Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • 2025 Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards Set for February 26, 2026

    2025 Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards Set for February 26, 2026

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda will celebrate its vibrant music scene with the official staging of the 2025 National Music Awards (ABNMA) on February 26, 2026. The announcement was formally made by the Ministry of Creative Industries, highlighting the event’s significance in the cultural calendar.

    Established to honor excellence across the musical spectrum, the ABNMA recognizes the exceptional contributions of musicians, producers, composers, songwriters, vocalists, arrangers, educators, and industry practitioners. The awards platform functions as both a celebration of artistic achievement and a strategic initiative to drive growth, innovation, and elevated standards within the twin-island state’s creative sector.

    Building upon the success of previous editions, the 2025 ceremony aims to broaden its influence by uniting artists from diverse genres, generations, and communities. This gathering is designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the rich and varied tapestry of Antiguan and Barbudan music.

    The nomination process is set to commence on January 6, 2026, with the full roster of award categories being unveiled simultaneously. The Ministry is actively encouraging participation from creatives, industry professionals, and the general public to ensure comprehensive recognition of outstanding talent within the local music industry.

    Reiterating its commitment to cultural development, the Ministry emphasized that the National Music Awards serve as a vital national institution. Beyond honoring current achievements, the platform aims to inspire emerging talent, strengthen cultural identity, and bolster the sustainable development of the creative economy.

    As the nation looks toward 2026, the Ministry extended its well-wishes for a prosperous and culturally dynamic year to all artists, stakeholders, partners, and community members. The ABNMA stands as a powerful testament to the extraordinary outcomes achievable through the fusion of talent, dedication, and national pride.

    Additional information regarding award categories, detailed nomination guidelines, and event updates will be disseminated through official channels in the coming weeks.

  • Cuba commemorates centenaries of Fidel Castro and Alfredo Guevara

    Cuba commemorates centenaries of Fidel Castro and Alfredo Guevara

    Havana witnessed the inauguration of a significant photographic exhibition on December 31st, serving a dual commemorative purpose: honoring the 67th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution’s triumph and celebrating the centenary of Che Guevara’s birth. The collection showcases profound historical moments between revolutionary leaders Fidel Castro and Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara, emphasizing their collaborative efforts in cultivating Cuba’s cinematic and cultural landscape.

    The opening ceremony attracted prominent national figures, including Minister of Culture Alpidio Alonso, Elier Ramírez—Deputy Head of the Ideological Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba—and Alexis Triana, President of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC). The event was further graced by distinguished artists and government representatives from the cultural sector.

    Central to the tribute was the enduring relevance of the two leaders’ ideological contributions. The exhibition specifically highlighted Guevara’s foundational role in establishing ICAIC and his creation of pivotal projects dedicated to the advancement of Cuban and Latin American cinema. These initiatives were consistently bolstered by the unwavering support of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, underscoring a partnership that extended beyond revolution into cultural nation-building.

  • Alfredo Guevara, a cultural legacy in Cuba and Latin America

    Alfredo Guevara, a cultural legacy in Cuba and Latin America

    Alfredo Guevara’s transformative impact on Cuban culture originated during his academic years at the University of Havana, where he pursued Philosophy and Letters. It was during this formative period that he forged a historically significant friendship with Fidel Castro, which would later shape Cuba’s cultural landscape.

    Following the successful Cuban Revolution in 1959, Guevara established and assumed leadership of the Cuban Film Institute (ICAIC), marking the beginning of an extraordinary cultural revolution that extended far beyond cinema. His visionary approach led to the creation of multiple groundbreaking initiatives that would redefine Latin American cinema.

    Guevara launched the influential publication ‘Cine Cubano’ magazine and established the Latin American ICAIC Newsreel under the directorship of Santiago Álvarez. In 1960, he founded the Cuban Film Archive, simultaneously championing the extraordinary artistic development of cinematic poster art that became internationally recognized for its revolutionary aesthetic.

    His most significant musical contribution came with the establishment of the ICAIC Sound Experimentation Group, which served as the foundational incubator for the Cuban Nueva Trova Movement that revolutionized Latin American music. Among his most cherished accomplishments was the creation of the Havana International New Latin American Film Festival, which debuted on December 3, 1979. The inaugural festival attracted an unprecedented gathering of over 600 filmmakers, establishing Havana as a crucial center for Latin American cinema.

  • Cuba: Marianela Nunez and Patricio Reve marked dance in 2025

    Cuba: Marianela Nunez and Patricio Reve marked dance in 2025

    The National Theater of Cuba witnessed an extraordinary celebration of ballet heritage on December 28th and 30th, as principal dancers Nunez of London’s Royal Ballet and Reve, guest artist from the same renowned British company, delivered a breathtaking performance of the classic ‘Don Quixote.’ Their artistry served as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the Cuban ballet school founded by Alicia, Alberto, and Fernando Alonso.

    The performance remarkably embodied the fundamental principles that maestro Alonso consistently emphasized throughout his career: the sensuality of artistic expression, meticulous attention to line, and the seamless harmony between dancers and music. Nunez and Reve moved with such natural elegance and synchronization that they appeared to caress the musical notes with their movements, creating a gentle, poetic communication between their characters.

    This guest performance, orchestrated by the National Ballet of Cuba (BNC) under the direction of prima ballerina Viengsay Valdes, carried special significance. The BNC, declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2018, concluded a challenging year by continuing its tradition of attracting world-class dance talent to the island. This cultural exchange serves to refresh and reinforce the foundations of Cuba’s prestigious ballet institution, which remains a source of immense pride throughout Latin America.

    The Argentine ballerina Nunez shares deep connections with Cuban ballet royalty, having known renowned teacher Loipa Araujo since age fourteen and previously dancing extensively with Carlos Acosta, another legendary figure from Cuba’s dance tradition. These historical ties added layers of meaning to a performance that both honored tradition and demonstrated the vibrant ongoing evolution of Cuban ballet artistry.

  • Ge’eve Places First Runner-Up at 2025 Queen of Queens Calypso Monarch in Montserrat

    Ge’eve Places First Runner-Up at 2025 Queen of Queens Calypso Monarch in Montserrat

    In a vibrant celebration of Caribbean musical heritage, Antigua and Barbuda’s esteemed calypsonian Ge’eve secured the first runner-up position at the 2025 Queen of Queens Regional Female Calypso Monarch competition. The prestigious event, hosted in Montserrat, showcased the region’s most talented female performers in a night of cultural excellence and artistic expression.

    Competing as contestant number four, Ge’eve delivered two powerful performances that captivated both judges and audience members. Her first round presentation featured the thought-provoking composition ‘One Man,’ followed by an equally compelling rendition of ‘Daughter Come’ in the championship round. These performances collectively earned her a impressive total score of 947 points, demonstrating her exceptional artistry and stage presence.

    The coveted monarch title was claimed by Terri Lyons, who achieved a remarkable winning score of 985 points through her outstanding performances. Roselyn rounded out the top three finalists, securing second runner-up honors with 888 points in the closely contested competition.

    This annual gathering represents one of the Caribbean’s most significant cultural events, specifically designed to highlight and celebrate the extraordinary talents of female calypsonians across the region. The competition forms an integral part of Montserrat’s festival calendar, attracting performers and audiences from multiple Caribbean nations.

    Ge’eve’s notable achievement serves as a testament to Antigua and Barbuda’s growing influence and representation within the regional calypso scene. Her strong showing underscores the nation’s commitment to preserving and promoting this traditional art form while competing at the highest levels of Caribbean musical performance.

  • Petition calling for Nicki Minaj to be deported gathers over 50,000 signatures

    Petition calling for Nicki Minaj to be deported gathers over 50,000 signatures

    A controversial petition demanding the deportation of rapper Nicki Minaj to her birthplace of Trinidad and Tobago has rapidly accumulated over 50,000 signatures on Change.org. The campaign emerged following Minaj’s appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, where she publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance while sharing the platform with prominent conservative figures.

    The petition specifically addresses U.S. government agencies including ICE, the FBI, and the White House, urging authorities to review Minaj’s residency status. It cites multiple grievances including her verbal attacks on The Carters (Beyoncé and Jay-Z), her marriage to registered sex offender Kenneth Petty, and allegations that she has intimidated her husband’s victims. The petition argues that ‘deporting Nicki Minaj back to her home country, Trinidad, seems the most viable solution to curtail her harmful actions’ and would ‘send a clear message that harassment and support of criminal activity will not be tolerated.’

    Many signatories have expressed concerns about Minaj’s apparent political pivot, which marks a significant departure from her previous advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice. One signee commented on the petition’s platform about unequal treatment of immigrants, drawing parallels to their own family’s experiences with the immigration system.

    While the petition appears to contain satirical elements—the organizer identifies as ‘Pedonika Minaj’—it touches on factual aspects of Minaj’s immigration status. During a recent TikTok live session, Minaj confirmed she is not a U.S. citizen but holds a green card, while controversially suggesting she deserved honorary citizenship due to taxes paid.

    Legal experts emphasize that such petitions hold no binding authority and deportation proceedings against a long-term legal resident like Minaj would be highly improbable, particularly given her established residency since childhood. Despite its lack of legal standing, the campaign highlights the intense polarization surrounding celebrity political endorsements and the evolving expectations of artists in sociopolitical discourse.

  • No Stopping Tizzy. Resilient and Energized, Antigua’s Soca Headliner Returns to T&T Carnival

    No Stopping Tizzy. Resilient and Energized, Antigua’s Soca Headliner Returns to T&T Carnival

    Driven by an unwavering passion for Soca music, Antiguan artist Tizzy is making a powerful comeback on the regional stage, targeting Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival 2026 as her platform for resurgence. The vibrant performer, known for hits like ‘Expose,’ is channeling fresh energy through recent singles ‘Fire Marshall’ and ‘Freak in De Fete,’ signaling her determined return to the spotlight.

    Following a period of deep personal reflection and strategic rebranding, Tizzy approaches her musical journey with renewed purpose. “My motivation in this business is life itself,” the artist revealed, emphasizing her desire to inspire others through her narrative of resilience. “I want audiences to witness my journey—through both triumphs and challenges—and recognize the power of perseverance in pursuing one’s passion.”

    The accomplished singer recently achieved a significant milestone with her sophomore album ‘Jus Ah Come,’ which she proudly claims as her entirely independent artistic accomplishment. This project marks a departure from her previous releases under ElAkru Music, though she maintains strong connections with the label and acknowledges the steadfast support of her husband Rohan Hector, who serves as both manager and producer.

    Tizzy describes Soca as more than mere entertainment—it represents a profound cultural expression for Caribbean identity. “This powerful, energetic genre provides the soundtrack for our collective release,” she explained. “After working throughout the year, Soca offers that annual opportunity to shed inhibitions and celebrate our heritage.”

    Her recent collaborations demonstrate this artistic vision: ‘Fire Marshall’ (penned by Emerge Media) and ‘Freak in De Fete’ (written by Barbados’ Jus D) capture Tizzy’s untamed performance energy. The artist’s 2025 season proved exceptionally successful, with three well-received tracks—”Big Ben,” “Charge Up,” and the Viking Ding Dong collaboration “When Last”—garnering substantial acclaim during Antigua’s carnival celebrations.

    Building on established relationships with Trinidadian bands like Destra, Atlantik, and D All Starz, Tizzy has been actively promoting her music through radio tours and recently released a new visual companion for ‘Freak in De Fete.’ With plans to unveil two additional Power Soca tracks in the coming weeks, the artist anticipates an impactful presence at Carnival 2026 and beyond, viewing her recent achievements as merely the beginning of greater accomplishments.

  • Jada Kingdom announces highly anticipated new EP

    Jada Kingdom announces highly anticipated new EP

    Jamaican recording artist Jada Kingdom has officially revealed plans to launch her newest extended play collection, titled ‘Just A Girl In A Money Man’s World,’ with a scheduled release date of January 21, 2026. This announcement arrives following an exceptionally productive year that has significantly elevated her standing within the global music landscape.

    The upcoming project promises to further demonstrate Kingdom’s distinctive artistic vision, which seamlessly merges contemporary dancehall rhythms with pop sensibilities and R&B influences. Her unique approach to music creation has established her as an innovative force while simultaneously preserving strong connections to her cultural roots.

    Throughout 2025, Kingdom maintained an extensive presence across multiple platforms, delivering several successful singles that captured audience attention worldwide. Her tracks ‘Can’t Tell Me That,’ ‘Only You,’ and particularly the viral phenomenon ‘GAD’ generated substantial momentum. The latter’s studio performance feature on On The Radar achieved viral status, accumulating over one million combined views on Instagram and TikTok within mere days of its release.

    Originally launched on March 21, 2025, ‘GAD’ achieved remarkable commercial performance throughout Jamaica and broader Caribbean markets. The single reached number three on Apple Music’s Top 25 Kingston Chart, representing the highest chart position secured by any female artist during that period. Additionally, it secured Top 5 placements on Shazam’s recognition platform across numerous countries, underscoring its widespread cultural resonance.

    Critical reception matched the commercial success, with Billboard applauding Kingdom’s innovative approach to local vernacular combined with feminist thematic elements, describing the work as ‘terrific.’ Stereogum characterized the production as both nostalgically evocative and progressively innovative, labeling it a ‘2000s pop revival.’ Further acclaim originated from respected publications including HNHH, Kaboom Mag, The Star, Caribbean National Weekly, and MusicxClusives.

    Kingdom’s international touring schedule throughout 2025 provided additional evidence of her expanding global influence. Her performance calendar included a commanding appearance at New York’s UBS Arena in May, followed by a London engagement during the Soak’d Pineapple x SANDZ Ultra Weekend in August. The year concluded with her headline performance at Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street Europe concert event in Malta during September.

  • Galiday Bounce postponed amid dispute with show’s headliner Kraff

    Galiday Bounce postponed amid dispute with show’s headliner Kraff

    The highly anticipated Galiday Bounce New Year’s Eve concert, scheduled to take place at New York’s Amazura Concert Hall with headliner dancehall artist Kraff, has been unexpectedly postponed following a public contractual dispute between the artist and event promoter.

    Event promoter Galdiez Mendez ignited tensions through social media broadcasts on Wednesday, accusing Kraff of failing to fulfill promotional obligations despite receiving substantial advance payments. Mendez claimed he expended approximately $59,000 on event preparations, including booking two suites at the Double Tree Hotel in Queens, New York, where supporting performers were already accommodated.

    In emotional video statements, Mendez alleged that Kraff refused to participate in essential promotional activities, stating: “The artist claims he doesn’t do advertisements. How will audiences know he’s performing? I had to contact his associates in Jamaica to secure minimal promotional content.” Mendez demanded the return of $21,786 allegedly paid to Kraff for his performance.

    Contrasting sharply with these allegations, Kraff’s management team issued an official statement explaining their decision to withdraw from the event. They asserted that the promoter repeatedly failed to honor contractual obligations and unexpectedly characterized the event as a “benefit concert” without prior discussion or approval.

    The statement emphasized: “Kraff, his management, and representatives provided the promoter with extensive opportunities to resolve outstanding issues. The artist maintains professional standards and cannot compromise on safety, logistics, or production quality. Financial and operational responsibility rested entirely with the promoter.”

    Ticket holders have been advised to contact the promoter or their point of purchase regarding refund procedures. The postponed event was slated to feature additional performances by Tatik, Kkrytical, Sita, Foota Hype, Joe Young, FyaaMan, and Kayson Full Charge. Kraff’s team expressed hope for future performances in New York under appropriately professional circumstances.

  • Antigua and Barbuda’s Tizzy returns to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Tizzy returns to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

    Antiguan soca sensation Tanzania ‘Tizzy’ Sebastian, renowned for her groundbreaking 2007 hit ‘Expose,’ is poised to make a spectacular return to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival 2026 season. The celebrated artist will showcase two explosive new singles: ‘Fire Marshall,’ crafted by Emerge Media, and ‘Freak in De Fete,’ penned by Barbados’ acclaimed songwriter Jus D.

    Tizzy’s comeback follows an exceptionally successful 2025 carnival season in Antigua and Barbuda, where her three recent releases—’Big Ben,’ ‘Charge Up,’ and the Viking Ding Dong collaboration ‘When Last’—received overwhelming audience acclaim. ‘I couldn’t have hoped for better. I think it was the launch for greater things,’ the artist reflected on her recent achievements.

    The soca veteran has cultivated strong artistic relationships with Trinidad’s music community over the years, maintaining connections with major bands and performers including Destra, Atlantik, and D’All Starz. These established ties make Trinidad feel like a second home for the Antiguan performer.

    Tizzy’s return represents more than just another carnival appearance—it marks the culmination of extensive personal reflection and strategic rebranding. ‘My motivation in this business is life,’ she explained. ‘Performing soca music is something I’m very passionate about, and I want to positively encourage those looking at my story.’

    The artist has been diligently working on her sophomore album, ‘Jus Ah Come,’ which she proudly claims as her independent accomplishment. While previous releases were under the ElAkru Music label, her new material is available across all streaming platforms, supported by her husband Rohan Hector who serves as both manager and producer.

    Tizzy characterizes soca as ‘a powerful, energetic genre that expresses what it means to be Caribbean,’ emphasizing how the music provides annual catharsis for hardworking people across the region. She anticipates connecting with fellow artists and soca enthusiasts during the upcoming festival season, promising to ‘hit the ground running’ with additional power soca tracks scheduled for release in the coming weeks.