Republic Bank EC Limited has pledged a generous donation of $50,000 to support the 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), set to take place from October 24 to 26, 2025, at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Dominica. The announcement was made during the weekly WCMF press conference on Thursday, where Nicole Karam, Assistant Manager of the Processing Unit at Republic Bank EC Ltd, expressed the bank’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting Dominica as a global destination. Karam emphasized that the festival not only celebrates regional music and culture but also serves as a platform to nurture and protect Dominica’s rich traditions. The donation aligns with the bank’s ‘Power to Make a Difference Program,’ which focuses on empowering communities, supporting cultural initiatives, and fostering national resilience. Karam highlighted the festival’s role in creating a musical legacy, showcasing local and regional talent, and ensuring future generations take pride in Dominica’s cultural identity. Additionally, she advised Republic Bank customers to safeguard their banking details during the festive season and announced new features, including online account opening, three new ATMs with TAP functionality, and a cardless cash feature. The bank’s ‘Make Your Christmas’ campaign, launching on October 15, 2025, will also offer reduced rates on mortgages, personal loans, and car loans.
分类： entertainment
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Anna-Lisa Guthrie named creative director of Yard Mas Carnival 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Yard Mas Carnival has unveiled Anna-Lisa Guthrie as its new Creative Director for the highly anticipated 2026 carnival season. The announcement precedes the official band launch scheduled for late November 2025, which the organization claims will usher in a transformative era of design innovation, inclusivity, and artistic excellence for the Yard Mas brand.
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Ding Dong releases 2 songs ahead of Tobago carnival
Soca artiste Ding Dong, born Andre Houlder, is making waves ahead of the Tobago Carnival and the upcoming Trinidad Carnival in 2026. Known for his dynamic performances and innovative sound, Ding Dong has already released two singles, signaling his commitment to delivering a diverse musical experience for fans of all demographics and tastes.
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Jade Monkey Carnival Project riddim features 4 Tobago artistes
Boston-based music producer Diamond Dale has joined forces with Tobago’s renowned entertainment hub, Jade Monkey, to create the vibrant riddim titled *Jade Monkey Carnival Project*. Featuring four talented Tobagonian artists—Mikie Tower, Verse, J-Kez, and Shurwayne Winchester—the project blends the traditional soca sound with the trending Bouyon genre, offering a fresh musical experience for carnival enthusiasts. Initially conceived ahead of the 2025 Carnival season, the project faced delays due to the artists’ busy schedules. Winchester, the first to contribute, later encouraged Dale to share the riddim with other Tobago-based artists, leading to a full collaboration. Dale expressed his excitement about the all-Tobagonian lineup, emphasizing its significance in showcasing the island’s artistic talent. With the support of Dominican producer Dada, the riddim was finalized, with each artist crafting their unique track. Dale hopes this initiative will boost confidence in Tobago’s artists and encourage more collaborations. He also extended gratitude to Shurwayne Winchester and Jade Monkey for their unwavering support, calling the project a dream come true and a testament to Tobago’s rich cultural heritage.
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Author Scarlet Ibis James to launch books in Trinidad and Tobago
Award-winning author Scarlet Ibis James is set to embark on a month-long Scarlet Book Tour, beginning on October 11, to promote her acclaimed works, *Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire* and *Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind*. The tour, announced on October 8 by Outright Concepts Ltd communications strategist Alette Liz Williams, highlights James’ growing international readership and her unique ability to explore themes of love, family legacy, and Caribbean identity through her tender and layered storytelling.
To celebrate her return to her roots, James will unveil a limited-edition print of *Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind*, featuring exclusive artwork by Nick Low and locally produced by Print on Demand Ltd. This special edition will be available exclusively at tour events.
The tour kicks off on October 11 with a premium sip-and-read experience at Scribbles and Quills Bookstore in Chaguanas, curated by literary expert Kevin George. On October 12, James will participate in the second edition of *Chapters and Chats*, hosted by Arlene Holman of the *Sunbeam Chats* podcast, at The Normandie Hotel’s Bird and Palm in St Ann’s. This event, a collaboration with LiveStyle Books, promises a relaxed afternoon of reading, reflection, and conversation in a cozy, book café-inspired setting.
The tour will extend to Tobago on October 15, with her books available at Heritage Haven Boutique and Shore Things Café and Craft. The journey will culminate on October 25 with an intimate author conversation at Paper Based Bookshop in Port of Spain, where James will be joined by author and publishing professional Marsha Gomes-McKie.
Each stop on the tour is designed to foster meaningful connections between James and her readers, offering more than just book signings. As the release notes, the events aim to create a genuine exchange, reminding attendees of the enduring power of storytelling in preserving culture and community.
For more details, visit www.scarletibisjames.com or follow @scarlet.ibis.james for updates.
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Caribbean culture takes centre stage — Trinis illuminate Disney’s Diwali Dance Fest
The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is set to illuminate with the vibrant rhythms and cultural richness of Diwali as it hosts the Diwali Dance Fest 2025 from October 9 to 11. This three-day extravaganza will bring together hundreds of performers from across the globe, with a special spotlight on Caribbean artists, including Trinidad and Tobago-born creators and dancers. Among them are cultural ambassador Natasha Laggan and the Devyani School of Cultural Arts, a troupe featuring dancers of Trinidadian, Guyanese, and Jamaican descent. For Laggan, this event holds profound personal significance. ‘I’m honoured to have been invited to cover it,’ she shared. ‘Seeing the Caribbean represented in such a major celebration fills me with pride.’ Laggan will document the event for her global audience, describing it as ‘a true privilege’ to witness Caribbean artistry on such a prestigious stage. The Devyani School of Cultural Arts, founded in 2009, will perform a fusion of Bharatanatyam, Indian folk, and chutney dance. Founder Priya Persaud emphasized the cultural affirmation behind their performance, stating, ‘We’re not just performing – we’re representing, educating, and inspiring.’ The event, now in its third consecutive year, follows the success of the 2024 festival, which garnered international attention and featured performances by over 300 artists. This year’s festivities include a welcome party, an international dance showcase, and a grand Diwali parade, marking a powerful shift toward cultural inclusion and appreciation.
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50 years of keeping it clean, real — Paul Keens-Douglas: Ent Dat Nice
For five decades, Paul Keens-Douglas has been a cornerstone of Caribbean storytelling, blending humour, language, and cultural pride into family-friendly performances. This weekend, the acclaimed writer, dramatist, poet, and producer marks this extraordinary milestone with ‘Ent Dat Nice,’ a special 50th-anniversary edition of his iconic Tim Tim show, held at the Central Bank Auditorium in Port of Spain. The event celebrates a journey that began in 1975 at the Little Carib Theatre, where a simple reading of poems and stories evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Keens-Douglas’s work has transcended borders, reaching audiences worldwide through books, CDs, DVDs, and international storytelling festivals. His beloved characters, such as Tanti at de Oval and Vibert, have become staples of Caribbean folklore, embodying the region’s wit and wisdom. Over the years, Keens-Douglas has remained committed to clean, family-oriented storytelling, earning the trust of generations of fans. His contributions have been recognized globally, including a Carifesta Award for his lifetime achievements in regional arts. ‘Ent Dat Nice’ not only honours his body of work but also celebrates the audiences who have supported him. The show features guest performers like Avion Crooks, Miguel Browne, Candice Alcantara, and saxophonist Tony Paul, continuing the tradition of live music in his performances. As Keens-Douglas reflects on his journey, he remains dedicated to his craft, currently working on his memoirs and continuing to perform with the same passion that has defined his career. ‘Ent Dat Nice’ is a testament to the enduring magic of Caribbean storytelling and the joy it brings to audiences worldwide.
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Capleton mourns loss of his brother, Rohan Bailey
The global reggae community is rallying around international icon Capleton as he mourns the loss of his beloved brother, Rohan Bailey, affectionately known as “Garry.” Bailey passed away over a week ago after a valiant months-long battle with illness. Capleton, renowned as “The Fireman,” commemorated his brother’s life with a traditional nine-night service held at his Corporate Area residence earlier this week.
In an emotional tribute, Capleton described his brother as a selfless and genuine individual. “Garry would do anything for anyone, without expecting anything in return. He wasn’t motivated by money, fame, or validation—he was just different. If you asked him to do something, you never had to worry about it getting done. He was one of the realest people I’ve ever known,” Capleton shared.
Capleton also highlighted the profound impact Garry had on those around him. “Some of my friends cried as if they were his siblings. They were more emotional than I was, which shows just how much he meant to everyone. Garry had no enemies; he was one of the humblest souls.”
Despite his grief, Capleton is channeling his energy into his music, using it as a source of healing and a way to honor his brother’s legacy. His manager and partner, Suzanne Bennett, echoed these sentiments, describing Garry as a devoted father, incredible uncle, and loyal friend who brought joy to everyone he met. “His passing leaves an immeasurable void, but his memory will live on through the lives he touched,” Bennett said.
Capleton remains committed to his upcoming performances, viewing the stage as a place of strength and spiritual renewal. Notable events include a show in Costa Rica on October 17, 2025, the Seafood Festival on Sharkies Beach on October 20th, a performance at Jack Sprat in Treasure Beach on November 8th, and the Legends Are Forever event in Clarendon on November 29th.
The Bailey family has requested fans and well-wishers to keep Capleton and his family in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
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Masicka releases Keysfrom forthcoming Def Jam album
Dancehall sensation Masicka, renowned for his critically acclaimed albums *438* (2021) and *Generation of Kings* (2023), has released his latest single, *Keys*, marking the first glimpse into his upcoming project. The track, produced by Westen Weiss, debuted on October 10 and blends smooth melodies, lyrical finesse, and emotional depth, hallmarks of Masicka’s artistry.
In *Keys*, Masicka delves into themes of love, connection, and vulnerability, showcasing a more introspective and melodic side while retaining the confidence and wordplay that have solidified his reputation in the dancehall scene. The song’s sultry vocals and signature flow are complemented by Weiss’s production, which adds a contemporary, R&B-infused touch.
Masicka emphasized that *Keys* is not a departure from his musical roots but rather an evolution. In an interview with the *Jamaica Observer’s Splash*, he explained, ‘It’s about balance and versatility — still keeping the message, the delivery, and the energy that people expect from Masicka, but in a way the women can feel and connect with too.’
This collaboration marks the first time Masicka has worked with Weiss, a producer known for hits like *Going Bad* by Meek Mill featuring Drake and *Spicy* by Ty Dolla $ign and Post Malone. Masicka praised Weiss’s musical intuition, stating, ‘From the first beat, I could tell he has a real ear for music. The chemistry was natural.’
The official music video, directed by Shane Creative and produced by 4FortyFour Atelier, was filmed in Portland, Jamaica. It captures the parish’s lush, romantic landscapes, perfectly aligning with the song’s sensual and emotional themes. Masicka described *Keys* as a representation of growth, saying, ‘It’s about love, trust, and giving someone access to your heart. As an artiste, I’m showing more emotion, more layers.’
Following the success of *Generation of Kings*, Masicka continues to innovate, blending dancehall with R&B and contemporary Caribbean sounds. *Keys* not only highlights his artistic evolution but also sets the stage for his highly anticipated next album.
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Capleton to honour heroes at Sharkie’s Seafood Festival
On October 20th, Jamaica celebrates Heroes Day, a national holiday dedicated to honoring the country’s local and national heroes. This year, the renowned reggae artist Capleton, affectionately known as the “Fireman,” is set to ignite the stage with a high-energy performance at the Sharkie’s Seafood Festival. The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of Jamaican culture, music, and heritage.
Capleton, who was recently bestowed with a national honor at the annual Grand Gala in August, expressed his deep respect for the unsung heroes of Jamaica. In a heartfelt statement, he acknowledged the vital role of parents in shaping the nation’s moral fabric. “Jamaica has many heroes—mothers and fathers who are raising their children and upholding the values of our country. I will be honoring them, as well as those who fought for the freedom we enjoy today,” he said.
The reggae icon also paid tribute to historical figures who have shaped Jamaica’s identity. He highlighted the teachings of Marcus Garvey, who championed self-reliance and entrepreneurship; Paul Bogle, who inspired the fight for justice and equality; and Nanny of the Maroons, who exemplified the leadership and strength of women.
Capleton’s performance at Sharkie’s Seafood Festival follows his recent headline appearances at Reggae Land in the United Kingdom and The Barclays Centre. His upcoming schedule includes performances on the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise and the Treasure Beach Rum and Food Festival, further solidifying his status as a global ambassador for reggae music and Jamaican culture.