The stunning Pigeon Point beachfront in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, is set to host the second edition of Yamaha Sunfest, a vibrant celebration blending water sports, music, and cultural exchange. Following the success of its inaugural event last year, which attracted thousands of French visitors and locals, organizers are gearing up for another unforgettable experience. This year’s festival promises to unite the cultures of Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Lucia through a diverse mix of musical genres, culinary treats, and beachside entertainment. The festivities kick off on November 7 with a lively street party in Gros Islet, featuring local and French DJs at the ‘On the Rocks’ welcome event. The main event, Yamaha Sunfest, takes place on November 8 at Pigeon Point Beach, running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. This year’s celebration pays tribute to Guy Thelamon and boasts an impressive lineup of artists, including Jamaican dancehall sensation Skeng as the headliner. Other performers include Armani, Danthology, N’ken, Cecilene, Subance, Mighty, and DJs Ti Maestro, Mano, and Shakazulu. The festival concludes on November 9 with a chill-out session featuring DJs, a relaxation zone, massages, and body painting, offering a perfect end to this cultural extravaganza.
分类： entertainment
-
‘It feels good’
Reggae artist Mortimer has achieved a significant milestone in his career, securing his first Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category for his project, *From Within*. The announcement, made on Friday, left the artist both humbled and elated. ‘I’m grateful that people see value in what we do. It feels good to know that we’ve made a positive impact,’ Mortimer shared with the *Jamaica Observer*. The album, released in September 2024 through Overstand Entertainment and Easy Star Records, delves into themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of human existence, blending traditional reggae with R&B, 80s pop, and other genres. Collaborations with Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, Kabaka Pyramid, and Lila Iké further enriched the project, with Iké also earning a nomination this year for *Treasure Self Love*. Mortimer’s journey into music began in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Whitehall, St Elizabeth, where he joined the choir at age eight. Reflecting on the evolution of reggae, Mortimer defended the genre’s authenticity, stating, ‘I don’t think it has lost intensity. We’re in a space where some great reggae music is being made.’ The album’s creation was a deeply personal endeavor, aiming to channel his inner thoughts and emotions. ‘The goal was to explore where my heart and mind were at,’ he explained. Mortimer’s nomination places him alongside other notable artists like Vybz Kartel, Jesse Royal, and Keznamdi, all vying for the prestigious award.
-
QQ joins the aid thrust
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, dancehall artiste QQ has stepped up to support communities in north-east St Elizabeth severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. On November 1, the musician personally visited areas such as Siloah and Thornton to distribute essential care packages. These packages included 500 pounds of rice, 400 pounds of flour, 400 pounds of sugar, 20 cases of water, canned goods like mackerel, tuna, sardines, and corned beef, as well as snacks for children.
-
Jesse Royal upbeat as No Place Like Home gets a Grammy nod
Jesse Royal, the acclaimed reggae artist, received a momentous surprise during his morning routine when he discovered his third album, *No Place Like Home*, had been nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 68th Grammy Awards. The singer, known for his spiritual grounding, shared that he was in the midst of his daily meditation and prayers when the news arrived. ‘I was drinking my ginger tea, saying my prayers, and talking to God when I got the news. It was a pleasant surprise; I didn’t even remember today was nomination day,’ Royal told the *Jamaica Observer*. He expressed gratitude, stating, ‘God is real, and His love never fails. Jah is worthy to be praised.’
This marks Royal’s second Grammy nomination, following his 2022 nod for *Royal*. Both albums were crafted in collaboration with producers Dretegs and Grammy-winning Sean Alaric. Reflecting on this latest achievement, Royal noted its profound significance. ‘This one feels more special because it came after I nearly lost my life. I know God had me then, and I’m sure He has me now,’ he shared. He added that while his first nomination was unforgettable, this second recognition reaffirms the quality and international appeal of his music.
Released on August 29 via Easy Star Records, *No Place Like Home* features 10 tracks, including collaborations with Romain Virgo, Yohan Marley, Perfect Giddimani, Melanie Fiona, and Kabaka Pyramid. Royal described the album as his most intentional project yet, inspired by the passing of his friend, Jo Mersa Marley. ‘The project started in a weird way after hearing about Jo Mersa’s passing, which led to the song *Blessing* featuring Yohan Marley. It’s a reminder of how precious life is,’ he explained. The album explores themes of love, hope, and resilience, with tracks like *Art of Love*, *Light of Mine*, and *Hope* aimed at uplifting listeners.
Royal’s debut album, *Lily of Da Valley* (2017), topped Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart, cementing his place in the genre. This year, he faces stiff competition in the Best Reggae Album category, with nominees including Lila Ike’s *Treasure Self Love*, Vybz Kartel’s *Heart & Soul*, Keznamdi’s *Blood & Fyah*, and Mortimer’s *From Within*. The 68th Grammy Awards will be held on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
-
Trinidad and Tobago artistes miss out on Grammy nominations
Despite a robust presence of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) artists in the preliminary considerations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, none secured a nomination. The Recording Academy announced the nominees on November 7, revealing that 18 TT artists were in the running across various categories, including Best Global Music Performance, Best Reggae Album, and Best Jazz Instrumental. Notable contenders included Kes the Band, Machel Montano, and Freetown Collective, who were considered for multiple awards. Kes the Band was in contention for Best Global Music Performance with their track ‘Cocoa Tea,’ while Machel Montano was considered in four categories, including Best Global Music Album for ‘One Degree Hotter.’ Freetown Collective’s ‘Beyond the Machine’ was also a contender in the Best Global Music Album category. Other prominent names included Yung Bredda, Anika Berry, and Etienne Charles, who were considered for their contributions to global music, jazz, and instrumental compositions. Historically, TT has seen Grammy success with artists like Heather Headley and Billy Ocean, but this year’s nominations did not include any local talent. The extensive list of considerations highlights the vibrant and diverse musical talent emerging from TT, even though it did not translate into nominations this time.
-
$137m for Carnival 2026
The vibrant streets of Port of Spain came alive on November 7 as Trinidad and Tobago officially launched Carnival 2026 at the Brian Lara Promenade. This year’s event, themed “Yuh Go Love This,” marked the beginning of a 100-day countdown to one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated cultural spectacles. The launch featured performances by renowned artists, including 2025 Chutney Soca Queen Reshma Ramlal, Preddy, and Aaron Duncan, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of steelpan and African drumming.
Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring adequate funding for the festivities. With an allocation of $137 million, up from $134.5 million in 2025, Benjamin assured that previous inefficiencies in fund distribution have been addressed. She highlighted the administration’s focus on empowering local artists and communities, ensuring that regional carnivals, often overlooked in favor of Port of Spain events, receive equitable financial support.
The decision to move the launch from the traditional Queen’s Park Savannah to the Brian Lara Promenade was praised for its cost-effectiveness and ability to bring the festival closer to the people. NCC Chairman Peter Kanhai noted that the new venue significantly reduced expenses while enhancing accessibility.
Looking ahead, both Kanhai and Benjamin expressed optimism for Carnival 2026, anticipating a strong international and diaspora presence. With accommodations and flights already fully booked, the government is implementing a system to track visitor numbers, using the data to inform future planning. Deputy NCC Chairman Kevan Gibbs also predicted a safer carnival season, citing a projected low murder rate.
In response to Jamaica’s ambition to become the Carnival capital of the Caribbean, Kanhai welcomed the competition, asserting that Trinidad and Tobago remains the pinnacle of Caribbean carnivals. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this status while supporting other nations in their efforts to elevate their own celebrations.
-
Carnival 2026 countdown begins
The vibrant spirit of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival 2026 was ignited with an electrifying launch event held at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain on November 7. Organized by the National Carnival Commission, the celebration marked the official countdown to the highly anticipated festivities, set to take place on February 16 and 17, 2026. The event showcased a dazzling array of traditional carnival characters and performances, offering a glimpse into the cultural richness of the ‘greatest show on earth.’ Among the highlights were the iconic blue devil, a whip master demonstrating his skills, and the rhythmic beats of the Exodus Steel Orchestra. Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin joined the festivities, playing a few notes with the steelpan band. Young Messiah Bailey, aged 5, stole the spotlight in his steelpan costume, while traditional Indian characters and playful clowns added to the festive atmosphere. The launch not only celebrated the upcoming carnival but also highlighted the cultural heritage and creativity that define this world-renowned event.
-
National team gives ‘sneak peek’ ahead of Taste of the Caribbean Competition
The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) recently organized a Meet and Greet event to update stakeholders on the Barbados National Culinary Team’s rigorous training regimen as they gear up to defend their title as Caribbean National Team of the Year at the upcoming Taste of the Caribbean Competition. Hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the event showcased the team’s culinary prowess through a sampling of innovative dishes and signature cocktails crafted by Junior Chef Dejuan Toppin, Senior Chef Rynaldo Joseph, Pastry Chef Rickeena Kirton, and Mixologist Alex Chandler. Guided by Team Manager Chef Javon Cummins, Culinary Coach Chef Willis Griffith, and Mixology Coach Rohan Hackshaw, the team demonstrated their commitment to excellence. Tessalee Moore, BHTA Special Projects Manager, highlighted the dual purpose of the event: to acknowledge the unwavering support of sponsors and partners and to allow the team to present their creations, which aim to solidify Barbados’ reputation as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. Notably, Team Barbados is the double defending champion, having secured the Caribbean National Culinary Team of the Year title in 2019 and 2024, with the competition hiatus from 2020 to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s competition holds special significance as it will be hosted in Barbados for the first time, taking place at the Wyndham Grand Barbados from November 16 to 18. Chef Cummins emphasized the added pressure of competing on home soil and the team’s dedication to perfecting their craft through intensive training. Since the early 1990s, the BHTA has managed the Barbados National Culinary Team, fostering the development of local culinary talent and promoting Barbados on the global stage. In 2024, the team also secured several individual accolades, including Junior Chef of the Year, Best Non-Alcoholic Drink, and the Hans Schenk Commemorative Award for the Most Innovative Indigenous Ingredients, alongside multiple gold and silver medals.
-
Colin James Calls WTM Stand Award a “Crowning Moment” for Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda has achieved a significant milestone in the global tourism industry, securing the prestigious Best Stand Design award at the 2025 World Travel Market (WTM) in London. Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, hailed the accolade as a “crowning moment” and a high-level endorsement of the nation’s tourism sector. The award highlights the islands’ commitment to sustainability and their natural allure, which were central themes of the winning exhibit. James expressed immense pride in the recognition, attributing the success to the dedicated UK team that brought the stand to life. The design, celebrated for its creativity and eco-conscious approach, effectively showcased the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of Antigua and Barbuda. This victory not only underscores the destination’s growing prominence but also sets a benchmark for sustainable tourism practices in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
-
COMMENTARY: Steinberg Henry PhD previews Ian Jackson’s book on Fitzroy Williams
Ian Jackson’s latest publication, *They Gather in Times of Need: In Memory of Fitzroy “Dyer” Williams*, pays homage to one of Dominica’s most revered musical legends. Compiled by Jackson, the book fulfills a personal request from Williams himself, who entrusted Jackson with documenting his life and legacy. Through meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Jackson captures the essence of Williams’ journey, from his early days to his global influence on music. The publication delves into Williams’ contributions to Cadence and French Creole music, his collaborations with international artists like Jimmy Cliff and Sparrow, and his role in shaping Dominica’s musical identity. Jackson also highlights Williams’ iconic 1987 hit *Fraiche*, a song that embodies nostalgia and a deep connection to nature. The book is enriched with photographs, personal anecdotes, and French translations by Jermainia Didier, making it a cultural treasure. Jackson’s work not only celebrates Williams’ life but also ensures his legacy endures, offering readers a profound insight into the man behind the music. The publication concludes with a moving account of Williams’ funeral and vigil, attended by Dominica’s finest musicians and cultural figures, cementing his place in history as a musical pioneer.