分类: entertainment

  • Miss Central Trinidad delegates to make positive difference in society

    Miss Central Trinidad delegates to make positive difference in society

    The Miss Central Trinidad Queen Pageant for 2026 is actively recruiting participants who demonstrate not only beauty and confidence but also a genuine commitment to societal improvement. Coordinator Marcia Merrick-Mohamed, a former titleholder herself, emphasizes that the competition seeks intellectually bright women aged 18-29 who aspire to create meaningful community impact beyond merely winning a crown.

    The preliminary screening event occurred on January 3 at Lisas Gardens Community Centre in Couva, where organizers evaluated potential delegates for the upcoming pageant. As the centerpiece of the Couva Carnival Committee’s six-day festivities, this annual event offers more than just prestigious titles. Participants will contend for multiple specialty awards including Best Gown, Best Costume, Miss Intelligent, People’s Choice (determined through online voting), and Miss Photogenic (selected by media photographers).

    Merrick-Mohamed is actively seeking additional corporate sponsors to enhance the event’s production quality and community outreach. While Sacha Cosmetics has already confirmed continued support for the 2026 edition, organizers encourage other businesses to join this community-focused initiative. Notably, the pageant maintains free public admission, reflecting the committee’s dedication to providing accessible, family-friendly entertainment while fostering a secure environment for all attendees. Final contestant selections will be finalized within the coming week.

  • Stylo G, DJ Mac go viral with ‘Mukky’

    Stylo G, DJ Mac go viral with ‘Mukky’

    British dancehall phenomenon Stylo G has once again demonstrated his hitmaking prowess with the release of a potent new single titled ‘Mukky.’ The track emerges as a collaborative effort with acclaimed dancehall producer DJ Mac, featuring prominently on the producer’s currently trending WYFL riddim compilation.

    Early indicators suggest the song is rapidly gaining traction across digital platforms and physical sound systems alike. In exclusive comments, Stylo G revealed the track’s immediate impact: ”Mukky’ is already generating significant buzz online and receiving substantial dubplate requests worldwide. This overwhelming response is particularly encouraging since simultaneous street and internet validation typically forecasts major success. I must extend gratitude to all supporters amplifying this record.’

    The artist, previously responsible for mainstream crossovers including ‘Dumpling,’ ‘Bam Bam,’ and ‘Too Hot,’ maintains his reputation for creating authentic street anthems. Stylo G attributes his consistent relevance to maintaining direct connections with grassroots musical movements. ‘Being immersed in street culture ensures I remain attuned to current vibrations, which directly informs my creative process. For any artist, sustaining contemporary awareness is crucial to maintaining competitive sharpness,’ he explained.

    In parallel developments, the UK-based deejay has also released ‘We Rise Again,’ a humanitarian tribute honoring victims of Hurricane Melissa. Meanwhile, the official music video for ‘Mukky’ is currently undergoing post-production refinement, with scheduled release anticipated before month’s end.

  • Daniel John buzzing with ‘Mixed Signals’

    Daniel John buzzing with ‘Mixed Signals’

    Emerging musical talent Daniel John is experiencing a significant career breakthrough with his latest single, “Mixed Signals,” achieving remarkable traction across both domestic and international music platforms. The multi-genre performer has generated substantial industry buzz as his composition steadily ascends various music charts, capturing attention from audiences and critics alike.

    John’s distinctive sound represents an innovative fusion of reggae, R&B, pop, and hip-hop elements, creating what the artist describes as a “musical melting pot.” His confidence in the track’s potential for mainstream success appears well-founded, with numerous music experts and local influencers expressing similar optimistic projections about the single’s commercial viability.

    The recording has received substantial promotional support through features on established radio programs including Zip FM and Sun City Radio. Additionally, “Mixed Signals” has been incorporated into multiple popular dancehall mixtapes and has become a fixture in local party rotations, demonstrating its broad appeal across different listening environments.

    Currently residing in the United States, John attributes his musical predisposition to his family background. As the son of a former reggae artist and current music producer, he was exposed to musical creativity from early childhood. “I recall watching my father practice on his keyboard in our basement and distribute his mixtapes at neighborhood block parties,” John recounted. “He introduced me to the alto saxophone at age six, and I’ve maintained instrumental proficiency ever since.”

    Though musically inclined throughout his academic years, John only began pursuing music professionally in 2017 when he approached his father about creating a collaborative composition. The resulting track, “Hello Dad,” marked his official entry into the music industry and established his artistic trajectory.

    The artist is currently focused on intensive promotion for “Mixed Signals” while simultaneously recording new material with multiple producers, indicating a productive period of creative output and career development.

  • Near-death experience leads singer to music, God

    Near-death experience leads singer to music, God

    A profound spiritual awakening emerged from the brink of mortality for Trinidadian gospel artist Samuel George, whose medical crisis became the catalyst for both his religious devotion and musical career. The 28-year-old Aranguez native recently unveiled his newest single “Early in the Morning” on January 2nd, marking the latest milestone in an extraordinary journey that began with a life-threatening battle against pneumonia in 2024.

    During his three-day hospitalization, George experienced severe physical limitations that prevented him from swallowing solid food and could only consume minimal fluids. This medical emergency triggered an existential reckoning as he confronted the apparent absence of purpose in his life despite previous explorations through football, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts.

    “I refused to accept that my life would end without meaningful contribution,” George recalled during an exclusive interview. His desperate plea for a second chance at life was answered through an unexpected medium: divinely inspired music that began manifesting in his consciousness during recovery.

    Without any formal musical training, George suddenly found himself hearing complete compositions in his mind—melodies, harmonies, and rhythmic patterns that would form the foundation of his debut single “Lord You Break Barriers” in April 2024. This initial effort was developed with guidance from established gospel musicians including Jaron Nurse, Blessed Messenger, and David Barker of Ten Strings Media.

    George has since developed a distinctive musical signature by blending Trinidad’s indigenous soca rhythms with gospel messaging. His discography now includes six compositions spanning four gospelypso tracks and two worship songs. His latest work incorporates what he describes as “infectious, joyful rhythms of soca with a core message of faithful devotion,” specifically emphasizing the spiritual importance of beginning each day with prayerful dedication.

    “Choosing to pray early represents actively prioritizing our relationship with God before worldly distractions intervene,” George explained. “This sacred practice allows us to exchange anxiety for peace, confusion for direction, and weakness for strength.”

    The artist’s work has garnered positive reception across generational lines within religious communities. George attributes his creative process to quiet moments of worship during which he receives musical inspiration that later surfaces throughout his daily activities.

    Looking beyond music, George aspires to expand his ministry through evangelical work in churches, schools, and other venues. He offered pointed commentary on Trinidad and Tobago’s social landscape, suggesting that many leaders “rely on their own understanding rather than recognizing God as the solution to our chaotic state.”

    For individuals experiencing hopelessness, George emphasized: “Your value isn’t diminished because others fail to recognize it. God sees your worth even when you cannot. I encourage people to seek divine perspective on their identity and purpose.”

    The artist ultimately aims to propagate messages of hope through diverse musical genres while potentially traveling internationally to share transformative spiritual experiences with global audiences.

  • Playwrights Workshop starts monthly series on January 7

    Playwrights Workshop starts monthly series on January 7

    The Playwrights Workshop of Trinbago (PWT) will inaugurate its 2026 monthly readers theatre series with a special presentation featuring foundational member and accomplished playwright Judith Theodore. The season opener will showcase cold readings of Theodore’s two distinctive works: ‘Don’t Be Late’ and ‘The Big Debate’ on January 7 at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop in Port of Spain.

    ‘Don’t Be Late’ presents a comedic examination of personality conflicts, focusing on the dynamic between an extremely punctual individual and someone who operates on their own schedule. The contrasting characters create a humorous exploration of human behavior and social expectations.

    The second work, ‘The Big Debate,’ transports audiences to a Scarborough guest house on Carnival Tuesday morning. Through the perspective of two maids going about their duties, the play captures the linguistic artistry of Speech Bands performers engaging in traditional verbal battles. The narrative cleverly incorporates the real-life controversy surrounding Sir Elton John’s scheduled performance at a Tobago jazz event, using this folk art form to examine the clash between religious leaders and event promoters.

    Theodore brings decades of artistic expertise to these works, having begun her career as a dancer with the Repertory Dance Company under Astor Johnson before transitioning to acting in theater, film, and television. Her credits include performances in ‘One of our Sons is Missing,’ ‘Belle Fanto,’ and the popular local series ‘Westwood Park.’

    The playwright has honed her craft through prestigious workshops including the Cropper Foundation Residential Writing Workshop and the Trinity-in-Trinidad Playwright Workshop with the late Tony Hall. Her literary accomplishments extend beyond theater with published short stories in ‘Trinidad Noir’ and ‘Sixteen,’ plus her own anthology ‘Told by the River.’

    The monthly series, held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm, continues its mission of providing playwrights with opportunities to hear their scripts performed aloud and receive valuable audience feedback. Admission to the January 7 event is free, offering public access to these cultural works.

  • ‘Mas’ and culture take center stage at upcoming film series premiere

    ‘Mas’ and culture take center stage at upcoming film series premiere

    The vibrant fusion of Caribbean Carnival culture and cinematic artistry takes center stage as Scene Productions Ltd launches its groundbreaking Mas + Movies film series with a special preview event in Dominica. The inaugural screening, set for January 3, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, will be hosted at the Prevo Cinemall as part of the Waitukubuli Artist Association’s ongoing “Paradise of Colours & Expressions” Exhibition.

    This cultural initiative marks its Caribbean debut with the world premiere of “Just Iere” (2026), a television series pilot directed by Trinidadian filmmaker Shari Petti. The series follows Thandi, an ambitious radio host and DJ navigating themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery within Port of Spain’s dynamic musical landscape. The screening event will additionally showcase the 12-minute short film “Fantastic Friday” (2023) and select episodes from “Mas Prep,” a documentary series exploring Trinidad and Tobago’s traditional mas-making artistry, including Dragon, Stick Fighter, and Jab Molassie traditions.

    Mas + Movies represents a significant cultural platform for Caribbean storytelling, combining film screenings with interactive dialogue. The event will conclude with an audience Q&A session, fostering direct engagement between creators and the community. A subsequent screening is already scheduled for February 1 at Movietowne during Trinidad’s Carnival season, with additional regional presentations planned throughout 2026.

    The hosting “Paradise of Colours & Expressions” Exhibition continues through January 9 with daily viewings from 11 AM to 7 PM. Complementary events include a January 6 watercolor workshop with artist Aaron Hamilton and a January 7 panel discussion titled “The Cost Of Expression,” featuring prominent local creatives examining the economics of artistic entrepreneurship in Dominica.

    Supported through partnerships with Waitukubuli Artist Association and Prevo Cinemall, with special recognition to Michael Lees and Sandra Vivas, the series demonstrates growing institutional support for Caribbean cultural production. Audiences can follow @kubuliarts on social media for updates or visit @scenepresents for detailed series information.

  • Marianela Nunez receives Honorary Dance Award in Cuba

    Marianela Nunez receives Honorary Dance Award in Cuba

    Cuba’s National Union of Artists and Writers (UNEAC) has conferred its highest dance distinction upon Argentine ballerina Marianela Núñez, recognizing her as one of the most exceptional dance artists of the contemporary era. The prestigious award, established in 2008, honors iconic figures who have made extraordinary contributions to the world of dance.

    Critic Ahmed Piñero, in his official declaration, described Núñez as “perhaps the most extraordinary ballerina of our time,” emphasizing her profound artistic impact. The recognition comes shortly after Núñez’s remarkable performances in Havana, where she partnered with Cuban dancer Patricio Revé in a celebrated production of the classic ballet Don Quixote.

    The collaboration between Núñez and Revé—a principal dancer with both London’s Royal Ballet and Australia’s Queensland Ballet—demonstrated exceptional artistic chemistry and technical mastery. Their performances with the National Ballet of Cuba were met with widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

    Piñero further reflected on Núñez’s deep connections to Cuban ballet traditions, noting that the Argentine dancer considers dance her true homeland. “For Marianela,” he asserted, “ballet has always been more than just her profession; it’s a calling.”

    The ballet specialist highlighted Núñez’s rapid ascent to the pinnacle of her art, achieving the coveted rank of prima ballerina with Britain’s Royal Ballet at just twenty years of age. In a significant comparison, Piñero drew parallels between Núñez’s artistry and that of Cuban ballet legend Alicia Alonso, noting that both dancers prioritize expressive interpretation over technical display, subordinating virtuosity to dramatic authenticity.

    This honor adds to Núñez’s recent recognitions, including the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire bestowed by King Charles III, cementing her status as a truly global ballet icon.

  • Cuban actress Adela Legra passes away

    Cuban actress Adela Legra passes away

    The Cuban film industry mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished actresses, Adelaida López Legra, who passed away in the early hours at a provincial hospital. The announcement was made by Alexis Triana, President of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC), confirming the demise of the beloved screen legend known professionally as Adela Legra.

    Born in 1939 in Guantánamo, Legra’s extraordinary talent was first recognized by acclaimed filmmaker Humberto Solás, who catapulted her to stardom with her debut lead role in the medium-length film ‘Manuela’ (1965). This groundbreaking performance marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would span over four decades, establishing her as a foundational figure in Cuban cinema.

    Her artistic partnership with Solás yielded some of Cuba’s most significant cinematic works, including the landmark historical trilogy ‘Lucía’ (1968), which remains a masterpiece of Latin American cinema, followed later by ‘Miel para Oshún’ (2001) and ‘Barrio Cuba’ (2005). Beyond these collaborations, Legra’s versatile acting graced numerous other productions including Sergio Giral’s ‘Rancheador’ (1976), Octavio Cortázar’s ‘El Brigadista’ (1977), Enrique Pineda’s ‘Aquella noche larga’ (1979), Luis Felipe Bernaza’s ‘Vals de la Habana Vieja’ (1988), and Juan Carlos Cremata’s ‘Nada’ (2001).

    Legra’s contributions to the arts were recognized with numerous honors, including the prestigious Heredia Plaque, tributes at the Havana Film Festival New York (2002), and recognition at the inaugural Gibara International Low-budget Film Festival (2003). Her legacy was further immortalized through two documentary films: ‘Adela un nombre de mujer’ (1999) and ‘Quien me quita lo bailao’ (2000), both dedicated to celebrating her life and career.

    The cultural community will pay final respects to the revered actress at El Calvario funeral home in Santiago de Cuba, where memorial services will be held in the coming hours, allowing colleagues, admirers, and the nation to bid farewell to an icon whose work became an integral part of Cuba’s cultural identity.

  • Chronic Law rules YouTube… again

    Chronic Law rules YouTube… again

    For the second consecutive year, Jamaican dancehall sensation Chronic Law has decisively secured his position as YouTube’s most-viewed artist, accumulating a staggering 154 million views throughout 2025. According to official platform statistics, Chronic Law’s viewership nearly doubled that of his closest competitor, incarcerated artist Vybz Kartel, who maintained the second position with 85.7 million views.

    The YouTube Music Charts, which remain the primary streaming platform for many Jamaican audiences, revealed the complete rankings for the period spanning December 28, 2024, to December 28, 2025. Emerging artist Skippa captured third place with 79.9 million views, while established stars Masicka (74.5 million) and Squash (64.1 million) completed the top five. The list continued with Alkaline, Jamal, Malie Donn, Popcaan, and producer DJ Mac rounding out the top ten.

    Geographic data analysis indicates Chronic Law’s strongest viewership originated from Kingston, Jamaica; New York, USA; Port of Spain, Trinidad; and London, England. His most-streamed tracks included ‘New York Girls,’ ‘Empty,’ ‘Higher Life’ (a collaboration with Kranium), ‘Kick It Wid Myself’ (with Popcaan), and ‘Don’t Fall.’

    Vybz Kartel demonstrated remarkable international appeal with his primary audiences located in Nairobi, Kenya; Paris, France; and Accra, Ghana. His top-performing songs were ‘God is the Greatest,’ ‘Ignite the World,’ ‘Fever,’ ‘Unstoppable,’ and ‘Whine to the Top.’

    Despite the overall artist dominance by male performers, the year’s most-streamed individual track was the ‘Shake It To The Max’ remix featuring Shenseea and Skillibeng, which has amassed nearly 220 billion views since its March 2025 premiere. This was followed by ‘Beloved and Blessed’ by Jaame.sss featuring Inner Circle’s Skatta Lopa and Armanii’s ‘8:00 PM’ in third place.

    Notably, for the second consecutive year, no female dancehall artists appeared in the top 15 most-viewed artists ranking, nor were any solo female tracks represented in the year’s top songs list, highlighting an ongoing gender disparity within the genre’s digital landscape.

  • New chapter for The Cloth – fashion house opens at Trinidad Gingerbread House

    New chapter for The Cloth – fashion house opens at Trinidad Gingerbread House

    Trinidad and Tobago’s pioneering fashion house The Cloth has inaugurated a new boutique at the historic Trinidad Gingerbread House on Carlos Street, Woodbrook, marking a significant expansion as the brand approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026. The December 20 opening represents both a physical and philosophical evolution for designer Robert Young’s enterprise, which maintains its foundational commitment to cultural storytelling through wearable art.

    The new space features curated capsule collections and seasonal releases that integrate local craftsmanship heritage, offering visitors bespoke fittings and in-house styling services. Young emphasizes that the location transcends commercial considerations, serving as a repository of encoded cultural language through its distinctive African-crafted fretwork that embodies “liberatory hopes” of post-colonial artisans.

    Young’s unconventional journey into fashion began when the former agricultural science student purchased a sewing machine on impulse despite no prior experience. His breakthrough came in May 1986 when his politically-charged debut collection featuring messages like “Free Mandela” and “Crush Racism” garnered front-page newspaper coverage. This established The Cloth’s distinctive approach to fashion as “spiritual armor” that celebrates Caribbean identity rather than conforming to Western aesthetics.

    The brand has achieved remarkable international reach, with collections currently stocked in boutiques across Mustique, Jamaica, Martha’s Vineyard, Japan, Spain, and several European nations. Notable collaborations include dressing cultural icons like David Rudder and 3canal, while The Cloth’s designs have been exhibited at prestigious institutions including the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and the Museum at FIT in New York.

    In 2017, Young partnered with British anthropologist Sophie Bufton to form The Cloth Caribbean, enhancing the brand’s global market navigation while maintaining its Belmont-based headquarters. Despite international acclaim, Young remains committed to sovereignty in creative expression and economic models, advocating for regional control of rare sea island cotton and developing worker-owned cooperatives for artisans.

    Looking forward, Young plans to establish an experimental creative space in Toco to nurture emerging designers while continuing Vulgar Fraction, his independent Carnival band that transforms masquerade into cultural commentary. The designer acknowledges four decades of community support that has sustained The Cloth’s unique vision of fashion as a medium for Caribbean self-determination and cultural preservation.