The Recording Academy unveiled the nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards on Friday, with Kendrick Lamar emerging as the frontrunner with an impressive nine nominations. This comes on the heels of his triumphant sweep at the previous ceremony, where he clinched five awards. Lamar is set to compete in major categories, including Album, Record, and Song of the Year, at the 68th Grammys, scheduled for February 1 in Los Angeles.
分类： entertainment
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Vybz Kartel, Jesse Royal, Lila Ike, Kezamdi and Mortimer to battle for reggae Grammy
The 68th Grammy Awards have unveiled their nominations, with Jamaican artists dominating the Best Reggae Album category. Vybz Kartel, Jesse Royal, Lila Ike, Keznamdi, and Mortimer have all earned nods for their exceptional contributions to the genre. Jesse Royal’s ‘No Place Like Home’ marks his second Grammy nomination, while Vybz Kartel’s ‘Heart & Soul’ also secures his second recognition. Mortimer and Lila Ike are celebrating their first-ever Grammy nominations, with Mortimer’s ‘From Within’ and Lila Ike’s ‘Treasure Self Love’ project gaining widespread acclaim. Keznamdi’s ‘Blood & Fyah’ rounds out the impressive list of nominees. Interestingly, four of the five nominated albums were accurately predicted in a recent edition of the Jamaica Observer. The prestigious awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
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Jazz Festival Takes Centre Stage at World Travel Market London
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has seized the spotlight at this year’s World Travel Market London, shining a renewed focus on its globally acclaimed Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. Held from November 4-6, the prestigious travel event served as an ideal platform for the SLTA to engage with industry partners and offer a sneak peek into the 2026 edition of the festival, slated for April 30 to May 10.
Geraine Georges, SLTA Public Relations Manager, emphasized the festival’s significance, stating, ‘Building on last year’s emphasis on community tourism, the 2025 highlight is our world-renowned Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.’ To amplify its reach, the SLTA hosted a preview event in London, attracting over 40 media representatives, influencers, trade partners, diaspora members, and festival enthusiasts.
The showcase aimed to spotlight the festival’s evolution, artistic diversity, and its pivotal role in bolstering Saint Lucia’s cultural identity. Louis Lewis, SLTA CEO, remarked, ‘This year, we’ve brought special attention to our Jazz & Arts Festival, exposing it to the UK traveling public as a unique travel opportunity for Saint Lucia.’
The SLTA delegation, led by Chairman Thaddeus M. Antoine, included key figures such as Board Director Thomas Leonce, Director of Global Marketing Dexter Percil, and Tourism Ambassador Julien Alfred, a World Champion sprinter. Accommodation partners like The Landings Resort and Spa and Harmony Marina Suites, alongside performers Ronald Boo Hinkson and Christa, also participated.
Lewis highlighted Saint Lucia’s growing appeal among travel partners, noting strong airline load factors and hotel occupancy rates. He underscored the festival’s dual role as a tourism driver and a platform for local artisans to gain international exposure. ‘We continue to capitalize on the festival not just to attract visitors but also to provide intrinsic benefits, such as offering our artisans a global stage,’ he added.
Unlike previous years, which focused on lineup announcements, this year’s approach was more thematic, emphasizing the festival’s cultural depth, community jazz initiatives, and artisan participation.
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Nigerian artist, medical student Somto Doris showcases first art exhibition in Saint Lucia
Somto Doris, a Nigerian-born artist and medical student, is captivating audiences with her debut art exhibition, ‘Body Currency: For Soul to Soul Interaction,’ at La Place Carenage in Castries, Saint Lucia. The showcase, supported by the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), opened on October 29 and will continue until November 12, offering free entry to the public. Doris, who began painting as a child, decided to pursue art professionally in December 2016. By early 2017, she transitioned to oil paints and portraiture, a move that earned her recognition when one of her portraits won a competition in Nigeria, boosting her confidence in her craft. After relocating to Saint Lucia in September 2017, Doris has skillfully balanced her medical studies with her artistic endeavors, despite the challenges. ‘Balancing it with school wasn’t very easy… but it was a dedication,’ she shared. Her exhibition, ‘Body Currency,’ delves into human connection and emotion through vivid portraiture and cultural symbolism, showcasing her unique storytelling approach. Beyond her personal achievements, Doris is committed to nurturing the local art community. She founded an informal artist club that meets monthly to share ideas and collaborate. Doris also aspires to organize art competitions, workshops, and seminars to inspire consistency and commitment among artists. A recent highlight of her career was presenting a portrait to the President of Nigeria during his visit to Saint Lucia, an experience she described as a pivotal moment.
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Dominica’s 25th World Creole Music Festival Marks a Milestone for Tourism and Cultural Pride
The 25th edition of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival has concluded, marking a significant milestone in the island nation’s cultural and tourism landscape. Held annually, this vibrant event celebrates the rich Creole heritage through music, dance, and art, attracting both local and international audiences. This year’s festival, which took place from October 27 to 29, featured a diverse lineup of artists performing genres such as zouk, reggae, and bouyon, showcasing the unique fusion of African, French, and Caribbean influences. The festival not only serves as a platform for cultural expression but also bolsters Dominica’s tourism industry, drawing visitors from across the globe. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized the festival’s role in promoting national pride and economic growth, highlighting its contribution to the island’s recovery post-Hurricane Maria. The event’s success underscores Dominica’s resilience and its commitment to preserving and sharing its cultural identity with the world.
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Your Weekend Menu: Barbados Food & Rum Festival
Barbados is gearing up for one of its most cherished annual events, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, a vibrant celebration of culinary excellence and cultural heritage. From Thursday to Sunday, the island transforms into a hub of gastronomic delight, where the aroma of grilled seafood mingles with the salty sea breeze, and every meal feels like a heartfelt reunion. The festival kicks off on Thursday in Oistins, the island’s iconic fishing village, with ‘Oistins Under the Stars.’ This opening event sets the tone with fire-grilled seafood, lively music, and the unmistakable buzz of a traditional Bajan Friday night. It’s a casual yet authentic dining experience that underscores the island’s ethos: great food is best enjoyed with great company. By Friday, the festivities spread across the island. Speightstown, Bridgetown, and Pile Bay become open-air kitchens for the International Chef Demos, where local and international chefs showcase their skills, blending Bajan ingredients with global influences. Later, Queen’s Park hosts the Community Cook-Off Finals, a friendly culinary competition that feels like a mix of a family picnic and a carnival. The evening’s highlight is the Rum Route South, a guided tour that combines distillery visits with cocktails, music, and camaraderie. Saturday begins with ‘Rise & Rum: The Breakfast Beach Party’ at Copacabana, where attendees can watch the sunrise with a rum cocktail in hand and a plate of saltfish and bakes. The Rum Route North continues the day with a scenic journey through the countryside, punctuated by rum tastings and hidden gems. The festival concludes on Sunday with the Liquid Gold Feast at CARIFESTA House, an elegant tribute to Barbados’ rum heritage. Each course is paired with local rums, encapsulating the festival’s essence: pride, craftsmanship, and community.
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Antigua and Barbuda Wins ‘Best Stand Design’ at World Travel Market London
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has achieved a significant milestone by securing the Best Stand Design award at the renowned World Travel Market (WTM) London, a premier global event for the travel and tourism industry. This prestigious accolade was conferred by the Caribbean Tourism Organization, which lauded the Antigua and Barbuda exhibit for its eco-friendly construction, vibrant Caribbean aesthetics, and the showcase of breathtaking artworks by local talents. These elements collectively embodied the creative essence and cultural spirit of the twin-island nation. Colin James, CEO of the Tourism Authority, accepted the award on behalf of the delegation, which comprised tourism officials and industry partners dedicated to promoting the destination’s unique offerings to international buyers and media representatives. This recognition serves as a substantial boost to Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism branding initiatives, further solidifying its status as a leading Caribbean destination celebrated for its innovation, rich culture, and unparalleled hospitality.
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Canadian TV production team films docuseries in Antigua and Barbuda
In a collaborative effort to showcase the rich heritage and vibrant community spirit of Antigua and Barbuda, Canadian television production company Global Heroes Productions, supported by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s (ABTA) Canada office, recently completed filming a multi-episode docuseries titled ‘The Good Trek with Alex Kopacz.’ Over the course of 10 days, the production team immersed themselves in the island’s authentic beauty, history, and culture, capturing compelling stories of residents dedicated to fostering stronger communities. Tameka Wharton, Director of Tourism for Canada, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, ‘We were delighted to host Global Heroes Productions and share the unique narratives and people that make Antigua and Barbuda truly special. This partnership enables us to connect with an audience that values genuine experiences and sustainable practices.’ The docuseries aligns with the growing trend of meaningful travel, encouraging viewers to explore destinations beyond conventional attractions and engage with initiatives that support social and environmental sustainability. During their stay, the crew visited iconic locations such as the Antigua Naval Dockyard UNESCO World Heritage Site and documented the island’s Independence celebrations, including the National Awards Ceremony, parade, and food fair. The project also provided an invaluable learning opportunity for a local aspiring filmmaker, who shadowed the crew to gain hands-on experience. Hosted by Canadian Olympic gold medalist and public speaker Alexander Kopacz, the series features interviews with diverse groups, including Team Antigua Island Girls, fishermen, market vendors, and the Ras Freeman community. Additionally, the episodes highlight impactful programs like The National Sailing Academy’s Sailability initiative and the Elkhorn Marine Conservancy’s efforts to restore the islands’ ecosystems. Amir Shirazi, President of Global Heroes Productions, emphasized the series’ mission, stating, ‘With the support of ABTA, we aimed to showcase the heart and soul of Antigua and Barbuda, spotlighting individuals and organizations tackling their communities’ greatest challenges. We discovered a narrative of resilience and a profound commitment to preserving natural and cultural heritage, which perfectly embodies the spirit of ‘The Good Trek.” As a cornerstone of Global Heroes’ programming, ‘The Good Trek’ is dedicated to exploring diverse cultures, savoring local cuisines, and celebrating those driving positive change. The Antigua and Barbuda-focused episodes are set to air in Canada and globally, offering viewers an inspiring glimpse into the islands’ unique charm and transformative initiatives.
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Global Glamour Meets Controversy at Miss Universe 74
The 74th Miss Universe pageant has been marred by controversy just days into the event, as tensions escalated during a sashing ceremony on Tuesday. The drama began when a Thai pageant director, who also serves as a Vice President of the Miss Universe Organization, publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, for missing a sponsored photoshoot earlier in the day. Witnesses reported that the confrontation turned hostile, with the director allegedly calling Bosch ‘dumb’ in front of other contestants and staff. The incident prompted Bosch to walk off the set, followed by several delegates in a show of solidarity, including the reigning Miss Universe. Among them was Belize’s Isabella Zabaneh, whose foundation later confirmed she was safe and remained committed to representing her country with dignity. The fallout has been significant, with at least twelve countries—including Fiji, Somalia, Kenya, and Mongolia—reportedly withdrawing from the competition. As the situation continues to unfold, questions linger about the underlying issues within the organization and the future of this year’s pageant.
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Miss Universe 2025: Nawat Itsaragrisil Says “I’m Human, I’m Sorry”
The 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Thailand has been marred by escalating tensions, prompting Nawat Itsaragrisil, Vice President for Asia and Oceania within the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) and head of the local organising committee, to issue a public apology during the Live Opening Ceremony on November 5. Addressing the contestants and global audience, Nawat acknowledged the immense pressure he faced in recent days, stating, ‘I am human. Everybody knows the past few days have been a lot of pressure. But it’s already past. I think you must understand that the pressure is a lot. Sometimes, I cannot control. But I have not intended to harm anyone.’ He further expressed his regret, saying, ‘I respect all of you. But I have to say that I am so sorry that it happened. I want to offer this opportunity to apologise to the delegates if anyone was not comfortable with what happened. I’m sorry.’ Nawat also extended his apology to Miss Universe fans worldwide. The controversy stems from an incident on November 4, where Nawat publicly shamed Miss Universe Mexico, Fatima Bosch, during a live broadcast. This led to reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig and several other contestants walking out in solidarity with Bosch. In response, the MUO released a statement reaffirming its commitment to collaboration with the host community, the Miss Grand International Organization (MGI), and local partners to ensure the pageant’s success. Nawat confirmed that the contestants will remain in Thailand for 20 days, with the grand coronation scheduled for November 21.