Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • TIITII NBA: Guadeloupe’s new bouyon wave builds on Dominica’s musical legacy

    TIITII NBA: Guadeloupe’s new bouyon wave builds on Dominica’s musical legacy

    Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving Caribbean music scene, a new generation of independent creators is reshaping the traditional genre of bouyon, and at the forefront of this movement is Guadeloupean artist TIITII NBA. Starting his career with nothing more than a smartphone, basic recording tools, and a relentless passion for the genre, he has built a thriving fanbase and millions of streams entirely without the support of major record labels, professional studio facilities, or paid promotional campaigns.

    Hailing from Morne-à-l’Eau, Guadeloupe, TIITII NBA’s stage name carries a deliberate mission that many listeners misinterpret: far from referencing the popular phrase “Never Broke Again,” NBA stands for “New Bouyon Age” — a title that encapsulates his goal of reimagining the genre for a modern era. His musical journey began modestly, using the free mobile recording app BandLab and wired earphones to lay down his first tracks. As his work gained traction, revenue from bouyon streams allowed him to upgrade his equipment and improve his quality of life, marking one of the first tangible wins of his independent career. Today, his streaming metrics speak for themselves: he boasts more than 68,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, his hit track “Kitty Kitty” has crossed 1.65 million streams, and he has put out over 30 original releases since 2021 — all achieved without spending a cent on targeted advertising.

    TIITII NBA’s connection to bouyon traces back to his childhood, when his parents first introduced him to the Dominican group WCK, where he knew the sound simply as “jump up” rather than the name bouyon. While he enjoyed the genre’s upbeat, infectious rhythms from an early age, his deep commitment to creating bouyon grew years later, as the sound gained a foothold in Guadeloupe through local artists and collectives including Suppa, Vador, and Yellow Gaza. His first experimental recording with friends was never officially released, stuck on a forgotten hard drive at a time when digital distribution was far less accessible to independent creators. A pivotal turning point came when Dominican artist Mr Ridge shared his innovative approach to blending cross-genre influences with classic bouyon percussion, opening TIITII NBA’s eyes to the genre’s untapped creative potential.

    “When he started dropping live freestyles, a new way of riding a beat, of singing, pulling sounds from other genres and dropping them into the drums, the percussion, the snare, that’s when I saw what this genre could become. That’s when I decided to go for it,” he recalled in an interview with Dominica News Online.

    He began scouring YouTube and SoundCloud for original bouyon instrumentals from creators across Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Saint Martin, honing his craft at a time when the genre had not yet reached its current mainstream popularity in the region. His first major validation came when his cousin, DJ Softee, incorporated lyrics from that long-forgotten unreleased track into the hit “Mouvman Chodong,” which became a viral local favorite in Guadeloupe. The positive audience response convinced TIITII NBA that his songwriting resonated with contemporary listeners, prompting him to record his breakout track “Brene Sa” — again, entirely on his iPhone using BandLab and wired earphones. Built around a popular instrumental from producer Pyroman, a beat that was considered a benchmark for emerging bouyon artists in Guadeloupe to prove their skill, “Brene Sa” gained traction at local parties and earned him his first widespread regional recognition, while also inspiring other up-and-coming creators including Aknose, Cocotteland, and MiiMii to pursue their own independent bouyon projects.

    He followed this success with his debut EP *New Bouyon Age*, another project recorded entirely on his mobile device. For TIITII NBA, the EP title represents a new era of opportunity, where aspiring artists can break into the industry without connections to major labels, expensive production teams, or industry managers. One track from the collection, “Kitty Kitty” produced by DJ Luchshiy, became his first release to cross one million streams — a feat he achieved without even a formal music video, relying only on a simple cover image and the strength of the track itself to draw listeners. In the years since, he has expanded his discography to explore a wide range of themes within the bouyon framework, from playful party anthems and romantic ballads to more provocative lyrical content.

    Despite his central role in growing bouyon’s popularity across Guadeloupe, TIITII NBA remains committed to honoring the genre’s Dominican origins. “Bouyon isn’t ours, it’s Dominica’s, and Guadeloupe is the second chapter,” he emphasized. He traces the genre’s introduction to Guadeloupe to the period between 2007 and 2015, when artists including Vador, DJ Joe, and Asa Banton brought the sound to wider audiences through the Yellow Gaza project. Dominican artist Suppa, based in Guadeloupe, further cemented the scene with the founding of Gaza Crew, laying the groundwork for the first generation of local Guadeloupean bouyon performers. During that early era, the genre evolved to feature faster tempos of around 160 beats per minute, giving rise to the hardcore bouyon subgenre. Today, TIITII NBA says the genre is entering a new evolutionary phase, driven by young creators who have access to low-cost digital recording tools and global online distribution platforms.

    Key milestones for the current new wave include the 2023 Keneth Riddim project, a one-riddim collection that featured four emerging artists, with TIITII NBA opening the release with his track “No Sex Over Money” — a release that generated major momentum for the young generation of creators. Later that year, the collaborative recording “New Bouyon Wave #1” brought eight rising artists together to unify the movement: TIITII NBA, 1T1, Softee, Aknose, Nils, Lucky Lukee, Le Juh, and Théomaa. What makes this movement unique is that all of these artists create and distribute their music from home using mobile devices, cutting out reliance on traditional music industry structures and allowing the genre to spread organically at an unprecedented pace. Even so, TIITII NBA is clear that the current generation’s work is not a reinvention of bouyon, but an extension of the foundation laid by earlier pioneering artists.

    For the independent creator, the greatest reward of his work has never been fame or large-scale festival performances — it comes from seeing audiences connect with his music. He describes the electric energy of a crowd when the first notes of a bouyon instrumental drop, as fans dance, sing along, and set aside the stresses of daily life to enjoy the moment. Messages from listeners, many of whom tell him he deserves wider international recognition and opportunities to perform across the Caribbean and beyond, keep him motivated to create. Even so, he says that mainstream stardom is not his primary goal: while he values connecting with international audiences, his greatest satisfaction comes from the act of creating music itself. His creative process typically starts with original ideas and samples, which he then develops collaboratively with producers to build finished instrumentals that complement his lyrics, a back-and-forth approach that keeps his work fresh and his passion for the genre alive.

    Looking toward the future, TIITII NBA identifies deeper cross-border collaboration with Dominican musicians as a core part of his artistic path. He has already released collaborative tracks including “Full Speed” featuring Milly (produced by DJ Taffy for Big Bang Records 767) and “Shake It” with Trixz Migos, while his fellow New Bouyon Wave artist 1T1 has produced work for his early inspiration Mr Ridge. These collaborations, he says, are more than a way to reach new audiences — they represent the growing, mutually beneficial exchange of musical ideas and talent between the two islands, a connection that laid the groundwork for his own career.

    TIITII NBA’s rapid rise from a bedroom artist recording on an iPhone to a creator with millions of streams highlights how digital technology is opening new doors for independent Caribbean musicians. While young Guadeloupean artists are bringing fresh perspectives to production, songwriting, and distribution, he maintains that the genre’s Dominican roots remain central to its identity. “Direction-wise, it points straight back toward Dominica, and that’s not a line for your readers,” he said. “The circulation between our two islands is real and it’s getting denser.”

  • A Little Rum, A Lot of Imagination: Inside the Barbados Food and Rum Festival’s Cocktail Creations

    A Little Rum, A Lot of Imagination: Inside the Barbados Food and Rum Festival’s Cocktail Creations

    Against the sunlit backdrop of Barbados’ vibrant culinary scene, leading mixologist Jamaal Bowen has built anticipation for this November’s Barbados Food and Rum Festival, where he is spearheading a one-of-a-kind mixology program designed to spark curiosity and celebrate the island’s homegrown produce.

    Bowen, a veteran educator and founder of the TopShelf Bartending Academy, has built his career around nurturing emerging talent and pushing the boundaries of rum-based cocktail craft. For this year’s festival, he designed a creative challenge that pushes participating mixologists outside their familiar comfort zones: a random algorithm-assigned mystery ingredient challenge, where each creator receives one core ingredient to build an original cocktail around for their scheduled event. Organizers and participants alike have no advance knowledge of pairings, turning the challenge into an exercise in spontaneous creativity.

    The list of possible ingredients ranges from widely recognizable staples like moringa, tamarind, grapefruit and rosemary to unexpected selections like linseed, soursop and mauby bark. When two emerging mixology talents, Rohan Broomes and Orwin Findlay, both drew linseed as their core ingredient, their wildly different interpretations highlight how personal creativity can transform a single starting point. Broomes, set to present his work at the *Rise and Rum* breakfast beach party on November 7, has crafted a fruit-forward cocktail layered with warm spice and subtle vanilla notes. Findlay, appearing at the November 8 *Liquid Gold Feast*, is leaning into sophisticated savory flavors accented with soft sweet spice. One ingredient, two distinct visions – giving festival-goers double the reason to explore both events.

    Held starting at 4 a.m. at Copacabana on Bay Street, *Rise and Rum* centers on the charm of early Saturday mornings in Bridgetown, blending classic Bajan breakfast traditions with inventive rum cocktails to welcome the rising sun. The following evening, *Liquid Gold Feast* will open its doors at CARIFESTA House in Waterford, under the theme “These Fields and Hills,” which shines a spotlight on Barbados’ local agricultural producers and the native ingredients they cultivate.

    One of the most anticipated creations of the night is Natasha Jules’ *A Lil Thing*, which pairs Mount Gay Silver Rum with locally produced Kaiso Carambola Liqueur, green mango, cinnamon, Claytons Kola Tonic and lime juice. Bowen breaks down the balanced flavor profile: the bright sweetness of carambola (known locally as five finger fruit) contrasts with the tart tang of unripe mango, while cinnamon adds a subtle warming depth. Bowen describes a delicate, aromatic nose, with the kola tonic and lime combination evoking the familiar flavor of Bajan ackee, and the rum contributing subtle fruit and cane undertones that build to a smooth, creamy finish without overpowering the native ingredients.

    Across both events, a wide range of underused local ingredients are getting the spotlight, from hog plum and pumpkin to bell peppers and jamoon, reimagined as fresh juices, smooth purées, infused syrups and artisanal garnishes. Bowen’s core vision for the festival is to prove that even familiar local produce can yield surprising new flavor combinations when creators are willing to experiment.

    This focus on expanding the use of native ingredients extends far beyond the week of the festival. Bowen has partnered with the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation and local farmer John Jones to build more reliable supply chains for bar-ready processed products, including cold-pressed juices and concentrated purees, that allow bars to access fresh local ingredients year-round, not just during harvest season. For Bowen, expanding access to a wider range of native ingredients creates more room for innovation, education, and memorable guest experiences long after the festival closes.

    Tickets for *Rise and Rum* are priced at BBD $250, while entry to *Liquid Gold Feast* costs BBD $350. Both can be purchased in advance through ticketnation.bb and official festival box offices. For attendees, Bowen extends a simple invitation: come with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. You may arrive searching for your favorite rum, but you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the surprising potential of linseed and a whole host of other Bajan ingredients waiting to be explored.

  • Grand Stand to be renamed for Sparrow

    Grand Stand to be renamed for Sparrow

    One of the most celebrated cultural figures in Caribbean history will now leave an indelible permanent mark on Trinidad and Tobago’s most beloved cultural hub. During an emotional memorial service held for the late iconic calypso artist Dr Slinger Francisco — universally known by his stage name The Mighty Sparrow — at Port of Spain’s National Academy for the Performing Arts, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar made a historic announcement: the Grand Stand at Queen’s Park Savannah, the island nation’s legendary open-air cultural stage, will undergo renovations and be officially renamed to honor Sparrow’s decades of unparalleled contribution to Caribbean culture.

    Persad-Bissessar framed the naming as the most fitting tribute possible for the artist whose work transcended geographic boundaries to carry Caribbean identity across the globe. For generations, the Grand Stand has stood watch over countless cultural celebrations that define Trinidad and Tobago’s national identity; now, it will forever be linked to the man who did more than almost any other to shape that identity. “I am therefore deeply honoured to announce that the Grand Stand at the Queen’s Park Savannah will bear the name of Dr Slinger Francisco, The Mighty Sparrow. From this day forward, when Trinidad and Tobago gathers there to celebrate its culture, the name Sparrow will stand above us,” the Prime Minister told a cheering audience.

    Beyond the venue renaming, Persad-Bissessar threw her full support behind a proposal put forward by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley to add Sparrow’s powerful track “Slave” to the official curriculum of the Caribbean Examinations Council. Mottley had previously argued that integrating the song into regional education would allow every young person across the Caribbean to engage with the profound pain, historical context, and enduring message woven into its lyrics. Persad-Bissessar pledged full collaborative action across the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to turn the proposal into a reality, noting that Sparrow’s impact extended far beyond entertainment to that of educator, cultural historian, and storyteller.

    The Prime Minister shared personal reflections on Sparrow’s influence, recalling growing up listening to his tracks played on a jukebox at her mother’s roti shop. She highlighted the iconic track “Education”, whose simple memorable lyric — “Children, go to school and learn well” — carried a profound lesson about education’s ability to transform lives and lift communities out of hardship. What made Sparrow uniquely gifted, Persad-Bissessar explained, was his talent for turning complex, serious national issues into accessible, memorable messages that ordinary people could carry with them and pass down through generations. His work moved far beyond the boundaries of calypso tents, embedding itself into classrooms, family homes, and the collective consciousness of the entire region. “He entertained us, yes. But he also educated us. And in doing so, he demonstrated the true power of the calypsonian,” she said.

    Persad-Bissessar walked attendees through Sparrow’s extraordinary 70-plus year career, which launched in 1956 when his breakout hit “Jean and Dinah” earned him both the Calypso King and Road March titles shortly before Trinidad and Tobago’s independence. Over the decades, Sparrow’s catalog chronicled every facet of Caribbean life: politics, joy, prejudice, triumph, folly, heartbreak, struggle, and ambition. “For generations, Sparrow gave us laughter when we needed it, courage when we needed it, and sometimes a mirror in which we were forced to look at ourselves,” the Prime Minister said.

    Unlike many artists who gained international fame by diluting their regional identity, Sparrow remained unapologetically Caribbean throughout his global career. “He never had to become less Caribbean in order to become international,” Persad-Bissessar noted. “Sparrow taught us that the road to the world did not require us to leave ourselves behind. He proved it. And the world applauded.” His authentic voice, sharp humor, quick intelligence, irreverent perspective, and unshakable confidence carried Caribbean storytelling to audiences across every continent.

    During his lifetime, Sparrow earned no shortage of prestigious honors: the University of the West Indies awarded him an honorary Doctor of Letters, Caricom granted him the Order of the Caribbean Community, and during Persad-Bissessar’s first term as prime minister in 2014, he received Trinidad and Tobago’s highest national honor, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Recalling the origin of his iconic stage name, Persad-Bissessar shared how Sparrow once explained he was given the humble name “Sparrow” as a young artist, and chose to add “Mighty” to it — a small act of self-definition that became one of the most recognizable names in Caribbean music.

    “While kings ruled for a period, true legends belonged to eternity,” Persad-Bissessar said. “Kings reign for a time. Legends belong to eternity. And Sparrow is now eternal.” She closed the tribute by thanking the artist for providing a soundtrack to the lives of multiple generations of Trinidadians and Tobagonians, affirming that his songs would continue to be sung, his lessons passed down, and his legacy preserved for centuries to come. “Indeed, Sparrow, rest now, you have sung your songs. You have run your race. You have made your people proud. The king has left the stage. But the song goes on,” she declared.

  • Daughter: Daddy forged his own path

    Daughter: Daddy forged his own path

    At a state-supported funeral service held Tuesday at Port of Spain’s National Academy for the Performing Arts, Michelle Francisco, daughter of the legendary “Mighty Sparrow” Slinger Francisco, delivered a moving eulogy that blended lessons from her father’s groundbreaking career with intimate personal recollections of the man behind the global fame.

    Slinger Francisco, who earned the iconic title “Calypso King of the World,” rose from humble beginnings that many would see as a barrier to extraordinary success. Born in Grenada, he moved with his family when he was just one year old and never received any formal education beyond primary school. Rather than letting this limited access to conventional opportunity hold him back, he carved his own unique trajectory, rejecting pre-existing blueprints for success to build a legacy that transcended borders and cultures.

    During her address, Michelle Francisco directed a powerful message to young people in attendance and following the service around the world, drawing directly from her father’s life story. “There was once a little boy named Slinger Francisco, who left Grenada at just a year old. He received only a primary school education, but he had a dream. He had a creative spirit and an extraordinary passion for music,” she shared. He taught himself to play a wide range of instruments, mastered multiple languages, and nurtured a rare ability to connect with audiences across every demographic through his work. “He took what he had, believed in what he could become, and he forged his own path to become the Calypso King of the World.”

    Francisco emphasized that this journey holds a timeless lesson for generations to come: Great achievement does not require a privileged background, a preordained path, or adherence to conventional expectations. “You do not have to let your circumstances determine the limits of your dreams. Daddy did it his way, and the world will never be the same because of it,” she said.

    She also shared one of her father’s most memorable pieces of advice, a signature twist on a familiar proverb that reflected his pragmatic, resilient approach to life. While many advise turning lemons into lemonade when hardship strikes, she recalled, Sparrow offered a different perspective: “if life hands you lemons, don’t cry about it, and don’t waste your time trying to make lemonade. … Mich, move on and make yourself some lime juice.” This guidance, she noted, reminds us that while no one can control every event that shapes their lives, every person holds power over how they choose to respond to setbacks.

    Beyond the global acclaim that made Sparrow a household name across continents, Francisco painted a portrait of a warm, playful, and deeply devoted father whose family made the quiet sacrifice of sharing him with millions of adoring fans. “Today, I want to tell you about someone the world may not have known quite the same way. Today, I want to tell you about Slinger Francisco, the father. I was the epitome of daddy’s little girl,” she said.

    She recalled childhood moments that revealed her father’s steady, unwavering support: whenever she fell ill, felt upset, or faced frustration, she would insist her mother track down her father no matter where in the world he was touring or what time zone he was in. “I would not rest until she found my daddy, and I could still hear his deep voice: ‘Mich, what’s wrong?’ Those words always made me feel that no matter how far away he was, my dad was there for me. He can fix everything and anything.”

    Francisco added that she and her siblings understood from an early age that their father’s gift belonged to the world as much as it belonged to them. “We had to share him with millions of people who loved him, admired him, and found something of themselves in his music. He had a gift that transcended backgrounds, ethnicity, age, and culture. Through his music, he made people laugh, he made people cry, reflect, question, and learn. He gave a voice to so many, and he brought people together.”

  • British actor Idris Elba and Jamilla Kirwan to host Commonwealth concert in Antigua and Barbuda

    British actor Idris Elba and Jamilla Kirwan to host Commonwealth concert in Antigua and Barbuda

    As the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) prepares to kick off in Antigua and Barbuda this November, a flagship cultural event set to celebrate the bloc’s diverse community has unveiled its high-profile hosting lineup. Acclaimed British actor Idris Elba will share the stage with local Senator Jamilla Kirwan to lead One Commonwealth Night, a one-of-a-kind concert scheduled to take place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on November 2, running from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. under the unifying theme “Many Voices, One Commonwealth.”

    The official announcement of the hosts came during a post-Cabinet media briefing held Friday, where Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant shared details of the event following a progress update from the concert’s organizing committee. “Sir Idris Elba will be the host alongside Senator Jamilla Kirwan for that spectacular event,” Merchant confirmed to reporters.

    Designed to showcase the shared cultural bonds across the Commonwealth’s 56 member nations, the concert will weave together multiple art forms beyond just popular music, including traditional storytelling, youth-led showcases that highlight emerging leadership, and cross-cultural performances that draw from artistic traditions across the global bloc. The lineup already features a dynamic mix of homegrown Antiguan talent and internationally recognized artists from across the Commonwealth: local favorites Claudette Peters and Asher Otto will represent the host nation, while international acts include Jamaican reggae star Tarrus Riley, Grammy-nominated Indian-American vocalist Falguni Shah (known professionally as Falu), and Ghanaian Afro-roots musician Rocky Dawuni.

    One of the most anticipated elements of the evening is a unique collaborative performance that merges a traditional Western orchestra with musicians playing the steel pan, a beloved instrument with deep cultural roots in Caribbean communities. Merchant described the innovative collaboration as a standout feature of the event’s vision to blend diverse Commonwealth artistic traditions, noting that the production will use a purpose-built three-stage setup to accommodate the range of performances throughout the night.

    The concert is a core part of the official cultural program surrounding the 2024 CHOGM, which will run from November 1 to 4 and bring heads of state, official delegations, and hundreds of international guests to the twin-island nation. While Merchant confirmed that further details will be published in the full written Cabinet statement in the coming days, ticketing pricing and entry arrangements for the public were not disclosed during the Friday briefing.

  • Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is on despite rumors to the contrary, say officials

    Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is on despite rumors to the contrary, say officials

    False social media rumors claiming the cancellation of Dominica’s highly anticipated 5th annual Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl cultural festival have been formally denied by a top government official, who reaffirms the beloved event will go forward this October on a larger, more ambitious scale than ever before.

    Gloria Joseph, Permanent Secretary of Dominica’s Ministry for Small Business Development, issued a clear public statement pushing back against the misleading gossip that spread across digital platforms in recent weeks. Describing the cancellation claim as the work of a malicious actor, Joseph emphasized that the event, themed “Tout Biten Domnik”, remains firmly on the 2026 calendar, running from October 19 through 22. “This could not be further from the truth,” Joseph said of the rumors, adding that this year’s iteration of Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is “bigger, stronger and better” than any prior edition.

    Far from being scrapped, the festival is preparing to welcome more participants and attendees than ever, with Joseph calling on full public participation and patronage to make the 2025 event a success. As framed by Joseph during the festival’s official launch ceremony earlier this month, Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl carries far more cultural meaning than a standard community gathering. Held in the lead-up to the globally famous World Creole Music Festival, the festival serves as a dynamic, living celebration of Dominican national identity, designed to showcase the depth and diversity of the island’s Creole heritage to both local residents and international visitors.

    Aligned with the country’s broader independence theme of “Our Journey, Our Legacy, Our Future”, Joseph noted that Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl functions as a communal space to honor the island’s historical roots, celebrate the vibrant present of Dominican Creole culture, and collectively shape a shared vision for the future. This year, more than 90 local entrepreneurs across a wide range of creative, artisanal, and small business sectors will showcase their unique work and talents at the multi-day event, offering attendees an immersive look at the breadth of modern Dominican innovation rooted in centuries of cultural tradition.

    Organizers have urged the public to ignore unsubstantiated social media claims and refer only to official government announcements for updated information about festival programming, venue details, and participation opportunities.

  • Sparrow’s last show

    Sparrow’s last show

    The Caribbean region and the global calypso community are preparing to say a formal goodbye to one of the most iconic figures in Caribbean musical history, Slinger Francisco — universally known by his stage name The Mighty Sparrow — with a star-studded national farewell ceremony being held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on the day after public viewing.

    The centerpiece of the memorial service is a massive musical tribute that brings together the biggest names in Trinidad and Tobago’s entertainment industry, all gathering to honor the 91-year-old “Calypso King of the World,” who passed away on September 27 following a short illness at a New York hospital. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who awarded Sparrow the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, during her first term in office, is set to deliver a keynote tribute at the event. She is also expected to unveil new government initiatives to preserve and celebrate Sparrow’s transformative contributions to Trinidad and Tobago and broader Caribbean culture for future generations.

    Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin shared details of the public-facing plans with local outlet the Express, noting that seating capacity at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) — the primary venue for the ceremony — is strictly limited. To ensure all who wish to pay their respects can participate, Benjamin extended an invitation to the general public to line the route of the funeral procession along Frederick Street, or gather at the Queen’s Park Savannah Grand Stand to watch the proceedings. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be broadcast live on local networks TTT and WACK TV, with real-time updates posted to the Ministry of Culture’s social media channels.

    “Sparrow never short-changed Trinidad and Tobago, and Trinidad and Tobago will not short-change him, but we will do so responsibly and transparently,” Benjamin emphasized, adding that over more than seven decades, Sparrow provided the defining soundtrack for the nation, and the ceremony is the country’s chance to give back to the legend that gave so much to it.

    Procession logistics are already fully coordinated: the service procession will depart Independence Square at 10 a.m. en route to NAPA, where top soca artists Machel Montano and Destra Garcia will lead the roster of tribute performers, alongside performances by local steel orchestras, traditional Moko Jumbie stilt walkers, and classic mas performers. Benjamin stressed that every element of the ceremony has been curated with input and full approval from the Francisco family, with no detail finalized without their explicit blessing.

    For Benjamin, the responsibility of organizing the tribute has been a deeply meaningful experience. “This moment is far bigger than me. Sparrow belongs to Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and the world, and it has been a humbling and deeply fulfilling experience to help the nation honour him,” she said. “I am grateful to the Honourable Prime Minister and the Francisco family for entrusting me with this duty. Above all, my hope is that we have honoured the wishes of the Francisco family, as they deserve.”

    The celebration of Sparrow’s life and enduring legacy will draw an extraordinary roster of dignitaries, reflecting his global impact. Attendees include regional heads of government, former national presidents, cabinet ministers, diplomatic representatives from around the world, leading cultural icons, and hundreds of members of the regional entertainment community. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley will join official delegations from The Bahamas and Grenada at the event, alongside local dignitaries including Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, former presidents Anthony Carmona and Paula-Mae Weekes, and former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley. The diplomatic contingent will be led by Venezuela’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Alvaro Enrique Alvarez Cordero, alongside heads of all foreign missions accredited to the country.

    Beyond Montano and Garcia, the lineup of featured performers includes a who’s who of Caribbean music: SuperBlue (Austin Lyons), Shurwayway Winchester, Aaron Duncan, Chuck Gordon, Kurt Allen, and Crazy (Edwin Ayoung) are among the dozens of artists set to take part, all honoring Sparrow’s decades-long influence on calypso and Caribbean cultural identity.

    The formal ceremony will kick off with a performance of the national anthem by the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago, followed by welcome remarks from hosts Rhea Roopchansingh and Mark Anthony, and an opening blessing by Monsignor Martin Sirju. Musical reflections will open with a performance of the classic “My Way” by Karen Francisco, with “Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart” performed by a member of the Francisco family alongside Samuel Thomas Jr.

    Benjamin will deliver a tribute on behalf of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural sector, highlighting Sparrow’s role in bringing calypso from a regional folk tradition to a globally recognized art form. The eulogy will be delivered by Sparrow’s daughter, Michelle Francisco, while his granddaughter, Ashley Hutchinson, will present an original poem written in his honor. A special retrospective video titled *The Mighty Sparrow and His Legacy* will then screen, tracing the legend’s decades-long life, career, and trailblazing achievements.

    After Destra Garcia performs *Eye on the Sparrow*, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar will deliver her official tribute, before the ceremony transitions into the marquee all-star musical celebration. Standout performances in the segment include SuperBlue’s rendition of “Joy in My Soul,” Crazy’s take on “Memories,” a group performance from Ta’zyah O’Connor and Shurwayne Winchester, Sheldon Reid’s interpretation of Sparrow’s iconic “Slave,” and Zachary Ransome and Aaron Duncan’s performance of “Education.” Chuck Gordon will perform “Federation,” Kurt Allen will deliver “Soca Pressure,” and Sean Daniel will close the individual performances with “Tell St Peter.”

    The entire farewell ceremony will culminate in a celebratory medley performed by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Band, bringing the tribute to a close through the iconic songs that defined Sparrow’s extraordinary career and cemented his place as one of the 20th century’s most influential cultural figures.

  • Noh Matta Wat Season Five Brings Fresh Belizean Drama

    Noh Matta Wat Season Five Brings Fresh Belizean Drama

    One of Belize’s most iconic homegrown drama series is making a celebrated return to screens, bringing a mix of beloved returning cast members, exciting new acting talent, and a fresh chapter of authentic Belizean storytelling to audiences. Noh Matta Wat is set to launch its fifth season on a Saturday night, kicking off with a star-studded red-carpet premiere event at the country’s iconic Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. Attendees at the launch will get an exclusive early preview of the season’s opening episode, alongside opportunities to meet the cast and creative team that have revived the fan-favorite series.

    The series’ comeback comes after years of persistent demand from loyal viewers, according to producer Denvor Fairweather. In an interview discussing the long-awaited new season, Fairweather explained that the groundswell of public interest following the show’s anniversary event last year convinced him to prioritize bringing the drama back for another installment. “For years, fans have continuously asked when we would bring Noh Matta Wat back to screens,” Fairweather shared. “After the incredible reception we got at last year’s anniversary celebration and the flood of requests for new content, I made the decision to pour the work into making season five a reality, and that’s exactly what we’ve delivered.”

    The fifth season picks up the saga of the show’s core Diego family, but with a major 16-year time jump that shifts the narrative focus to a new generation. While fan-favorite characters including Shakira, Margaret, and Randy will return to the screen, the bulk of the new season’s drama centers on the grown-up Lisani, one of the series’ original leads who was a teenager when viewers last saw her. Now, Lisani is a parent to her own teenage children, and just as Lisani and Randy anchored the story in earlier seasons, her family and their interconnected struggles will drive the narrative of this new chapter.

    One of the standout new roles in the fifth season comes to actor Theodore Martinez, who portrays a corrupt judge navigating personal and professional turmoil. Martinez opened up about the nuance of his character, who grapples with flawed ideas of masculinity passed down through generations, leading to marital conflict and accusations of abuse. “My character bends the truth to try and shape what he sees as the right outcome, even as people label him corrupt,” Martinez explained. “He’s dealing with deep issues in his marriage, and the story explores domestic abuse, and whether he can truly change after a lifetime shaped by his upbringing. A lot of the harm comes from outdated ideas passed down from previous generations: that a man has to be physically dominant, demand respect by force, and that it crosses over into abuse. This story confronts that harm head-on.”

    This report is a transcript of an evening television broadcast, with Kriol-language dialogue transcribed using a standardized spelling system for accessibility. Viewers can watch the full original broadcast via the link included in the original publication.

  • Grenadian artwork enters OAS Art Museum of The Americas Permanent Collection

    Grenadian artwork enters OAS Art Museum of The Americas Permanent Collection

    A landmark moment for Grenadian cultural diplomacy unfolded this week in Washington, D.C., as the island nation formally gifted a groundbreaking new artwork to the permanent collection of the Art Museum of the Americas, which operates under the auspices of the Organisation of American States (OAS).

    Selected via an open juried competition organized jointly by Grenada’s Permanent Mission to the OAS and the museum, the two-panel mixed-media piece *Salt of the Earth, Daughter of the Soil* (2026), created by Brooklyn-based Grenadian artist Shervone Neckles-Ortiz, marks the first work by a Grenadian creator to enter the museum’s permanent holdings. The formal handover ceremony brought together senior diplomatic and cultural leaders from across the hemisphere, including OAS Assistant Secretary General Her Excellency Laura Gil, Art Museum of the Americas Director Adriana Ospina, and Grenada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OAS His Excellency Tarlie Francis. Senator the Honourable Adrian Thomas, Grenada’s Minister of Tourism, the Creative Economy and Culture, presented the work on behalf of the government and people of Grenada.

    Neckles-Ortiz’s assemblage, crafted entirely by hand from handmade paper, centers the enduring legacy of Grenadian women who have sustained intergenerational community bonds while safeguarding centuries-old ancestral knowledge and cultural traditions. The first panel, *Salt of the Earth*, draws from the artist’s personal family archive, integrating locally harvested sea salt and a repurposed vintage table covering to evoke intimate memories of domestic life and intergenerational inheritance. The second panel, *Daughter of the Soil*, weaves Grenada’s iconic agricultural exports—nutmeg, mace, clove, and bay leaf—into its composition alongside a rare 1940s photographic portrait of the artist’s maternal grandmother, who lived and worked in Grenada. Combined, the two panels offer a layered celebration of Grenada’s distinct cultural and agricultural heritage, the foundational contributions of women to the nation’s social fabric, and the quiet transmission of family traditions across decades and borders.

    In remarks delivered during the handover ceremony, Minister Thomas emphasized that the placement of this work in the OAS museum reflects Grenada’s deliberate policy approach to centering creative industries as a core driver of national progress. In recent years, the government established a dedicated ministerial department focused explicitly on the creative economy, a move that signals official recognition of culture and artistic innovation as key contributors to sustainable national development and inclusive economic opportunity. Thomas also outlined Grenada’s ongoing commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage, protecting historical artifacts, elevating the traditions of Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, and expanding professional opportunities for contemporary Grenadian artists working at home and abroad. He extended formal congratulations to Neckles-Ortiz on her selection, and commended the Art Museum of the Americas and Director Ospina for their ongoing work to amplify the cultural diversity of the Americas and expand representation for Caribbean creators in major hemispheric institutions.

    Neckles-Ortiz, who currently resides in Queens, New York, has built an internationally recognized career over decades of practice. Her work has been shown across the globe, including as a featured artist in Grenada’s national pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale. Her past achievements include high-profile public art commissions across New York City and the 2025 Brendan Gill Prize, awarded for outstanding contributions to the city’s cultural life. Ahead of the formal handover to the OAS museum, Neckles-Ortiz presented the finished work to Minister Thomas in a private viewing at Grenada’s embassy in Washington.

    This cultural initiative marks a major step forward for Grenada’s cultural diplomacy efforts, securing a permanent, high-profile space for Grenadian artistic expression within one of the hemisphere’s most prominent cultural institutions. While in Washington for the ceremony, Minister Thomas is scheduled to lead Grenada’s delegation to the annual United States–Caribbean Dialogue, set to take place on October 15, 2026.

    This release was issued by the Embassy of Grenada and Permanent Mission of Grenada to the OAS, Washington, D.C.

  • Noh Matta Wat Returns for Season 5!

    Noh Matta Wat Returns for Season 5!

    After marking its 20th anniversary in November 2025, Belize’s most beloved homegrown television drama Noh Matta Wat is ready to step back into the spotlight, with its highly anticipated fifth season set to launch with a star-studded red-carpet premiere later this week. The launch event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Belize’s iconic Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts, giving local fans an exclusive first look before the full season makes its official television debut next month.

    Production of the new chapter has taken roughly a year of careful writing, casting and rehearsal, according to series producer Denvor Fairweather. The premiere event will kick off at 7 p.m. local time, opening with the first full episode of Season 5, followed by an intimate meet-and-greet session where attendees can connect with the cast and creative team behind the show. Broadcasters have scheduled the official weekly television run of the season to begin the week of November 16, bringing the long-running drama back to regular viewing slots for audiences across Belize.

    What makes this season unique is its time jump: the narrative revisits the iconic Diego family 16 years after the events of the last season, blending returning fan-favorite characters with exciting new cast members and entirely fresh storylines that reflect the passage of time. “A lot of the drama extends from Lysanne’s family,” Fairweather explained in an interview ahead of the premiere. “She was a teenager back then. She’s now a parent herself with teenage kids.”

    To elevate the quality of this new season, Fairweather recruited Belizean actor Theodore Mark Martinez, who has built an extensive professional acting career in the United States, to lead a performance workshop for the local cast, in addition to taking on a key on-screen role. Martinez portrays Hill Michaels, a judge whose arc weaves together intimate relationship dynamics and pressing, relatable social issues that resonate with everyday people. “Everyone can relate to it. It could be your neighbor,” Martinez noted of his character’s storyline.

    Beyond entertaining local audiences, Martinez sees the new season of Noh Matta Wat as a powerful gateway to introduce Belize’s unique culture and storytelling talent to global audiences. “People out there are hungry for Belize,” he said. “When stuff like this comes up, I know they’re gonna eat it up.”

    For Fairweather, the fifth season is more than just a new chapter of a hit series — it is a core part of a larger mission to grow and sustain Belize’s domestic entertainment industry. He holds ambitions to expand the show’s reach to regional and international audiences, with the revenue generated from the season’s success earmarked to fund future local creative projects. One of the most anticipated projects waiting in the wings is a feature film titled *Clutches*, which Fairweather hopes to bring to production with the support of Season 5’s profits.

    Tickets for the exclusive premiere are priced at $25 per person and are still available for purchase directly at the Bliss Centre, giving drama fans one last chance to secure their spot at the historic launch event for Belize’s most iconic television series.