In a surprising turn of events, a Hong Kong arts hub abruptly canceled the revival of an LGBTQ-themed play, ‘We Are Gay,’ just hours before tickets were set to go on sale. The play, written by renowned playwright Candace Chong, explores a love triangle between three men and was initially staged in 2022. Its planned return to the West Kowloon Cultural District in November was halted following complaints that the production ‘defames’ Hong Kong. The cancellation marks another setback for the city’s LGBTQ community, coming shortly after lawmakers rejected a bill in September that would have granted limited rights to same-sex couples. The cast expressed disappointment but vowed to continue rehearsals and seek alternative performance opportunities. The West Kowloon Cultural District, a government-appointed statutory body, cited ‘a large number of complaints’ alleging the play ‘promotes confrontation and defames Hong Kong’ as the reason for the cancellation. Hong Kong’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau supported the decision, while Beijing-backed newspapers criticized Chong for allegedly using cultural work to oppose political norms. Cast member Anthony Wong defended the play, stating it does not depict the government or its policies. This incident follows the cancellation of Pink Dot Hong Kong, a major LGBTQ event, earlier this year due to venue denial by the same cultural district.
分类： entertainment
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First-time masquerader cops Tobago Carnival Monarch title
In a dazzling display of creativity and performance, Ayanna Nedd emerged victorious at the Tobago October Carnival Monarchs of Mas 2025. Her portrayal of Seraphina – Dark Angel of the Green Veil captivated both the audience and the judges, earning her the coveted title. Nedd, a first-time mas creator, described her win as ‘a bit unreal,’ expressing disbelief at her triumph. Her journey to the crown was marked by stepping out of her comfort zone, as she is typically a shy individual who prefers working behind the scenes. However, her dedication to storytelling and attention to detail proved to be the winning formula. Nedd secured 438 points and a $15,000 prize, presented by THA Secretary for Culture and Antiquities, Zorisha Hackett. The event also saw Donell Salvary take second place with his portrayal of The Vengeance of Moko, while Nicole Moses-Beckles claimed third place with her depiction of Queen Island Jewel – Celebration of the Majesty of Tobago. The carnival was a vibrant celebration of culture and creativity, with Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor and entertainer Shal Marshall adding to the festivities by engaging with the audience.
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Divali Nagar comes to a close
The National Council of Indian Culture’s Divali Nagar, a nine-night cultural extravaganza, concluded on October 19 in Chaguanas, Trinidad. The event, which celebrated the rich traditions of Indian culture, featured a variety of performances, culinary delights, and artistic displays. Among the distinguished attendees were President Christine Kangaloo, her husband Kerwyn Garcia, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, and Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was scheduled to deliver a speech on the closing night, adding a significant political touch to the festivities. The festival of lights, Divali, will be celebrated nationwide on October 20, with traditional Indian dishes and the lighting of thousands of deyas (oil lamps) marking the occasion. The Divali Nagar also showcased vibrant performances by the Bollywood Dance Company and the Arkash and Sheetal Carl & Group, who captivated the audience with their dynamic routines. Visitors enjoyed the intricate mehndi (henna) designs displayed by Ariya Gobin and Amara Persad, while chutney singer Katelin Sultan, bmobile’s youngest brand ambassador, engaged with attendees at the company’s booth. The event was a testament to the enduring cultural heritage and communal spirit of Trinidad’s Indian community.
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Jah Cure continues to make headlines
Renowned reggae artist Siccature “Jah Cure” Alcock has once again become the focal point of widespread discussions on social media and within the reggae community. His current legal predicament has reignited memories of the “Free Jah Cure” movement, which gained significant traction during his earlier imprisonment in Jamaica in the early 2000s. That campaign, which advocated for his release and shed light on systemic issues within the justice system, played a pivotal role in shaping his public persona and musical journey. Jah Cure, celebrated for hits like “Longing For” and “True Reflection (Prison Walls)”, is presently serving a six-year sentence in the Netherlands. This sentence stems from a 2021 altercation where he stabbed concert promoter Nicardo Blake following a dispute over unpaid performance fees. While he was acquitted of attempted murder, he was convicted of attempted manslaughter in March 2022. A hearing was conducted on June 18th, with the case set to be revisited on October 9th, 2025. Currently, Jah Cure awaits a decision from Dutch prosecutors who are appealing his attempted manslaughter conviction, aiming to extend his sentence to a potential nine and a half years on attempted murder charges.
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Preparation continues and work steadily progresses for the World Creole Music Festival(WCMF) 2025
The 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) is poised to captivate audiences from October 24 to 26, 2025, at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Dominica. Ayodele Andrew, Festivals and Events Manager at the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), confirmed the steady progress of preparation works during the weekly WCMF press conference on Thursday. She emphasized that all major infrastructure and setup are complete, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and visually stunning environment for the three-night extravaganza. The forecourt will be transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, offering a diverse array of foods and beverages, creating the perfect ambiance for attendees to immerse themselves in the festival spirit. The event will feature a stellar lineup of artists across three nights, celebrating the rich heritage of Creole music. Night One, titled ‘Fire & Foundation,’ will pay tribute to Caribbean music pioneers, while Night Two, ‘Creole Carnival,’ will showcase the energetic vibrancy of Creole expression. The Grand Finale on Night Three promises a spectacular closing with regional icons and international chart-toppers. Since its inception in 1997, the WCMF has grown into one of the Caribbean’s premier cultural events, promoting regional unity and artistic innovation. This year’s theme, ‘Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories,’ underscores the festival’s enduring legacy. Fans and culture enthusiasts are encouraged to extend their stay to explore Dominica’s natural beauty and partake in fringe events. For more information and ticket purchases, visit www.dominicafestivals.com and follow Dominica Festivals on social media for updates.
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Sixteen Calypsonians Selected for the 44th Independence Calypso Competition
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has unveiled the sixteen talented calypsonians set to compete in the highly anticipated 44th Independence Calypso Competition. This year’s event marks a significant cultural resurgence, as the competition returns to the national calendar after a hiatus since its virtual edition in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The finalists were selected following a spirited elimination round on October 16, where thirty-one participants showcased their skills before a panel of judges and fellow artists. The grand finale is scheduled for October 30, 2025, at Jack Idle, with gates opening at 8:00 p.m. and admission priced at EC$25.00. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spots for what promises to be a night of patriotic and entertaining performances. The finalists include renowned names such as Vicious, Raiine, King Fiah, and Queen Gee Bee, among others. Each artist will perform an original composition inspired by this year’s theme, “Solid – Stable – Soaring,” accompanied by a live band. A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on lyrical content, melody, presentation, and overall impact. The competition boasts a lucrative prize package, with the winner taking home EC$15,000, followed by EC$10,000 for the first runner-up and EC$8,000 for the second runner-up. All finalists will receive EC$2,500 each. The Honourable Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, praised the ABFC and the Calypso Sub-Committee for their efforts in revitalizing this cultural cornerstone. Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the ABFC, highlighted the renewed vibrancy of calypso music, attributing its resurgence to the dedication of the Committee and the new venue at Jack Idle. Mr. Peter Abraham, Chair of the Independence Calypso Sub-Committee, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response from artists, which he sees as a testament to the genre’s revival. The ABFC invites all calypso enthusiasts and culture lovers to join in celebrating Antigua and Barbuda’s rich heritage through this iconic event.
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Casa del Cordón hosts guided tour honoring five greats of Dominican art
The Casa del Cordón Taíno Cultural Center, a cultural initiative by Banco Popular Dominicano, is set to host a special guided tour titled “Five Greats in Dominican Art: Jaime, Darío, Paul, Gilberto, and Eligio” on Saturday, October 18, at 11:00 a.m. This event aims to celebrate the enduring legacy of five influential figures in Dominican visual art: Jaime Colson, Darío Suro, Paul Giudicelli, Gilberto Hernández Ortega, and Eligio Pichardo. Their contributions have significantly shaped the trajectory of 20th-century Dominican art and continue to inspire contemporary artists. The tour will be led by Gamal Michelén, a renowned architect, art critic, and the current Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage. Michelén will provide a detailed exploration of the artists’ techniques, influences, and the social themes that permeate their work, offering attendees a deeper understanding of their impact on modern Dominican art. The event is part of the exhibition “Masters of the Visual Arts,” which showcases selected works from Banco Popular’s extensive art collection. The exhibition is currently on display in the center’s temporary exhibition hall. In addition to the guided tour, visitors can explore the center’s permanent exhibit, “Our First Settlers,” which features 350 pre-Hispanic artifacts generously donated by the García Arévalo Foundation. The Casa del Cordón Cultural Center is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more details, visit www.casadelcordon.com or follow @casadelcordon on Instagram.
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Klass Money, Reo join forces to sync Hip Hop and Bouyon music with new single
Klass Money, a Miami-based rapper hailing from Dominica, has unveiled a groundbreaking musical collaboration with key figures in the Bouyon music scene. The result is an innovative track titled “Plottin,” which features the talents of Dominica artist Reo and producer DJ Taffy. This project is being hailed as the first-ever fusion of Rap and Bouyon music, a genre deeply rooted in Caribbean culture. The song is characterized by its vibrant melodies and high-energy beats, with lyrics that narrate the heartfelt pursuit of a woman who has captivated both Klass Money and Reo. The collaboration aims to blend the rhythmic intensity of Bouyon with the lyrical depth of Rap, creating a fresh sound that could redefine musical boundaries and inspire future cross-genre projects. Klass Money, known for his versatility in Hip-Hop, has built a career that spans club anthems, storytelling tracks, and emotional love songs. Beyond his musical prowess, he strives to challenge stereotypes associated with Rap artists by infusing his work with the cultural richness of the Caribbean. This commitment to celebrating his heritage through thoughtfully crafted lyrics sets him apart in the world of Rap, according to a statement from his team.
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Narado Williams to show out at Tosh Fest 2025
Following his cinematic debut as young Peter Tosh in the acclaimed Paramount Pictures biopic *Bob Marley: One Love*, Narado Williams is set to showcase his musical talents on October 19 in Bluefields, Westmoreland. The event, held at the Peter Tosh Memorial Garden, marks the second staging of a tribute to the legendary musician, who was tragically killed in 1987 at the age of 42. This year’s event coincides with what would have been Tosh’s 81st birthday.
Williams, who gained notable exposure through his role in the Marley biopic, has spent the past year honing his craft as a musician. His self-produced single *Step by Step*, released in August, reflects his growing clarity and purpose in music. Inspired by a jam session in Trench Town—the birthplace of The Wailers—the track embodies what Williams describes as ‘revolutionary spirited music,’ aimed at empowering Black communities.
Born in Tavares Gardens, also known as Payne Land, Williams is no stranger to the cultural and musical heritage of Jamaica. His journey from acting to music underscores his commitment to making a name for himself. The upcoming event, Tosh Fest 2025, will also feature performances by Andrew Tosh, Beenie Man, and Mutabaruka, further celebrating the enduring legacy of Peter Tosh and his impact on reggae music.
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Theron Shaw presents Sankofa on October 19
Renowned guitarist, composer, and arranger Theron Shaw is set to captivate audiences this October with his highly anticipated concert, *Sankofa*. Scheduled for October 19 at 7 pm at Kafé Blue on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, the event promises to be a soul-stirring celebration of Shaw’s illustrious career and the vibrant musical heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. Drawing inspiration from the Akan concept of *Sankofa*, which translates to “to go back and fetch it,” Shaw’s performance will reflect on his journey as a musician and educator, while honoring the milestones that have shaped his artistic path. Born in October, Shaw views this concert as both a personal gift and a shared experience with his audience. Known for his unique fusion of Caribbean rhythms, jazz, and original compositions, Shaw will reimagine his work with fresh arrangements, paying tribute to Trinidadian legends like the Mighty Shadow, Ras Shorty I, André Tanker, and Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe. The concert will feature a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Caribbean jazz singer Vaughnette Bigford, calypso artist Krisson Joseph, violinist Simon Browne, classical guitarist John Hussain, and saxophonist Michelle Henry. Shaw’s backing quartet, comprising master percussionist Tamba Gwindi, Rodney Harris (keyboards), André Jack (electric bass), and Jonathan Hensley (drums), will further elevate the performance. Shaw describes the evening as a blend of “good vibes and some different music,” offering a heartfelt celebration of artistry, collaboration, and cultural roots. For more information, contact 751-7623 or 477-2262.