分类: entertainment

  • Christmas tree eggless sugar cookies

    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.

  • Scenes from J’Ouvert celebrations for Tobago carnival

    Scenes from J’Ouvert celebrations for Tobago carnival

    The streets of Scarborough, Tobago, came alive on October 25 as thousands of revellers gathered for the vibrant J’Ouvert celebrations, marking the largest street festival of the still relatively new Tobago Carnival on the global calendar. The event, characterized by its infectious energy and colorful displays, saw a mix of locals, returning Trinbagonians from abroad, and international visitors joining in the festivities. The standout band, Fog Angels, led the parade, while spectators and participants alike reveled in the lively atmosphere. Despite the large presence of police and defense forces, the event maintained its reputation as a clean and safe celebration, with revellers freely taking command of the streets. Soca music blared from speakers, and foam-covered partygoers danced with unbridled joy. The event also featured unique moments, such as a mas player being towed in a wheelbarrow and others proudly waving their national flags. Tobago Carnival, though new to the global stage, has quickly established itself as a must-attend event, drawing thousands to its vibrant and inclusive celebrations.

  • Turbulence among stars featured on Dasvibes’ ‘Dancehall Nice Again’ compilation

    Turbulence among stars featured on Dasvibes’ ‘Dancehall Nice Again’ compilation

    From his humble beginnings as a sound system operator in Seaview Gardens, Kingston, Jamaica, Dasvibes has always been driven by a singular mission: to spotlight emerging dancehall talent from underserved communities. Now based in Brisbane, Australia, where he has resided for 16 years, Dasvibes continues to champion the genre with his latest project, ‘Dancehall Nice Again,’ a compilation album released on October 25. The album features a dynamic mix of established stars like Turbulence and rising artists such as Charly B, Wiski D, and Wilful Skillful, representing a diverse array of countries including Jamaica, Australia, the United States, France, Costa Rica, and Guyana. In an interview with Observer Online, Dasvibes emphasized his deliberate approach to curating the album, stating, ‘I handpicked artistes based on authenticity, originality, and their passion for real dancehall culture. I wanted voices that embody the true spirit of dancehall and bring their own cultural flavour.’ One of the standout tracks, ‘One Life,’ a collaboration with Turbulence, has already gained significant traction in the UK and South Africa. Other notable contributions include Wiski D’s ‘Bring That Come,’ Charly B’s ‘Reda Than Red,’ and Yellow Marshall’s ‘Not Like Dem.’ Dasvibes, who spent four years perfecting the project, aims to showcase the vibrancy and global appeal of dancehall. Beyond music, Dasvibes is a mobile application developer and a key figure in Australia’s burgeoning dancehall scene. His earlier success with the EDM track ‘Stickmen Toys Rock’ and his roots as DJ Wade on the Dub Sonic sound system in Seaview Gardens have cemented his reputation as a multifaceted talent. His journey, blending a passion for information technology with music production, underscores his unique contribution to the dancehall genre.

  • Fransiva lands LAFW spot

    Fransiva lands LAFW spot

    Fransiva, the brainchild of Jamaican designer Carcell Fransiva, has achieved a significant milestone by showcasing its collection at The Bureau Los Angeles Fashion Week (LAFW). Held from October 17-18 at the Lot Studios in Hollywood, the event marked a pivotal moment for the brand, which has been steadily gaining traction since its launch in 2014. A total of 18 meticulously crafted looks were displayed, each embodying the brand’s signature blend of structure, movement, and luxury detailing. Fransiva’s participation not only amplified its global presence but also garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback, paving the way for future collaborations and retail opportunities. Born in Pedro District, St. Catherine, Carcell Fransiva’s journey into fashion began during his high school years, where he remixed clothing for social events. His passion for design flourished as he worked with dancehall artists and later pursued a degree in Marketing. Today, Fransiva stands out for its unique fusion of elegance, luxury, and comfort, offering timeless pieces that tell a story. With aspirations to become an international fashion house, Fransiva is now targeting global markets, offering its designs through its official website and select pop-up experiences.

  • Excitement builds as Dominica kicks off 25th World Creole Music Festival

    Excitement builds as Dominica kicks off 25th World Creole Music Festival

    The 25th World Creole Music Festival has officially begun in Dominica, marking a significant milestone for one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated cultural events. Held annually since 1997, the festival has become a cornerstone of Dominica’s cultural identity, blending Creole, soca, reggae, and bouyon rhythms into a vibrant showcase of the island’s musical heritage. This year’s silver jubilee theme, ‘Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories,’ underscores the festival’s role in uniting music lovers worldwide while amplifying Dominica’s cultural influence. Organizers emphasized the event’s ability to transcend entertainment, serving as a bridge that connects people through shared rhythms and traditions. The festival’s opening night promises a spectacular lineup, featuring renowned Caribbean artists such as Vybz Kartel and Spice, alongside a dedicated team of organizers, vendors, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless experience. Beyond its cultural significance, the festival provides a vital economic boost to Dominica, particularly during the island’s slower independence season. Local businesses, artisans, and performers benefit from the influx of visitors and international attention. As the festival continues to grow, it solidifies Dominica’s position as a global hub for Creole culture and world-class entertainment.

  • NGC Launches Calendar for November Celebrations

    NGC Launches Calendar for November Celebrations

    As November approaches, Belize is gearing up for a month-long celebration of Garifuna culture, with the National Garifuna Council (NGC) Belize City branch announcing a packed calendar of events. The festivities commence on October 25th with the Miss Garifuna Belize City Pageant, setting the stage for a series of cultural highlights. Key events include a panel discussion on November 11th, a tribute to T.V. Ramos on November 13th, and a vibrant music and food festival on November 18th. The grand finale will be the Yurumein reenactment on November 19th, marking the historic arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize. Raphael Martinez, President of NGC Belize City, shared details of the celebrations, emphasizing the significance of the reenactment and the community’s efforts to make this year’s events even more spectacular. The festivities will take place at the Belize Civic Center compound, featuring traditional Garifuna cuisine, music, and dance. Denise Casamiro, a member of NGC Belize City, also highlighted the upcoming pageant and cultural bash, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in Garifuna traditions.

  • Recensie: Hariandi Todirijo – Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter

    Recensie: Hariandi Todirijo – Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter

    Hariandi Todirijo, a multifaceted artist known for his work as a poet, writer, and photographer, has emerged as the winner of the 2023 Donner/Self Reliance Writing Contest with his novella, ‘Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter.’ Originally trained in technological sciences, Todirijo later found his calling in journalism, contributing to publications like ‘de Ware Tijd.’ His literary prowess was further recognized in 2022 when he was nominated for the Ibis Prize in both prose and poetry categories.

    The novella, spanning 104 pages, is distinguished by its use of Surinamese-Dutch, a variant of the Dutch language, interspersed with words from Sranan and Surinamese-Javanese. This linguistic choice not only enriches the narrative but also highlights the cultural diversity of Suriname. The story is set in Lelydorp, a town in Suriname, and is believed to take place in the latter half of the 20th century. References to Suralco’s mining activities and beverages like Spur Cola from Canada Dry provide a vivid historical backdrop.

    ‘Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter’ is the first literary work to offer an insider’s perspective on Lelydorp. The protagonist, Liliek, a curious boy, becomes fascinated by tales of an ‘invisible sprayer’ haunting the public cemetery on Schotelweg. Despite his father’s knowledge of the area, Liliek embarks on a personal investigation, uncovering the deep-seated fears and reverence for spiritual forces within the community.

    Todirijo masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers engaged until the very end. The dialogues are authentic, reflecting the community’s speech patterns. The novella explores themes of tradition, faith, and curiosity, presenting a universal story rooted in Surinamese reality. Liliek’s character, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a sense of community, resonates with young readers.

    The book is set to be presented on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at B.S. Het Park at 7:00 PM. ‘Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter’ is not just a literary achievement but also a cultural tribute to the spiritual and cultural richness of Lelydorp.

  • Gopwell fete kicks off tonight; ‘stay hydrated’ and no ‘badness’ says organizer

    Gopwell fete kicks off tonight; ‘stay hydrated’ and no ‘badness’ says organizer

    The 5th Annual Independence Gopwell event is poised to deliver an unforgettable night of music and celebration tonight at the Newtown Savannah, starting at 10 PM. Organized by Dane ‘Danejahdane’ Smalling of Danejah Entertainment, this year’s event marks a significant milestone as it celebrates five years of Independence Gopwell. Smalling emphasized the grandeur of this edition, stating, ‘This is our biggest line-up yet, featuring Dominica’s superstars who have been touring the world.’ The event will showcase performances by Jamaica’s most-streamed dancehall artist, Chronic Law, alongside T Kimp Gee from Guadeloupe and Trinidad’s Zest Queen, Lady Lava. Smalling acknowledged the challenges of organizing this year’s event, citing the larger venue and full production handled by NSE Event Solutions. ‘It’s more demanding than previous years, as I’m involved in every detail,’ he said. Smalling also urged attendees to prioritize safety during the independence season, advising against driving while tired or intoxicated. ‘Badness is out of style. Dominica is too sweet for that,’ he remarked. Additional performances will feature Triple Kay International, Riddim Knockaz, DJ MJ, and many others. Tickets are available at various outlets and online, with Tier 1 tickets priced at EC$90 and VIP tickets at EC$350, all-inclusive.

  • Balletschool Marlene viert 50 jaar met jubileumvoorstelling ‘The Journey Within’

    Balletschool Marlene viert 50 jaar met jubileumvoorstelling ‘The Journey Within’

    This year marks the golden jubilee of the renowned Balletschool Marlene, celebrated with the production ‘The Journey Within.’ The performance encapsulates the inner journey of both students and teachers under the guidance of founder Marlene Lie A Ling, who has been teaching ballet for an impressive 54 years. The production is described as a tribute to the transfer of wisdom, discipline, and a love for art and country. Since its inception, Balletschool Marlene has seamlessly blended modern dance with Surinamese folklore, intentionally incorporating traditions from various cultures to foster national consciousness. Iconic pieces such as ‘Mi gron bakadyari’ and ‘Van Passie tot Pasen’ have left a lasting impact on audiences. During the jubilee days, a special exhibition in the Thalia theater foyer will showcase photos, stories, and memories from current and former students and teachers, encouraging visitors to take extra time to explore. Whitney Lie A Ling, a teacher at the school, emphasizes that the core of the institution has always been about transfer—not just of technique but of values like discipline and perseverance. This sentiment is shared by students across generations. Shira Singh, a 13-year-old dancer who has been with the school since she was four, expresses her passion for ballet and her participation in six dance pieces, including those set to music from ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Moana.’ Kay Mendonca-Tjin A Tam, now part of the Marlene’s Ballet Compagnie, describes the jubilee as ‘sacred,’ crediting the school with shaping her identity. Young teacher Ariella Abas-Eriks, inspired by a performance at Thalia at the age of seven, has turned her passion into her profession, returning after a dance education in the Netherlands to create choreographies for the jubilee. Rehearsals are currently underway in simple black practice costumes, with the colorful, carefully preserved outfits kept secret until the premiere. Performances will take place on October 31 and November 1 and 2 at the Thalia theater.

  • Masicka plugs UNO Fiesta

    Masicka plugs UNO Fiesta

    Jamaican dancehall sensation Masicka is set to mark a dual milestone with the launch of his inaugural event, UNO Fiesta. Scheduled for December 20 at Bay Beach in Ocho Rios, St Ann, the celebration will coincide with both his birthday and the release of his highly anticipated new album. The event promises to be a vibrant fusion of music, camaraderie, and tropical vibes, offering fans an unforgettable day-to-night experience.