Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Miss Central Trinidad delegates to make positive difference in society

    Miss Central Trinidad delegates to make positive difference in society

    The Miss Central Trinidad Queen Pageant for 2026 is actively recruiting participants who demonstrate not only beauty and confidence but also a genuine commitment to societal improvement. Coordinator Marcia Merrick-Mohamed, a former titleholder herself, emphasizes that the competition seeks intellectually bright women aged 18-29 who aspire to create meaningful community impact beyond merely winning a crown.

    The preliminary screening event occurred on January 3 at Lisas Gardens Community Centre in Couva, where organizers evaluated potential delegates for the upcoming pageant. As the centerpiece of the Couva Carnival Committee’s six-day festivities, this annual event offers more than just prestigious titles. Participants will contend for multiple specialty awards including Best Gown, Best Costume, Miss Intelligent, People’s Choice (determined through online voting), and Miss Photogenic (selected by media photographers).

    Merrick-Mohamed is actively seeking additional corporate sponsors to enhance the event’s production quality and community outreach. While Sacha Cosmetics has already confirmed continued support for the 2026 edition, organizers encourage other businesses to join this community-focused initiative. Notably, the pageant maintains free public admission, reflecting the committee’s dedication to providing accessible, family-friendly entertainment while fostering a secure environment for all attendees. Final contestant selections will be finalized within the coming week.

  • ‘Mas’ and culture take center stage at upcoming film series premiere

    ‘Mas’ and culture take center stage at upcoming film series premiere

    The vibrant fusion of Caribbean Carnival culture and cinematic artistry takes center stage as Scene Productions Ltd launches its groundbreaking Mas + Movies film series with a special preview event in Dominica. The inaugural screening, set for January 3, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, will be hosted at the Prevo Cinemall as part of the Waitukubuli Artist Association’s ongoing “Paradise of Colours & Expressions” Exhibition.

    This cultural initiative marks its Caribbean debut with the world premiere of “Just Iere” (2026), a television series pilot directed by Trinidadian filmmaker Shari Petti. The series follows Thandi, an ambitious radio host and DJ navigating themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery within Port of Spain’s dynamic musical landscape. The screening event will additionally showcase the 12-minute short film “Fantastic Friday” (2023) and select episodes from “Mas Prep,” a documentary series exploring Trinidad and Tobago’s traditional mas-making artistry, including Dragon, Stick Fighter, and Jab Molassie traditions.

    Mas + Movies represents a significant cultural platform for Caribbean storytelling, combining film screenings with interactive dialogue. The event will conclude with an audience Q&A session, fostering direct engagement between creators and the community. A subsequent screening is already scheduled for February 1 at Movietowne during Trinidad’s Carnival season, with additional regional presentations planned throughout 2026.

    The hosting “Paradise of Colours & Expressions” Exhibition continues through January 9 with daily viewings from 11 AM to 7 PM. Complementary events include a January 6 watercolor workshop with artist Aaron Hamilton and a January 7 panel discussion titled “The Cost Of Expression,” featuring prominent local creatives examining the economics of artistic entrepreneurship in Dominica.

    Supported through partnerships with Waitukubuli Artist Association and Prevo Cinemall, with special recognition to Michael Lees and Sandra Vivas, the series demonstrates growing institutional support for Caribbean cultural production. Audiences can follow @kubuliarts on social media for updates or visit @scenepresents for detailed series information.

  • Marianela Nunez receives Honorary Dance Award in Cuba

    Marianela Nunez receives Honorary Dance Award in Cuba

    Cuba’s National Union of Artists and Writers (UNEAC) has conferred its highest dance distinction upon Argentine ballerina Marianela Núñez, recognizing her as one of the most exceptional dance artists of the contemporary era. The prestigious award, established in 2008, honors iconic figures who have made extraordinary contributions to the world of dance.

    Critic Ahmed Piñero, in his official declaration, described Núñez as “perhaps the most extraordinary ballerina of our time,” emphasizing her profound artistic impact. The recognition comes shortly after Núñez’s remarkable performances in Havana, where she partnered with Cuban dancer Patricio Revé in a celebrated production of the classic ballet Don Quixote.

    The collaboration between Núñez and Revé—a principal dancer with both London’s Royal Ballet and Australia’s Queensland Ballet—demonstrated exceptional artistic chemistry and technical mastery. Their performances with the National Ballet of Cuba were met with widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

    Piñero further reflected on Núñez’s deep connections to Cuban ballet traditions, noting that the Argentine dancer considers dance her true homeland. “For Marianela,” he asserted, “ballet has always been more than just her profession; it’s a calling.”

    The ballet specialist highlighted Núñez’s rapid ascent to the pinnacle of her art, achieving the coveted rank of prima ballerina with Britain’s Royal Ballet at just twenty years of age. In a significant comparison, Piñero drew parallels between Núñez’s artistry and that of Cuban ballet legend Alicia Alonso, noting that both dancers prioritize expressive interpretation over technical display, subordinating virtuosity to dramatic authenticity.

    This honor adds to Núñez’s recent recognitions, including the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire bestowed by King Charles III, cementing her status as a truly global ballet icon.

  • Cuban actress Adela Legra passes away

    Cuban actress Adela Legra passes away

    The Cuban film industry mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished actresses, Adelaida López Legra, who passed away in the early hours at a provincial hospital. The announcement was made by Alexis Triana, President of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC), confirming the demise of the beloved screen legend known professionally as Adela Legra.

    Born in 1939 in Guantánamo, Legra’s extraordinary talent was first recognized by acclaimed filmmaker Humberto Solás, who catapulted her to stardom with her debut lead role in the medium-length film ‘Manuela’ (1965). This groundbreaking performance marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would span over four decades, establishing her as a foundational figure in Cuban cinema.

    Her artistic partnership with Solás yielded some of Cuba’s most significant cinematic works, including the landmark historical trilogy ‘Lucía’ (1968), which remains a masterpiece of Latin American cinema, followed later by ‘Miel para Oshún’ (2001) and ‘Barrio Cuba’ (2005). Beyond these collaborations, Legra’s versatile acting graced numerous other productions including Sergio Giral’s ‘Rancheador’ (1976), Octavio Cortázar’s ‘El Brigadista’ (1977), Enrique Pineda’s ‘Aquella noche larga’ (1979), Luis Felipe Bernaza’s ‘Vals de la Habana Vieja’ (1988), and Juan Carlos Cremata’s ‘Nada’ (2001).

    Legra’s contributions to the arts were recognized with numerous honors, including the prestigious Heredia Plaque, tributes at the Havana Film Festival New York (2002), and recognition at the inaugural Gibara International Low-budget Film Festival (2003). Her legacy was further immortalized through two documentary films: ‘Adela un nombre de mujer’ (1999) and ‘Quien me quita lo bailao’ (2000), both dedicated to celebrating her life and career.

    The cultural community will pay final respects to the revered actress at El Calvario funeral home in Santiago de Cuba, where memorial services will be held in the coming hours, allowing colleagues, admirers, and the nation to bid farewell to an icon whose work became an integral part of Cuba’s cultural identity.

  • Chronic Law rules YouTube… again

    Chronic Law rules YouTube… again

    For the second consecutive year, Jamaican dancehall sensation Chronic Law has decisively secured his position as YouTube’s most-viewed artist, accumulating a staggering 154 million views throughout 2025. According to official platform statistics, Chronic Law’s viewership nearly doubled that of his closest competitor, incarcerated artist Vybz Kartel, who maintained the second position with 85.7 million views.

    The YouTube Music Charts, which remain the primary streaming platform for many Jamaican audiences, revealed the complete rankings for the period spanning December 28, 2024, to December 28, 2025. Emerging artist Skippa captured third place with 79.9 million views, while established stars Masicka (74.5 million) and Squash (64.1 million) completed the top five. The list continued with Alkaline, Jamal, Malie Donn, Popcaan, and producer DJ Mac rounding out the top ten.

    Geographic data analysis indicates Chronic Law’s strongest viewership originated from Kingston, Jamaica; New York, USA; Port of Spain, Trinidad; and London, England. His most-streamed tracks included ‘New York Girls,’ ‘Empty,’ ‘Higher Life’ (a collaboration with Kranium), ‘Kick It Wid Myself’ (with Popcaan), and ‘Don’t Fall.’

    Vybz Kartel demonstrated remarkable international appeal with his primary audiences located in Nairobi, Kenya; Paris, France; and Accra, Ghana. His top-performing songs were ‘God is the Greatest,’ ‘Ignite the World,’ ‘Fever,’ ‘Unstoppable,’ and ‘Whine to the Top.’

    Despite the overall artist dominance by male performers, the year’s most-streamed individual track was the ‘Shake It To The Max’ remix featuring Shenseea and Skillibeng, which has amassed nearly 220 billion views since its March 2025 premiere. This was followed by ‘Beloved and Blessed’ by Jaame.sss featuring Inner Circle’s Skatta Lopa and Armanii’s ‘8:00 PM’ in third place.

    Notably, for the second consecutive year, no female dancehall artists appeared in the top 15 most-viewed artists ranking, nor were any solo female tracks represented in the year’s top songs list, highlighting an ongoing gender disparity within the genre’s digital landscape.

  • New chapter for The Cloth – fashion house opens at Trinidad Gingerbread House

    New chapter for The Cloth – fashion house opens at Trinidad Gingerbread House

    Trinidad and Tobago’s pioneering fashion house The Cloth has inaugurated a new boutique at the historic Trinidad Gingerbread House on Carlos Street, Woodbrook, marking a significant expansion as the brand approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026. The December 20 opening represents both a physical and philosophical evolution for designer Robert Young’s enterprise, which maintains its foundational commitment to cultural storytelling through wearable art.

    The new space features curated capsule collections and seasonal releases that integrate local craftsmanship heritage, offering visitors bespoke fittings and in-house styling services. Young emphasizes that the location transcends commercial considerations, serving as a repository of encoded cultural language through its distinctive African-crafted fretwork that embodies “liberatory hopes” of post-colonial artisans.

    Young’s unconventional journey into fashion began when the former agricultural science student purchased a sewing machine on impulse despite no prior experience. His breakthrough came in May 1986 when his politically-charged debut collection featuring messages like “Free Mandela” and “Crush Racism” garnered front-page newspaper coverage. This established The Cloth’s distinctive approach to fashion as “spiritual armor” that celebrates Caribbean identity rather than conforming to Western aesthetics.

    The brand has achieved remarkable international reach, with collections currently stocked in boutiques across Mustique, Jamaica, Martha’s Vineyard, Japan, Spain, and several European nations. Notable collaborations include dressing cultural icons like David Rudder and 3canal, while The Cloth’s designs have been exhibited at prestigious institutions including the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and the Museum at FIT in New York.

    In 2017, Young partnered with British anthropologist Sophie Bufton to form The Cloth Caribbean, enhancing the brand’s global market navigation while maintaining its Belmont-based headquarters. Despite international acclaim, Young remains committed to sovereignty in creative expression and economic models, advocating for regional control of rare sea island cotton and developing worker-owned cooperatives for artisans.

    Looking forward, Young plans to establish an experimental creative space in Toco to nurture emerging designers while continuing Vulgar Fraction, his independent Carnival band that transforms masquerade into cultural commentary. The designer acknowledges four decades of community support that has sustained The Cloth’s unique vision of fashion as a medium for Caribbean self-determination and cultural preservation.

  • Dominican film industry strengthens in 2025 with job creation and international projection

    Dominican film industry strengthens in 2025 with job creation and international projection

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic’s film industry experienced a transformative year in 2025, establishing itself as both a cultural powerhouse and significant economic contributor. Official data from the General Directorate of Cinema (Dgcine) reveals unprecedented growth across multiple sectors of the audiovisual landscape.

    Economic indicators demonstrated remarkable performance, with 103 approved audiovisual projects generating 2,206 direct employment opportunities. The industry’s substantial economic footprint included over 21,000 hotel night bookings and tax revenue contributions exceeding RD$297 million through Income Tax and ITBIS payments, highlighting cinema’s evolving role in national economic development.

    International recognition reached new heights as Dominican productions secured nine world premieres at prestigious global film festivals. Domestic audience engagement simultaneously surged, with theater attendance for local productions increasing 18.7% above the five-year average, indicating strengthened cultural resonance with Dominican viewers.

    The industry’s global integration advanced through the Minority Co-production initiative, which attracted six international partnership applications from Spain, Chile, Uruguay, Honduras, Peru, and Brazil. This program significantly enhanced the country’s participation in worldwide co-production networks.

    Workforce development emerged as a cornerstone of industry growth, with 2,387 participants benefiting from specialized Dgcine training programs. The innovative ‘My First Job’ initiative successfully placed 94 interns across 39 audiovisual projects, creating crucial entry points for emerging talent.

    Institutional reforms focused on equity, sustainability, and talent development further solidified the framework for continued growth. These comprehensive advancements demonstrate the successful implementation of a strategic vision establishing a robust, inclusive, and sustainable film industry that simultaneously drives cultural prestige and economic prosperity for the Dominican Republic.

  • REWIND 2025 REWIND

    REWIND 2025 REWIND

    The year 2025 marked a monumental period for Jamaica’s entertainment industry, characterized by an unprecedented global renaissance of dancehall music that cemented the island’s status as a cultural powerhouse. This resurgence propelled both legendary and emerging artists to international stardom, creating a narrative of spectacular highs juxtaposed with profound losses.

    The year commenced with a historic event as thousands of fans gathered at the National Stadium for Vybz Kartel’s first live performance in thirteen years following his August 2024 prison release. The star-studded ‘Freedom Street’ concert featured reunions with his protégés and appearances by Bounty Killer, Spice, and Busta Rhymes. Kartel’s remarkable comeback culminated in his official coronation as ‘King of Dancehall’ at Reggae Sumfest in July, an event that drew record-breaking crowds despite a brief stampede during the celebrations.

    Simultaneously, veteran artist Mavado made his long-awaited return to Jamaica in October after resolving legal matters that had kept him abroad since 2018. His homecoming, captured in viral social media moments, was set to be celebrated with a major concert until Hurricane Melissa forced its postponement.

    The industry celebrated significant milestones, most notably Sizzla Kalonji’s 30-year anniversary in music. His ‘Rise to the Occasion’ concert at Sabina Park featured groundbreaking inclusivity with sign language interpreters and performances by Etana, Spragga Benz, and Christopher Martin. Prime Minister Andrew Holness personally acknowledged Sizzla’s inspirational impact, while other artists including Aidonia, D’Angel, and Elephant Man also marked career anniversaries.

    Beyond musical achievements, the industry faced challenges including the unfortunate incident involving Miss Jamaica Universe Dr. Gabrielle Henry, who sustained serious injuries after falling during pageant preliminaries in Thailand.

    The late October arrival of Hurricane Melissa brought devastating economic losses, but prompted an extraordinary response from the entertainment community. Artists including Spice, Masicka, Sean Paul, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Shaggy, Shenseea, and Buju Banton mobilized relief efforts through their foundations and participated in charity events like the I Love Jamaica Telethon and Jamaica Strong Benefit concert. They distributed essential supplies, assisted with cleanup, and provided emotional support to affected communities.

    The December ‘war season’ ignited a musical clash between Masicka and Tommy Lee Sparta, whose lyrical exchange dominated social media and streaming platforms. While tensions stemmed from debates about dancehall hierarchy following Kartel’s coronation, both artists maintained musical integrity, providing entertainment that lifted spirits post-hurricane.

    2025 also brought solemn moments as the industry mourned the passing of iconic figures: Danny English (54, diabetes), Determine (52, stomach cancer), Cocoa Tea (65, lymphoma and pneumonia), Munair Zacca (79, lung disorder), and reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff (81). Their contributions were honored nationally, with Jimmy Cliff receiving an official funeral at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

    Through triumphs and tragedies, Jamaica’s entertainment industry demonstrated remarkable resilience, unity, and philanthropic spirit, solidifying its global influence while honoring its rich legacy.

  • Rreecey wants to create riddim

    Rreecey wants to create riddim

    Trinidadian-American artist Chereece ‘Rreecey’ Bernard, currently residing in New York City, has unveiled an ambitious musical trilogy for Carnival 2026, showcasing her evolution from calypso roots to contemporary soca expression. The 36-year-old singer-songwriter’s latest single ‘At Last,’ released November 17, captures the essence of Carnival’s liberating spirit, encouraging listeners to cast aside stress and negative energy during the festive season.

    Rreecey’s musical journey, which began in primary school singing calypso, has expanded to include multiple genres while maintaining her Caribbean foundations. Her October release ‘Fever,’ penned by acclaimed songwriter Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop, demonstrates her collaborative approach to music creation. A third upcoming collaboration with Devon ‘Dev’ Harris completes her 2026 Carnival trilogy.

    The artist credits her musical development to influences including the late calypso legend Sandra ‘Singing Sandra’ Des Vignes and contemporary collaborator Eggy Dan. Despite the significant financial investment required to produce new music annually, Rreecey remains undeterred, having built a diverse discography that includes tracks like ‘Afrowhine,’ ‘Meh Head Bad,’ and ‘Pong It’ in recent years.

    Looking beyond Carnival, Rreecey plans to explore reggae and dancehall genres while developing an all-female riddim project. Her primary aspiration for 2026 remains connecting with broader Trinidadian audiences and providing uplifting musical experiences during challenging times.

  • NACC hosts semifinal of Young Kings

    NACC hosts semifinal of Young Kings

    In a landmark development for Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival season, the National Action Cultural Committee (NACC) has unveiled 25 semifinalists for the prestigious 2026 Young Kings Calypso Monarch competition. This year marks the inaugural introduction of a semifinal round, a structural enhancement prompted by overwhelming participation that saw over 90 entrants during preliminary auditions.

    NACC chairman Embau Moheni confirmed the historic expansion, emphasizing that the semifinal format is intended as a permanent fixture rather than a temporary measure. The selection process spanned multiple venues across the nation, with auditions conducted in Tobago on December 13, San Fernando on December 14, Republic Bank Exodus Pan Theatre on December 20, and Port of Spain’s Queen’s Park Savannah on December 21.

    Moheni expressed particular enthusiasm about both the quantity and quality of this year’s submissions, noting exceptional artistic standards that signal positive evolution for the calypso art form. While remaining cautious about discussing specific sponsorship arrangements and prize money, he indicated that negotiations were ongoing despite historical challenges in this area.

    Among the notable semifinalists are defending champion Anthony ‘Squeezy Rankin’ La Fleur, whose 2025 victory came with the crowd favorite ‘Justice’, and last year’s runner-up Kyle ‘KC’ Cowie, who returns with his composition ‘Wah We Fighting For’. The semifinal roster showcases diverse thematic approaches, from Oscar Benjamin’s technologically-themed ‘AI Versus Man’ to Sheldon Bullen and Nyol Manswell’s peace-oriented entries ‘A Call for Peace’ and ‘My Prayer for Peace’ respectively.

    The competitive journey continues with a position draw scheduled for January 5 at the VIP Lounge of Queen’s Park Savannah Grand Stand, leading to the semifinal performances on January 18 at John Cupid Carnival Village. This expansion reflects both growing interest in traditional calypso music and the NACC’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent within Trinidad and Tobago’s rich cultural landscape.