The highly anticipated Miss Wob Dwiyet 2025 competition is set to take place tonight at the Massacre Indoor Sporting Facility in Dominica. Seven talented young women from diverse communities across the island will vie for the prestigious title, showcasing their elegance, poise, and cultural pride. The contestants include Niah Massicot from Paix Bouche, Daidra Smith from Sibouli Massacre, Ashantè Paul from Jimmit, Kinajè Felix from Giraudel/Eggleston, Myanka Elizee from Grand Bay, Debbie Daway from Newtown, and Zebadijah Maxwell from Tarreau. The event, starting at 8:00 PM, promises to be a vibrant celebration of Dominican heritage and beauty. Tickets are available for $70 for regular seating and $60 for bleachers, with sales at Bullseye Pharmacy and the Old Mill Cultural Centre. The reigning Miss Wob Dwiyet, Heidi Ellick of Grand Bay, will pass on her crown to the new winner, marking a night of unforgettable moments and cultural significance.
分类: entertainment
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(OP-ED) HOME SOIL HEROES: Ophelia’s Pan-African anthem steals the show at WCMF 2025
The 2025 World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) culminated in a breathtaking finale this past Sunday, with Dominica’s own Ophelia delivering a performance that will be etched in the annals of music history. Amidst a dazzling array of international acts, it was the homegrown talent that truly captivated the audience, with Ophelia and her band delivering what many are calling the most culturally resonant and artistically profound performance of the event. The festival, held on the Nature Isle, showcased the rich tapestry of Creole music, but it was Ophelia’s Saturday night set that transformed the venue into a crucible of cultural and political expression. Dressed in a striking pink African ensemble crafted in Senegal, Ophelia premiered a stirring reggae anthem dedicated to Burkina Faso’s leader, Ibrahim Traoré. This new composition bridged the Caribbean and Africa, celebrating shared histories of resilience and unity. Backed by Dominica’s finest musicians, Ophelia seamlessly integrated this powerful piece into her repertoire, creating a performance that was as much a political statement as a musical triumph. The audience, both in attendance and online, responded with overwhelming emotion. Social media platforms were inundated with accolades, with fans praising her as a ‘Goddess from heaven’ and hailing her performance as the best they had ever witnessed. Ophelia’s set was a masterclass in artistry, blending her classic hits with the bold, unifying message of her new work. Her band’s intricate and powerful accompaniment highlighted the depth of talent nurtured on the island. While other acts provided entertainment, Ophelia offered a moment of collective identity and global connection. The 2025 WCMF will be remembered as a testament to Dominica’s unparalleled contribution to Creole music, with its artists ready to speak to the world.
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Franse ambassade sluit LGBTIQ+ Filmfestival af met prijswinnende film
The French Embassy in Suriname is set to conclude the Suriname International LGBTIQ+ Festival on Thursday with a screening of the acclaimed French film ‘Arrête avec tes mensonges’ (Lie with Me). This annual festival, held throughout October’s Pride Month, features a different embassy presenting an LGBTIQ+-themed film each week. Previous participants include the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, and Canada.
Directed by Olivier Peyon, the film tells the story of a renowned writer who returns to his hometown and is confronted with a hidden childhood romance that profoundly shaped his life. It is a poignant exploration of love, identity, silence, and liberation. The screening is suitable for audiences aged 17 and above.
Practical Details:
• Location: TBL Cinemas, Paramaribo
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Admission: Free
• Language: French with English subtitlesThrough this event, the French Embassy reaffirms its commitment to cultural diversity, dialogue, and inclusion. Following the screening, the embassy will host an informal gathering for attendees.
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MIREX honors Juan Luis Guerra as “Musical and Poetic Heritage of the Dominican Republic”
In a grand celebration of artistic excellence, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) bestowed the title of ‘Musical and Poetic Heritage of the Dominican Republic’ upon the iconic musician and composer Juan Luis Guerra. The event, graced by the presence of First Lady Raquel Arbaje and Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, delved into Guerra’s illustrious four-decade career, which has profoundly shaped and elevated Dominican music globally through his innovative contributions to merengue and bachata. Minister Álvarez emphasized that Guerra’s genius transcends his numerous accolades, highlighting his unique ability to encapsulate the Dominican spirit—its humor, faith, and aspirations for justice—in his evocative lyrics. A distinguished panel, moderated by Jochy Herrera and featuring intellectuals Pedro Delgado Malagón, Soledad Álvarez, and César Muñoz, reflected on Guerra’s far-reaching influence, underscoring how his music has resonated with audiences worldwide while showcasing Dominican culture. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Guerra expressed deep gratitude for the honor, dedicating his artistic achievements to his faith and homeland. The ceremony also marked National Merengue Day and National Bachata Day, reaffirming these genres as vital instruments of cultural diplomacy. Attended by government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and media representatives, the event celebrated the enduring legacy of Juan Luis Guerra, a true ambassador of Dominican artistry.
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Gordon Henderson: Retire daybreak custom, and outsiders headlining WCMF
Gordon Henderson, a renowned figure in Cadence music, has ignited a spirited discussion about the future direction of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF). During a media interview following his performance on October 25, Henderson questioned the sustainability of the festival’s traditional “sunset to sunrise” format, suggesting it may be time for a reevaluation. He emphasized the need for diversity in the event’s programming, arguing that the current structure limits opportunities for local nightlife businesses and may not align with tourism promotion goals. Henderson also advocated for a stronger focus on French-lexicon Creole music, proposing that other genres be featured as special guests rather than headliners. He drew parallels between the enduring legacy of Rockabilly music and the potential longevity of Cadence-Lypso, expressing confidence in its continued relevance. The WCMF, established in 1997, is a cornerstone of Caribbean culture, celebrating Creole music genres such as zouk, bouyon, kompa, and reggae while fostering regional unity and artistic innovation.
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WCMF 2025: Video snippets of Night One performances
The anticipation for the upcoming music festival has reached new heights with the announcement of a star-studded lineup featuring a diverse array of artists. Among the headliners are Gilles Fontaine, known for his soulful melodies, and the legendary reggae band Steel Pulse, whose socially conscious lyrics have resonated with audiences worldwide. The festival will also showcase the energetic performances of Burning Flames, the smooth vocals of Romain Virgo, and the dynamic beats of Masicka. Adding to the eclectic mix are Nu Look, Halibut, White Ferry, Chubby and The Midnight Groovers, and TK International, each bringing their unique styles to the stage. This event promises to be a celebration of music across genres, offering something for every music enthusiast. Fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to experience this unparalleled musical journey.
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Pan and Powder in Tobago
The streets of Scarborough came alive on October 25 as the annual Pan and Powder event marked a highlight of the Tobago carnival festivities. The celebration featured electrifying performances by renowned steel orchestras, including Hope Pan Groovers, Plymouth Bethesda Steel Sensations, T&TEC New East Side Dimension, Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra, RBC Redemption Sound Setters, Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra, Steel Xplosion Steel Orchestra, NLCB Buccooneers Steel Orchestra, and bp Renegades Steel Orchestra. Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore joined the festivities, showcasing her enthusiasm for the vibrant cultural tradition. Newsday photographer Alva Viarruel captured the essence of the event, documenting the energy and joy of pan enthusiasts as they followed the orchestras along Calypso Rose Blvd. The event not only celebrated Tobago’s rich musical heritage but also brought together locals and visitors in a spirited display of unity and creativity.
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Calypso History Month: Telling our stories through calypso
In the midst of global challenges, the timeless art of calypso remains a unifying force, celebrated during Calypso History Month in October 2025. This year’s theme, ‘Calypso Unleashed: Boundless Harmonies,’ highlights the genre’s unique ability to educate, entertain, and unite. Declared in 2002, Calypso History Month honors the rich legacy of calypso, a musical tradition deeply rooted in Trinidad and Tobago’s culture. The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organization (TUCO) has played a pivotal role in preserving this art form, which traces its origins to the 1950s with legendary artists like Atilla the Hun, Lord Kitchener, and The Mighty Sparrow. Calypso, often described as ‘the voice of the people,’ has documented pivotal moments in the nation’s history, from political movements to social issues. Its educational value is unparalleled, with calypsonians like David Rudder and Brother Resistance using their lyrics to critique society and inspire change. Over the decades, calypso has addressed themes such as Caribbean unity, taxation, and global events, making it a powerful medium for storytelling. As the world grapples with modern challenges, calypso continues to resonate, offering a unique lens through which to view history and culture. With its enduring relevance, there is a growing call to integrate calypso into educational curricula, ensuring its legacy thrives for generations to come.


