clear diction, and topical compositions. *The 51st State* cleverly addresses Canada’s resolute rejection of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada become the 51st state. The song’s chorus, ‘No Donald no, we want to let you know, we don’t want to be the 51st state,’ resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting Canada’s commitment to sovereignty and independence. Newman’s performance was further elevated by the masterful arrangement by Ozzy Gurley, his long-time collaborator. Born in Guyana and later moving to Toronto, Newman’s journey into calypso began decades ago when he attended a competition and was inspired to perform. Known for his humorous calypsos, Newman’s latest work has sparked widespread interest, with calls for performances across Toronto. *The 51st State* is now available on YouTube and major streaming platforms.
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Sonequa Martin-Green for Greta Constantine
In a grand celebration of female excellence, Glamour magazine has announced its 2025 Global Women of the Year, recognizing luminaries across various fields. Demi Moore and Tyla were crowned as the Global Women of the Year, while Rachel Zegler took home the title of US and UK Woman of the Year. Additionally, Ms Rachel, Pat McGrath, and five standout athletes from the WNBA — Lexie Hull, Napheesa Collier, Jonquel Jones, Nyara Sabally, and Satou Sabally — were honored as US Women of the Year. The festivities kicked off with a glamorous soirée in the UK on October 31, followed by a star-studded event at New York’s Plaza Hotel on November 4. Among the highlights was British make-up icon Pat McGrath, who delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, crediting her Jamaican mother, Jean, for instilling in her the values of beauty, identity, and self-expression. ‘From a dream-filled kid in North Hampton to standing here tonight, it’s been an incredible journey,’ McGrath reflected. The event also featured appearances by fashion icons Jennifer Behr and Olivia Palermo, as well as designer Kirk Pickersgill of Greta Constantine. McGrath shared a first glimpse of her award with her Instagram followers, marking yet another milestone in her illustrious career.
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Rebecca Foster bares her soul with Mixtape: Vol 1
After a six-year absence from the local art scene, Trinidadian visual artist Rebecca Foster is set to make a bold return with her one-day exhibition, ‘Mixtape: Vol 1,’ at the 101 Art Gallery on November 15. The 45-year-old Diego Martin resident will showcase over 30 pieces, a vibrant collection of new and older works, including sketches, Hard Rock Cafe portraits, and previously unseen creations. Foster describes the exhibition as a deeply personal endeavor, revealing her artistic soul and reflecting her journey as an artist. ‘This show is probably more of a reflection of me, which is terrifying. But hey, you gotta put yourself out there sometimes,’ she shared. The exhibition features a diverse range of styles and themes, from landscapes and architectural works to traditional Carnival characters and celebrity portraits, all unified by her signature use of vivid color. Foster’s artistic journey has been shaped by her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she created free coloring pages to help people cope with stress, eventually compiling them into her book, ‘Colouring Carnival: Traditional Mas.’ Her career spans multiple creative disciplines, including acting, production design, and even pole dancing. Foster’s upcoming exhibition marks a significant milestone in her artistic evolution, blending her Caribbean roots with a cinematic storytelling approach. The exhibition will be open from 11 am to 6 pm at the 101 Art Gallery on November 15.
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The Coconut Cracker a classical favourite with a Caribbean twist
The Caribbean School of Dancing (CSD) continues its legacy of blending discipline and creativity with a groundbreaking production titled *Fantasy in Dance: The Coconut Cracker*. Scheduled for November 15 and 16 at Queen’s Hall in St Ann’s, this performance reinterprets the classic ballet *The Nutcracker* through a distinctly Caribbean lens. Choreographed by principal Bridgette Wilson, the show features a cast of 110 dancers and 20 musicians, including members of the UWI Arts Steel, promising a vibrant celebration of local culture, music, and dance.
Wilson, inspired by the late Patricia Roe’s dedication to making ballet accessible to Caribbean audiences, has transformed the traditional European narrative into a story that resonates with Trinidadian heritage. The Nutcracker becomes the Coconut Cracker, a coconut vendor, while the Sugar Plum Fairy is reimagined as the Sugar Cane Fairy. The siblings Clara and Fritz are now Kyara and Junior, and even the toy soldier is redefined as Soldier Larry, drawing from sailor mas traditions.
The production also incorporates local elements such as a Sahara dust storm replacing the snow scene, with moko jumbies guiding Kyara to the Land of Island Paradise, symbolizing Trinidad and Tobago. Wilson’s vision is to reclaim space for Caribbean culture within the traditionally Eurocentric art form of ballet, showcasing the richness of local traditions on a global stage.
In addition to *The Coconut Cracker*, younger students aged three to eight will perform *Anansi and the Magic Shell*, an original story blending ballet, hip-hop, tap, and modern dance. The costumes, designed by Valmiki Maharaj of The Lost Tribe, merge traditional ballet attire with Caribbean aesthetics, further enhancing the cultural narrative.
Wilson sees this production as the beginning of a larger creative journey, aiming to expand and refine *The Coconut Cracker* in future iterations. Her work not only honors the legacy of CSD but also reaffirms the place of Caribbean culture in the world of performing arts.
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‘Predator: Badlands’ conquers N American box office
The North American box office witnessed a sci-fi horror triumph as ‘Predator: Badlands,’ the latest addition to the nearly four-decade-old franchise, stormed into theaters with a commanding $40 million debut, according to industry estimates released Sunday. Produced by 20th Century Studios, the film introduces Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as an outcast Predator who takes on the role of an unlikely hero, joining forces with an android portrayed by Elle Fanning on a grand quest for redemption. This marks the ninth installment in the iconic series that began in 1987 with Arnold Schwarzenegger as its lead.
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Cathy Matete takes Kenyan politicians to task in new song
In a bold artistic move, Kenyan singer Cathy Matete has channeled her frustration with political corruption and social injustice into her latest song, ‘We Won’t Be Silenced.’ Produced by Jamaican Garfield Cowan for Natures Way Entertainment, the track is set for release in November and is part of the Roots Rock Reggae compilation album, scheduled for early 2026. Matete’s powerful anthem reflects the growing disillusionment among Kenyans, particularly the youth, who feel betrayed by unfulfilled promises of jobs and empowerment. The song’s accompanying video further amplifies its message, critiquing the lack of accountability among Kenya’s political elite. Matete, who will perform at the Jamhuri Reggae Festival in Nairobi on November 29, describes the song as a declaration of resistance against silence and complacency. She also hints at upcoming projects exploring similar themes, signaling her commitment to using music as a platform for social commentary.
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Salt-N-Pepa, Outkast, Thom Bell and others inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
In a star-studded ceremony held on November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, hip-hop pioneers Salt-N-Pepa and Outkast were officially enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The event celebrated their monumental contributions to music and their enduring influence on the industry. Salt-N-Pepa, the groundbreaking New York hip-hop trio featuring Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton, received the Musical Influence Award for their iconic tracks such as ‘Let’s Talk About Sex,’ ‘Push It,’ and ‘Shoop.’ These songs, which championed women’s empowerment and playful sexuality in a male-dominated genre, have left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture. Missy Elliott, a Grammy-winning artist, paid tribute to the trio, stating, ‘These three women are the bricklayers to the foundation that holds hip-hop together. They gave us their shoulders to stand on.’ Outkast, the Atlanta rap duo known for chart-topping hits like ‘Hey Ya,’ ‘Ms Jackson,’ and ‘The Way You Move,’ was honored with a heartfelt tribute from actor Donald Glover. Glover, who grew up listening to Outkast, expressed his gratitude, saying, ‘Atlanta is not the music Mecca it has become without you. There is no Childish Gambino without you. There is no South without you.’ The ceremony also celebrated other legendary inductees, including Thom Bell, a key figure in the ‘Sound of Philadelphia’ soul movement, Cyndi Lauper, the White Stripes, and Soundgarden. Lauper, known for her vibrant punk style and hits like ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,’ was praised for her unapologetic artistry and four-octave vocal range. The White Stripes, represented by their electrifying rock anthems such as ‘Seven Nation Army,’ were lauded by Iggy Pop, who described their music as ‘coming from a foundation of love, not revolution.’ The event underscored the profound impact these artists have had on shaping the musical landscape and inspiring future generations.

