Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Mikey Mercer sweeps both soca monarch titles at revived finals

    Mikey Mercer sweeps both soca monarch titles at revived finals

    After six long years absent from Barbados’ iconic Crop Over festival calendar, the Banks Party Monarch Finals powered by HITZ 106.7 FM made its triumphant return to the National Botanical Gardens on Sunday evening. Despite overcast skies and constant threats of heavy rain, thousands of die-hard soca music fans poured through the venue gates starting at 2 p.m. — two hours ahead of the official performance start — armed with umbrellas, folding chairs, and unwavering enthusiasm to witness the island’s top talent compete for the sport’s most coveted monarch titles.

    The evening’s festivities opened with the Sweet Soca Monarch segment, which featured eight competing artistes pulling out all the stops to win over the crowd and judges. Mr Blood kicked off the competition with his track *Crop Over Forever*, setting a lively tone for the night, followed by Saddis with *Skyfall*, Aza with *Soca Heaven*, Khiomal with *Back To When*, Ross with *Come And Go*, and the duo SugahRhe and Freshie with *Show Me Uh Motion*. When the seventh performer, veteran soca artist Mikey Mercer, took the stage with his entry *Real Feters*, he instantly turned the venue into one massive street party. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Mercer’s raw passion and innate ability to connect with the audience had the entire crowd singing along word for word, cementing his status as the segment’s frontrunner from the first note. Skung Yung closed out the Sweet Soca round with *Chemistry* around 5:30 p.m., with the threatened rain never materializing to interrupt the celebrations.

    The second half of the night brought the high-energy Power Soca competition, which also featured eight performers vying for the title and its $100,000 grand prize. Shanta Price opened the segment with *Festival Calling*, leaning into traditional Crop Over pageantry with stilt walkers and iconic Mother Sally characters to set the festive mood. Mercer followed as the second performer with his entry *Like Ah Bajan*, and immediately locked in the crowd’s support. Clad in Barbados’ national colors, he sparked a wave of patriotic pride, with attendees chanting the country’s area code “246!” in unison throughout his opening. The veteran performer commanded the stage with a presence that few could match, once again positioning him as the clear favorite for the title.

    Other standout performances from the Power Soca round included soca icon Lil Rick’s polished delivery of *Best Ting*, which demonstrated exactly why he has remained a beloved fixture of Barbadian soca for more than 30 decades, earning sing-alongs from end to end of the grounds. Nikita brought theatrical flair to the stage with *Extraordinary*, opening with a gaming-inspired introduction before arriving on an all-terrain vehicle and transforming mid-performance from a sleek silver pantsuit into a vibrant, shaggy costume. Mr Blood took the stage with *Include Me*, while Walkes brought high-octane energy to *Roadway* alongside motorcycle props, a live drum segment, and widespread crowd participation. Shaquille GFG delivered an emotional set with *After All*, dedicating his performance to late supporters including two prominent deejays and his own father, before being joined on stage by Vincentian star Skinny Fabulous for a surprise guest appearance. Roof Deck Symphony closed out the competitive segment with a lively performance of *Pass De Glass*, arriving in matching bartender costumes to cap off the night’s performances.

    When the judges tallied their scores, the night belonged unequivocally to Mikey Mercer: the soca veteran earned a perfect 100 points in both the Sweet Soca and Power Soca segments, claiming a rare double victory that solidified his dominance of the 2024 Crop Over season. In an emotional address to the crowd immediately after the announcement, Mercer thanked fans for their unwavering support, telling the audience “I love wunna bad, bad, bad, bad.” Speaking to reporters later, he described the historic win as an overwhelming moment, and dedicated the achievement to his mother.

    Mercer explained that his 2024 campaign required months of intense preparation, including rigorous training, endless rehearsals, and full commitment from his entire team. While he entered the competition with the goal of winning, he emphasized that he never took a victory for granted. “My aim is that when they come off stage, they can say, ‘I did my best,’ and I did my best at each performance,” he noted. The veteran also praised the competition’s mix of seasoned stars and emerging young talent, saying that healthy competition pushes all artistes to grow and continues to strengthen Barbados’ thriving soca ecosystem. With a combined $200,000 in prize money from his two wins, Mercer shared that his first priorities are supporting his mother, expanding his ongoing charitable work, and growing his personal Reunion brand.

    Full competition results confirmed Mercer’s historic sweep: in Sweet Soca, Mr Blood took second place with 68 points for *Crop Over Forever*, Khiomal earned third place with 61 points for *Back To When*, and Ross placed fourth with 52 points for *Come And Go*. In the Power Soca category, Shaquille GFG took second place with 75 points for *After All*, Lil Rick earned third with 62 points for *Best Ting*, and Nikita placed fourth with 55 points for *Extraordinary*.

  • Local Artists Showcased at Toronto Polo Charity Event

    Local Artists Showcased at Toronto Polo Charity Event

    The annual Toronto polo charity event this year carved out a special spotlight for the city’s homegrown artistic community, blending the elegance of high-goal equestrian competition with a curated showcase of creative works from local creators. Organizers of the fundraiser, which supports youth arts access programs across the Greater Toronto Area, made the intentional decision to center local talent this year, moving beyond the traditional focus on equestrian sport to highlight the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.

    More than 30 visual artists, mixed-media creators, and craft artisans set up installations and exhibition spaces along the event’s main concourse, greeting thousands of attendees who turned out for a day of polo matches, networking, and philanthropy. Attendees had the opportunity to meet the creators, view their works in person, and purchase pieces, with 20% of all art sales donated directly to the event’s beneficiary charities.

    Event organizers noted that integrating the art showcase created a more inclusive, community-focused experience, bringing together equestrian enthusiasts, art collectors, and local families who came to support a good cause. “This event has always been about giving back to Toronto, and what better way to do that than to lift up the artists who make our city such a dynamic place to live,” said the event’s chair in a press interview ahead of the opening. “We’ve been blown away by the response from both creators and attendees – it’s clear this new pairing of polo and local art is here to stay.”

    Beneficiaries of the fundraiser, which have raised more than CAD 2.3 million over the past decade, say the added art component will help them expand after-school arts programs for underserved youth in Toronto’s inner-city neighborhoods. Many of the participating artists also shared that the event gave them valuable exposure to new audiences and opportunities to build their customer base in a city that increasingly prioritizes supporting local creative work.

  • Party Monarch comeback a hit, but changes coming, says Archer

    Party Monarch comeback a hit, but changes coming, says Archer

    After a six-year hiatus, the iconic Party Monarch competition has made its triumphant return to Barbados’ annual Crop Over festival – but government officials have signaled that major changes are still ahead to secure the cultural staple’s place for future generations.

    Senator Shane Archer, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with oversight over Youth and Culture, who is leading the government’s management of this year’s festival, announced that a full sector-wide review is already planned to modernize the competition and reinforce its long-term relevance and financial sustainability.

    Sunday’s sold-out Party Monarch Finals drew massive public support, marking the first iteration of the contest since it was put on hold in 2019. Thousands of festival-goers packed the National Botanical Gardens to watch the live performances, while hundreds more tuned into digital streams to follow the event from home.

    Archer emphasized that the decision by the current Mottley administration to revive the competition has already been vindicated by the overwhelming public response. “I’m very satisfied with both the turnout and the quality of performances across the board, especially after such a long break,” he said. “Bringing back Party Monarch was absolutely the right call for our government and our culture.”

    The turnout, Archer noted, confirms that the competition remains a deeply beloved part of Barbados’ cultural identity and a core highlight of the Crop Over calendar. “Thousands of people showed up in person to support the event, and hundreds more joined online, proving that there is still huge public demand for this key part of our festival, and our broader cultural landscape,” he explained. “Beyond the numbers, we’ve brought the conversation about Party Monarch back to the forefront, and restored a platform that many creatives and fans thought was lost for good. The quality of this year’s performances makes it clear how much extraordinary talent we have in our local creative sector, and the public’s reaction was far more encouraging than even we expected.”

    Despite the overwhelmingly successful comeback, Archer stressed that the revived competition is still a work in progress, noting that systemic changes are needed to bring the event in line with modern expectations. “This is just the first step in the journey to rebuild Party Monarch,” he said. “We know that we have to restructure key elements of the competition to modernize it, and to make sure it can thrive for decades to come.”

    Following the February 11 general election that returned the Mottley administration to power, Archer took on day-to-day responsibility for the Crop Over festival. He confirmed that the government will conduct a full audit of every aspect of the competition, hold wide-ranging consultations with creative stakeholders, industry partners and community members, and implement targeted improvements to keep the contest financially viable and aligned with the evolving direction of Barbadian cultural expression.

    Archer added that this year’s successful return has already laid a strong foundation for future improvements. “Overall, bringing Party Monarch back has been a clear success, and that gives us a solid base to keep building on moving forward,” he said.

    Sunday’s finals closed on a high note when local performer Mikey Mercer made history by claiming both the Sweet Soca Monarch and Power Soca Monarch titles with perfect scores from the judges, capping off the comeback event with a high-energy finish that delighted the crowd.

  • Minister Dwayne George Pleased with Carnival 2026 Preparations

    Minister Dwayne George Pleased with Carnival 2026 Preparations

    During an on-site inspection of the Antigua Recreation Grounds this Monday, Dwayne George, Minister of Sports and Creative Industries of Antigua and Barbuda, affirmed that the nation is solidly on track to host what event organizers project will be the largest Carnival in the country’s history.

    Accompanied by Cleofoster Harris, Operations Lead for the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, George toured the venue that is currently undergoing extensive transformation into Carnival City, where he reviewed the pace and quality of ongoing pre-event work for the country’s flagship summer cultural celebration.

    After wrapping up the inspection, George told reporters he was deeply encouraged by the progress achieved so far, confirming that overall preparations are currently 70 percent complete ahead of the 2026 edition of the festival.

    “From everything I’ve seen and heard during today’s walkthrough, I can say we are in an incredibly strong position, and I’m thrilled with how prepared we are,” George shared during a post-inspection briefing. “Seventy percent of all work for Carnival 2026 is done, and I can already feel the excitement building – the rhythm of the celebration is already in the air.”

    The minister went on to issue a public appeal for widespread community participation, emphasizing that the long-term success of the iconic cultural festival hinges on active support from local residents.

    “Our unique cultural heritage cannot thrive unless we show up to support it in person, alongside our families,” he noted. He also extended gratitude to the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, the national government, corporate sponsors, and the local population for their consistent contributions to the event’s ongoing success over the years.

    As the country gears up to mark its 69th Carnival, George stressed that organizers are fully committed to delivering the most expansive and memorable edition of the festival in its decades-long history. He highlighted a series of major infrastructure upgrades being rolled out for this year’s event, headlined by a new nearly 100-meter modern performance stage, alongside fully upgraded lighting and audio systems that are designed to enhance the experience for both performers and attendees.

    “This expanded, state-of-the-art stage will give local artists a first-class platform to truly show off their craft and highlight the incredible creative talent that Antigua and Barbuda has to offer to the world,” George explained.

    He also commended the ongoing collaboration between the Festivals Commission and his ministry, as well as the generous backing from corporate sponsors, which have kept all preparation work moving according to the established timeline. Beyond core entertainment infrastructure, George shared that event organizers have prioritized improving the overall attendee experience, with upgrades to security protocols, sanitation facilities, and parking logistics all progressing smoothly.

    Reaffirming Antigua and Barbuda’s status as home to one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious cultural festivals, George extended an invitation to both local residents and international travelers to join the 2026 celebrations, helping to uphold the nation’s reputation as a top global Carnival destination.

    “Let’s come together to make this a landmark success,” he said. “Antigua and Barbuda already hosts one of the greatest summer festivals in the entire Caribbean. Let’s keep living up to that legacy, and continue setting an example for other nations to follow.”

  • Dany Laferrière in dialogue with students of the State University of Haiti

    Dany Laferrière in dialogue with students of the State University of Haiti

    On the morning of July 13, 2026, the halls of the State University of Haiti (UEH) buzzed with uncommon energy as hundreds of students, faculty members and university leaders gathered for a once-in-a-generation dialogue with celebrated Haitian-Canadian author and Academician Dany Laferrière. Held under the theme “The Childhood of a Writer, the event marked a highlight of Laferrière’s national tour, organized at the personal invitation of UEH leadership, and opened a rare space for deep conversation about literature, collective memory and the art of storytelling.

    In his opening address to the packed auditorium, UEH Rector Dieuseul Prédélus framed the visit as far more than a simple cultural event, highlighting its profound symbolic weight for Haiti’s leading public higher education institution. Prédélus argued that the role of a national university extends far beyond technical academic training: it must act as a steward of the Haitian people’s collective memory and collective imagination. Haitian literary works, he emphasized, represent an irreplaceable national heritage that UEH has a fundamental duty to preserve, teach and amplify to new generations. To turn these commitments into action, Prédélus announced a new institutional initiative to deepen collaboration between UEH’s academic programs and Haiti’s literary community, including expanding the collection of Haitian literary works in university libraries, integrating these texts into graduate research programs and centering Haitian voices in academic conferences. He closed his opening remarks by urging attendees to embrace the rare opportunity to learn from one of Haiti’s most widely read and beloved contemporary authors, who carries a perspective rooted deeply in Haitian experience.

    For Laferrière, the invitation carried special personal meaning: this marked the first time he had received an official invitation to engage with the university community from his native country’s leading public higher education institution, a recognition that left him visibly moved as he opened his remarks. He began by tracing the origins of one of his most iconic works, *L’Odeur du café*, sharing that the story had lived within him for decades before he put pen to paper. He recalled the opening line that unlocked the entire work for him: “I spent my childhood in Petit-Goâve, a few kilometers from Port-au-Prince.” That simple, unadorned opening, he explained, taught him a foundational writing rule that he has followed throughout his career: every great story starts with simplicity. Reconnecting with the name of his childhood hometown revealed to him the quiet poetic power of the place and memories that shaped him, with the figure of his grandmother Da at the center of those early years, forever seated on her porch with her coffee pot at hand.

    Moderated by UEH Professor Darline Alexis and Literature master’s student Francesca Mintor, the conversation covered the core influences that shaped Laferrière’s craft. He shared that unlike traditional storytellers, his grandmother told stories of ordinary daily life, filled with real people rather than mythic figures. It was from her that he learned the subtle art of pausing mid-narrative to build suspense and hold a listener’s attention, a skill he still draws on in his work decades later.

    When attendees raised questions about the role of political upheaval and national crisis in his writing, Laferrière offered a reflective, deliberate perspective. He explained that he has made a deliberate choice not to let tragedy and misfortune dominate his creative imagination. “I can’t be both the disease and the cure,” he told the crowd, noting that when confronting crises from anti-Black racism in North America to dictatorship in his home country, writers need to step back to see the full texture of everyday life: the small gestures, personal details and ordinary people that make stories feel authentic and human.

    Throughout the exchange, Laferrière wove in practical, actionable advice for the young aspiring writers in attendance, turning the dialogue into a masterclass on the craft of writing. His core advice? “Don’t explain. Show.” A single vivid, concrete detail, he argued, carries far more power than pages of abstract commentary. To illustrate his point, he referenced the iconic scene of rain in Petit-Goâve, and the “thirty-sixth row of bricks” where passersby gather to stay dry – a small detail that immediately brings the entire scene to life for a reader.

    Turning to his popular Vava children’s book series, Laferrière pushed back against common assumptions about children’s literature, arguing that it requires far more care and intentional craft than many audiences recognize. He emphasized that children are far more perceptive readers than adults often give them credit for, noting that a young reader will return to the same book dozens of times, picking up subtle details that adult readers overlook entirely.

    In response to a wide range of student questions covering everything from the role of nostalgia in writing to the loneliness of the creative life and the unique challenges facing writers in contemporary Haiti, Laferrière returned to a core theme: writing is an inherently personal practice. He urged young Haitian writers to reject artificial, forced storytelling, cut unnecessary prose that bogs down narratives, and trust their own unique perspective on the world. His blunt advice for emerging writers: “Kill your cherished sentences when they slow down the narrative.”

    The entire conversation unfolded in a warm, approachable atmosphere, with extended time for Laferrière to answer questions from audience members after the formal discussion. Far from a simple reflection on his own childhood, the event left attendees with a profound meditation on collective memory, creative freedom, and the unique power of literature to act as a space for resistance and personal reinvention. For all in attendance, it was an unforgettable morning immersed in Haitian literary culture.

  • Dominica-born Milove Fontaine crowned Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean queen while representing Antigua & Barbuda

    Dominica-born Milove Fontaine crowned Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean queen while representing Antigua & Barbuda

    The Caribbean twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is marking a new milestone in regional pageant history, after Milove Fontaine — a Dominica-born competitor representing her adopted home — took home the coveted title of Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen 2026. The annual competition wrapped up over the weekend in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, capping off several days of fierce, celebratory competition among plus-size contestants from across the region.

    Fontaine, who grew up in Fond Cole, Dominica, and now permanently resides in Antigua and Barbuda, secured her victory Sunday night inside the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Her performance stood out head and shoulders above the rest of the field, with the competitor sweeping nearly every major judged category at the event. Beyond the overall national title, Fontaine went home with four additional specialty honors: Top Model 2026, Best Evening Wear, Best On-Stage Interview, and Best Ambassadorial Presentation. She also claimed the People’s Choice Award, a fan-voted distinction that reflects her broad popularity among audiences following the competition.

    In an exclusive interview with Antigua.News immediately after her win, Fontaine opened up about the overwhelming flood of emotion she experienced when the final results were announced. “I was so elated when I heard the segments that I was winning. Something about that just had me very speechless. I was just standing there, and when it was time to crown the queen, in my head I’m like, ‘Yeah, Milove, you won.’ But when it was said, I had an overwhelming feeling. I wanted to scream, I wanted to cry, I wanted to smile, I wanted to laugh. I just stood there, smiling, just embracing the moment. It was a wonderful feeling,” she shared.

    Fontaine extended sincere gratitude to the residents of Antigua and Barbuda, whose widespread public voting was the key to her securing the People’s Choice Award. This year’s regional competition drew a small but talented field of contestants representing three jurisdictions: Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands. Fontaine competed against two other finalists: host nation representative Krystle Maduro, and Jah’Millia Maloney of the U.S. Virgin Islands, who took home honors for Resort Wear and Tourism Reel.

    This latest crown adds to an already impressive pageant resume for Fontaine, who previously claimed the title of Miss Charisma 2020 early in her competition career. Her 2026 win marks one of the highest-profile achievements in the Caribbean’s growing circuit of plus-size pageantry, which is dedicated to expanding standards of beauty and celebrating body diversity. Judges highlighted Fontaine’s consistent poise, sharp eloquence, and natural ability as a cultural ambassador throughout the event, noting that her performance perfectly aligned with the pageant’s core mission of uplifting confidence, celebrating inclusive beauty, and empowering women of all sizes.

    While Fontaine remains proud of her Dominican heritage, her win brings valuable regional recognition to Antigua and Barbuda, the country she chose to represent in the competition. Beyond the trophy, her journey is already inspiring audiences across the Caribbean, showcasing what targeted dedication and authentic self-confidence can achieve.

  • Dominican Book and Culture Festival attracts thousands in New York

    Dominican Book and Culture Festival attracts thousands in New York

    One of the most prominent international celebrations of Dominican cultural and literary life has drawn to a close, capping off three days of immersive community programming that drew tens of thousands of attendees to Upper Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood.

    Hosted at the George Washington Educational Campus, the 2026 Dominican Book and Culture Festival solidified its standing as the foremost showcase of Dominican arts, letters and creative expression outside of the country’s borders. The event wrapped up its 2026 iteration on Sunday, with festival leadership already locking in plans for its next run.

    Roberto Ángel Salcedo, the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Culture, led the official closing ceremony, where he confirmed that the 2027 edition of the festival will be held July 11 through 13. In his closing remarks, Salcedo emphasized that the event has seen consistent year-over-year expansion, a milestone he credited to the unwavering support of the local Dominican diaspora community, independent cultural groups, and partnered public and private institutions across New York.

    Organized by the Directorate of Dominican Culture Abroad (DCDEX), the 2026 festival packed more than 120 distinct events across its three-day run, offering programming for guests of all ages and interests. The slate of activities ranged from literary-focused offerings including new book launches, academic lectures, creative writing workshops, and spoken-word poetry readings to visual arts exhibitions, live theatrical performances, open-air concerts, feature and short documentary screenings, and dedicated interactive programs for younger attendees.

    This year’s gathering also emerged as a major networking hub for cultural stakeholders, bringing together more than 50 publishing houses from across the Dominican Republic and beyond. Over 100 writers based in the Dominican homeland and the global diaspora—with participants based across the United States, South America, and Europe—took part in the event, alongside representatives from dozens of cultural and educational organizations focused on advancing Dominican creative life.

    A centerpiece of the 2026 festival programming was a multi-event commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the death of Juan Pablo Duarte, the Dominican Republic’s founding father. More than 10 separate events explored Duarte’s life, enduring political and cultural legacy, and foundational contributions to Dominican national identity through specialized lectures, new book releases, documentary screenings, and original artistic performances.

    Operating under the unifying theme “Reading is Flourishing,” the 2026 festival renewed its core institutional mission: to expand access to reading and educational opportunities, center Dominican cultural expression for international audiences, and reinforce New York’s position as the critical cultural hub for the Dominican diaspora in North America.

  • How faith won a Nevisian an unforgettable Barbados getaway

    How faith won a Nevisian an unforgettable Barbados getaway

    For Erica Doras-Pemberton, a belief in her own luck turned a simple competition entry into the dream trip she had long envisioned. Entering the “Win a Trip to Barbados” giveaway with unwavering confidence that her name would be drawn, the 32-year-old Nevisian resident and her husband Winston emerged as the lucky winners, selected from thousands of entries submitted across the entire Caribbean region.

    The all-expenses-paid prize, a five-night, six-day island escape, was sponsored through a collaborative regional partnership between TEMPO Networks, interCaribbean Airways, and Divi Southwinds Beach Resort. For Erica, the trip carried extra meaning: it marked her return to Barbados after a single prior visit, and gave Winston, a security officer by profession, his very first chance to explore the island. It also aligned perfectly with the couple’s first wedding anniversary, which they celebrated on June 29 during their stay that wrapped up on Wednesday, July 8.

    From the moment they arrived, the couple embraced every moment of their getaway, balancing lazy, quiet days at the oceanfront Divi Southwinds Beach Resort with action-packed island tours and scenic stops across the country. Two of the most talked-about highlights for Erica, a self-described Rihanna fan, were stops at the global pop icon’s childhood home in Bridgetown and her private residence on Barbados’ exclusive Platinum Coast. As an avid nature lover, she also counted the experience of standing at the geographic point where the clear blue Caribbean Sea converges with the Atlantic Ocean among her most memorable moments. Watching the currents mix and the landscape shift at this junction left a lasting impression on her, while deep dives into Barbados’ rich cultural history only strengthened her newfound appreciation for the island.

    Erica noted that while Barbados and her home island of Nevis share many deep cultural ties, it was the small, unique differences that made the experience feel special. She highlighted the famously warm hospitality of Barbadian locals, the gentle charm of their common phrase “yes please”, and unexpected local traditions such as the year-round enjoyment of Christmas ham – a custom she found delightfully distinctive.

    Beyond sightseeing and cultural exploration, the trip offered the couple something equally valuable: uninterrupted, quality time together away from the busy demands of their everyday work and family lives. Erica, who works as a junior clerk, explained that the getaway gave them the chance to unwind at their own pace, whether they were relaxing on the resort’s beach or wandering the popular dining and entertainment district of St Lawrence Gap.

    When asked to sum up her experience in three words, Erica described Barbados as “unforgettable”, “beautiful” and “welcoming”. As the couple prepared to return home to their children, who had followed along via the photos and videos Erica documented throughout the trip, she extended her gratitude to the competition organizers and already plans to return to the island – next time, bringing her whole family along.

    Gercine Simmons-Layne, Sales and Marketing Manager at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort, emphasized that the competition campaign demonstrates the unique value of regional partnerships in growing Barbados’ tourism sector by introducing first-time visitors to the island. “Hosting the winner of this giveaway reminded us why we love what we do,” she said. “As a friendly, accessible resort steps from the beach and close to nearly every major attraction on the island, Divi Southwinds All Suite Resort is the perfect base for a first trip to Barbados. TEMPO Networks has such a strong, trusted connection to Caribbean audiences, and it was so exciting to welcome Erica and Winston to our island. We hope this is just the first of many return trips for them.”

  • Double Monarch: Mikey Mercer claims Sweet and Power Soca crowns

    Double Monarch: Mikey Mercer claims Sweet and Power Soca crowns

    In an unprecedented display of artistic dominance that has sent shockwaves through the Caribbean soca community, Mikey Mercer etched his name into the history books of Barbadian culture on Sunday night, claiming both the coveted Sweet Soca Monarch and Power Soca Monarch titles at the Banks Party Monarch Finals. Held against the lush, vibrant backdrop of the National Botanical Gardens, the annual competition was broadcast in partnership with leading local radio station HITZ 106.7 FM, drawing thousands of in-person attendees and a global online audience of soca fans.

    What makes Mercer’s victory all the more remarkable is his flawless performance across both divisions. In a feat never before seen at the event, the artist earned a perfect score of 100 points in both finals, walking away with a combined total prize purse of $200,000 in winnings. It was a masterclass in performance skill, stage presence, and cultural connection that left judges and audience members alike in awe.

    Mercer first claimed the top spot in the Sweet Soca category with his infectious track *Real Feters*, securing the division’s championship trophy and a $100,000 payout. Following him in the Sweet Soca rankings was Mr Blood, whose performance of *Crop Over Forever* earned 68 points to land second place, taking home $50,000 and a trophy. Khiomal secured third place with *Back To When*, scoring 61 points for a $40,000 prize, while Ross rounded out the top four with *Come And Go*, notching 52 points and a $20,000 payout.

    Mercer did not slow down heading into the Power Soca division, the higher-energy segment of the annual competition. Delivering a high-octane rendition of his track *Like Ah Bajan*, he once again impressed all five judges enough to earn a perfect 100-point score, adding the Power Soca crown, its matching trophy, and another $100,000 to his night’s haul. Shaquille GFG took second place in the Power Soca final with *Afterall*, scoring 75 points to claim $50,000, while veteran performer Lil Rick secured third with *Best Ting*, scoring 62 points for a $40,000 prize. Nikita completed the top four in Power Soca with *Extraordinary*, earning 55 points and a $20,000 payout.

    Speaking to the roaring, elated crowd immediately after his second win was announced, the newly crowned double monarch shared his heartfelt gratitude for the support he received throughout the competition. “I love wunna bad, bad, bad,” Mercer told the gathered audience, bringing the historic night of competition to a close with a display of genuine affection for the home crowd that carried him to victory.

    Photographers Kemar Holder of Barbados TODAY captured moments of Mercer celebrating with his prize cheque and trophies, as well as his electrifying stage performance during the Power Soca final, preserving the historic night for local cultural archives.

  • ICE will bring the SOCA vibes

    ICE will bring the SOCA vibes

    Barbados’ iconic Crop Over festival will kick off its Grand Kadooment weekend in high spirits this year, as ICE Events246 brings back its wildly popular ICE SOCA series with a brand-new tropical-themed installment: ICE SOCA – Tropical Paradise. Scheduled for Thursday, July 30 at the Green Acres venue in The Belle, St. Michael, this year’s event promises a fully immersive celebration that blends top-tier soca music, diverse local cuisine, and premium entertainment tailored for returning attendees and first-time visitors alike.

    Designed to keep energy high from the opening set to the closing encore, the 2026 edition is structured around three dynamic, genre-spanning musical segments, each headlined by some of Barbados’ most beloved soca talent. Backed by a full live band, the opening Sweet Soca segment will feature fan-favorite acts including Edwin Yearwood, Grateful Co and Hypasounds. Next, the Bashment Soca segment will ramp up the vibe with headliners Mole, Mastaa T and Jordan English, before the high-octane Power Soca closing segment takes over, starring Tionne Hernandez, Lil Rick and Mikey. In total, nine of the island’s top soca performers will share one central stage, creating a continuous flow of music for attendees to enjoy.

    Beyond the stellar musical lineup, ICE SOCA has built its reputation for reimagining the festival food experience, and this year is no exception. Unlike many festival events that charge separate for entry and refreshments, ICE SOCA – Tropical Paradise will operate as a fully food-inclusive gathering, with 10 premium food stations scattered across the venue offering a wide range of local and regional culinary delights. Patrons will have unlimited access to food throughout the entire night, eliminating long lines at food vendors and letting guests focus on enjoying the celebration.

    Organizers from ICE Events246 shared that every detail of this year’s event has been curated to deliver an unforgettable, memory-making Crop Over experience that stays true to the festival’s roots of joy, community, and vibrant culture. “ICE SOCA – Tropical Paradise captures everything that makes Crop Over special: the unbeatable energy, the bright colors, and the excitement that brings people together year after year,” the team explained. “We’ve put together an incredible lineup of homegrown talent, elevated our food offering to new levels, and built an atmosphere where guests can celebrate with friends in true VIP style from the moment they walk through the gates. If you’re searching for the perfect launch to Grand Kadooment weekend, there’s no better place to be.”

    Building on the success of previous sold-out editions, including the well-received 2025 event that drew thousands of satisfied attendees who praised the accessible food layout and lively crowd energy, ICE SOCA has quickly become one of the most anticipated annual events on the Crop Over calendar. It draws soca enthusiasts from across Barbados and international visitors who travel to the island for the festival, all seeking premium service, seamless event organization, and the kind of infectious, uplifting vibes that only a top-tier soca celebration can deliver.

    For the latest information on ticket availability, pricing, event updates, and VIP booking options, attendees can follow ICE Events246 on Instagram and Facebook at the handle @iceevents246.