The Dominica Calypso Association has announced ambitious plans for its upcoming Semi-Finals competition, promising an elevated spectator experience at Windsor Park Sports Stadium on January 31st. Association President Gregory ‘Karessah’ Riviere revealed the enhanced arrangements during Thursday’s weekly Carnival press conference, building on what he described as an exceptionally successful Quarter-Finals event. Riviere confirmed that twenty qualifying calypsonians will progress to the semi-final round, including notable performers such as Mystrie, Nacheal, The Bobb, and Karessah himself, with three reserve artists standing by. The production will feature completely reimagined stadium arrangements including general seating, a dedicated party VIP section with seating accommodations, and special areas for attendees preferring standing room with dancing space. Ticket distribution will be handled through multiple vendors including Bullseye and Depex outlets, plus the Calypso Association office. Pricing structure maintains accessibility with advance tickets available for just $50, rising to $60 regular admission, $70 general seating, and $130 for the VIP party experience. For international audiences and those unable to attend physically, a pay-per-view streaming option will be offered at $20 USD. The evening will feature a special guest performance by bouyon artist Quann and Company, with the competition scheduled to commence at 8:30 PM.
分类： entertainment
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Queen Kia departs for Dominica to represent Antigua and Barbuda at Miss OECS Pageant
Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural ambassador, Queen Kia, has commenced her journey to Dominica where she will represent the nation at the prestigious Miss OECS Pageant scheduled for January 30, 2026. The regional competition, which brings together delegates from across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, serves as a platform showcasing Caribbean talent, cultural heritage, and regional solidarity.
As Queen Kia departed her homeland, an outpouring of support emerged from citizens and well-wishers who expressed their enthusiasm for her participation. Messages emphasizing national pride and hopes for her success have flooded social media platforms, with many highlighting the significance of her representation on the inter-island stage.
The Miss OECS Pageant represents more than mere aesthetic appreciation, functioning as a meaningful celebration of Caribbean identity and unity. Through various competitive segments including cultural presentations, talent demonstrations, and intellectual discourse, contestants demonstrate the rich diversity and shared values across OECS member states.
Event organizers have confirmed that additional details regarding the pageant’s proceedings will be released in the coming days as final preparations are completed. The anticipated event is expected to draw significant viewership across the Caribbean region and among the diaspora community.
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International Jazz Plaza Festival heats scene in Cuba
Havana’s cultural scene is set to captivate music enthusiasts this weekend with a series of prestigious performances leading up to the International Jazz Plaza Festival. On Saturday afternoon, the Theater of the National Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA) will present “Yohana Pena and Jose Portillo: Habana Filin,” a special concert paying homage to José Antonio Méndez, the foundational figure of Cuba’s distinctive filin musical style. The event will feature acclaimed guest artists Lázaro Rivero “El Fino” and Juan Carlos Rojas “El Peje.”
Simultaneously, Cuban musical virtuosos including Oliver Valdés, Jorge Reyes, Yosvany Terry, Yaroldy Abreu, Roberto Álvarez, and Alejandro “Coqui” Calzadilla will deliver an extraordinary collaborative performance, serving as an illustrious prelude to the Jazz Plaza Festival’s official opening on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in Santiago de Cuba, renowned pianist Roberto Fonseca prepares for a spectacular open-air performance at Cespedes Park. His collaboration with the Steel Band del Cobre promises to deliver another top-tier musical experience as part of the festival’s diverse programming, showcasing Cuba’s rich jazz traditions across multiple cities.
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Book Mrs. Dalloway at Saturday’s literary event in Havana
The cobblestone streets of Old Havana are set to host a unique cultural rendezvous each Saturday morning. At 11:00 AM local time, the historic Calle de Madera adjacent to the Plaza de Armas transforms into an open-air literary salon, courtesy of an initiative by Cuba’s national publishing institution.
This weekly event, orchestrated by the Cuban Book Institute (ICL) and facilitated by the Arte y Literatura publishing house, invites readers to collectively explore Virginia Woolf’s groundbreaking 1925 novel ‘Mrs. Dalloway’. The gathering represents Cuba’s ongoing commitment to making world literature accessible to the public in engaging formats.
The novel itself, celebrating nearly a century since publication, continues to captivate readers with its revolutionary narrative technique. Woolf’s masterpiece chronicles a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a evening party, using this seemingly simple framework to launch profound explorations of consciousness and society.
Through innovative literary devices including fluid time transitions, psychological flashbacks, and pioneering stream-of-consciousness writing, Woolf creates a richly textured portrait of her protagonist’s inner world. The narrative’s poetic imagery and emotional depth reveal the complex interior landscape of a woman navigating post-war English society.
Beyond its psychological insights, the novel offers a critical examination of British society in the aftermath of World War I (1914-1918). Woolf’s narrative subtly exposes the social tensions, psychological wounds, and profound transformations that characterized the interwar period, making the work both a literary milestone and valuable historical document.
The regular gathering demonstrates how classic literature continues to find new audiences and contexts, with Havana’s historic quarter providing a evocative backdrop for discussions of this modernist classic.
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Corripio Foundation National Literature Prize: Pedro Vergés
In a significant recognition of literary excellence, the distinguished Dominican author Pedro Vergés has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2026 National Literature Prize. The award, jointly sponsored by the Dominican Ministry of Culture and the Corripio Foundation, represents the highest honor in Dominican letters and celebrates Vergés’ extraordinary contributions across multiple genres including fiction, poetry, and essays.
The selection committee, comprising representatives from leading universities, the Ministry of Culture, the Dominican Academy of Language, and the Corripio Foundation, honored Vergés for his impeccable command of language and substantial impact on contemporary literature. The jury specifically noted his ‘balanced sobriety’ in prose and his valuable scholarly work as both literary researcher and essayist.
Vergés’ literary significance was previously acknowledged during the 2023 Book Fair, which celebrated his novel ‘Ya yo estaré lejos’ (I Will Be Far Away). The work received critical acclaim for its powerful depiction of the first 25 years of Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship, exploring its societal trauma and economic consequences while capturing the collective yearning for freedom and democracy.
The author’s international recognition began in 1981 when he received Spain’s prestigious Critics’ Society for Castilian Narrative award for ‘Solo cenizas hallarás (Bolero).’ That same year, he was also honored with the Blasco Ibáñez International Prize for the same work, establishing his reputation beyond Dominican borders. Even before this national accolade, Vergés had garnered admiration from literary circles who considered his work essential reading for understanding post-dictatorship Dominican society, particularly praised for its masterful use of colloquial language and narrative structure.
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Carnival Princess contestants to light up stage this weekend
Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Carnival City will transform into a vibrant cultural hub on February 1st as it hosts the highly anticipated 2026 Carnival Princess Show. The event, described by organizers as “the most dazzling spectacle of the season,” will feature three young contestants competing for the prestigious title.
The contestants include Shanell Benjamin from Woodfordhill Primary School, sponsored by Morancie and Sons; Arianna Challenger from Paix Bouche Primary School, supported by the Stephen Paboy Thomas Foundation; and dual representatives Belle Lavi Villa and Fanayé Shillingford from Bagatelle Primary School, backed by Springfield Trading.
Bianca LeBlanc, representing the Rotaract Club of Roseau, generated excitement during Thursday’s Discover Dominica Authority weekly Carnival Press Conference by promising an unforgettable experience. “Our girls are bonding, growing every day and fully in bloom,” LeBlanc announced. “Expect glitter, music, dance, and performances that will leave you breathless.”
Emphasizing the event’s cultural significance, LeBlanc declared, “Carnival City will be alive with the light of laughter. This show will be the highlight of the season, so make sure you’re part of it. Come support the three, come support culture.”
The organizers have implemented a tiered ticketing system with standing tickets priced at $25 for adults and $15 for children under 15. Seated tickets are available for $40. For international viewers and those preferring home viewing, Kairi FM will provide an online broadcast accessible for $15 USD. “Perfect if you want to sit back, relax, and really enjoy the show,” LeBlanc noted regarding the streaming option.
The spectacle is scheduled to commence at 3:00 PM, with organizers expressing gratitude to current sponsors while encouraging additional sponsorship support to enhance the event’s production quality and cultural impact.
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Lineup for the 2026 Jazz & Arts festival announced at gala launch
Saint Lucia has officially launched the 2026 edition of its prestigious Jazz & Arts Festival, setting the stage for an 11-day cultural extravaganza from April 30 to May 10. The media unveiling at Sandals Grande on January 22 revealed an ambitious program that strategically merges international acclaim with authentic Caribbean expression across multiple island venues.
Celebrating its 34th anniversary, the festival has evolved into what SLTA CEO Louis Lewis described as “a strategic national asset” that transcends mere entertainment. “This is a strong and bold statement,” Lewis emphasized, highlighting the event’s role in driving tourism, extending visitor stays, and positioning Saint Lucia as a world-class cultural destination. “We are blending music, art, culture, and lifestyle into a cohesive and compelling global narrative.”
The festival’s artistic vision carefully balances international appeal with local authenticity. Chairman Thaddeus Antoine revealed that curating the 2026 lineup began a year ago, with deliberate efforts to create “a festival that spoke to who we are while resonating with the world.” This intentional programming reflects what Minister of Tourism Dr. Ernest Hilaire characterized as “a powerful expression of our identity” that supports musicians, artists, and local businesses while generating employment opportunities.
The musical journey begins April 30 at Mindoo Phillip Park with Jamaican reggae icon Capleton and Dominica’s Asa Banton, alongside performances by D’Yani, Valiant, and Saint Lucian country artists LM Stone and Shervon Sealy. The festival presents two dedicated jazz nights on May 5 and 7 at Rodney Bay’s Pavillion, featuring Grammy-winning bassist Esperanza Spalding and saxophonist Branford Marsalis.
May 6 brings Kingdom Night at Pigeon Island with gospel stars Tye Tribbett and Ada Ehi, joined by local award-winning artists Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers and Nigela St. Clair-Daniel. Caribbean Fusion on May 8 features the Original Wailers with Skip Marley (grandson of Bob Marley), alongside Kes the Band and Dexta Daps.
World Beats on May 9 showcases Nigerian superstar Tems and R&B sensation Ella Mai, complemented by Princess Lover, Les Aiglons, and local acts Lu City and October 4. The festival concludes on Mother’s Day, May 10, with “The Ultimate Celebration” featuring Billy Ocean, Beverley Knight, Mervin Wilkinson and Friends, plus a surprise headliner to be announced later.
Beyond music, the festival includes Arts & the City programming organized by the Cultural Development Foundation, plus community events in Soufrière and Micoud. Tickets become available February 1, inviting global audiences to experience Saint Lucia’s cultural rhythm and artistic storytelling.
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Iyanola Online Awards spotlight creatives shaping popular culture
The pioneering Iyanola Online Music and Entertainment Awards has concluded its inaugural ceremony with resounding success, marking a significant milestone in Saint Lucia’s cultural recognition landscape. Held exclusively through digital platforms on January 21, this groundbreaking event honored creatives who have substantially influenced the island’s popular culture through a unique public voting system.
Sedale Simei, a key architect of the awards program, expressed profound satisfaction with the overwhelming response from both artists and the general public. In an exclusive discussion with St. Lucia Times, Simei revealed that the entertainment community has enthusiastically embraced this initiative to highlight their cultural contributions. “The creators occupying Saint Lucia’s entertainment space have demonstrated tremendous appreciation for this recognition of their work,” Simei noted, adding that the organization already envisions enhancements for future editions.
The nomination process presented considerable challenges due to the abundance of creative talent across the island. Unlike traditional award ceremonies where committees evaluate artistic merit, the Iyanola Awards employed a distinctive methodology focusing exclusively on cultural impact. “This isn’t about determining superior artistry,” Simei explained. “Our fundamental criterion was identifying those who made the most substantial impact on Saint Lucia’s popular culture, with the public ultimately deciding the winners through democratic voting.”
Despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the successful launch, the organizing team maintains a forward-looking perspective regarding improvements. Simei acknowledged opportunities for refinement in category development and nominee selection processes. “We’re critically examining our nomination mechanisms to ensure equitable opportunities and robust competition within each category,” he stated.
Future expansions include broadening the award categories to incorporate currently underrepresented entertainment sectors. “We deliberately limited categories initially to avoid overwhelming participants,” Simei commented. “However, we anticipate incorporating recognition for makeup artists, boutique owners, and gender-specific accolades like Best Female Artist of the Year in subsequent ceremonies.”
The complete list of distinguished recipients includes:
– Dennery Segment Artist Of The Year: Umpa
– Best New Artist Of The Year: MC Dalo
– Best DJ Of The Year: JH & MC Dalo
– Best Song Of The Year: Natoxie ft. DJ ASAP – Toko Doak
– Best Music Producer Of The Year: G6 Productions
– Best Collab Song Of The Year: Dezral ft. Jardel – The Car
– Best Live Band Of The Year: DYP
– Music Video Of The Year: Shemmy J x Umpa x Ezra D’FunMachine x Arthur Allain x Sedale x Imran Nerdy – Lucian Carnival (Nothing Sweeter Than That)
– Best Photographer Of The Year: Shavs Photo
– Best Videographer Of The Year: Tiz Da Creator
– Best Carnival Band Of The Year: Just 4 Fun
– Best Fete Of The Year: Dzassta
– Best Event Producer Of The Year: Just 4 Fun
– Best Boatride Of The Year: Sounami
– Best Weekly Event Of The Year: Gros Islet Street Party
– Best Instagram Creator Of The Year: Kitania Regis
– Best Comedian Of The Year: Dhirv 2 Funny
– Best Viral Phrase Of The Year: “I Voting For You Boss”
– Best TikTok Creator Of The Year: Soul Peachy
– Best YouTuber Of The Year: Arthur Knotless Strands -
Grenadian singer Muddy pays courtesy calls on local ministers
In a significant cultural exchange between neighboring Caribbean nations, Grenada’s reigning Soca Monarch Alex “Muddy” Cuffie conducted diplomatic courtesy visits to senior Trinidadian officials this week. The acclaimed artist, who also holds the People’s Choice Award title, met with Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal at the International Waterfront Centre in Port of Spain.
The ceremonial meeting featured an exchange of cultural gifts symbolizing the strengthening bonds between the two islands. Cuffie presented Minister Moonilal with an elaborate gift package curated by the Grenadian Prime Minister’s Office, containing authentic Grenadian spices, a heritage photography book, traditional guava jelly and nutmeg jam preserves, alongside a personalized backpack bearing the artist’s signature branding.
Minister Moonilal reciprocated the diplomatic warmth by expressing his personal admiration for Grenadian culture and revealing his close friendship with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell. The energy official extended his best wishes for Cuffie’s upcoming performances during Trinidad’s 2026 Carnival season.
In a separate cultural diplomacy engagement, the Grenadian soca ambassador also met with representatives from Trinidad’s Ministry of Culture, presenting Communications Specialist Jerome Lewis with additional heritage gift packages for Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin.
Cuffie, who has been in Trinidad since early January, expressed profound appreciation for the overwhelming reception of his hit single ‘Payroll’ among Trinidadian audiences. The artist emphasized the historical interconnectedness between the two nations, noting: ‘TT and Grenada have always had good relations with many families relocating between our islands over time—we are essentially extended family.’
The cultural ambassador is scheduled to headline A Team Events’ A Class VIP Cooler Experience on January 25th at Cipriani Labour College Grounds, joining other top soca performers backed by the renowned A Team Band.
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Flava Food Village debut a success
Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival 2026 has witnessed the spectacular success of its newest attraction, the Flava Food Village, which has rapidly become a cornerstone of the cultural celebrations. The venue reached new heights during Patrice Roberts’ “Always Us” concert on January 22nd at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain, where thousands of attendees enjoyed a night of electrifying performances completely free of charge.
Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin, alongside National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Peter Kanhai and other dignitaries, personally experienced the vibrant atmosphere among the massive crowd. Benjamin declared the event “nothing short of incredible,” emphasizing the dual benefits of cultural celebration and economic stimulation for local vendors.
The Minister highlighted the innovative approach of the new NCC Board and ministry stakeholders in creating this platform that simultaneously showcases Trinidad’s culinary arts, cultural identity, and community development. “This year, through the addition of Flava Food Village we have made a difference, we have made an unforgettable impact,” Benjamin stated in an official release.
The overwhelming public response has been particularly significant given initial criticisms regarding logistical changes to this year’s Carnival production. Benjamin extended special gratitude to Patrice Roberts and her band for their initiative in organizing the free concert, which featured both emerging and established local artists, creating an unparalleled display of Trinidadian talent and energy.
The Flava Food Village represents a strategic evolution in Carnival programming, successfully blending gastronomic experiences with musical performances while maintaining accessibility through free admission. This innovative model has established a new standard for cultural events in the region, demonstrating how cultural preservation and economic development can coexist harmoniously.