Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • 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.

  • Our Picks: Must-read books in 2026

    Our Picks: Must-read books in 2026

    The St. Lucia Times editorial team has released a meticulously curated selection of literary works poised to dominate reading lists in the coming year. This comprehensive guide spans multiple genres—from transformative non-fiction to immersive fiction—offering readers purposeful recommendations for intellectual growth and entertainment.

    The collection opens with ‘Anansi: New & Ancient African Tales,’ a vibrant anthology featuring the legendary trickster character, with contributions from writers across the African diaspora including Saint Lucian author Dawn French. Sports Editor Terry Finisterre highlights this work as a significant cultural contribution.

    In the psychological wellness category, Paul David’s ‘At Last A Life’ presents a revolutionary approach to anxiety management through acceptance rather than resistance, as noted by Multimedia Journalist Josiah St. Luce. This theme continues with Albert Ellis’s ‘How to Stubbornly Refuse to Make Yourself Miserable About Anything,’ which challenges conventional self-help methodologies.

    The autobiographical selections include Rich Paul’s ‘Lucky Me,’ which explores how ordinary experiences shape extraordinary destinies, and Walter Isaacson’s seminal biography ‘Steve Jobs,’ recommended for innovators seeking to transform personal passions into global impacts.

    Ancient wisdom finds its place through Marcus Aurelius’s ‘Meditations,’ described by Multimedia Journalist Kherim Nelson as a raw, practical journal of philosophical reflections from a leader bearing immense responsibility. This historical perspective contrasts with contemporary fiction like Cleyvis Natera’s ‘Neruda on the Park,’ which Digital News Editor Sydney Joseph praises for its poignant portrayal of a Dominican family confronting neighborhood gentrification.

    Technology and nostalgia converge in Ernest Cline’s ‘Ready Player One,’ a science fiction novel that increasingly mirrors our technological reality. Meanwhile, ‘Running in Heels’ by Yasmin Solitahe Odlum and Barbara Jacobs Small provides comprehensive documentation of women’s political participation in Saint Lucia, particularly relevant during an election year.

    Sports enthusiasts will appreciate Richard Moore’s ‘The Bolt Supremacy,’ which investigates Jamaica’s track and field dominance through historical context and training methodologies. Business leadership receives focused attention through Steven Bartlett’s ‘The Diary of a CEO’ and Patrick Lencioni’s ‘The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive,’ the latter personally endorsed by CEO & Publisher Hermina Elcock for its practical framework for organizational leadership.

    Additional notable inclusions feature Albert Ellis’s psychological critique ‘The Myth of Self-Esteem,’ Austin Clarke’s political fiction ‘The Prime Minister’ exploring repatriation experiences, Tahereh Mafi’s fantasy trilogy ‘This Woven Kingdom’ with its innovative magic systems, and Jordan Peterson’s controversial but impactful ’12 Rules for Life’ addressing personal responsibility in challenging circumstances.

    This curated collection represents more than reading recommendations—it constitutes a roadmap for personal development, cultural understanding, and intellectual engagement for the year ahead.

  • Miss British Virgin Islands Crowned Miss Caribbean Teen Queen

    Miss British Virgin Islands Crowned Miss Caribbean Teen Queen

    In a vibrant showcase of emerging Caribbean talent, Maya Zareiah Venice Marcellin from the British Virgin Islands has been awarded the prestigious title of Miss Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Teen Pageant Queen. The event, designed to honor youth empowerment and regional pride, featured a distinguished panel of judges who were captivated by Marcellin’s exceptional composure, self-assurance, and commanding stage presence, which distinguished her amidst a highly competitive array of participants.

    The competition’s organizational committee lauded her winning presentation as a perfect embodiment of elegance, confidence, and superior achievement. Securing the position of first runner-up was Miya Johnson, representing Saint Lucia, while Ailyn Tavarez Sanchez from Anguilla earned the title of second runner-up. The pageant organizers extended commendations to every contestant for their outstanding demonstration of not just aesthetic grace but also intellectual acumen, diverse talents, and a profound connection to their Caribbean heritage.

    The occasion was hailed as an unforgettable testament to the potential and brilliance of the region’s younger generation. Notably, despite delivering a performance that was both powerful and favorably received by the audience, the delegate from Antigua and Barbuda did not rank among the top finalists in this year’s contest.

  • The Oscars are moving to YouTube

    The Oscars are moving to YouTube

    In a groundbreaking move that ends a nearly 50-year broadcasting tradition, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the Oscars will transition from ABC to YouTube beginning in 2029. This landmark multi-year agreement, spanning from the 101st Academy Awards through at least 2033, represents one of the most significant distribution shifts in entertainment industry history.

    The strategic partnership moves the prestigious awards ceremony from traditional broadcast television to YouTube’s digital platform, eliminating the cable subscription requirement in favor of a free, globally accessible live streaming experience. This fundamental restructuring of the Oscars’ distribution model specifically targets younger audiences who have increasingly abandoned traditional television viewing in favor of digital content consumption on mobile devices and computers.

    The transition reflects the Academy’s response to declining ratings for traditional awards shows amid intense competition from streaming services and social media platforms. YouTube’s extensive global reach, viral content capabilities, and real-time engagement features provide the Oscars with unprecedented access to international viewers and demographic groups that had become increasingly disconnected from the traditional broadcast model.

    This platform migration signifies more than merely changing broadcast partners—it represents a complete reimagining of how one of entertainment’s most iconic events connects with modern audiences in the digital age.

  • De Bear wins Montserrat Calypso Finals 2025

    De Bear wins Montserrat Calypso Finals 2025

    In a spectacular display of musical artistry and cultural celebration, De Bear emerged victorious at the Montserrat Calypso Finals 2025, capturing the coveted Calypso Monarch title with an impressive 889 points. The prestigious competition, a cornerstone of the island’s cultural festivities, showcased ten exceptional finalists who masterfully blended sharp social commentary, lyrical wit, and exceptional musical craftsmanship.

    The event culminated in a thrilling points battle that saw Kenzie claim first runner-up position with 840 points, while Sylk secured second runner-up honors with 806 points. Maggie D narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth with 799 points in what organizers described as one of the most competitive fields in recent memory.

    Additional rankings revealed Yogi Laser and Bimshaw in fifth and sixth places with 742 and 740 points respectively, followed by Boxer (714 points) in seventh position. Dardo captured eighth place with 694 points, while Blessings finished ninth with 693 points—just a single point behind his closest competitor. Black Pearl completed the talented lineup in tenth position with 677 points.

    The Calypso Finals continue to serve as both entertainment and social mirror, preserving Montserrat’s rich musical heritage while providing an essential platform for storytelling, satirical expression, and meaningful social reflection. Event organizers emphasized the exceptionally high standard of competition, noting that the narrow point margins demonstrated the remarkable depth of talent within Montserrat’s calypso community and the vibrant health of this traditional art form.

  • Beyoncé declared the fifth billionaire musician by Forbes

    Beyoncé declared the fifth billionaire musician by Forbes

    Forbes has officially designated global music icon Beyoncé as a billionaire, positioning her as the fifth musical artist to reach this elite financial threshold. The publication’s Monday report confirms her membership in an exclusive club that includes Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and her husband Jay-Z.

    This financial milestone arrives following an extraordinary period in the entertainer’s groundbreaking career. Her country album “Cowboy Carter,” released in 2024, earned the industry’s highest honor at the 2025 Grammy Awards where she secured Album of the Year. This achievement simultaneously established her as the first Black woman to receive the Best Country Album award.

    With an unprecedented 35 Grammy victories from 99 nominations, Beyoncé stands as the most decorated artist in the award ceremony’s history. This tally includes accolades received during her tenure with Destiny’s Child, the chart-dominating female ensemble that propelled her initial rise to fame.

    The commercial success of her “Cowboy Carter Tour” proved monumental, generating over $400 million in revenue according to Live Nation data reported by Reuters. This figure represents the highest-grossing country music tour ever documented.

    Billboard recognized her enduring influence by naming her the 21st century’s “greatest pop star” in 2024, acknowledging her quarter-century of cultural impact and artistic evolution. Her 2023 “Renaissance World Tour” demonstrated this influence practically, with BeyHive fans creating economic impacts so significant in Stockholm that economists noted the tour temporarily moderated Sweden’s declining inflation rates through increased tourism spending.

    Beyond musical accomplishments, Beyoncé has constructed a multifaceted business portfolio including successful clothing and hair care collections. Her expansion into the beverage sector features a whisky brand honoring her great-grandfather, SirDavis, contributing substantially to her financial growth.

    Her journey to icon status began in the early 1990s with television appearances on “Star Search” as part of Girls Tyme. The subsequent formation of Destiny’s Child established one of history’s best-selling female groups. Earlier this year, Beyoncé reunited with former bandmates Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland during her Las Vegas performance, highlighting her ongoing connections to her musical origins.

    Since the group’s 2001 hiatus, her solo career has produced critically acclaimed albums beginning with 2003’s “Dangerously in Love,” which secured five Grammy Awards. Her historic 2018 Coachella performance made her the first woman of color to headline the festival, preceding her 2023 overtaking of conductor Georg Solti as the most awarded artist in Grammy history.

  • British Virgin Islands crown Miss Haynes Smith

    British Virgin Islands crown Miss Haynes Smith

    In a stunning display of regional talent and cultural excellence, Maya Zareiah Venice Marcellin from the British Virgin Islands was crowned the 2025/2026 Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant champion during a glittering ceremony at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.

    The competition, characterized by its unpredictable nature and absence of a clear front-runner, culminated in Marcellin’s triumphant victory following an evening of exceptional performances. Miya Johnson of St. Lucia secured the First Runner-Up position while Ailyn Tavarez Sanchez of Anguilla earned Second Runner-Up honors.

    Pageant organizers celebrated Marcellin’s achievement through social media, noting: ‘Maya captivated the audience and judges alike with her incredible talent, grace, and poise, proving exactly why she is a force to be reckoned with.’

    Additional category awards highlighted the diverse talents of participants: St. Kitts and Nevis claimed Best Gown, Guyana received recognition for Best Theatrical Wear, and St. Lucia earned the Best Talent distinction.

    The Honorable Samal Duggins, Minister with responsibility for Carnival, extended official congratulations to the winners, praising the event as ‘a memorable evening that continues to uplift youth talent and regional unity through culture and performance.’ Duggins specifically commended Soriah Williams-Powell for representing St. Kitts and Nevis with ‘poise, passion, and excellence.’

    The pageant demonstrated the vibrant cultural exchange and artistic excellence thriving throughout the Caribbean region, showcasing the next generation of talented young women.

  • Barbados TODAY, St. Lucia Times & Selecta Charts seal major partnership

    Barbados TODAY, St. Lucia Times & Selecta Charts seal major partnership

    A transformative partnership has been formally established between Barbados TODAY, St. Lucia Times, and the data-driven music platform Selecta Charts, marking a revolutionary advancement for Caribbean media and entertainment. This unprecedented collaboration is poised to fundamentally reshape the promotion, distribution, and celebration of regional music across the archipelago.

    The alliance merges one of the Caribbean’s most extensive digital news networks with an innovative charting system specifically designed to elevate artists spanning multiple genres. Paul Husbands, CEO and Founder of Selecta Charts, characterized the partnership as an unparalleled multimedia initiative within the region’s music industry. He emphasized that integrating established media reach with cutting-edge musical analytics is paramount for both sustaining and expanding the creative output of Caribbean artistry.

    Hermina Elcock, Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of both Barbados TODAY and St. Lucia Times, described the venture as a strategic fusion built upon digital expansion, innovation, and cultural preservation. She clarified that the initiative extends beyond conventional content publishing, serving instead as a dynamic mechanism to capture the region’s cultural essence and amplify its creative talent. Elcock confirmed the synergistic compatibility between the entities, noting that the news outlets contribute audience reach and credibility, while Selecta Charts injects technological innovation and excitement.

    The integration is projected to generate substantially increased visibility for musicians from Barbados, Saint Lucia, and the broader Caribbean community. Weekly Top 10 charts, specialized genre features, and enhanced digital engagement mechanisms embedded within the news platforms will provide exposure on an unprecedented scale. Husbands anticipates a significant surge in user engagement, facilitated by the extensive insular demographic reach of the media partners, which is expected to incentivize broader artist participation.

    A primary objective of this collaboration is to address the seasonal nature of Caribbean music releases, which traditionally peak during carnival and festival periods. The implementation of consistent weekly charts is designed to motivate artists to produce and distribute music throughout the entire year—an innovation Husbands identifies as potentially the most impactful outcome.

    Elcock reinforced that sustained year-round cultural engagement will strengthen both the creative economy and the regional digital ecosystem. The partnership strategically targets younger, music-oriented audiences while simultaneously offering existing readership novel cultural experiences, effectively broadening cultural discourse across the Caribbean.

    Both leaders envision expansive future possibilities emerging from this foundational partnership, including live events, creator collaborations, video productions, and sophisticated digital campaigns. Elcock characterized the alliance as merely the inaugural step toward establishing an entirely new multimedia landscape that enables global brands to deeper comprehend and engage with Caribbean culture.

  • Amaury Perez Vidal, new winner of Cuba’s National Music Prize

    Amaury Perez Vidal, new winner of Cuba’s National Music Prize

    In a landmark decision, Cuba’s cultural community has celebrated the awarding of the National Music Prize to distinguished artist Amaury Pérez. The esteemed jury panel, chaired by renowned maestro Digna Guerra and comprising acclaimed musicians Marta Bonet, César López, Beatriz Corona, and José María Vitier, reached a unanimous verdict after careful consideration of seven exceptional nominees.

    Jury President Digna Guerra emphasized the profound significance of this recognition in statements to Prensa Latina, noting that ‘this prize is well-deserved because Amaury’s work has been deeply rooted in our people for many years, with numerous musical and literary contributions.’ The decision followed rigorous evaluation of all candidates based on their artistic trajectories and qualitative merits.

    The announcement prompted an emotional response from the recipient, who initially reacted with disbelief. ‘Is that true? Look, April Fool’s Day was yesterday,’ Pérez joked incredulously during the telephone notification. Upon processing the news, the celebrated composer expressed profound gratitude, acknowledging, ‘Thank you so much, I’m very excited, my heart is racing.’

    Indira Fajardo, President of the Cuban Book Institute, extended official congratulations, stating, ‘We all congratulate you, and it is a true privilege for us to have you among the National Music Award recipients of our institution.’ Jury member César López, the acclaimed jazz musician, acknowledged the competitive nature of the selection process, highlighting the exceptional quality and artistic careers of all candidates considered for the prestigious distinction.