Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Leon Hess Comprehensive wins inaugural schools panorama competition

    Leon Hess Comprehensive wins inaugural schools panorama competition

    On June 6, 2026, Saint Lucia wrote a new chapter in its cultural music history, as Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School claimed the title of the first-ever National Schools Panorama Competition. Held at Castries’ iconic Mindoo Phillip Park, the competition was a centerpiece event of the island’s annual Junior Lucian Carnival, bringing together the most promising young steel pan players from across the nation for a celebration of local cultural heritage.

    Seven competing bands, drawn from a collective of 10 different schools across Saint Lucia, gathered to compete for the historic inaugural title. Conceived as a long-term investment in the island’s beloved steel pan tradition, the competition was created to nurture new generational interest in the art form, ensuring this core pillar of Saint Lucian culture continues to thrive for decades to come.

    For the winning team from Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary, the path to victory was not without its hurdles. Jonathan Howell, a key core member of the school’s competing band, opened up about the group’s months-long journey to the top spot.

    “It felt absolutely amazing; I had utmost faith in my teammates from the very start,” Howell shared in remarks after the win. “I always knew we had what it took to pull this off.”
    Howell explained that the group faced unique challenges throughout their preparation process, most notably the fact that a number of band members were participating in a large-scale steel pan competition for the first time. “It was difficult, because some players were new; it was their first time actually preparing for something like this,” he said.

    Rather than letting these setbacks slow them down, the team leaned on collective commitment and mutual support to work through every obstacle. “Although it was difficult, we pulled through, and we got the win,” Howell stated. Already looking ahead to future competitions, the young musician made clear the team’s ambition has not waned: “For the road ahead, [the aim] is to get first place again.”

    Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School claimed second place, delivering a standout performance that earned widespread acclaim from judges and audience members alike. Corinth Secondary School took home third place, while the fourth spot went to a collaborative combined band representing Canaries Primary School and Soufrière Secondary School.

    Rounding out the field of competitors were bands from Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, Laborie Boys and Girls Primary School, and a combined group from Dennery Primary and Secondary Schools. Every participating band brought energy, creativity, and disciplined musicianship to the stage, turning the event into a vibrant showcase of the incredible depth of young musical talent spread across Saint Lucia. The inaugural competition’s success has laid a strong foundation for what organizers hope will become a beloved annual tradition, cementing the role of youth in carrying forward the island’s iconic steel pan culture.

  • Een verdiende herwaardering van Ramsewak Shankar

    Een verdiende herwaardering van Ramsewak Shankar

    A recently published biography of Ramsewak Shankar, Suriname’s former president, has emerged as a landmark contribution to the documentation of Suriname’s modern national history, written by historian Eric Jagdew. Titled *Ramsewak Shankar: een technocraat als minister, manager en president in Suriname* (Ramsewak Shankar: A Technocrat as Minister, Manager and President in Suriname) and carrying the International Standard Book Number 978-99914-2-032-5, the work does far more than chronicle the public and private life of one of Suriname’s most underrecognized leaders. It also contextualizes Shankar’s policy decisions and leadership within the tangled political and social upheaval that defined 1980s and early 1990s Suriname.

    Reviewer Asha Remesan notes that Jagdew has crafted a nuanced, balanced portrait of a leader widely remembered for his unwavering integrity, humble demeanor, and deep sense of public duty. What makes this biography particularly vital, Remesan argues, is its focus on a historical period and a head of state that have long received insufficient acknowledgment in official and popular Surinamese national history. Shankar assumed office at an exceptionally fragile moment for Suriname’s young democracy, stepping in to steer a nation still recovering from years of crippling political instability. Unlike many leaders motivated by personal ambition or the pursuit of public fame, Shankar’s tenure was rooted in a profound sense of accountability to the Surinamese people and the future of his country.

    Jagdew avoids the common biographical pitfall of framing his subject as an infallible icon. Instead, he presents Shankar as a fallible, ordinary person forced to make high-stakes choices under extraordinarily difficult circumstances – a choice that only adds to the book’s credibility, according to the review. Drawing on years of extensive original research, the text offers readers rare, valuable insight into the root causes and context of many defining events in modern Surinamese history.

    Perhaps the biography’s greatest strength, Remesan observes, is its depiction of Shankar’s enduring humility despite holding the nation’s highest office. In an era where political leaders are often judged on their public image and self-promotion, Shankar’s life story serves as a timely reminder that solid governance, integrity, and selfless public service remain irreplaceable leadership qualities.

    This publication deserves a wide readership, Remesan concludes. It stands both as a fitting tribute to Ramsewak Shankar’s legacy and a testament to Eric Jagdew’s meticulous work to preserve a critical, long-overlooked chapter of Suriname’s national history. Ultimately, it is a valuable and much-needed volume that advances a more balanced, fair assessment of both Shankar the man and his enduring impact on Suriname.

  • Three choirs unite for charity concert at St  Mary’s Anglican Church

    Three choirs unite for charity concert at St  Mary’s Anglican Church

    Barbados’ vibrant choral scene is set to deliver a one-of-a-kind collaborative performance this June, as three of the island’s most respected vocal ensembles team up for a special fundraising concert that blends world-class musical talent with community-focused good works. Scheduled for Sunday, June 7 at 6 p.m. at St Mary’s Anglican Church in the capital city of Bridgetown, the event, branded *We Have a Gospel to Proclaim*, will bring together the St Mary’s Augmented Choir, The Clarion Singers, and The Myriad Singers of Barbados for a night of moving, inspirational music, capped off by a joint performance from a combined mass choir made up of singers from all three groups.

    Each ensemble brings its own artistic direction to the collaborative project: Akhanni Drakes leads the St Mary’s Augmented Choir, Derek Marshall helms The Clarion Singers, and John Bryan directs The Myriad Singers of Barbados. Beyond the featured vocal performances, attendees will also enjoy live instrumental accompaniment from a roster of accomplished local musical groups, including the 441 Clarinet Ensemble, the Barbados String Quartet, and trumpeters from the esteemed Barbados Defence Force Band.

    All proceeds generated from the concert will go directly to two high-impact community causes: the Barbados Cancer Society, which supports residents impacted by the disease, and the St. Mary’s Church Roof Restoration Project, which preserves the historic Bridgetown place of worship. The concept for the cross-ensemble concert grew out of a years-long shared goal among the three choir directors, who have long hoped to combine their talents to deliver both exceptional music and tangible public benefit.

    “We have wanted to bring our choirs together for some time, and we felt this was the right moment to make it happen,” explained Derek Marshall, director of The Clarion Singers. “Beyond presenting excellent choral music, we wanted the concert to serve a greater purpose. By supporting both the Barbados Cancer Society and the restoration of St Mary’s Church, we hope to demonstrate how music can unite people around causes that matter. We also see this festival as the beginning of many future collaborations involving even more musicians and charitable initiatives.”

    Attendees can look forward to a curated program of sacred and uplifting vocal music, featuring individual sets from each participating choir before the evening builds to the grand mass choir performance that showcases the emotional power and harmonic beauty of hundreds of collective voices. Event organizers have expressed hope that this concert will lay the groundwork for a lasting new tradition of cross-ensemble collaboration across Barbados’ music community, creating ongoing opportunities to support local nonprofits and community improvement projects.

    Tickets for the event are priced at $50 BBD and can be purchased directly from any member of the three participating choirs. Organizers have urged music lovers and community supporters to secure their tickets early, noting that this event marks just the first in a planned series of collaborative musical and charitable ventures across the island’s arts sector.

  • Hannah Collings-Myers is Miss Universe Jamaica Kingston & St Andrew

    Hannah Collings-Myers is Miss Universe Jamaica Kingston & St Andrew

    In a historic ceremony held Saturday night at Kingston’s Douglas Orane Auditorium on the Wolmer’s Boys’ High School campus, 20-year-old University of the West Indies student Hannah Collings-Myers made history as the first titleholder of Miss Universe Jamaica Kingston & St Andrew.

    Twenty-one aspiring beauty queens took the stage to compete for the inaugural crown, with Collings-Myers ultimately claiming the top spot. Following her win, the new titleholder secured an automatic berth in the national Miss Universe Jamaica finals, a major beauty and wellness competition slated to take place this August. She will be joined at the national event by her fellow top three competitors: second-runner up Tiyana Mowatt, a practicing medical doctor, and third-place finisher Shaniece Douglas, who also earned automatic advancement out of the regional preliminary.

    Though Collings-Myers was born in the central Jamaican town of Mandeville, she later moved to the popular coastal tourist hub of Montego Bay. She is an alumna of Kingston’s renowned Immaculate Conception High School, bringing a deep connection to multiple regions of the country to her new title.

    Shortly after accepting her sash and crown, Collings-Myers shared her excitement with local outlet Observer Online, expressing gratitude for the experience of competing alongside her fellow contestants. “I’m excited to take on the journey that’s ahead of me. I enjoyed working with all these girls and I’m sorry to see it come to an end,” she said.

    Jermane Blair, franchise manager for the Miss Universe Jamaica Kingston & St Andrew competition, was the one who first encouraged Collings-Myers to enter the pageant circuit two years ago, when the regional preliminary operated under its former name, Miss Universe Jamaica East. Blair opened up about the months of coordination and preparation that went into pulling off Saturday’s historic event, emphasizing that the core mission of the competition extends far beyond the stage.

    “A lot of work went into this production. We were trying to ensure that the young ladies that entered the competition, would have been amazing. We also wanted to ensure that our patrons were appreciative of the show, and how we put it together. Without the team, this would not have been possible,” Blair said.

    Blair called the evening’s crowning moment the undisputed highlight of the event, adding that he entered the competition with no set expectations for the outcome, thanks to the rigorous preparation all contestants received ahead of the preliminary. “For the first time, I had no expectations. Our ladies have been so well developed and prepared for tonight, so that they could show up and make me proud,” he shared.

  • Charly Black: ‘That time is now!’

    Charly Black: ‘That time is now!’

    Fifteen years after his last live appearance on British stages, celebrated Jamaican dancehall artist Charly Black is gearing up for what he calls one of the most pivotal performances of his decades-long career. Fresh off the reinstatement of his UK travel visa, the hitmaker behind the global fan favorite *Party Animal* is scheduled to take the stage at August’s Reggaeland Festival, marking his first in-person performance in the country since 2009.

    For Black, the confirmation of his visa approval brought unfiltered, long-awaited joy. “I was over the moon when my manager broke the news,” he shared in a recent interview, recalling the moment he received the update while touring in Germany. “I threw my hands up in the air and gave thanks right there on the spot.”

    Over the 15 years he was barred from entering the UK, the travel restriction presented undeniable professional hurdles, but Black says he never let the setback dim his creative drive or enthusiasm. What kept him grounded and optimistic throughout the period, he notes, was the unwavering loyalty of his British fanbase, who continued to stream his tracks, share his work, and embrace his music even when he could not visit to perform live.

    “It meant the world that my music could still reach audiences there even when I couldn’t be there in person,” he explained. “I never saw this as a permanent bad break – it was just a matter of waiting for the right time. Knowing people were still streaming my tracks and loving my work when I was gone was such an incredible feeling. It told me they cared about the music and were waiting to see me, and that time is finally here.”

    While Black maintained his optimistic outlook through the years, he acknowledges that the absence of in-person performances did limit his ability to deepen his bond with UK fans and grow his brand in one of his most consistently strong markets. “There’s no comparison to performing for an audience in person – it’s a thousand times more impactful,” he said. “Live performances are far more engaging; fans get to interact with you directly, and that connection makes them leave the show even more invested in your music. Things might have progressed further if I’d been able to perform there all these years, but the situation wasn’t a total loss.”

    Now, with the visa issue firmly in the rearview, Black is turning his full attention to what comes next, with no interest in revisiting the frustration of the past 15 years. “We’re not looking back – that chapter is closed for good, and it’ll never be repeated,” he stated. “My fans kept me going through that whole period, and I’m endlessly grateful for their support.”

    This quiet resilience has been a cornerstone of Black’s career from the start. Even without the consistent backing of major record labels for much of his journey, he has steadily released new music and cultivated a devout global following that refers to themselves as Team Unstoppable. “Perseverance is everything to me, because I’m an artist that never stops pushing,” he said. “Even when I didn’t have the backing of big labels, I kept putting out new music, and people have showed up for me every step of the way.”

    His upcoming set at Reggaeland is far more than just another festival booking for the dancehall star. It is the payoff for 15 years of patience, persistence, and unshakable faith that he would one day get the chance to perform for his UK fans again. “This is such an important performance – it might just be the most meaningful one of my entire career, because of how long we’ve waited for it,” Black said. “I’ve heard about Reggaeland for years, and I’ve always dreamed of performing in England.”

    Black added that the UK has long stood out as one of the top-performing markets for his music globally, which makes his long-awaited return even more special. “Every time I release a new track, the UK is always one of the countries where it gets the most love,” he said. “British fans have always supported me so much, so I’m going to give this performance everything I have.”

    If Black’s confident prediction holds, fans in attendance are in for an unforgettable, high-energy reunion. “It’s going to be absolutely insane,” he said with a grin. “I know the crowd’s energy is going to be incredible.”

    After years of waiting on both sides, the artist and his loyal British audience are finally set to share the same stage again – a moment that promises to be every bit as emotional as it is explosive.

  • SO2 Bubbly Summer @ Round Hill

    SO2 Bubbly Summer @ Round Hill

    This summer, two iconic luxury brands have joined forces to craft an unparalleled immersive experience for discerning travelers in Jamaica, marking the first exclusive year-long premium partnership between legendary Champagne house Moët & Chandon and the iconic Round Hill Hotel and Villas. The groundbreaking collaboration was officially introduced to a curated guest list on Thursday, June 4, during an intimate, invitation-only launch event hosted by Select Brands, Moët & Chandon’s local Jamaican distributor, alongside senior leadership from both partnering brands.

  • Jahfrican returns to his roots with soulful new EP ‘Coming Back Home’

    Jahfrican returns to his roots with soulful new EP ‘Coming Back Home’

    Adrian Locke, known professionally as reggae artist Jahfrican, is opening an exciting new chapter in his decades-long music career with the launch of his deeply personal new extended play, Coming Back Home. More than just a compilation of tracks, this thoughtful project stands as a public declaration of creative rebirth, weaving together classic reggae rhythms, Afro-fusion sonic textures, and intimate personal narrative that reflects on his decades-long journey through the global music industry.

  • Buffy and Ted Lasso Star Anthony Head Dies Aged 72

    Buffy and Ted Lasso Star Anthony Head Dies Aged 72

    Acclaimed British actor Anthony Head, whose decades-long career spanned iconic television, film, stage and commercial roles that made him a fan favorite across the globe, has died at 72. The actor passed away peacefully from complications of pneumonia, surrounded by his two daughters Emily and Daisy Head, the pair confirmed in an official public statement shared Wednesday.

    “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father,” the statement read. “It has been, and forever will be, an honour and a privilege to be his daughters, and to have witnessed firsthand the impact both he and his work have had on so many. We know how dearly he will be missed by friends, colleagues and fans of every project he was part of. He loved his job very much, and always considered himself incredibly lucky to get to do what he loved. We feel the same luck, having gotten to watch him build a legacy that will live on long after him.”

    Head’s breakout international role arrived in 1997, when he was cast as the wise, dry-witted librarian Rupert Giles in the hit supernatural coming-of-age series *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* — a role that would cement his status as a pop culture staple for generations. Fellow cast members from the series were among the first to share heartfelt tributes after news of his death broke.

    Sarah Michelle Gellar, who led the series as the eponymous vampire slayer Buffy Summers, wrote a moving tribute echoing the series’ iconic storytelling. “‘Tell Giles I figured it out and I’m ok’. Well, I don’t have it figured out and I’m not ok. But I know I’m the lucky one because I knew you. Thank you to Daisy and Emily who not only shared their dad with me, but with the world.”

    Co-stars echoed Gellar’s warmth: David Boreanaz, who played the vampire Angel on the series, called Head “so kind and generous of a soul” in his RIP message. James Marsters, who portrayed fan-favorite villain Spike, remembered Head as “an unflaggingly kind and steady presence on the set of *Buffy*, and the best actor in the cast… I was lucky to have known, and learned from him.”

    Born in Camden, London in 1954, Head was born into entertainment: his mother Helen Shingler was a noted BBC actress, and his father Seafield Head worked as a documentary filmmaker. He trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), and first rose to mainstream fame in the UK in the 1980s as one half of Nescafé Gold Blend’s iconic “Gold Blend couple” opposite Sharon Maughan. The serialized coffee adverts, which followed a slow-burning will-they-won’t-they romance between Head and Maughan’s characters, ran from 1987 to 1993 and became a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers for each new installment. Maughan told the BBC Wednesday she was “broken-hearted” at the loss of her friend and co-star. “Tony and I were just two actors who got this job, and we had a really lovely friendship. I loved working with him. I thought he was a lovely man,” she said.

    Following his *Buffy* run, Head went on to build a prolific resume across British and American television and film. He had a fan-favorite recurring role as the British Prime Minister in the hit sketch comedy *Little Britain*. Creators Matt Lucas remembered that when the team was casting, they “were looking for a ‘Tony Head-type’, because we never imagined for a moment that the man himself would be interested, but he was. Lucky us. He was unfailingly brilliant, and always so kind and warm.”

    Head would later go on to portray King Uther Pendragon, the ruthless ruler of Camelot, in the BBC’s popular fantasy series *Merlin*, and took on the recurring role of Rupert Mannion, the scheming ex-husband of Rebecca Welton, in the globally beloved hit *Ted Lasso* from 2020 onward. Brett Goldstein, who plays Roy Kent on the series and serves as a writer, remembered: “Anthony Head was a brilliant actor who played the worst person in the world, which was an incredible skill because he was the best person.”

    His dozens of other credits included roles in *The Iron Lady*, *The Inbetweeners*, *Persuasion*, *Manchild*, *Motherland*, *Silent Witness*, and a 2006 guest appearance as Mr. Finch in *Doctor Who*’s fan-favorite episode “School Reunion.” The official *Doctor Who* X account remembered Head for his work both on the series and on its companion documentary series *Doctor Who Confidential*, as well as voicing the villain Baltazar in the animated special *The Infinite Quest*. “He was charming and erudite and funny and open and friendly and so damn talented. He brought joy and warmth and sparkle and wonder to every room he entered,” the statement read. Most recently, Head appeared in a 2022 episode of the hit Netflix period drama *Bridgerton*, and had a long-running role as Robin Fairbrother on BBC Radio 4’s iconic long-running drama *The Archers* starting in 2018. Beyond screen, Head sustained a busy stage career, appearing in multiple productions of *The Rocky Horror Show*, as well as hit musicals *Godspell* and *Chess*.

    Head is survived by his two actor daughters: Emily, best known for her role as Carli D’Amato in *The Inbetweeners*, and Daisy, whose credits include *Harlots* and *Shadow and Bone*, as well as his brother, actor Murray Head. He was preceded in death by his long-term partner, animal welfare campaigner Sarah Fisher, who died in December 2023 at 61.

  • St. Kitts and Nevis: Your Ultimate Getaway Place for Peace – Georgia Online

    St. Kitts and Nevis: Your Ultimate Getaway Place for Peace – Georgia Online

    For modern travelers burnt out by the relentless pace of daily life and overcrowded, commercialized tourist hotspots, a new generation of travel seekers is prioritizing peace and authenticity over crowded attractions and flashy itineraries. Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea in the Eastern Caribbean, the twin-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis has emerged as the ideal destination for this growing group of discerning travelers, carving out a reputation as an unspoiled sanctuary that delivers both quiet relaxation and memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences.

    Unlike many popular Caribbean destinations that have become overrun by mass tourism, St. Kitts and Nevis retains a secluded, intimate atmosphere that still remains surprisingly accessible to global visitors. The primary gateway for international travelers is Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on St. Kitts, which hosts both direct and connecting flights from major urban centers across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For travelers coming from other parts of the Caribbean, convenient connecting routes through regional hubs make the final journey to the islands smooth and straightforward.

    High-end travelers arriving via private jet or luxury yacht are also fully catered to, with modern infrastructure and premium custom services designed exclusively for private travel. The islands’ well-appointed marinas and dramatic, scenic coastline have made them a favorite stop for private vessels cruising through the Caribbean, offering a safe, welcoming port of call with world-class amenities.

    Once visitors have set foot on the islands, traveling between St. Kitts and Nevis is quick, convenient, and even adds to the overall experience. Regular public ferry services and private water taxis run frequent short trips between the two islands, letting travelers explore the unique culture, landscapes, and attractions of both destinations during a single vacation without hassle or delay.

    The appeal of St. Kitts and Nevis stretches far beyond its convenient access and luxury amenities. Outdoor enthusiasts can meander along powdery, untouched beaches, hike the trails of St. Kitts’ dormant volcano to take in sweeping panoramic views that are home to a wealth of unique native wildlife, or dive into crystal-clear Caribbean waters for snorkeling and scuba diving adventures. Those seeking relaxation can unwind at high-end beachfront resorts, recharge at secluded wellness retreats, or tee off at well-maintained championship golf courses set against stunning backdrops of tropical greenery and ocean views.

    What truly sets this twin-island nation apart from other Caribbean getaways is its intentional commitment to avoiding mass tourism in favor of authentic, intimate experiences. Unlike crowded commercial destinations, St. Kitts and Nevis remains uncrowded, giving every visitor the rare feeling of discovering a hidden paradise rather than navigating a busy tourist circuit. The islands prioritize cultural and environmental preservation over overdevelopment, welcoming visitors as guests rather than customers, and leaning into the slow, peaceful rhythm of Caribbean island life.

    This philosophy makes St. Kitts and Nevis particularly attractive to a wide range of travelers: luxury seekers craving exclusive privacy, couples planning romantic honeymoons, wellness visitors looking to disconnect from digital and daily stress, and anyone craving time away from the pressures of modern life. Here, travelers can shift into a slower pace, reconnecting with what matters most: unrushed time, quiet peace, and genuine, unscripted moments. Whether it’s a private stargazing dinner with custom local cuisine, a private yacht cruise along the coastline, or a quiet afternoon spent walking an empty beach, every experience feels personal and meaningful rather than packaged for mass consumption.

    With a consistently pleasant tropical climate year-round, vast stretches of untouched natural landscape, and a dedication to authentic, low-impact travel, St. Kitts and Nevis has solidified its standing as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations. For travelers who understand that true luxury is not found in flashy amenities, but in having the time and space to slow down and savor life’s quietest, most beautiful moments, St. Kitts and Nevis is more than just a vacation spot—it is a place to reset, reconnect, and experience peace not as a temporary escape, but as a way of life.

  • Global sounds, Lucian roots: Ricky T and Beenie Man ignite the season with ‘Bend It’

    Global sounds, Lucian roots: Ricky T and Beenie Man ignite the season with ‘Bend It’

    One of Saint Lucia’s most decorated soca legends, Ricky T, has officially ignited the 2026 Lucian Carnival season with a high-profile cross-regional collaboration that is already taking Caribbean music circles by storm. The nine-time Power Soca Monarch and nine-time Road March champion has teamed up with iconic Jamaican dancehall star Beenie Man for the new single *Bend It*, the lead track off the highly anticipated Stratosphere Muzic Wining Plan riddim. Just weeks after its initial release, the track is already gaining widespread traction across regional and international music platforms.

    While the pairing of a top Saint Lucian soca artist and a global dancehall pioneer may have caught some fans off guard, the partnership is far from a last-minute novelty. It grew organically out of a long-standing professional relationship between Beenie Man and Ricky T’s longtime label, Trinidad-based Stratosphere Muzic. Looking back on the collaborative process, Ricky T noted that the pairing was years in the making, aligning with his long-held belief that creative opportunities unfold at the right time. After the artist and his manager Curty laid down the original track, they immediately recognized it had the perfect foundation to welcome the self-proclaimed King of the Dancehall, inviting him to add his one-of-a-kind vocal style to the production.

    The collab achieves two key goals: it launches the 2026 Lucian Carnival season with explosive, unmissable energy and carves out a permanent historic milestone in Saint Lucia’s growing music archives. Ricky T explained that his team had already locked in a clear creative direction for *Bend It* before Beenie Man joined the project, which let the dancehall icon seamlessly weave his signature swagger into the mix without disrupting the track’s core identity.

    “It never felt forced or like anybody was trying to change the sound completely. It felt more like two Caribbean sounds meeting in one space and creating something authentic,” Ricky T shared in a statement on the collaboration. “Beenie Man respected the Lucian Soca style, while still bringing his dancehall presence people know him for.”

    It is not just the star power that sets this release apart. The entire Wining Plan riddim was intentionally crafted to serve as a sonic bridge between regional Caribbean traditions and global mainstream audiences. The production balances a modern, international sound with deeply rooted Caribbean musical heritage, creating a track that feels both familiar to local Carnival-goers and accessible to listeners across the world.

    For Ricky T, *Bend It* stands out from his other work because of its one-of-a-kind energy from the very first recording session. “It has that raw Carnival feeling, but also a crossover that can work anywhere in the world,” he said. “The collaboration itself equals growth for Saint Lucian music and where we’re heading creatively.”

    The track also marks a key evolution in Ricky T’s decades-long career, showcasing his artistic versatility while retaining the distinct Lucian soca sound that has earned him legions of loyal fans across the globe. The artist has long prioritized creative growth without abandoning his cultural roots, and this new single delivers on that vision. “I’m always trying to evolve without losing the Lucian identity in the music,” he explained. “This song allows me to step into a bigger international space while still sounding authentic to who Ricky T is.”

    With the official start of the 2026 Lucian Carnival season scheduled for July 1, Ricky T hints that this year’s celebrations will be extra special, with a string of unannounced surprises planned for attendees. The artist says his preparation for this season has gone far beyond what he has done in years past, and his goals extend beyond delivering a standout on-stage performance. He is focused on creating lasting, immersive memories that will stick with Carnival-goers long after the final parade truck leaves the route.

    “This season is about elevation and showing different sides of Ricky T while still delivering the energy the fans love,” he said.

    A widely celebrated global cultural ambassador for Saint Lucia, Ricky T was previously awarded the country’s Gold Medal of Merit in recognition of his decades of transformative contributions to the island’s music industry and cultural sector. He is optimistic that Caribbean music as a whole is entering an unprecedented new era of global recognition, and his core mission remains unchanged: to lift Saint Lucia’s profile on the world stage while creating pathways for emerging local talent to build their own careers.

    “I want Ricky T to be recognised globally while staying rooted in where I come from,” he added.