Kyna Pedro-Guevara, affectionately known as Kyna, has emerged as a transformative figure in Trinidad and Tobago’s television industry. At 36, her show *Aquí con Kyna*, broadcast on Gayelle the Caribbean, has carved out a unique space for empathy, cultural representation, and human connection. Kyna’s charisma, authenticity, and sensitivity embody the spirit of a modern Caribbean woman—deeply rooted in her heritage yet globally aware.
分类： entertainment
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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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Trilla-G bets on himself with debut album ‘Take Me as I Am: The Album’
Dominican Bouyon artist Trilla-G has officially launched his debut album, *Take Me as I Am: The Album*, marking a pivotal moment in his musical journey. Released on October 22, 2025, the 13-track project showcases Trilla-G’s artistic versatility, depth, and innovative approach to the Bouyon genre. The album, which follows the success of his lead single “Take Me as I Am (Remix)4,” has already garnered over one million views on YouTube since its September 2024 debut. Trilla-G describes the album as a deliberate effort to reveal his multifaceted artistic identity while pushing the boundaries of Bouyon music. Recorded at Th3rdHouse Studios in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the album features collaborations with prominent regional artists, including Grenadian Cultural Ambassador V’ghn, Jamaican sensation Stalk Ashley, and Dominica’s Ridge. Production credits span across the Caribbean and beyond, with contributions from Dominica’s Mask Man, Canada’s Hxnter, and St. Maarten’s Xavvo. Trilla-G’s performances at major Caribbean festivals, such as Miami Carnival and the World Creole Music Festival, have solidified his reputation as a dynamic entertainer. With *Take Me as I Am*, Trilla-G aims to elevate his career and contribute to the global recognition of Bouyon music. The album is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, and YouTube.
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Antigua PM Joins Festivities at Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne made a notable appearance at Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival this weekend, a cornerstone of the island’s Independence celebrations. The festival, now in its 24th year, kicked off on Friday night, drawing thousands of locals and international visitors to revel in the vibrant Creole culture through music, dance, and culinary delights. Browne, known for his affable demeanor, was seen engaging with festivalgoers and regional dignitaries, including Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Tourism Minister Denise Charles. He enthusiastically participated in the festivities, posing for photos and mingling with fans. This year’s event boasts an impressive lineup of international and regional artists, with dancehall sensation Vybz Kartel among the most eagerly awaited performers. Browne’s presence at the festival highlighted its role as a platform for fostering regional unity and cultural diplomacy, reinforcing the shared heritage and camaraderie among Caribbean nations.
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Schools Panorama Returns Tonight with 15 Bands Competing
The 2025 Independence National Schools Panorama, a highly anticipated steelband competition, is set to commence this evening, Saturday, October 25, at 5 p.m. at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, the event will showcase the talents of 15 school bands, including six from primary schools and nine from secondary schools, under the theme “Solid, Stable, Soaring.” The evening will begin with an opening performance by DJ Ace, followed by hosting by Steve “Ibis” Freeland and musical interludes by DJ Sparks. Primary school participants include Bendals Primary, T.N. Kirnon Primary, Sunnyside Tutorial, Villa Primary, Nevis Street (Willikies), and Greenbay Primary, performing popular soca hits such as “Swimming Engine” by Burning Flames and “Don’t Go” by Claudette Peters. The secondary division features St. Anthony Secondary, St. Joseph’s Academy, Ottos Comprehensive, All Saints Secondary, Irene B. Williams, Clare Hall Secondary, Christ the King High, Princess Margaret, Antigua Grammar, and Sir Novelle Richards Academy, with performances ranging from Claudette Peters’ “Out Deh” to Burning Flames’ “Stampede.” The event will conclude with judges’ decisions and award presentations for both categories. Admission is priced at $10 for children and $20 for adults.
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Night of creative brilliance at Crop Over awards
The Pelican Lifestyle Centre in Barbados was alive with cultural energy on Thursday evening as the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) hosted the prestigious Crop Over Awards ceremony. The event, a cornerstone of the island’s ‘Sweetest Summer Festival,’ brought together artists, musicians, designers, and key stakeholders to honor the creative forces behind this beloved national tradition. Chief Cultural Officer Andrea Wells, alongside NCF Chair Jasmine Babb, Deputy Chairman Sheldon Hope, and representatives from Affinity Plus Credit Union, UNICEF, Sunshine Snacks, Flow Barbados, and the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, were among the distinguished attendees. In her opening remarks, Wells praised the resilience and innovation of Barbados’ creative community, emphasizing their pivotal role in making Crop Over a cultural and economic highlight from May to August each year. She also underscored the festival’s growing influence, describing it as the ‘jewel in our suite of festivals.’ The evening’s festivities began with the Pic-O-De-Crop Speciality Awards, recognizing the island’s top songwriters and performers. Anderson ‘Mr Blood’ Armstrong won Best Nation-Building Song, while Billboard Murrell was named Best Songwriter of the Festival. Osvaldo ‘Leadpipe’ Reid took home the Song of the Year award for ‘Tek Charge.’ UNICEF’s Anti-Violence Prize – Calypso Voices of Change went to Damario Foster for ‘Voices of Change,’ and Zarie B received the UNICEF Anti-Violence Soca Prize for ‘Celebrating Life.’ The Junior Kadooment Awards followed, showcasing the talents of young creatives with environmental themes and craftsmanship. Pinelands Creative Workshop dominated the awards, while Wesley Hall Infant School won the UNICEF Best Anti-Violence Message Award. The Grand Kadooment Awards concluded the night, celebrating seasoned designers and bandleaders. Betty West Productions secured multiple accolades, including the HIV/AIDS Award and Best Presentation Heritage Award. Zenobia was named Large Band of the Year, and Rashad Goring from Zenobia won Best Individual Male Heritage. The ceremony ended with electrifying performances by steelpanist Hashim Durant, Mr Showman, Blood, and Leadpipe, leaving attendees in high spirits.
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Night one sets the stage ablaze at World Creole Music Festival
The 25th anniversary of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday night, setting Windsor Park Stadium alight with an unforgettable showcase of Creole culture and musical brilliance. Known for its vibrant energy and regional significance, the festival attracted thousands of enthusiastic attendees, all adorned in their most colorful attire, ready to immerse themselves in a night of nonstop entertainment. The evening began with Oswald, whose fusion of reggae and Creole rhythms warmed up the crowd, setting the stage for an electrifying lineup. Burning Flames, the legendary soca band, kept the momentum soaring with their hit-filled repertoire, igniting the audience with their infectious beats. However, it was Romain Virgo who truly captivated the crowd, delivering a performance that underscored his status as one of the Caribbean’s most cherished artists. Masicka further energized the night with his lyrical mastery, cementing the opening night as a testament to the region’s extraordinary talent. As the festivities continued into the early hours of Saturday, the unwavering enthusiasm of the crowd highlighted the festival’s enduring spirit. With two more nights of celebration ahead, anticipation is at an all-time high for what promises to be a landmark silver anniversary event.
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Latest Creole HeartBeat issue released just in time for World Creole Music Festival 2025
In a momentous celebration of cultural heritage, Creole HeartBeat has launched its 25th Anniversary Special Edition Magazine, coinciding with the opening night of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF25). This commemorative publication is a heartfelt tribute to the festival’s rich history, which has played a pivotal role in shaping Dominica’s cultural identity and fostering unity within the Creole community over the past quarter-century. The magazine serves as a bridge, connecting the past, present, and future of the Creole world, emphasizing that the festival is more than an event—it is a shared vision celebrating Creole heritage. Leroy “Wadix” Charles, the Creole Ambassador, remarked, “This publication reminds us that the World Creole Music Festival was not just an event, but a vision that celebrated who we are as Creole people.” The issue takes readers on a journey through the festival’s evolution, honoring its founders, artists, and cultural icons who have infused it with its unique spirit. It also chronicles the festival’s resilience through global challenges and its role in strengthening regional unity and Dominica’s tourism and creative economy. As WCMF25 kicks off, Creole HeartBeat urges all participants to reflect on the festival’s deeper significance, highlighting its role as a celebration of the Creole spirit. The 25th Anniversary Special Edition is available online, with limited printed copies offered during the festival weekend for those seeking a tangible keepsake of this historic milestone.
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COMMENTARY: World Creole Music Festival – Celebrating culture, heritage, and community
The World Creole Music Festival, a cornerstone of Dominica’s cultural identity, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the island’s cultural evolution. This premier event has solidified Dominica’s reputation as the Caribbean’s hub for Creole music and heritage, blending rhythm, language, and identity into a vibrant celebration that resonates both locally and globally.
The festival’s origins trace back to 1995, when the United Workers’ Party (UWP) government revitalized the vision for a cultural festival. The National Development Corporation (NDC) board, under the leadership of Chairman Oliver J. Seraphin, played a pivotal role in establishing the Cadence Festival, later known as the Cadence-Zouk Festival. Key contributors included prominent figures such as McCarthy Marie, Stanley Georges, and Sobers Esprit, who worked tirelessly to bring the festival to life. The establishment of the Dominica Festivals Commission in 1996 further institutionalized the event, ensuring its long-term success.
Over the years, the World Creole Music Festival has grown into a cultural phenomenon, attracting thousands of visitors annually and significantly boosting Dominica’s hospitality sector. Beyond its economic impact, the festival serves as a platform for preserving and promoting Creole music genres like Cadence-Lypso, Zouk, and Bouyon. It also fosters unity among Dominica’s diaspora and strengthens regional cultural ties.
As the festival looks to the future, there is a renewed focus on expanding its global vision. Proposals include incorporating Creole crafts, culinary showcases, and artisan markets to deepen its cultural reach. The event stands as a testament to collaboration, creativity, and community spirit, celebrating the shared identity of Creole communities worldwide.
Oliver J. Seraphin, a key architect of the festival, reflects on its legacy: ‘The World Creole Festival was born from a shared vision — to honor the richness of Creole culture and position Dominica as its global stage. Its legacy belongs to the people, artists, and visionaries who continue to nurture its spirit.’
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Christmas tree eggless sugar cookies
As the holiday season approaches, many are eager to dive into festive baking. Naomi Anderson, founder of Unicakery, shares a beginner-friendly recipe for eggless Christmas tree sugar cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating. This recipe is ideal for those looking to create festive treats without the use of eggs, making it accessible to a wider audience.
To make the dough, you’ll need 3 cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ tsp of baking powder, ¼ tsp of salt, 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tbsp of milk (with an optional extra tablespoon if needed), and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Start by sifting the dry ingredients together. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the milk and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add a bit more milk.
Once the dough is ready, divide it in half, wrap it, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness, and cut into Christmas tree shapes. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool before decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar.
Naomi Anderson, a seasoned pastry chef with over 12 years of experience, founded Unicakery in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Her studio offers workshops and classes, inspiring bakers of all levels to create beautiful desserts. Follow her on social media @unicakery or visit www.unicakery.com for more culinary inspiration.