Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • GenXS launches fourth carnival season with ‘INFINITI’ theme

    GenXS launches fourth carnival season with ‘INFINITI’ theme

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — GenXS Carnival has unveiled its ambitious fourth season, branded “INFINITI,” marking a strategic pivot toward cultural expression and national economic recovery in preparation for Carnival 2026. The announcement highlights the event’s dual role as both a cultural spectacle and an economic catalyst for communities still recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

    Band Leader and Director Mala Morrison emphasized that this season’s objectives extend beyond traditional revelry. “Carnival generates crucial income for vendors, creatives, hospitality workers, and transport providers,” Morrison stated. “Last season, the sector stimulated over US$8 million in direct spending. Our 2026 strategy enhances safety protocols, service quality, and entertainment value to amplify this economic impact.”

    The carnival infrastructure features multiple sections curated by Shawn Dhanraj, David Dewer, Douglas John, Rhion Romany, and Kriston Milano, alongside a dedicated Limitless T-shirt section managed by Monét Flowers and Tobi-Gail Smith-Henry. Core events include Immortals J’Ouvert, the GenXS Road March, and Ocean X, with additional partner events to be announced. The organization will facilitate post-purchase donations to Jamaica Relief through the MasOS platform.

    Kino Johnson, Director of GenXS, described the operation as “both a road product and an events ecosystem.” Johnson revealed plans for new collaborative events on the official Carnival calendar, designed to elevate the participant experience and extend the celebration’s duration. “These partnerships create value for patrons and sponsors while stimulating broader commercial activity across Jamaica,” he added.

    The GenXS brand demonstrates expanding regional influence, with sister band GenX Miami securing third place in Miami’s Band of the Year Showcase and the Trinidad 2026 Tribe section already oversubscribed. Sponsorship returns from Smirnoff (under Red Stripe Group), alongside partners KFC and Wisynco, with additional support from Massy Group.

    The GenXS Band House at Sovereign Centre opens for the Christmas season, operating through early February 2026. Registration and section details are available at www.genxsjamaica.com and through @genxscarnival social media channels.

  • Coryn, Williams take home Junior Calypso crowns

    Coryn, Williams take home Junior Calypso crowns

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — The 2025/2026 Republic Bank Junior Calypso Monarch competition has concluded with remarkable success, generating renewed confidence in the art form’s capacity to cultivate young musical talent. The Sunday evening event (December 14) at Marriott Plaza featured fourteen aspiring calypsonians from primary and secondary schools, culminating in victories for Coryn Clarke and Edward Williams in their respective divisions.

    Clement ‘Monarch’ O’Garro, Director of Carnival, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s expansion in comments to SKNVibes News. “The artform is developing at a rapid pace,” O’Garro stated, highlighting the substantial increase in participation from merely five or six contestants several years ago to nearly sixteen in recent competitions.

    This growth trajectory indicates that many early participants are now preparing to advance to senior competitions as soon as next year—a development that has greatly encouraged the National Carnival Committee. Interest in Junior Calypso continues to strengthen across both St. Kitts and Nevis, reflecting the program’s broadening appeal.

    Despite the competition’s success, O’Garro acknowledged ongoing challenges regarding sustained visibility for young artists beyond the Carnival season. Currently, promotional efforts predominantly focus on competition winners, leaving other talented participants with limited exposure opportunities.

    “Everything involves money, and yes, it’s something that we are concerned about,” O’Garro admitted, emphasizing that this issue affects all Carnival aspects, not just Junior Calypso. He suggested the need for year-round programming rather than seasonal activities, noting that discussions with the Department of the Creative Economy are underway to explore innovative approaches for showcasing young calypsonians throughout the year.

  • Calypso in good hands, according to Clement “Monarch” Ogarro, following conclusion of FLOW Junior Calypso Monarch Competition

    Calypso in good hands, according to Clement “Monarch” Ogarro, following conclusion of FLOW Junior Calypso Monarch Competition

    The vibrant tradition of calypso music demonstrates a promising future as young talents delivered spectacular performances at the 2025/2026 FLOW Junior Calypso Monarch Competition. The event, held at St. Kitts Marriott Resort on December 14, showcased exceptional musical artistry among primary and secondary school participants from across St. Kitts and Nevis.

    In the primary division, Coryn Clarke (performing as Queen Coryn) claimed victory with an impressive 244 points, securing the championship title and a $2,500 prize. Adiaha followed closely with 236 points ($1,500 prize), while Mighty Zen placed third with 230 points ($1,000 prize).

    The secondary school division witnessed Edward Williams, known as King Mighty J, emerge triumphant with a remarkable 265 points. Nicholas Petty (Star Boy Nicholas) nearly matched this achievement with 263 points, and Dequan Hendrickson completed the top three with 232 points.

    Clement “Monarch” Ogarro, four-time Junior Calypso Monarch and Carnival director, expressed enthusiastic approval of the participants’ development. “The art form is developing at a rapid pace,” Ogarro noted. “Three or four years ago, we had five or six Junior Calypsonians. For the last three years, we’ve had as many as 15 or 16. This expansion represents significant progress for calypso and St. Kitts.”

    This year’s competition introduced a brass band component at the request of participants and parents, which Ogarro described as highly successful. The event also marked the transition of two accomplished performers—reigning champion King Mighty J and newcomer Prodigy—to the senior competition upon reaching age eligibility.

    Despite the celebratory atmosphere, concerns persist regarding limited ongoing opportunities for young artists beyond the competition. Ogarro acknowledged this challenge, stating: “Everything involves money. This is something we’re considering not only for Junior Calypso but every aspect of Carnival—how we can promote this cultural expression year-round rather than seasonally.”

  • COMMENTARY: Celebrating 1,000 posts from Dominica to thousands of art students and artists worldwide

    COMMENTARY: Celebrating 1,000 posts from Dominica to thousands of art students and artists worldwide

    What began as a commission to create a memorial statue for the late Dominican Prime Minister Rosie Douglas has evolved into one of the art world’s most extensive digital archives. British sculptor Jonathan R. Ford, initially invited by Prime Minister Pierre Charles to establish his studio in Dominica, has transformed a canceled bronze monument project into an unprecedented global educational resource.

    Despite the abandonment of the life-size bronze sculpture that would have depicted Douglas alongside two local schoolchildren, Ford remained in Dominica. From his Antrim studio, he has cultivated an online presence that now serves over half a million art students, artists, and enthusiasts worldwide—far exceeding the original intent of skill-sharing with Dominicans.

    Ford’s digital diary, which predates the modern blog era, represents thirty years of meticulous documentation. Beginning as a means for UK schoolchildren to follow his sculptural commissions, the project has grown into a comprehensive chronicle of artistic creation. The platform now stands as a pioneering force in art education, having transitioned from laborious nightly website updates to becoming one of the web’s most respected art resources.

    The multidisciplinary artist—who operates as painter, sculptor, printmaker, publisher, illustrator, stamp designer, writer, filmmaker, engineer, inventor, architect, fashion designer, and craftsman—records every facet of the creative process. His diary offers unprecedented insight into the triumphs and challenges faced by working artists, serving as both inspiration for aspiring creators and valuable teaching aid for educational institutions.

    This week marks a significant milestone: the one-thousandth post from Dominica. Over fifteen years, the diary has attracted viewership from art professionals and students across 90 countries. Ford has expanded the project’s reach through twelve published books and twenty-six instructional videos, all accessible through his comprehensive online portal at studiopublications.org/blog.

    The archive stands as testament to how traditional artistic practice can successfully transition into the digital age, creating unexpected global connections while maintaining the authenticity of hands-on creative work.

  • Cuban artist Jorge Braulio Rodriguez on a solo exhibit in Havana

    Cuban artist Jorge Braulio Rodriguez on a solo exhibit in Havana

    The Visual Arts Development Center (CDAV) in Havana is set to host a comprehensive solo exhibition by a distinguished Cuban artist, highlighting an illustrious career spanning over forty years. Titled “All attention is needed…”, the showcase will inaugurate on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. local time at the institution’s premises located on the corner of San Ignacio and Teniente Rey streets in the city’s historic center. The exhibition will remain accessible to the public until January 24, 2026.

    This event honors the artist’s multifaceted contributions as a creator, educator, and cultural promoter. With a profound dedication to visual arts education, he previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Visual Arts at the University of the Arts. His pedagogical influence extends internationally through workshops and lectures conducted in numerous countries including Colombia, Bolivia, and Sweden.

    The artist’s scholarly work reflects a deep engagement with Japanese culture, evident in his significant editorial projects. He curated and translated Richard Wright’s “Haiku: This Other World,” contributing the prologue to this acclaimed collection. His editorial expertise further encompasses the selection and translation of “Tales from the Orient” and “Humorous Poems from Japan.” As a writer, he has published notable works including “Everything in Three Lines” and “Lucrecia’s Notebook.”

    Throughout his career, he has maintained an active exhibition practice with participation in both national and international group shows alongside numerous solo presentations. The CDAV emphasizes his enduring prominence within Cuba’s cultural landscape, where he continues to bridge artistic practice with academic leadership while pursuing his passion for Eastern literature and aesthetics.

  • The Dominica Calypso Association publishes results of December 13 Calypso Eliminations show

    The Dominica Calypso Association publishes results of December 13 Calypso Eliminations show

    ROSEAU, DOMINICA – The Dominica Calypso Association has officially released the roster of artists progressing to the next stage of the national competition following a decisive elimination show held on December 13, 2025. The announcement marks a pivotal moment in the island’s prestigious cultural calendar, setting the stage for the upcoming performances.

    The twelve qualifying calypsonians, announced in a randomized listing to maintain competitive impartiality, are: Haxey, Jerd, Mighty D, Royette, Sandy, Mystrie, Jamma B, Liberator, Redz, Mighty Omee, Kalpha P, and Inoah. This diverse group of performers will now advance to compete for the highly coveted calypso crown.

    Furthermore, the Association has designated three reserve artists to ensure the seamless continuation of the competition should any unforeseen circumstances arise. The reserve performers, listed in order of priority, are Myka, Lulu, and Nini. This structured approach highlights the organization’s commitment to a well-managed and professional event series.

    The calypso elimination show is a traditional and critical fixture in Dominica’s entertainment landscape, serving as a platform for artistic expression and social commentary through music. The Association has encouraged public engagement and inquiries, providing dedicated contact numbers (1-767-235-0573 and 1-767-618-3794) for further information on the event schedule and ticket availability.

  • Archer Crowned Miss Teen St Kitts & Nevis

    Archer Crowned Miss Teen St Kitts & Nevis

    In a spectacular display of talent and grace, Tatiyana Archer from Immaculate Conception Catholic School emerged victorious at the Miss Republic Bank Teen St Kitts & Nevis pageant held on December 13th at Warner Park Cricket Stadium. The prestigious event culminated with Archer capturing the crown after amassing an impressive total of 406 points across all competition categories.

    Archer’s triumph was characterized by her exceptional versatility throughout the evening, particularly excelling in the Performing Talent segment where she achieved the night’s highest individual score of 96 points. Her commanding 23-point margin over the first runner-up underscored the consistency of her performance throughout all phases of the competition.

    Cader Rawlins of Washington Archibald High School claimed first runner-up honors with 383 points while distinguishing herself in specialty categories. Rawlins secured both the Best Cultural Costume award with 79 points and the Best Formal Teenage Evening Wear recognition with 67 points, demonstrating the diverse talents among the contestants.

    The competition’s speaking categories were dominated by SKI Academy’s Celina Alwani, who earned second runner-up position with 381.5 points. Alwani captured both the Best Ambassadorial Speech (70.5 points) and Best Interview (97 points) awards, showcasing exceptional communicative abilities despite finishing just 2.5 points behind Rawlins.

    Verchilds High School’s Camira Williams completed the top four as third runner-up with 377.5 points in the closely contested event. The pageant featured eight accomplished contestants representing educational institutions across the federation, including Charles E Mills Secondary, Cayon High, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas Secondary, and Basseterre High School.

    Organizers and audience members alike praised all participants for delivering a magnificent showcase that highlighted the remarkable talent, intelligence, and poise of St Kitts & Nevis’ young women, reinforcing the event’s significance in promoting youth development and cultural expression.

  • Puerto Rico May Not Host Miss Universe 2026

    Puerto Rico May Not Host Miss Universe 2026

    Puerto Rico’s government has suspended its multimillion-dollar agreement to host the Miss Universe 2026 pageant amid serious concerns regarding alleged criminal activities within the organization’s leadership. The Caribbean territory has frozen all public payments related to the event, including a pending $1.5 million disbursement, despite having already advanced $3 million of the total $9 million contractual obligation.

    Tourism Director Willianette Robles announced the decisive move during a local television appearance, emphasizing that the government is demanding comprehensive audits, clearly defined accountability structures, and a renegotiated agreement before releasing additional funds. Robles explicitly warned that Puerto Rico may completely withdraw as host if the Miss Universe organization fails to meet these conditions.

    The suspension follows escalating controversies surrounding franchise co-owners Raul Rocha Cantu and Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip. Rocha Cantu is currently under investigation for alleged connections to drug trafficking and money laundering operations, while Jakrajutatip has become a fugitive from justice facing multiple fraud charges.

    Government officials maintain that this protective action prioritizes safeguarding public resources. “Our investment must yield tangible returns for Puerto Rico,” Robles stated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.

    The 2026 pageant, initially announced with great fanfare by Governor Jenniffer González Colón last year, was scheduled for November 2026 but now faces significant uncertainty as leadership and financial transparency issues threaten to derail the internationally televised event.

  • Stephon Gabriel: From sound engineering to soca

    Stephon Gabriel: From sound engineering to soca

    Couva-based music producer Stephon Gabriel has successfully transitioned from behind-the-scenes sound engineering to center stage as a recording artist, marking a significant career evolution with his debut single release. The accomplished sound technician unveiled his original composition “Soft Touch” on November 17th, representing a personal and professional milestone in his fifteen-year music industry journey.

    Gabriel’s musical transformation began unexpectedly earlier this year when his reimagined cover of Kes’ “Cocoa Tea” garnered substantial online engagement. The innovative rendition, featuring completely reworked instrumentation, demonstrated his creative vision and convinced him to pursue original music production more seriously.

    The Trinidadian creative’s path to music professionalism took a decisive turn after winning the World Bank’s Voices4Climate competition in 2013. This achievement prompted him to leave his position at Microsoft TT—despite holding a computer science degree from the University of Southern Caribbean—to fully commit to his musical aspirations. That same year, he established Gabriel Creative Studios, solidifying his dedication to audio production.

    Reflecting on his origins, Gabriel recalled his early fascination with music: “From the age of 14, I knew music lived in me. I was the guy at school everyone would come to, to record love songs for their girlfriends.” His passion was ignited upon receiving a guitar for his fourteenth birthday, eventually expanding to include work on feature films such as “Home” and “Again” produced in Trinidad.

    “Soft Touch” emerged from a collaborative creative process with producers Jumaane, Jaydot, and Amiel Duncan, with mastering handled by Andre Stewart. The track represents both personal expression and broader professional ambitions. Gabriel explained its genesis: “It started with one of my producers I work with—Jumaane, who sent me a couple tracks and I put aside a particular one and then, on one random night, I listened to it and got to writing.”

    Beyond his artistic pursuits, Gabriel operates a publishing division called Just In Time Music, designed to connect Caribbean creatives with international opportunities in Hollywood and global markets. He has secured several music placement deals for films and television shows, though specific projects remain confidential during ongoing negotiations.

    Recognizing educational gaps within the local music community, Gabriel has launched an educational TikTok account (@StephanGabrial868) to share crucial information about royalties, music publishing, and masters ownership—empowering fellow Trinidadian artists with industry knowledge essential for professional success.

  • Ce’Cile looks to Europe

    Ce’Cile looks to Europe

    Jamaican dancehall artist and producer Ce’Cile continues to maintain remarkable international momentum, with Germany standing as one of her most devoted markets. Since the late 2000s, she has cultivated an exceptionally strong fanbase across Europe, performing in Germany annually with consistently enthusiastic reception.

    In a recent interview, Ce’Cile confirmed her return to Europe for the 2026 summer festival season, with German dates already secured and additional European stops being finalized. Beyond her touring schedule, the artist revealed plans for an upcoming EP project that will potentially include cover versions of songs that have personally resonated with her throughout her career.

    The musical force behind mainstream chart successes in Germany including ‘When You’re Gone’ and ‘Hot Like We,’ Ce’Cile has simultaneously maintained her dancehall credibility through collaborations with artists like Sean Paul on ‘Can You Do Di Wuk’ and through solo releases such as ‘Cheaters Revenge.’

    While expanding her production work with emerging artists like Soun Bwoii and Tanzie, Ce’Cile clarified that she focuses exclusively on production rather than artist management. Additionally, she remains committed to humanitarian efforts, recently partnering with Olympic athlete Danielle Williams to provide hurricane relief to affected communities in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.

    The artist’s commercial success was further highlighted by the recent triple platinum certification in the United Kingdom for her 2010 collaboration ‘Gold Dust’ with DJ Fresh, which has surpassed 1.8 million units in combined sales and streams.