The third edition of Love Divine, held at the Frank Collymore Hall in Barbados, was a mesmerizing blend of music, faith, and community spirit. Originally conceived as a tribute to the late Sylvian Moore, the event has evolved into one of the island’s most cherished musical fundraisers. Hosted by the charismatic Antwone Holder, the evening was a rich tapestry of hymns, gospel, reggae, and Caribbean soul, performed by the Love Divine Band under the expert direction of Kevin Moore. The band’s precision and passion, coupled with modern arrangements by Roger Gittens and Mark Husbands, breathed new life into timeless classics like ‘Will Your Anchor Hold’ and ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus.’ Trumpeter Kweku Jelani delivered a standout performance, blending reverence with reggae rhythms in ‘Lamb of God/By the Rivers of Babylon.’ The second half of the concert was a celebration of joy and unity, featuring powerful vocals from Skyy Dowridge and electrifying performances of ‘Big God’ and ‘Shackles.’ The audience, moved by heartfelt moments like the Gilkes brothers’ tribute to their late parents, joined in clapping, stomping, and singing, creating an atmosphere of togetherness. The event, produced by Trumpetboy Entertainment, raised over $27,000 for Cancer Support Services, a cause close to the hearts of co-producers Kevin and Kelita Moore. The night concluded with Stedson RPB Wiltshire’s stirring rendition of ‘I’m Alive,’ a fitting anthem of resilience and hope. Love Divine 3 proved once again that music has the power to heal, inspire, and unite.
分类： entertainment
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Pioneer of British Lovers Rock Reggae, Vivian Jones, passes at 68
Vivian Jones, a trailblazer in the British lovers rock reggae scene, passed away on October 27 at the age of 68. His death was announced via social media and the German reggae platform, reggaeville.com. Born in Trelawny, Jamaica, Jones moved to the United Kingdom in 1968, where he became a prominent figure in the 1970s sound system culture. His career soared in 1979 with the release of his hit single *Good Morning*, which was followed by other notable tracks like *Sugar Love* and *Strong Love* in the 1980s. In a 2014 interview with the *Jamaica Observer*, Jones expressed his enthusiasm for the revival of lovers rock, citing documentaries and the success of artist Bitty McLean as key factors. ‘People want the real reggae, and lovers rock is real reggae,’ he remarked. Raised in Willesden, a London neighborhood with a significant Caribbean community, Jones began his career as a deejay and later performed with bands such as The Spartans, The Mighty Vibes, The Pieces, and Ruff Cutt. His UK hits during the late 1970s included *Black Gold and Green* and *Who’s Going to Get Caught (In Babylon Trap)*. Alongside artists like Maxi Priest, Peter Hunnigale, Janet Kay, and Carroll Thompson, Jones played a pivotal role in popularizing lovers rock. His collaborations extended to Jamaica, where he worked with legendary producers Bobby Digital and Sly and Robbie during a visit 11 years ago.
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Kenderson Noray presents Rhythm of My Heart at Horizons Art Gallery
Horizons Art Gallery in Trinidad and Tobago is set to unveil ‘Rhythm of My Heart,’ a captivating solo exhibition by Kenderson Noray, one of the nation’s most celebrated contemporary artists. The exhibition, which opens on October 28, promises to showcase the rhythm and emotional depth of Noray’s creative journey. Born and raised in Paramin, a village renowned for its steep hills, fertile lands, and vibrant Parang music, Noray’s art is deeply rooted in his cultural heritage. His paintings vividly depict the serene charm of his people and the stunning landscapes of his homeland. Noray, a graduate of the University of the West Indies with a degree in visual arts, has honed his craft over the years, excelling in both painting and filmmaking. His works, characterized by bold brushstrokes and vibrant color palettes, pulsate with life and movement, reflecting his technical prowess and profound connection to his subjects. The exhibition draws inspiration from Rod Stewart’s song ‘Rhythm of My Heart,’ with Noray emphasizing the emotional intensity of the creative process. ‘Rhythm of My Heart’ continues Noray’s exploration of identity and spirit through vivid oil compositions featuring poui trees, the female form, and narrative scenes that resonate with cultural identity and shared human emotion. Noray’s art has garnered international acclaim, with his works featured in private collections across the US, UK, Canada, Germany, China, and the Caribbean. The exhibition will run until November 8, with free admission to all visitors. For more information, contact Horizons Art Gallery at 628-9769 or visit www.horizonsartgallery.com.
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PM Browne Celebrates Dominican Spirit at Creole Music Festival
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda participated in Dominica’s 25th World Creole Music Festival this weekend, marking a significant milestone for one of the Caribbean’s most iconic cultural celebrations. The three-day event, held in Dominica, drew thousands of attendees, including regional leaders and international music enthusiasts. Browne was seen engaging with Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and renowned dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, a moment captured in a widely circulated photo that symbolized the festival’s emphasis on regional unity. In a statement to Antigua.news, Browne expressed his delight in celebrating the festival’s silver anniversary, stating, ‘It was a pleasure celebrating with our Dominican peeps, the silver anniversary of their World Music Festival. May God continue to guide the advancement of the Dominican people.’ The festival, which concluded on Sunday, showcased a vibrant mix of traditional Creole music and modern genres, attracting a diverse audience from across the Caribbean and its diaspora.
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Kia Kirwan Places First Runner-Up at Miss Essence and Mind Swimsuit Pageant
Kia Kirwan, the reigning Queen of Carnival 2025 from Antigua and Barbuda, showcased her exceptional talent and Caribbean charm at the Miss Essence and Mind Swimsuit Pageant in St. Maarten, securing the prestigious title of first runner-up. The event, held on October 25 at the Aleeze Convention Hall, brought together contestants from across the Caribbean under the inspiring theme, “United in Essence, Strong in Mind.” The competition was fierce, with Kadijah Mulley of St. Kitts and Nevis claiming the top honor, while Miss Trinidad and Tobago secured the second runner-up position. Kirwan, one of eight delegates, impressed the judges with her creativity, confidence, and poise across multiple segments, including creative swimwear, glitz and glam swimwear, identical swimwear, and a rigorous question-and-answer round. Other notable participants included Jasmin Jade Ruan of Anguilla, Kimberly Sattur of Guyana, Florancia Casseus of Haiti, and Malakya Wiggerton of the United States. Kirwan’s stellar performance at the pageant adds to her growing list of achievements, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the Caribbean pageant circuit. Her success follows her recent crowning as Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen of Carnival 2025, highlighting her dedication and talent on the regional stage.
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Spreading ‘Mighty’ Dennery Segment vibes year round
For nearly a decade, Nevis Mighty Alexander has been a trailblazer in the Dennery Segment genre, a unique musical fusion that blends indigenous rhythms with African and Soca influences, enriched by lyrics in both English and Kwéyòl. While the genre is often associated with Lucian Carnival, Alexander’s work transcends seasonal boundaries, offering anthems for Jounen Kwéyòl, Solo, and Christmas celebrations. His discography includes chart-toppers like ‘Bad in Bum, Bum,’ ‘Two Clap,’ ‘Bagay,’ and the recent hits ‘Keh Dek Keh Dek’ and ‘Nuh Nuh.’
Currently based in the UK, Alexander recently embarked on a promotional tour in Miami with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority to spotlight Lucian Carnival. In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times, he shared insights into his musical journey, the essence of Dennery Segment, and his commitment to preserving the Kwéyòl language.
‘Dennery Segment is a reflection of Saint Lucian culture—how we communicate, express ourselves, and celebrate our identity through music,’ Alexander explained. His passion for music ignited at the age of 12, inspired by artists like Yardie, Exodus, and LT. He credits Subance, a fellow Dennery Segment artist, for their collaborative hits, and Jaheim for producing his debut track, ‘Tout Cet Fanm La Matay La.’
However, it was ‘Bad in Bum, Bum,’ a 2017 collaboration with Subance, that catapulted Alexander to international fame. ‘That song put Dennery Segment on the global map,’ he recalled. Despite his carnival success, Alexander emphasizes the importance of year-round creativity. ‘I’m an artist first. I want to make people happy and honor our traditions, whether it’s Jounen Kwéyòl or any other occasion.’
Alexander also champions the use of Kwéyòl in his music, viewing it as a vital link to his heritage. ‘This is our language, our authenticity. I want to inspire others to carry it forward,’ he said. Looking ahead, he aims to expand his international reach, citing Cardi B’s recent appreciation for ‘Keh Dek Keh Dek’ as a sign of growing global interest. ‘More vibes, more collaborations—that’s what’s next for me,’ he declared.
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Asa Bantan, Spice, and Kes electrify Windsor Park on Night Two of WCMF
The second night of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) transformed Windsor Park Cricket Stadium into a vibrant hub of Caribbean culture, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended. From bouyon to soca, reggae to dancehall, the festival was a testament to the rich musical heritage of the region. Thousands of enthusiastic patrons danced through the night, celebrating the diverse sounds that define the Caribbean. Asa Bantan, hailed as the King of Bouyon, kicked off the evening with a dramatic entrance that ignited the crowd. His performance, filled with hit after hit, solidified his reputation as one of Dominica’s most cherished artists. Despite a minor delay in the schedule, the energy remained unbroken, thanks to a meticulously curated lineup of top-tier performers. Kes the Band took the stage as dawn approached, delivering a mix of timeless classics and modern hits that resonated with fans of all ages. Spice followed, captivating the audience with her bold dancehall style, particularly empowering female fans with her provocative yet inspiring performance. A tribute to Vybz Kartel, though not physically present, stirred the crowd, who sang along passionately to his iconic tracks. Local Creole and bouyon acts also shone, ensuring that homegrown talent remained at the forefront of the festival. As the sun rose, the celebration continued, with revelers still dancing in the early morning light. With two nights behind them, anticipation is now building for the final night of WCMF, promising even greater energy and excitement as the festival draws to a close.
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Shanice Francis: Stitching Saint Lucia into global fashion
Culture, though challenging to articulate in words, finds profound expression through actions. In Saint Lucia, one of the most compelling cultural manifestations is the tradition of wearing Madras fabric. This vibrant textile, with its origins in Madras (now Chennai), India, arrived in the Caribbean through colonial trade routes. Initially a lightweight cotton material, Madras became a symbol of resilience and identity for enslaved Africans in Saint Lucia. While they were often compelled to wear estate livery, they embraced Madras garments during feast days and special occasions as a form of self-expression and dignity.
Over time, Madras became integral to Creole fashion, particularly in the Wob Dwiyet, a traditional four-piece costume for women. Today, it stands as a national emblem, especially during Creole Month celebrations. Shanice Francis, known as Gruntage Baby, is a Saint Lucian fashion designer and owner of Gruntage Studios, who has been instrumental in preserving and redefining this cultural heritage. Living in the diaspora, Francis uses Madras to connect with her roots and celebrate her heritage through her innovative designs.
Francis emphasizes the importance of evolving traditional Madras designs to make them accessible to a broader audience. She envisions leveraging Saint Lucia’s tourism industry to promote Madras globally, suggesting its incorporation into resort staff uniforms. She also advocates for better access to resources for local creatives to thrive and scale their productions. Francis’s advice to young designers is to infuse their work with the spirit of Saint Lucia, sharing the stories behind the art and collaborating globally while retaining their unique cultural voice.
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Jeremy Ledbetter: Jazz star in Canada with musical roots in Trinidad
Jeremy Ledbetter, a renowned keyboardist and composer, has carved a unique niche in the global music scene, blending jazz, Latin, and Caribbean influences. Born and raised in Toronto, Ledbetter’s musical journey took a transformative turn when he studied at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad, where he immersed himself in steelpan and soca music. This experience laid the foundation for his deep connection to Trinidadian culture and its vibrant music scene. Ledbetter’s career has been marked by collaborations with legendary artists like David Rudder and his wife, Venezuelan vocalist Eliana Cuevas, as well as his leadership of the Caribbean jazz group CaneFire. His recent Juno Award win for his jazz trio album *Gravity* underscores his versatility and talent. Beyond performing, Ledbetter has become a sought-after producer, contributing to numerous acclaimed albums. His dream of bringing his jazz trio to Trinidad and conducting orchestral arrangements for Cuevas’s music reflects his enduring passion for bridging musical traditions.
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J’Ouvert action shakes up Scarborough
The streets of Scarborough, Tobago, came alive on October 25 as thousands of revelers and spectators gathered for the fourth staging of the island’s J’Ouvert celebrations. The event, described by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro as ‘pure niceness,’ showcased the vibrant culture and hospitality of Tobago. The parade route, spanning from the Shaw Park Complex along the Claude Noel Highway, Wilson Street, and Calypso Rose Boulevard, provided ample space for participants to ‘play mas’ and immerse themselves in the festivities. Despite regional tensions, including US Navy operations in the Caribbean and narco-trafficking concerns, the atmosphere remained carefree and celebratory. The Fog Angels’ Wild Wild West band stood out as the largest and most colorful, with over 6,000 masqueraders and a fleet of music and support trucks. Guevarro praised the efforts of ACP Oswain Subero and Snr Supt Earl Elie, along with officers from Trinidad, for ensuring an ‘incident-free’ event. Zorisha Hackett, Secretary of the Division of Education, Research and Technology, expressed her elation at the success of the parade, which marked a significant milestone in Tobago’s carnival history. She emphasized the need for collaboration between Trinidad and Tobago bands while preserving Tobago’s unique identity. Kern Cowan, CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission, highlighted the smooth execution of the event and plans to expand the parade route in future years. The festivities continued with Pan and Powder later in the day, culminating in the grand parade of the bands on October 26.