分类: entertainment

  • Nesbeth stirs up social controversy with new single lauding ‘sidechicks’

    Nesbeth stirs up social controversy with new single lauding ‘sidechicks’

    Reggae artist Nesbeth has once again captured the spotlight with his latest single, ‘Sidechick Save Nuff Relationship,’ a track that has ignited widespread debate among listeners. Released three months ago, the song has grown in popularity, with its provocative lyrics celebrating the role of ‘sidechicks’ in relationships. While some critics argue that the track undermines the value of faithful wives, others commend Nesbeth for acknowledging the often-overlooked contributions of these ‘sneaky links.’

    Nesbeth, who describes himself as a realist, explained that the song was inspired by real-life observations. ‘As an artist, I sing about what people live, whisper, and argue about. This one just happens to be a hot-button topic,’ he said. The artist, a faithful husband and now fiancé, clarified that the song is not a reflection of his personal experiences but rather a commentary on societal dynamics. ‘My music isn’t limited to personal experience — it’s about perspective. I sing about life in all its forms,’ he added.

    The track has elicited mixed reactions, with some listeners laughing, agreeing, or challenging its message. Nesbeth views this diversity of responses as a sign of success. ‘The song is doing what it should — sparking dialogue,’ he said. Surprisingly, he has received more support from wives than backlash, with some using the song to highlight their own roles in their marriages. ‘If everyone agreed, the song would be ordinary,’ Nesbeth noted.

    Regarding his fiancée’s reaction, Nesbeth shared that she is unfazed by the controversy. ‘She does not take the song personally,’ he said. ‘My spouse is always supportive of my music and understands my role as an artist.’

    As Nesbeth prepares to release the visuals for the track, he aims to close out 2025 on a high note, promoting other songs that balance social commentary with lighter themes. ‘The visuals will match the energy of the track and keep people talking,’ he said. ‘My catalogue always balances the serious with the light-hearted.’

  • Antigua’s Curtain Bluff Named Caribbean’s Leading Green Resort

    Antigua’s Curtain Bluff Named Caribbean’s Leading Green Resort

    Curtain Bluff, a luxurious resort in Antigua and Barbuda, has been honored as the Caribbean’s Leading Green Resort at the prestigious World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala 2025. The event, held on October 4 at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian in Saint Lucia, celebrated excellence in the tourism and hospitality industry across the region. The resort was recognized for its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and eco-friendly initiatives, setting a benchmark for environmentally conscious hospitality. Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards, lauded the winners as “stellar examples of tourism excellence,” while Louis Lewis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, highlighted the event’s significant impact on boosting the island’s tourism sector. The ceremony also saw other Caribbean destinations and businesses clinching top honors. Saint Lucia secured titles such as Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon and Adventure Destinations, while Jamaica was named Caribbean’s Leading Destination, Cruise Destination, and Tourist Board. The Bahamas took home the award for Leading Luxury Island, and Turks & Caicos was celebrated for its pristine beaches. Notable resort winners included Jade Mountain Resort (Luxury Honeymoon Resort), Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort (Luxury Resort), and Beaches Turks & Caicos (All-Inclusive Family Resort). In North America, The Surrey in New York was crowned Leading Luxury Hotel, and Four Seasons Resort Lanai won Leading Luxury Resort. The aviation sector also saw accolades, with Bahamasair named Caribbean’s Leading Airline, interCaribbean Airways recognized for Leading Cabin Crew, and Delta Air Lines claiming North America’s Leading Airline. Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards continues to set the gold standard for excellence in the global tourism industry, celebrating innovation, sustainability, and exceptional service.

  • Barbados Food and Rum Festival launched with flavour and flair

    Barbados Food and Rum Festival launched with flavour and flair

    The 14th edition of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival kicked off with great fanfare on Saturday at Golden Square Freedom Park, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the culinary extravaganza set to unfold from November 6 to 9, 2025. Under the theme ‘Barbados is on the Menu,’ the festival promises to celebrate the island’s rich gastronomic traditions while embracing modern culinary innovations. Carol Roberts, CEO of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), emphasized that the theme is more than just branding—it’s a commitment to showcasing the unique flavors and essence of Bajan cuisine. Roberts highlighted Barbados as the Caribbean’s culinary capital, honoring its traditions and the creativity of its award-winning chefs. Returning favorites include the Rise and Rum breakfast beach party at Copacabana Beach Club and the Liquid Gold Feast at Carifesta House. A new addition, the Community Cook-Off Competition, will feature parish representatives mentored by festival chefs, with $15,000 in prizes for the top three contestants. Judith Giovine, Competition Coordinator, noted that the event celebrates local ingredients, farmers, and the passion of home cooks. Cheryl Carter, COO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), underscored the festival’s cultural and economic impact, calling it a platform to share Barbados’ heritage and connect with the world. Culinary Coordinator Henderson Butcher revealed an impressive lineup of international Bajan chefs, including Jason Howard, Renee Blackman, and Michael Harrison, who are returning to their roots to celebrate their homeland’s culinary legacy.

  • Logos Hope is returning to Saint Kitts and Nevis

    Logos Hope is returning to Saint Kitts and Nevis

    The world-renowned floating book fair, Logos Hope, is making a triumphant return to Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, from October 30th to November 4th, 2025. This iconic vessel, celebrated as the largest of its kind, will dock at Port Zante, offering an unparalleled literary and cultural experience to visitors of all ages. Following its memorable visit in 2017, which drew thousands of eager participants, Logos Hope is back with an even more extensive collection of over 5,000 book titles. These books span diverse genres, including science, sports, arts, medicine, languages, and faith, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Families can explore children’s books, academic texts, dictionaries, and atlases, all available at affordable prices. Beyond the book fair, the ship’s Visitor Experience Deck invites guests to immerse themselves in interactive displays, a short introductory movie, and the International Café, which serves a variety of treats like ice cream, drinks, and snacks. The event’s schedule is designed for convenience, with extended hours from Thursday to Saturday (10 AM to 9 PM), Sunday and Monday (1 PM to 9 PM), and Tuesday (10 AM to 7 PM). Entry is priced at just 5 XCD, making this a budget-friendly outing for locals and tourists alike. Logos Hope continues to be a beacon of knowledge and cultural exchange, bringing communities together through the joy of reading and exploration.

  • Final preparations underway as Zulu Entertainment hosts site visit for ‘Rhythmz on the Hill’

    Final preparations underway as Zulu Entertainment hosts site visit for ‘Rhythmz on the Hill’

    Zulu Entertainment is leaving no stone unturned as it prepares for the much-awaited Rhythmz on the Hill concert, set to take place on November 2, 2025, at the renowned Farley Hill National Park in Barbados. In a significant step toward ensuring a seamless event, the company organized an official site visit on Friday, bringing together representatives from critical national service agencies such as the Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Fire Service, emergency responders, and other key stakeholders. The purpose of the walk-through was to meticulously review the venue setup and event logistics, guaranteeing the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency for attendees, performers, and staff alike. Additionally, event vendors were present to inspect their designated spaces and familiarize themselves with the layout well in advance. With safety measures and logistical details firmly in place, Zulu Entertainment is now channeling its efforts into crafting a world-class production. ‘We’re ready to give Barbados a show to remember,’ declared Shane Archer, Logistics Manager at Zulu Entertainment. ‘From sound and staging to safety and crowd experience, everything is coming together beautifully. This is going to be one for the books.’ Vibbian Fagan, the visionary Director of Zulu Entertainment, has pledged to create a secure environment for the event while delivering an extraordinary experience for patrons and supporters.

  • Masicka ready to light up Summafest

    Masicka ready to light up Summafest

    Jamaican dancehall sensation Masicka has arrived in Barbados, gearing up for a highly anticipated performance at the Summafest show on October 4. The artist, known for his dynamic stage presence and chart-topping hits, landed on the island on Friday afternoon, where he was greeted by communications specialist Wendy Burke, representing Dream Team Entertainment. After a brief stop at the Platinum Services Lounge at Grantley Adams International Airport, where he engaged with the media, Masicka headed to his accommodations.

    Masicka expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Barbados, describing it as a ‘home away from home’ and praising the island’s vibrant energy and supportive fans. ‘Performing in Barbados is always a joy. The fans here engage with me on a positive level, and I feel loved every time,’ he shared with a smile.

    As one of dancehall’s most prominent figures, Masicka’s rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric. His performance at Summafest is expected to feature a lineup of his most beloved tracks, which have become anthems across the Caribbean. The event, a highlight of the post-summer entertainment calendar, is set to draw massive crowds eager to witness live performances from the region’s top talents.

    Organizers have promised a stellar lineup and high-quality production, a hallmark of Dream Team Entertainment. With Masicka headlining the event, anticipation is at an all-time high. As Barbados prepares for a weekend of music and celebration, Masicka’s arrival has only amplified the excitement surrounding Summafest. For dancehall fans, the event promises an unforgettable experience, with Masicka ready to deliver a performance that will resonate long after the final beat.

  • Don Yute teams up with Half Pint for ‘Beautiful Girls’

    Don Yute teams up with Half Pint for ‘Beautiful Girls’

    Dancehall icon Don Yute has joined forces with reggae legend Half Pint to create the Afrobeats-infused track ‘Beautiful Girls,’ which has been dominating the airwaves since its recent release. The single, produced under the Manatee Records-Golden Child Records labels, has garnered significant attention, particularly on platforms like Spotify in Europe and Boomplay in Africa.

    Don Yute shared the spontaneous creative process behind the song, recalling how Half Pint effortlessly contributed to the track during a studio session. ‘We just started cooking it up on the spot,’ he said, praising Half Pint’s legendary vocal prowess and adaptability to the uptempo rhythm. The collaboration has been described as a dream come true for Don Yute, who admires Half Pint’s contributions to reggae music.

    Plans for a music video are already in motion, with fans eagerly anticipating its release. The track has resonated particularly well with female listeners, who appreciate its unique sound. ‘Beautiful Girls’ is one of the lead singles from Don Yute’s upcoming album, ‘Butterflies and Daisies,’ which will be celebrated with a release party in Miami on October 26. The event promises a nostalgic house party vibe, with the first 50 attendees receiving a free thumb drive of the album.

    The album features other tracks such as ‘Live Life,’ ‘Pop It Like a Bottle,’ ‘Diamonds and Pearls,’ and the title track ‘Butterflies and Daisies.’ Don Yute, known for his 1993 hit ‘Loving Excess’ with Wayne Wonder, has solidified his place in dancehall history as a pioneer of the 1990s era. His career has spanned decades, with collaborations with artists like Akon, Pitbull, and Jermaine Dupri, as well as placements in NBA games, movies, and TV series.

    Despite his extensive achievements, Don Yute remains passionate about creating music that transcends cultural boundaries. ‘What’s next for me is just to keep dropping different sounds on digital platforms,’ he said, encouraging fans to follow his work across all digital channels.

  • Mikey Spice reflects on first breakthrough cover

    Mikey Spice reflects on first breakthrough cover

    In 1994, Barry White’s sultry hit ‘Practice What You Preach’ dominated the U.S. pop charts, marking a significant comeback for the legendary artist. A year later, a reggae rendition of the song introduced Mikey Spice, then an unknown singer, to the dancehall scene. Now, three decades later, Spice credits the Barry O’Hare-produced track for sustaining his career and livelihood. In a recent interview with Observer Online, Spice humorously remarked, ‘It’s done a lot. I have frequent meals, I live somewhere, I have clothes on my back, my kids are fed.’ He added, ‘It was a good one, I didn’t expect it, as a matter of fact, but it came and we accepted it.’ Known for his distinctive baritone, Spice is set to perform on October 11 at the Crown Hill Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, followed by a gig at the Prestige Palace in Freeport, Long Island, the next day. Before ‘Practice What You Preach,’ Spice gained recognition as a singer and multi-instrumentalist on the North Coast hotel circuit, a hub for emerging talents like Benjy Myaz and Paul Kastick. His collaboration with O’Hare, a renowned studio engineer in Ocho Rios who worked with artists such as Burning Spear and Buju Banton, proved pivotal. The song marked O’Hare’s first major success as a producer before his passing in 2020. Spice continued his rise with the 1995 hit ‘Born Again,’ produced by Bobby Digital, and has since consistently charted with tracks like ‘Grab yu Lass’ and a cover of Neil Diamond’s ‘I Am I Said.’

  • Bad Bunny takes aim at Super Bowl backlash in ‘SNL’ host gig

    Bad Bunny takes aim at Super Bowl backlash in ‘SNL’ host gig

    Puerto Rican music sensation Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, delivered a bold response to right-wing critics of his upcoming Super Bowl halftime show during the season premiere of ‘Saturday Night Live.’ The artist, known for blending reggaeton, rap, Latin trap, and pop, recently concluded a highly successful residency in his homeland, Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory in the Caribbean. Earlier, Bad Bunny had expressed concerns about his fans facing immigration raids under former President Donald Trump’s policies, leading him to avoid mainland U.S. tour dates. His announcement as the Super Bowl headliner sparked backlash from conservative commentators, who questioned the NFL’s decision to feature a Spanish-speaking artist who previously avoided the continental U.S. During his ‘Saturday Night Live’ monologue, Bad Bunny humorously addressed the criticism, stating, ‘I’m very happy and I think everyone is happy about it, even Fox News.’ He emphasized the significance of his performance for Latinos in the U.S., declaring in Spanish, ‘Our footprints and our contribution in this country — no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it.’ Switching back to English, he quipped, ‘If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.’ The Super Bowl is scheduled for February 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, California. The NFL’s partnership with Roc Nation, founded by Jay-Z, has influenced the selection of high-profile halftime performers, including Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Rihanna, in recent years.

  • Junior Kelly’s If Love So Nice turns 25

    Junior Kelly’s If Love So Nice turns 25

    Reggae artist Junior Kelly has attributed his career breakthrough to his timeless hit, ‘If Love So Nice,’ which continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Originally recorded in 1998 and officially released in 2000, the song has become a cornerstone of his musical journey. In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, Kelly shared how the track significantly altered his life, bringing him global recognition, financial stability, and opportunities to collaborate with renowned producers and record labels such as Jet Star and VP Records.