分类: entertainment

  • Peetron & Enoch Thomas Tracks Officially Confirmed to Represent Antigua and Barbuda in International Calypso Gospel Fusion Project

    Peetron & Enoch Thomas Tracks Officially Confirmed to Represent Antigua and Barbuda in International Calypso Gospel Fusion Project

    Peetron Thomas, the 2024 Embark Gospel Voice Caribbean winner and versatile vocalist, alongside Enoch Thomas, the 2025 Praise Break Gospel Quest Antigua & Barbuda champion, are thrilled to announce their inclusion in the International Calypso Gospel Fusion Project. This initiative, spearheaded by Una Fagan, known as Touched by an Angel, under Basco House Production, a renowned Jamaican gospel production company based in New York City, aims to elevate Caribbean gospel music on a global scale. Antigua’s Island Trap Records has been entrusted with engineering the project, ensuring top-tier production quality. Fagan expressed her enthusiasm for the Antiguan contributions, highlighting the exceptional vocal talents of the artists and their potential to inspire audiences worldwide. Peetron Thomas shared his excitement, emphasizing his commitment to representing Antigua with pride and his passion for music that glorifies God. He also praised Enoch Thomas, predicting a bright future for the young artist. The project will feature Peetron’s track “Cover Me” and Enoch’s single “Hallelujah” in the upcoming album, *The Fourth Voyage: Touched by an Angel*, set to release on major digital platforms soon. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Caribbean gospel music, showcasing its growing influence and unity across the region.

  • National Youth Theatre Company marks 20 years with awards dinner

    National Youth Theatre Company marks 20 years with awards dinner

    The National Youth Theatre Company of Antigua and Barbuda has reached a significant milestone, celebrating its 20th anniversary with a grand awards dinner and banquet. Over the past two decades, the theatre group has become a cornerstone of cultural expression, offering audiences a blend of drama, humor, and poignant storytelling rooted in local traditions. The Department of Culture highlighted the company’s role in nurturing young talent, helping performers hone their skills and build confidence while delivering productions that take audiences on emotional journeys. The anniversary event brought together past and present members, as well as long-standing supporters, for an evening filled with laughter, surprises, and heartfelt moments. During the ceremony, the theatre company honored key individuals and stakeholders who have contributed to its growth and success. Officials emphasized the community’s unwavering support as a driving force behind the company’s continued vitality. The Department of Culture lauded the group’s contributions to national arts development and expressed optimism for its enduring impact in the years to come.

  • 2025 Tourism Awards Nominees For Customer Service Excellence and Tour Guide of the Year Announced

    2025 Tourism Awards Nominees For Customer Service Excellence and Tour Guide of the Year Announced

    The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has unveiled the nominees for two prestigious categories in the 2025 Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards, which honor exceptional service in the nation’s hospitality industry. The shortlist for the Customer Service Excellence – Company category features a diverse array of establishments, from boutique hotels such as Siboney Beach Club and Trade Winds Hotel to larger resorts like Sandals Grande Antigua, Royalton Antigua, Royalton CHIC, and Hermitage Bay. Public sector entities, including the Customs & Excise Division and the Department of Immigration, are also recognized for their contributions. Additionally, Antigua Cruise Port, Tamarind Hills Resort & Villas, Mill Reef Club, and The Verandah Antigua have secured spots on the list. In the Tour Guide of the Year – Company category, nominees include the Antigua and Barbuda National Parks Authority, Antigua Rum Experience, and South Coast Horizons, all lauded for providing immersive and culturally enriching experiences for visitors. The winners will be announced on November 29, 2025, at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala, hosted at Sandals Grande Antigua. This year’s event, themed ‘Mirror Ball Gala – A Night to Reflect and Shine,’ will celebrate the individuals and organizations that have significantly enhanced the country’s tourism offerings.

  • Dominican team to bring Creole cuisine to 2025 St. Martin Gastronomie Festival

    Dominican team to bring Creole cuisine to 2025 St. Martin Gastronomie Festival

    Dominica is poised to make a grand impression at the 2025 St. Martin Gastronomie Festival, as the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) prepares to participate in the event’s grand finale on November 22. The festival, running from November 11 to 22, is one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious culinary gatherings, attracting chefs, food enthusiasts, and tourism professionals from across the region. Dominica’s participation aims to highlight the island’s burgeoning food tourism sector and its rich Creole culinary heritage. Leading the Dominican delegation is Chef Nyanda, who will conduct live cooking demonstrations, while Ms. Makerah George, the Marketing Executive for the Caribbean, will engage with festival partners to promote Dominica’s culinary offerings and its growing reputation for authentic gastronomic experiences. Chef Nyanda will showcase two signature dishes: Codfish Sancoche with Smoked Chicken, and Calalloo Rosemary Vinaigrette paired with Dasheen Croquettes and Spicy Mango Chutney. These dishes, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, embody the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean while emphasizing Dominica’s creativity, sustainability, and deep connection to its natural environment. Odile Jno Baptiste, Product Promotions Manager at the DDA, emphasized the festival’s significance, stating, ‘This event provides an excellent opportunity for Dominica to showcase its unique food culture and reinforce our position as a destination where nature, culture, and cuisine seamlessly blend.’ In addition to the culinary demonstrations, Dominica’s booth will feature local sweets, rums, and tourism brochures, offering visitors a comprehensive glimpse into the island’s traditions and diverse travel experiences. The DDA’s involvement underscores its commitment to advancing culinary tourism as a key component of its destination marketing strategy. The festival also serves as a platform to foster new collaborations, enhance visibility, and position Dominica as a premier culinary destination in the Caribbean.

  • Open Your Eyes Celebrates 17 Years of Frames

    Open Your Eyes Celebrates 17 Years of Frames

    Belize’s beloved morning talk show, Open Your Eyes (OYE), is commemorating its 17th anniversary, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Belizean media. Since its debut in 2008, the show has become a daily ritual for viewers, blending news, entertainment, and community stories into a vibrant morning experience on Greater Belize Media. Last year, OYE celebrated its anniversary in a newly upgraded studio equipped with cutting-edge audio and video systems, reflecting its commitment to innovation. This year’s theme, “17 Years of Frames,” encapsulates the show’s rich history, highlighting the moments, conversations, and personalities that have defined its nearly two-decade journey. As part of the festivities, 17 lucky viewers were awarded anniversary prizes. The current hosting team, led by Sabreena Daly alongside April Martinez, Paul Lopez, and Isani Cayetano, continues to deliver engaging and relatable content. Behind the scenes, producer Viannie Reyes and assistant Monilee Aspinall ensure seamless daily broadcasts. OYE’s unique blend of culture, news, and community engagement has made it a morning staple in Belizean households. Whether through traditional broadcasts or digital platforms like WhatsApp, email, and social media, the show fosters a sense of community, making mornings brighter for its audience. Tune in every weekday from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Greater Belize Media or follow the show on YouTube and Facebook to join the conversation.

  • Miss Universe Finale Nears as Pageant Pushes Past Controversy

    Miss Universe Finale Nears as Pageant Pushes Past Controversy

    The Miss Universe 2025 pageant is set to culminate on November 21, overcoming a series of controversies that have dominated headlines. The event, which began with a tumultuous sashing ceremony on November 4, has seen significant public and media attention. The incident involved Thai director Nawat’s heated confrontation with Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, leading to her walkout alongside several other contestants, including reigning Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig. The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) swiftly responded by suspending Nawat and bringing in CEO Mario Bucaro to stabilize the proceedings.

    Amidst the drama, Belize’s representative, Isabella Zabaneh, has emerged as a strong contender, garnering widespread support from Belizeans globally. Zabaneh’s potential to break Belize’s decades-long absence from the top ranks—since Sarita Diana Acosta’s Top 12 finish in 1979—has sparked excitement. However, her wardrobe choices, particularly her comment about the lack of women’s guayaberas, stirred local debate. A local guayabera shop owner publicly disputed her claim, leading to a social media backlash that culminated in an apology and the announcement of the shop’s closure.

    The pageant’s preliminary events, including the Swimsuit Fashion Show in Pattaya and the upcoming National Costume event in Bangkok, have kept the spotlight on the contestants. As the final show and coronation approach, all eyes are on whether Zabaneh can make history for Belize and whether the pageant can successfully move past its rocky start.

  • W’Cup hope with Brighter Days

    W’Cup hope with Brighter Days

    Singer Chris Malachi is brimming with excitement as he prepares to take the stage at the pre-game show for tonight’s World Cup qualifying match between Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz and Curacao. Known for his uplifting track ‘Brighter Days,’ Malachi shared with the Jamaica Observer that the song serves as a heartfelt prayer for his fellow Jamaicans. ‘It’s a call for us to remain steadfast in faith during these challenging times,’ he explained, revealing that the song was penned just before a recent hurricane. ‘I wanted to create something that would resonate deeply with every Jamaican,’ he added. Malachi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to perform at such a historic event, reflecting on the rapid success of his song, which was released just weeks ago. ‘To think that this moment has come so quickly is truly a blessing,’ he said. While Malachi describes himself as a casual football fan, he acknowledged the sport’s unifying power and shared a memorable moment from the 2023 Concacaf Nations League, where Jamaica triumphed over Canada on their home turf. ‘That victory was a proud moment for us all,’ he recalled. Malachi, who wrote, produced, mixed, arranged, and mastered ‘Brighter Days,’ takes immense pride in the track, marking his first full creative control over a song. Released on November 2, the song has gained significant traction, aligning with Jamaica’s current cultural climate. ‘This match has the potential to bring joy and celebration to our nation during tough times,’ he said. Born in Stony Hill, St Andrew, Malachi’s musical journey began in the church, where he honed his skills as a vocalist and pianist. His family’s deep musical roots, including his father’s role as a choir director and his uncle’s dual identity as a bishop and singer, have profoundly influenced his career. Malachi’s passion for poetry and songwriting blossomed during high school, and his time at The University of The West Indies further enriched his musical versatility, spanning genres from jazz to roots-reggae. Tonight’s performance is not just a personal milestone but a moment of collective pride for Jamaica, as the nation rallies behind its team in their quest for World Cup qualification.

  • Rad Dixon to release second album in 2026

    Rad Dixon to release second album in 2026

    Renowned reggae artist Rad Dixon is set to release his highly anticipated second album, ‘Africa Calling Calling,’ in early 2026 under Tasjay Productions. The album promises to be a deep dive into the roots-reggae genre that shaped Dixon’s musical journey in Manchester during the 1990s. James Smith Senior, the head of Tasjay Productions, revealed to Observer Online that the album will feature previously released singles like ‘Know Yourself,’ ‘Trodding,’ and ‘Cry of My People.’ Dixon’s debut album, ‘Hard Times,’ debuted in 2023, followed by the EP ‘Giving Thanks For Life Riddim’ in 2024. Dixon shared that his recent single ‘Nah Trust,’ which critiques corrupt politicians, has set the thematic tone for ‘Africa Calling Calling.’ He emphasized that the album is a call to action against politicians who exploit the youth for nefarious purposes. Growing up in Manchester, Dixon was immersed in a vibrant roots music scene that became a cultural hub for dancehall music, influenced by legends like Garnet Silk, Tony Rebel, and Kulcha Knox. Most of Dixon’s tracks, including ‘Sweet Caroline,’ ‘Write Your Name,’ and ‘Baby Don’t Worry,’ have been produced by Tasjay Productions, solidifying their long-standing collaboration.

  • Maxi Priest, Carroll Thompson for Hurricane Melissa Fundraiser Concert

    Maxi Priest, Carroll Thompson for Hurricane Melissa Fundraiser Concert

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica faces immense challenges as it rebuilds. Recognizing the need for global solidarity, two titans of the UK reggae scene, Orlando Gittens and Peter Hunnigale, are spearheading a remarkable initiative to harness the power of music for humanitarian aid. The Giants of Lovers Rock JA Fundraiser Concert, scheduled for December 18, 2025, at Indigo at The O2 in Greenwich, London, promises to be a night of unity, love, and resilience.

    The concert will feature an impressive lineup of reggae and Lovers Rock legends, including Maxi Priest, Carroll Thompson, Sandra Cross, Janet Kay, and Aswad. This event is not just a celebration of music but a mission to support Jamaica’s recovery. All proceeds will be directed to Food for the Poor Jamaica, an organization dedicated to aiding those most affected by the hurricane.

    Keith Ferguson, CEO of Ace Connection Ltd and a proud partner of the initiative, emphasized the significance of this effort. ‘Jamaica’s music has been a source of joy and comfort for the world for decades,’ he said. ‘Now, it’s our turn to give back. This concert is a testament to the unbreakable bond between Jamaica and the global community.’

    Orlando Gittens, a cultural bridge-builder and owner of Musical Therapy Entertainment Ltd, has been a driving force behind the UK’s Black music scene. His creation, The O2 Giants of Lovers Rock, has become the world’s largest and longest-running Lovers Rock event. Gittens’ commitment to fostering unity through music is evident in his words: ‘We are all brothers, we are all African. Jamaica’s pain is our pain.’

    Peter Hunnigale, affectionately known as Mr Honey Vibes, brings his soulful Lovers Rock and conscious roots style to the stage. With a career spanning decades, Hunnigale has become a symbol of musical excellence and cultural pride. Together, Gittens and Hunnigale are transforming music into a powerful tool for healing and hope.

    The concert, with tickets priced at £20 (standing), £30 (balcony), and £40 (King’s Row), is designed to be inclusive, inviting everyone from the diaspora to global music enthusiasts to join this meaningful cause. Doors open at 6 PM, with performances beginning at 7 PM. This event is more than entertainment—it’s a heartfelt gesture of solidarity and love.

    Tickets are available via Partyace.com and AXS.com. For further details, call 0044 7877 799 455. Every ticket purchased and every act of support contributes to rebuilding hope in Jamaica, proving that in the rhythm of Lovers Rock, love always leads the way.

  • Undah Privilege’ and Mega B collab for ‘Be Carefull’

    Undah Privilege’ and Mega B collab for ‘Be Carefull’

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Courtney ‘Undah Privilege’ Nevers, a multi-talented Jamaican entertainer, has joined forces with emerging artist Mega B to release ‘Be Carefull,’ a compelling dancehall reggae track produced by Podeville Production. The song, now available on all major streaming platforms, combines raw energy and profound lyrics to deliver a poignant message about trust and betrayal. Known for his dedication to creating music with purpose, Nevers emphasizes the transformative power of art. ‘I take pride in crafting music that carries a message. It’s a medium that can inspire change and uplift souls,’ he shared. The collaboration with Mega B brings a dynamic synergy, blending their distinct voices to amplify themes of awareness and resilience. Nevers, who is also celebrated for his acting roles in the TV series ‘Arnold’s Caribbean Pizza’ and the film ‘Rude Boy: The Jamaican Don,’ continues to expand his creative horizons. Upcoming projects include a new season of ‘Arnold’s Caribbean Pizza’ and the launch of a short film series titled ‘Dream Chaser’ in 2026. Balancing his time between California and Jamaica, Nevers remains a versatile force in music, film, and television.