Joseph Marcell, the internationally renowned actor celebrated for his iconic role as Geoffrey Butler in *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*, is currently savoring a much-needed holiday in his homeland, Saint Lucia. This visit follows his recent performance in Scotland, where he starred in the world premiere staging of Bach’s rediscovered work, *Markus Passion*.
分类： entertainment
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Antiguan-born Dr. Dave Ray Inducted into the Hall of Fame at Inaugural Beauty Icon Awards
Dr. Dave Ray, a celebrated figure from Antigua known as ‘The Beauty Surgeon,’ has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the first-ever Beauty Icon Awards. Organized by the prestigious Bronner Bros Beauty Conglomerate, the event took place on October 11, 2025, at the Riverside Epicenter in Atlanta, Georgia. This landmark ceremony celebrated the profound impact of Black beauty and culture, honoring icons, legends, and innovators who have shaped the industry.
The star-studded event featured heartfelt tributes to influential personalities, including Chaka Khan, the ‘Queen of Funk,’ and makeup visionary Danessa Myricks. Chaka Khan, a multi-Grammy Award-winning artist, was described by Kelly Keith, Executive Producer of the show, as ‘the embodiment of a beauty icon.’ Her music and fearless style have empowered generations, redefining beauty on her own terms.
Dr. Dave Ray, one of the 15 distinguished honorees, expressed deep humility upon receiving the honor. ‘For the past 35 years, I’ve dedicated myself to education, mentorship, and fostering the legacy of Black beauty—not for awards, but to pass on my knowledge,’ he shared. ‘I will continue this work as long as I am able.’
The Beauty Icon Awards, co-sponsored by Kiss Collection and featuring their subsidiary brands Vivacé and Red by Kiss, is set to become an annual tradition in Atlanta. The event not only celebrated the enduring legacy of Black beauty but also aimed to inspire future generations through art and innovation. Dr. Ray’s induction further highlights his groundbreaking contributions and unwavering dedication to elevating Black talent and innovation in the global beauty industry.
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Waar licht en stad samensmelten: een onvergetelijke avond in Chaoyang
The 2025 Beijing Chaoyang International Light Festival has transformed the city into a dazzling wonderland, where light, art, and technology converge to create an unforgettable sensory experience. Held in the heart of Beijing’s Liangma River Cultural and Economic Belt, the festival, themed ‘Shining Galaxy,’ has captivated visitors with its enchanting displays and innovative use of digital technologies. From flying dragons dancing among trees to a luminous opera singer gliding across a shimmering lake, the festival is a testament to the harmonious blend of nature and urban life.
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Saint Lucia prepares for La Magéwit Festival in Dennery
The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) has unveiled plans for the 2025 La Magéwit Flower Festival, set to take place on October 17 in La Resource, Dennery, in honor of the Feast of Saint Marguerite Alacoque. This cherished event, a cornerstone of Saint Lucian cultural heritage, will feature a vibrant array of performances, including traditional songs, theatrical displays, and community-driven festivities. The day will commence with a church service at St Michael’s Parish Church at 10 a.m., followed by a grand cultural parade leading to the La Resource Playing Field, where Marguerite societies and school groups from across the island will showcase their talents. CDF’s Executive Director, Raymona Henry-Wynne, emphasized the festival’s profound significance, calling it a ‘living testament to who we are as a people.’ She highlighted the foundation’s commitment to preserving and celebrating these cultural treasures, which connect the community to its past, present, and future. Ryan Germain, CDF’s Senior Media and Communications Officer, revealed that this year’s event will introduce new creative elements, including theatrical training for participants, to elevate the festival’s appeal while maintaining its authenticity. Germain also underscored the importance of collaboration between cultural and religious organizations, noting that Saint Lucia’s two flower festivals are unique to the island. With strong participation expected from schools, cultural groups, and the diaspora, the festival will be live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook, ensuring global accessibility. The La Magéwit Flower Festival, characterized by its signature purple, blue, and white colors, remains a symbol of Saint Lucia’s cultural resilience and pride.
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Island clinches top wedding destination award for second year
Barbados has once again been honored as the Caribbean’s leading wedding destination, securing the title for the second consecutive year. This prestigious recognition was announced at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Caribbean & North American Gala Ceremony, held on October 4 at Sandals Grande in St Lucia. The event, which celebrates excellence in the travel and tourism sectors, brought together industry leaders and contenders from across the region. The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) expressed pride in the achievement, attributing it to the island’s unwavering commitment to developing a world-class wedding industry. Cheryl Carter, BTMI’s Chief Operations Officer, emphasized the island’s dedication to creating unforgettable wedding experiences, leveraging its rich culture, stunning venues, and exceptional hospitality. The ceremony also marked the third leg of WTA’s Grand Tour 2025, showcasing the region’s finest travel and tourism organizations. Graham Clarke, Director of BTMI’s Caribbean department, highlighted the significance of the award amidst fierce competition from neighboring destinations, crediting local stakeholders for their pivotal role in securing the honor. WTA founder Graham Cooke praised the winners for setting new benchmarks in tourism excellence. Since its inception in 1993, the World Travel Awards have been a hallmark of industry achievement, celebrating outstanding contributions to travel, tourism, and hospitality globally.
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Colton T releases new single with Afro-beat flair, “Naija”
Colton T, a rising artist, has unveiled his latest single, ‘Naija,’ a dynamic fusion of Afrobeat and Caribbean rhythms that has quickly captured the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide. The track, released on October 15, 2025, has ignited a wave of excitement on social media, with fans creating dance challenges and sharing their interpretations of the song. Produced by ICM Records, ‘Naija’ was written by Colton T and arranged by Kirk Blackmoore, blending Afrobeat percussion with smooth Caribbean elements to create a unique auditory experience. The accompanying music video, directed by Anthony Farrell and filmed in Dallas, features Chiamaka, a model and co-host of Rolling Stone Africa, with behind-the-scenes footage by Evan Jones offering a glimpse into the creative process. The song’s infectious energy and soulful melodies emphasize cultural unity, resonating deeply with listeners. ‘Naija’ serves as a precursor to Colton T’s upcoming EP, ‘Ambience,’ a five-track project slated for release in early 2026. The single’s viral dance snippet has significantly contributed to its rapid rise in popularity, solidifying Colton T’s position as a trailblazer in the music industry.
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St Francois Girls’ College Orchestra leads cultural exchange in Panama
In a historic celebration of Caribbean culture, the St Francois Girls’ College Steelpan Orchestra has been invited to lead a series of steelpan workshops and performances in Panama, commemorating the country’s National Day of Calypso on October 17. This initiative, organized by the Center for Arts and Culture in Colón, aims to reconnect the province with its West Indian roots through the vibrant rhythms of steelpan music. The orchestra will conduct interactive workshops for secondary school students across Colón, culminating in a lively concert that honors the region’s rich musical heritage. This cultural exchange, facilitated by Afro-cultural activist Selvia Miller, Ernesto Polanco of the Institute of Art & Folklore, and Aleah Guitan of Trinitica International, underscores the deep historical ties between Panama and the Caribbean. Colón, home to descendants of Trinidadian, Jamaican, and Barbadian laborers who migrated during the Panama Canal construction, has long embraced calypso music. The introduction of steelpan aims to create a melodic bridge between generations and cultures, fostering a renewed sense of pride and memory for the Afro-Caribbean diaspora.
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Radcliffe ‘Dougie’ Bryan dies at 78
Radcliffe ‘Dougie’ Bryan, the celebrated guitarist whose iconic riffs graced numerous hits by Toots and The Maytals, The Sensations, and Gregory Isaacs, passed away at the age of 78 on October 16 in Florida. His longtime colleague and bassist Jackie Jackson of The Maytals confirmed the news in an interview with Observer Online. Bryan’s illustrious career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on reggae and ska music. Earlier this year, in July 2024, he was honored with seven Grammy certificates by the Recording Association of America, recognizing his contributions to three Grammy-winning albums and four nominated works. The ceremony, held at the Island SPACE Museum in Plantation, South Florida, was presided over by Kennedy Mensah, managing director of Back 2 Da Future Music Ltd, a London-based music publishing firm representing Bryan. Among the albums acknowledged were Black Uhuru’s ‘Anthem,’ Bunny Wailer’s ‘Crucial! Roots Classics,’ and Toots and The Maytals’ ‘Got to Be Tough,’ which won Best Reggae Album Grammys in 1985, 1995, and 2021, respectively. Bryan’s work on other classics, including Toots and The Maytals’ ‘Light Your Light’ and ‘Ska Father,’ Jimmy Cliff’s ‘Hanging Fire,’ and Sizzla’s ‘The Messiah,’ was also celebrated. Born in Trelawny, Bryan moved to Kingston in his early teens and began his musical journey in the mid-1960s. He joined The Sensations, a harmony group that achieved success with hits like ‘Those Guys’ and ‘Everyday is A Holiday.’ Bryan’s guitar riffs became synonymous with timeless tracks such as ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,’ ‘Soon Forward,’ ‘Monkey Man,’ and ‘Pressure Drop.’ As a core member of The Maytals, alongside Jackie Jackson, drummer Paul Douglas, guitarist Hux Brown, and organist Winston Wright, Bryan helped shape the band’s signature sound. In the 1970s, he was part of The Revolutionaries, the house band at Channel One, where he collaborated with legends like Black Uhuru, Gregory Isaacs, and Jimmy Riley under producers Joseph Hoo Kim and Sly and Robbie. Bryan’s legacy as a pioneering guitarist and reggae icon will continue to resonate across generations.
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Danece Jacas is Miss Jamaica World Talent, advances to MJW top ten
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Danece Jacas, a resident of St. Mary, has emerged as the first-place winner in the Miss Jamaica World Talent fast track event, held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre. Organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the competition featured all 20 finalists vying for an automatic spot in the top ten. Jacas captivated the judges with her performance of Teddy Swims’ 2023 hit ‘Lose Control,’ securing her place in the finals.
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KOLONii moves ‘Forward’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — KOLONii, a burgeoning talent in the music scene, is poised to make a lasting impression with the launch of his inaugural single, *Forward*. Produced by the acclaimed Emmanuel ‘TvchPoint’ Aden, the track is being hailed as a transformative anthem that resonates with themes of resilience and hope. TvchPoint, a Grammy voting member with over two decades of experience in music production and artist development, immediately recognized KOLONii’s potential after hearing a voice note from the artist. ‘KOLONii’s delivery is fearless, his narrative is authentic, and his message is universal. It’s not just about survival; it’s about hope—a voice the world needs,’ TvchPoint remarked. For the producer, this release signifies more than just a new record; it’s a testament to his faith in the next generation of Jamaican artistry. KOLONii’s debut is a powerful blend of raw authenticity and unwavering determination, encapsulating a universal message of growth and perseverance amidst adversity. With his compelling delivery and poignant storytelling, KOLONii represents a new wave of Caribbean artists rooted in struggle yet driven to succeed. As he celebrates this milestone, fans can anticipate more from the rising star, with new projects already in development. ‘This is just the beginning. There’s so much more to come, so stay tuned,’ KOLONii shared.