Dominican author and poet Anella Shillingford has introduced her latest literary endeavor, “Feels Like Home,” a unique fusion of poetry, music, and memory. Described as a “literary mixtape,” the work delves into themes of love, healing, and belonging, offering readers an intimate and soulful experience. Shillingford’s collection combines poetic prose, free verse, found poems, and lyrical storytelling, creating a narrative that resonates like a heartfelt playlist for the soul. Inspired by her deep connection to Caribbean culture and soundscapes, the author employs rhythmic patterns and repeated motifs to evoke movement and emotion through her words. Shillingford describes the work as “nostalgia captured on paper,” likening it to a warm hug or a comforting cup of cocoa tea. Since her debut in 2019 with “Bonfire,” which explored themes of womanhood and resilience, Shillingford has continued to enrich Caribbean literature. Her second collection, “Of Rivers and Oceans” (2022), examined identity, nature, and love. Rooted in the rhythms and languages of the Caribbean, her writing amplifies Black women’s voices, memory, and the transformative power of words.
分类： entertainment
-
LyricKsMan Hails Burning Flames’ Knighthood as a National Triumph
In a momentous event during Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Anniversary of Independence celebrations on November 3, 2025, the iconic soca band Burning Flames was honored with knighthood, marking a historic milestone for the nation. The group’s members—Sir Oungku, Sir Onyan, Sir Bubbi, and Sir Foxx—were celebrated for their decades-long contributions to music and national identity. Antiguan entertainer LyricKsMan of LSA Entertainment hailed the knighting as both a personal and national triumph, emphasizing its profound significance.
LyricKsMan, a prominent figure in the soca scene, described the band’s influence as transformative, shaping his musical journey from childhood. “Since the age of three, Burning Flames has been my band. Their rhythms raised me, their lyrics taught me, their energy inspired me,” he shared. He credited Sir Oungku, the band’s lead singer, as his “musical father” and mentor, praising his creativity and dedication to keeping Antiguan soca vibrant.
The entertainer emphasized that the knighthood was more than an award—it was a “national moment of truth” and a symbol of pride for musicians, dreamers, and islanders. He lauded Burning Flames as pioneers, teachers, and patriots whose impact extended beyond music, representing Antigua and Barbuda across the region and inspiring generations.
In a heartfelt tribute, LyricKsMan expressed gratitude to the band for their sacrifice, talent, courage, and consistency. “You are proof that when passion meets purpose, the world must listen,” he said. Concluding with a rallying call, he declared, “Long live Burning Flames. Long live Antiguan music. Long live JAM BAND—the fire that never out!”
The knighting of Burning Flames stands as a testament to their enduring legacy and the cultural richness of Antigua and Barbuda.
-
Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Announces the Launch of Night One of the One Nation Caribbean Music Festival
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has officially announced the launch of Night One of the One Nation Caribbean Music Festival, set to take place on January 10th and 11th, 2026, at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in St. John’s, Antigua. This highly anticipated event promises to be a vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, culture, and unity, featuring a dynamic lineup of artists across genres such as Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, Bouyon, and Benna.
-
Master class in cultural instruments facilitates the emergence of more folklore musicians
In a bid to safeguard the rich cultural heritage of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Department of Cultural Heritage has launched a Cultural Instrument Master Class, running from November 1 to December 20, 2025. Held every Saturday at the Dr. William Connor Primary School, the seven-week program aims to address the declining number of skilled musicians proficient in traditional instruments such as the kettle drum, bass drum, and fife. These instruments are integral to the Masquerades, a cherished folklore form in the Federation, and their decline has significantly impacted the quality of live musical accompaniment in cultural performances. The master class, led by seasoned musicians Devon Nisbett, Russle Jarvis, Alarick Gumbs, and Wayne Simmonds, seeks to reverse this trend by training new generations of cultural musicians. Director of Culture Pierre Liburd emphasized the importance of live music in preserving the authenticity of traditional performances, stating, ‘The music is every bit as important to the tradition as the colorful costumes, the orations, and the dances.’ The initiative aligns with the annual Christmas/Carnival period, a time when cultural practitioners traditionally rehearse for street performances. Historically, folklore performances were seasonal, primarily occurring during Christmas. However, with tourism becoming a major economic driver, there has been a growing demand for these performances to entertain visitors and evoke nostalgia among returning nationals. Despite this, the shift towards recorded music has threatened the survival of live cultural accompaniment. The master class is the third such initiative by the Department of Cultural Heritage in 2025, following earlier programs in stonework and metalcraft welding. This effort underscores the department’s commitment to preserving and promoting the Federation’s cultural traditions.
-
Claudette “CP” Peters Honoured in Toronto for 25 Years of Musical Excellence
The Antigua and Barbuda Association of Toronto celebrated the 44th Independence Dinner and Dance on November 8, 2025, at the Toronto Grand Convention Centre, honoring Claudette ‘CP’ Peters, the renowned Soca Queen, for her remarkable 25-year contribution to music, culture, and community service. The event, a vibrant gathering of the Antiguan and Barbudan diaspora and their Canadian friends, showcased national pride and cultural heritage. Peters, accompanied by the Disturbance Band, headlined the evening’s entertainment, which also featured performances by Drastic, Menace, Island Prince, and Soca Villain, the 2025 Carnival Road March champion. The event was co-presented by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s Canada Office, with Director of Tourism Tameka Wharton and Association President Selma Alincy emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural connections with the diaspora. Wharton expressed pride in sponsoring the entertainment for the second consecutive year, underscoring the value of promoting Antiguan and Barbudan talent globally. The program included a keynote address by Khan Cordice, Director of Culture and arranger for the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra. Attendees enjoyed an elegant evening of live music, fine dining, and patriotic celebration, commemorating 44 years of Antigua and Barbuda’s independence in grand fashion.
-
Khan Cordice Honoured by Canadian Steelpan Federation for His Musical Contributions
Khan Cordice, a distinguished Antiguan musician and cultural ambassador, has been celebrated in Toronto for his exceptional contributions to the steelpan art form. Cordice, who serves as the Director of Culture and arranger for the Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, was honored by the Canadian Steelpan Federation and the Pan Arts Network during a special ceremony dedicated to Caribbean musical heritage. This accolade further cements Cordice’s reputation as a globally recognized steelpan educator, arranger, and advocate for cultural development. His visit to Canada coincided with the 44th Independence Dinner and Dance hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Toronto, where he was a featured speaker alongside renowned performers, including Claudette “CP” Peters. The event highlighted the vibrant cultural ties between Antigua and Barbuda and the Caribbean diaspora in Canada. (Photo: Khan Cordice, second from right, with fellow honourees and event organizers in Toronto.)
-
Resilient spirit of pan – Ramesy-Moore says Panorama launch staged without government funds
The launch of Panorama 2026 at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on November 9 marked a vibrant celebration of Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, the steelpan. Despite facing funding challenges, the event showcased the unifying power of pan music, drawing enthusiastic crowds and highlighting the resilience of the steelband community. Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore described the day as “a happy day,” emphasizing the joy and unity that pan brings to communities. She noted that while the event was staged without government funding, the turnout was “very good,” and the steelpan world continues to enjoy strong support. Ramsey-Moore stressed that pan is not just about the final performance but the entire journey, from community practice sessions to the grand spectacle at the Savannah. She also expressed hope for future government support, particularly for the establishment of a permanent headquarters for Pan Trinbago. The event featured performances by bands like the Royal Stars Pan Symphony and the Laventille Rhythm Section, who volunteered their time and talent. Marabella West councillor John Alibocas, attending his first town launch, praised the event’s ability to bring people together and boost the local economy. Despite the financial constraints, the launch of Panorama 2026 demonstrated the enduring spirit of Trinidad and Tobago’s steelpan culture.
-
Keznamdi earns first Grammy nom with Blxxd & Fyah
Keznamdi, the rising reggae artist, has expressed immense pride and gratitude for his Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category for his debut album, *Blxxd & Fyah*. In an exclusive interview with the *Jamaica Observer*, he highlighted the significance of this achievement as a grassroots victory for independent artists. Despite lacking major distribution or a large team, Keznamdi emphasized that the nomination is a testament to the dedication and hard work of his small but passionate crew.
-
Queen of Soca extended for another week
The highly acclaimed film *Queen of Soca*, starring Terri Lyons, the former Calypso Monarch, has been granted an extended theatrical run at MovieTowne, Port of Spain, following an overwhelming turnout on its initially scheduled final night. Originally set to conclude on November 5, the movie will now continue screening until November 12. The decision came after the cinema’s eight screens, each accommodating around 250 patrons, were completely sold out, prompting the opening of an additional screen to accommodate the surge in demand. Despite this, many eager fans were left disappointed as tickets were entirely unavailable. The film’s success has been a testament to its compelling narrative and Lyons’ captivating performance. The story, set in various Trinidadian locales such as Santa Cruz, Sangre Grande, La Canoa, and Port of Spain, follows the journey of Olivia, a character portrayed by Lyons, who rises from adversity to triumph. The film explores themes of struggle, poverty, faith, and societal oppression, resonating deeply with audiences. Lyons’ portrayal of Olivia, a humble yet determined individual overshadowed by her mother, played by Penelope Spencer, has been widely praised. The film’s cliffhanger ending has sparked anticipation for potential sequels. The final night on November 5 was attended by prominent entertainers, including SuperBlue, Patrice Roberts, and Nadia Batson, as well as Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin, who lauded the production for its authentic local storytelling. Writer and director Kevin Adams revealed that the film’s open-ended conclusion was intentional, drawing inspiration from the *Rocky* series. Adams, who previously collaborated with Lyons on *No Soca, No Life*, expressed his desire to diversify his creative portfolio beyond soca-themed films. Lyons, celebrated as the Caribbean’s Calypso Queen, expressed profound gratitude for the support of her fans, family, and the production team, emphasizing the importance of her father, Austin “SuperBlue” Lyons, and her son Mathias in her journey.
-
Women In Art Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago hosts Transformations
The Women In Art Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (WIAOTT) is set to host its 29th annual exhibition, themed ‘Transformations,’ at Arnim’s Art Galleria’s south branch in La Romaine. The event, which runs from November 11 to November 22, will showcase the works of 29 talented female artists, highlighting themes of resilience, transition, and reinvention. Founded in 1996, WIAOTT has been a cornerstone in promoting and empowering women in the visual arts, providing a platform for artistic growth and visibility. This year’s exhibition features a diverse range of media, including acrylic painting, drawing, mixed media, oil, fabric, pastel, architecture, watercolour, and abstract expressions. Participating artists such as Andrea Barry, Bernadette Hospedales, and Gizelle Winter will present their interpretations of personal and collective transformations, reflecting the dynamism of Trinidad and Tobago’s women artists. The exhibition will also include several categories of artist awards, recognizing excellence across various artistic disciplines. Artworks will be available for purchase both at the exhibition and online via the WIAOTT website. For more information, contact 610-9289.