Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Shyne Among Four Icons to Be Honoured at 2026 CMA

    Shyne Among Four Icons to Be Honoured at 2026 CMA

    The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) have announced an elite group of four pioneering cultural figures who will take home prestigious honors at this year’s fourth annual ceremony, scheduled for September 19 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Trinidad and Tobago. Touting the 2026 theme “Sounds of the Caribbean”, the event celebrates artists whose work has expanded Caribbean music’s footprint across the globe, shining a spotlight on trailblazers who have redefined their genres and uplifted Caribbean communities worldwide.

    Leading the list of 2026 honorees is Belizean recording artist-turned-politician Shyne, who will accept the event’s Global Ambassador Honor. The recognition comes as a nod to his remarkable career evolution: from a chart-topping musician to a dedicated public servant and global voice for Belize and the broader Caribbean region. Shyne exploded onto the international music scene in 2000 with his self-titled debut album released via Bad Boy Records, which landed at the No. 5 spot on the Billboard 200 chart and earned Gold certification from industry regulators. Since that breakthrough, he has pivoted to public life, serving as Belize’s Music and Goodwill Ambassador while centering his work on youth empowerment, cultural advancement, and humanitarian action.

    Jamaican dancehall legend Patra will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating her barrier-breaking decades-long career and enduring impact on dancehall, reggae, and global Black music. Patra made history with her 1993 debut release *Queen of the Pack*, put out through Epic Records, which became the first album by a Jamaican female artist to top Billboard’s reggae albums chart, later earning Gold certification in the U.S. She also built a major cross-cultural presence in American hip-hop, making guest appearances in iconic music videos for superstars The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. Her bold, distinctive artistic style and commanding stage presence cleared a path for the next generation of women in dancehall, cementing her status as a foundational figure in the genre.

    Tobago-native and calypso icon Calypso Rose will receive the Elite Calypso Honor, recognizing her decades of trailblazing contributions to the genre and her work introducing calypso to global audiences. A pioneer for gender equity in music, Calypso Rose has shaped calypso for more than 60 years, and made history as the first woman to win Trinidad and Tobago’s coveted Road March title. Her career is stacked with groundbreaking milestones, including her platinum-selling hit album *Far From Home*, which introduced her work to millions of new listeners outside the Caribbean.

    Completing the 2026 class of honorees is Haitian-American singer-songwriter Alan Cavé, who will take home the Elite Konpa Honor in recognition of his outsized influence on Haitian music and the global Konpa movement. Widely known as the “King of Kompa Love”, Cavé has spent more than 30 years defining the genre through his evocative songwriting and distinctive vocals, both as a core member of the beloved band Zin and as a celebrated solo artist. His work has inspired generations of musicians across the Caribbean and the global Caribbean diaspora.

    The honors will be presented as a centerpiece of the CMA Elite Weekend Experience, a three-day immersive celebration of Caribbean music and culture running September 18 to 20 across multiple venues in Trinidad and Tobago.

  • SVGTA celebrates homecoming visit of NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth

    SVGTA celebrates homecoming visit of NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth

    International motorsports star and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Sporting Ambassador Rajah Caruth has wrapped up a landmark homecoming visit to his ancestral homeland, an event organized by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) that merges athletic celebration, cultural heritage promotion, youth engagement, and global destination marketing.

    Caruth, who has built a standout career in NASCAR while openly celebrating his Vincentian roots, touched down at Argyle International Airport last Wednesday alongside his family and core team members, where he was greeted with a traditional warm welcome from local tourism officials and community leaders before holding his first on-the-ground media interaction.

    From the airport, a celebratory motorcade carried Caruth through multiple residential and commercial communities across main island St. Vincent, ending the opening day journey in Barrouallie — the coastal town that is the ancestral home of Caruth’s family. The welcome celebration in Barrouallie offered an unfiltered showcase of authentic Vincentian culture, featuring live local music, traditional folk performances, native street food, and dedicated time for local residents, especially young people, to meet and interact with the global racing star. The Symphonix Steel Orchestra provided a distinctly Caribbean soundtrack for the day, centering the event’s core themes of ancestral heritage, personal achievement, and community pride.

    SVGTA Chief Executive Officer Shafia London emphasized that centering Barrouallie in the homecoming celebrations was a deliberate choice, designed to ensure the visit was more than a formal ceremonial event and instead rooted in the community that forms the foundation of Caruth’s story. Officially welcoming Caruth as a “son of the soil”, London encouraged the driver to lean into the laid-back, authentic vibe of Vincy life and experience the hospitality that defines the island chain.

    London noted that Caruth has already emerged as a powerful informal ambassador for SVG through his growing global profile in motorsports, and that celebrating the success of Vincentian trailblazers on the international stage serves a dual purpose: inspiring the next generation of local achievers, and opening new doors for tourism growth. “Rajah’s homecoming is about much more than celebrating an accomplished athlete. It is an opportunity to celebrate a proud Vincentian whose story demonstrates what is possible through hard work, dedication and belief,” London said. “His journey is one that we hope will inspire Vincentians at home and abroad, while also providing an important platform to showcase the culture, warmth and unique experiences that make St. Vincent and the Grenadines such a special destination.”

    Beyond the opening community celebration, Caruth participated in a packed schedule of local media engagements, where he opened up about his path from young motorsport fan to competing at NASCAR’s highest level, and reflected on how his Vincentian heritage shaped his career. A key focal point of the visit was the Rajah Caruth Symposium held at Kingstown’s Peace Memorial Hall, which gave hundreds of young Vincentians and community members the chance to have an open conversation with Caruth about ambition, discipline, perseverance, and the importance of representation in global sports. The symposium aligned with the SVGTA’s core goal of connecting Caruth’s international success directly to young local people chasing their own dreams across all fields.

    Caruth’s itinerary also extended beyond the main island of St. Vincent to include stops across the Grenadines, where he experienced the archipelago’s famous white-sand beaches, pristine marine ecosystems, and one-of-a-kind multi-island hospitality. The SVGTA explained that expanding the itinerary to include the Grenadines added a critical destination marketing element, tying Caruth’s personal ancestral story directly to the broad tourism appeal of the entire country. Officials also noted that the itinerary included dedicated free time for Caruth to reconnect with extended family and his roots, emphasizing that the visit was as much a personal homecoming as a national celebration.

    To extend the reach of the visit beyond SVG’s borders, the SVGTA partnered with TEMPO Networks, a Caribbean-focused media outlet that sent a full production team to document every key moment of Caruth’s homecoming. The content captured during the visit will be rolled out to regional and global audiences in coming weeks, introducing millions of potential travelers to SVG’s culture, communities, and unique visitor experiences.

  • Hollywood icon delivers powerful message during Barbados visit

    Hollywood icon delivers powerful message during Barbados visit

    Multi-award-winning entertainer and lifelong activist Jenifer Lewis has touched down in Barbados to take part in the island nation’s annual Season of Emancipation festivities, headlining the calendar of events tied to Marcus Garvey Day with a rousing call for Black diaspora resilience, cultural pride, and cross-community unity.

    A beloved veteran of stage and television with iconic roles in hit series including *Black-ish*, *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*, and *In Living Color*, Lewis opened up to local reporters about her immediate acceptance of the invitation to join the national observance, pointing to a deeply rooted personal connection to Caribbean heritage and the global Black community. “I said yes right away,” Lewis shared, visibly moved by the warm reception she has received on the island. “I feel home; I really do. The warmth, the arms that have held me so far… I’m just so grateful.”

    The Season of Emancipation, co-organized by Barbados’ National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), stretches across five months from April to August, celebrating the end of chattel slavery and centering conversations about ongoing equity work. Lewis’ high-profile visit is aligned with the initiative’s core goals: strengthening ties with the global African diaspora, honoring the legacy of Black civil rights leaders, and advancing dialogues around racial empowerment, reparations for slavery, and Black cultural excellence.

    Speaking to the press with her trademark unapologetic energy and radical candor, Lewis reflected on the unique responsibility that falls to today’s artists and community leaders to remain steadfast in the face of modern social and political backlash targeting Black progress. Citing the legacy of 19th century abolitionist leader Harriet Tubman, Lewis emphasized that the diaspora cannot allow fear to shape its path forward. “Harriet didn’t teach us to sit down. She didn’t teach us to be afraid,” Lewis said. “I didn’t come all the way from Los Angeles to tiptoe with you. I came to let you know what we’re going through and how I hope.”

    Long open about her own private struggles, including her journey with mental health and her physical recovery from a near-fatal fall during a trip to Africa, Lewis also spoke openly about the critical importance of self-care, long-term resilience, and protecting one’s inner purpose when fighting for change. She offered guidance to younger generations of activists and creators, urging them to find balance between their advocacy work and personal well-being. “For me, grace is the space between breaths that compels us to move forward,” Lewis explained. “We all have that light. Mine has never gone out, even when I was in deep depression. I refuse to let the light die.”

    At the core of Lewis’ visit is a commitment to connecting with and lifting up the next generation of Barbadian leaders. She is scheduled to lead a public youth engagement and mentorship session at Frank Collymore Hall on Tuesday, designed to spark creative inspiration and empower young people to embrace their own identities. “I don’t go anywhere in the world without saying, ‘Take me to the children,’” Lewis noted. “That’s who you want to get to. You have to know who you are to make any real change.”

    Later in the week, Lewis will share the stage with Dr. Julius Garvey, son of iconic Pan-African leader Marcus Garvey, alongside senior NCF officials for official commemorative events. When she is not participating in planned celebrations, Lewis says she is looking forward to fully immersing herself in local Barbadian life before returning to the United States, with plans to tour historic landmarks, explore the island’s famous botanical gardens, and sample authentic local Bajan cuisine.

  • India waardeert Kries Ramkhelawan Music Institute voor bijdrage aan culturele band

    India waardeert Kries Ramkhelawan Music Institute voor bijdrage aan culturele band

    On the occasion of India’s 80th anniversary of independence, a long-standing Surinamese cultural institution dedicated to preserving Indo-Surinamese heritage has received a special recognition from the Indian Embassy in Paramaribo, marking a meaningful milestone for decades of cultural preservation work.

    The De Kries Ramkhelawan Music Institute Foundation (KRMI), which has spent more than 40 years passing down traditional vocal music, performance art, and cultural heritage to younger generations of Surinamese, was honored during the embassy’s independence day celebrations. Founder Kries Ramkhelawan, who took the stage alongside the institute’s young students during the event’s cultural performance, called the honor a tremendous validation of the foundation’s four-decade mission.

    Indian Ambassador to Suriname Subhash Gupta presented the foundation with an official Certificate of Participation in recognition of its acclaimed musical performance during the 80th Independence Day commemorations. Photos from the event captured the formal handover of the certificate between Ambassador Gupta and Ramkhelawan.

    For Ramkhelawan, this recognition carries extra weight because of the deep, centuries-old historical and cultural ties that bind Suriname and India. Speaking to local outlet Starnieuws, he explained that Indo-Surinamese communities have carefully preserved countless Indian traditions, customs, and cultural practices dating back to 1873. These traditions, ranging from folk music and vocal styles to traditional clothing and culinary practices, have been passed intact through successive generations of the diaspora.

    The historical connection between the two nations traces back to June 5, 1873, when the first group of indentured laborers from British-ruled India arrived on Suriname’s shores. More than 150 years later, the cultural footprint of that migration remains a visible, core part of Suriname’s diverse national society. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly described bilateral ties with Suriname as close and warm, with historical migration and the resulting people-to-people and cultural bonds forming the foundation of the modern relationship.

    Beyond recognizing decades of preservation work, the honor also reflects the evolving nature of Suriname-India cultural relations. Ramkhelawan noted that the relationship today extends far beyond preserving historical traditions: the Indian Embassy actively creates and supports new opportunities for Surinamese young people to engage with India across sectors including higher education, information technology, visual arts, and music.

    India runs multiple dedicated international programming initiatives for youth from the global Indian diaspora, and Suriname participants regularly benefit from these opportunities. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, one of India’s longest-running international development initiatives, offers training and capacity building opportunities for professionals from partner countries including Suriname. The Know India Programme, meanwhile, gives young people of Indian descent living abroad the chance to experience contemporary India firsthand, building connections between the diaspora and modern Indian society.

    For KRMI, the recognition fits perfectly into the institute’s longstanding mission. For more than 40 years, the foundation has provided structured vocal and musical education that goes far beyond technical skill: its core goal is to pass intergenerational cultural heritage to young Surinamese. Ramkhelawan emphasized that the honor is not just for the institution, but for every student and staff member who has contributed to its work over decades. “It is a beautiful gesture of appreciation from India to our students and team,” he said.

    India marked its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, commemorating the end of British colonial rule in 1947. For Suriname’s large Indo-Surinamese community, the annual celebration carries a unique, extra meaning rooted in shared history. The cultural traditions brought by 19th century Indian immigrants have evolved organically in Suriname over generations, while becoming an integral part of the country’s broader multicultural national identity.

    Looking ahead, Ramkhelawan stressed that young people hold the key to keeping this cross-cultural connection alive. Their work goes beyond just preserving traditional music and customs: it also means embracing the new opportunities for exchange, collaboration, and growth that the deepening relationship between Suriname and India continues to create.

  • Goldsmitty Founder Hans Smit Remembered for Lasting Legacy in Antigua

    Goldsmitty Founder Hans Smit Remembered for Lasting Legacy in Antigua

    The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has publicly honored the life and extraordinary contributions of Hans Smit, the celebrated founder and creative designer behind iconic local brand The Goldsmitty, after news of his death was shared with the community.

    Smit first launched his bespoke handmade jewelry business at the popular Redcliffe Quay retail and cultural district more than four decades ago, in 1981. Far from a traditional shop owner, Smit was a uniquely talented craftsman with an unquenchable passion for seeking out rare and exceptional gemstones. He traversed the globe on sourcing expeditions, tracking down unique stones that he would later transform into wholly distinctive, one-of-a-kind wearable art pieces that could not be found anywhere else in the world. Each of his creations carried the mark of his personal vision and meticulous attention to detail, earning him a loyal following among both local residents and international visitors to the islands.

    Beyond his professional skill as a jeweler, ABHTA highlighted the many sides of Smit’s character that made him a beloved figure across Antigua and Barbuda. The association remembered him as a visionary entrepreneur, a dedicated lover of the natural world that inspired his work, and a committed humanitarian who dedicated time and effort to supporting community causes. Above all, ABHTA emphasized Smit’s deep, abiding affection for Antigua and its people, noting that he built his life and legacy on the island and contributed immeasurably to its unique cultural and tourism identity.

    In a statement released after his passing, ABHTA extended its sincere condolences to Smit’s family, close friends, and the countless customers, colleagues, and community members whose lives he touched over his 40-plus year career. The association closed its tribute with a fitting nod to Smit’s life work: “May his legacy continue to shine as brilliantly as the treasures he created.”

  • Who will be 2026’s Carnival King and Queen?

    Who will be 2026’s Carnival King and Queen?

    Carnival excitement is building across Belize as the nation prepares to kick off its most beloved annual cultural celebration, with the highly anticipated 2026 Carnival King and Queen Competition scheduled to take place this Saturday at the Belize City Civic Center. Scheduled weeks ahead of the traditional September main carnival parade, this year’s competition will showcase contestants across two divisions: junior and senior, who are ready to take the stage with their elaborate, vividly colored custom costume creations. The event is proudly sponsored by RF&G Insurance Ltd., which operates under the company slogan “It Pays to Get it Right”.

    Beyond the eye-catching feathers, sparkling glitter, and larger-than-life costumes that will dazzle audience members, competitors and their supporting mas bands have invested weeks of meticulous, labor-intensive preparation and pulled countless late nights to perfect their entries for the two coveted crowns. Samantha Soberanis, band leader of the Collet Reveller Junior Mas Band, opened up about the grueling work that goes into creating competition-winning costumes, explaining that designs often require multiple restarts to get every detail right.

    “Body pieces and smaller head pieces might take less time, but for King and Queen contender costumes, we’re talking hundreds of hours of work,” Soberanis explained. “Every tiny detail matters. You might build a section a certain way, step back to look at the full costume, and realize it just doesn’t work the way you imagined it. When that happens, you have no choice but to pull it apart and start all over from scratch.”

    For attendees hoping to watch the competition, pre-judging of entries is set to begin at 5:00 p.m. local time, with the main stage show kicking off two hours later at 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices are set at $10 BZD for adult attendees and $5 BZD for children, making the event accessible for families and carnival fans of all ages. This year’s pageant is expected to draw a packed crowd of locals and tourists alike, all eager to catch a first look at the top creative works ahead of Belize’s biggest street parade of the year.

  • COMMENTARY: Rhythm and Rise – Youth. Discipline. Culture. Community

    COMMENTARY: Rhythm and Rise – Youth. Discipline. Culture. Community

    Against a backdrop of ongoing global unrest and division, a unique Caribbean-born musical instrument is taking its rightful place on the world stage, honored for its centuries-long story of resistance, creativity, and far-reaching social good. August 11 marks the annual United Nations-designated World Steelpan Day, a global observance celebrating the steelpan — also called a pan, steel drum, or grouped with other musicians as a steelband or steel orchestra — an instrument with roots in anti-colonial struggle that today advances progress across multiple United Nations sustainable development priorities.

    The steelpan traces its origins back to 19th century Trinidad and Tobago, when colonial British authorities cracked down on African diasporic cultural practices following the 1881 Canboulay Riots. Banning traditional stick-fighting and African percussion music in an attempt to suppress Black cultural expression, local communities innovated new ways to create rhythm and celebration for their annual Carnival. The first iteration of the instrument came in the form of tamboo bamboos, tunable wooden bamboo sticks struck against the ground and against each other to generate beats. As musicians began integrating metal percussion into their groups, the first all-steel band, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, emerged by 1939, establishing steel instruments as a core Carnival accompaniment. By 1951, the newly formed Trinidad All-Steelpan Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) traveled to the Commonwealth Arts Festival in England, introducing the world to steelpans crafted from repurposed 55-gallon oil drums.

    In recognition of the instrument’s outsize impact, the United Nations formally designated August 11 as World Steelpan Day, acknowledging the steelpan’s unique role in building inclusive societies, supporting sustainable communities, growing the creative economy, and advancing positive outcomes including improved mental health and well-being, gender equality, and youth empowerment. The annual observance is designed to raise global awareness of the steelpan’s deep cultural and historical roots, as well as its inherent connection to global sustainable development efforts. Just months before the 2024 World Steelpan Day celebration, Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament debated and unanimously passed the National Musical Instrument Bill 2024, formally designating the steelpan as the republic’s official national musical instrument.

    Each steelpan is a one-of-a-kind work of art, hand-shaped and carefully tuned by skilled artisans who carve distinct notes into the drum’s metal surface. Musicians play the instrument using straight, specially designed sticks capped with rubber, with the size and type of rubber tip varying based on the specific class of pan. Many skilled performers even master playing with four sticks — two in each hand — showcasing the instrument’s versatility and the high level of craftsmanship required to master it.

    Beyond its cultural value as a unique artistic tradition, the steelpan aligns directly with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which identifies cultural diversity as a core driver of mutual enrichment for global human society. The instrument advances progress across multiple sustainable development sectors, from tourism to education to scientific research. As a distinct cultural attraction, the steelpan draws visitors to Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean regions where it has grown in popularity, boosting local tourism economies. It can be integrated into school curricula to expand musical education and build cultural awareness among young people. The broader steelpan industry — which includes instrument manufacturing, live performances, and recorded music — is a meaningful contributor to the global creative economy. Even the craftsmanship of steelpan building relies on core principles of acoustics and metallurgy, opening new avenues for scientific and technological research.

    The steelpan has also become a unifying force for Caribbean integration, with regional groups working to expand appreciation for the instrument across the Caribbean diaspora. One leading example is UWI Panoridim, a 26-piece steel orchestra hosted by the University of the West Indies Mona Campus’ Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts in Jamaica. Founded as a non-profit cultural society, Panoridim is Jamaica’s oldest existing steelband, with a membership that blends Jamaican musicians, other Caribbean islanders, and international students. The group teaches steelpan technique and performance to all its members, and has spawned new professional, church, and school steelbands across Jamaica. Many of its alumni now rank among the country’s top pannists, working as leading arrangers, directors, and composers of steelpan music.

    Contrary to the common misconception that steelpan music is only tied to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival celebrations, the instrument has expanded into new spaces across Jamaican society, including religious and educational institutions. Multiple Jamaican churches, ranging from the Kingston Parish Church of the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands to Bethel Baptist Church and The Church of the Transfiguration, host their own steelpan orchestras. Dozens of Jamaican high schools, including Meadowbrook and Ardenne High Schools, also support student steelband programs, introducing new generations to the tradition.

    The UN resolution establishing World Steelpan Day highlights the instrument’s far-reaching social benefits beyond cultural and economic progress, from advancing gender equality and youth empowerment through skills training and cultural engagement to supporting improved mental health and building more inclusive communities. Even a lighthearted local tradition underscores the steelpan’s place in everyday Caribbean life: many locals use repurposed steel pans both for cooking jerk chicken — a dish for which Jamaica is globally famous — and for making music, a testament to the region’s long tradition of creativity and adaptive reuse.

    To mark World Steelpan Day, the UN General Assembly invites global stakeholders to host a range of observance activities, from public steelpan concerts and educational workshops on the instrument’s history and construction to community steelpan competitions and academic symposia exploring the steelpan’s social and cultural impact. For those unable to attend in-person events, the day can be observed by researching the instrument’s history online or organizing cross-cultural interactive discussions on social media about steelpan music’s impact on global culture.

    As communities around the world gather to mark this year’s World Steelpan Day, the occasion reminds us of music’s unique power to unite divided communities and advance progress toward a more inclusive, sustainable global future. Happy World Steelpan Day.

  • Crop Over’s breakout star shares Berger Jam Tunes win

    Crop Over’s breakout star shares Berger Jam Tunes win

    After a decade-long break, one of Barbados Crop Over festival’s beloved music competitions is back – and two talented artists have walked away with joint top honors in the 2026 revived Jam Tunes contest. LaStacia, one of this year’s breakout Crop Over stars, has spoken of her overwhelming excitement after being named co-winner, calling her victory a perfect milestone for the competition’s long-awaited comeback.

    The official award presentation took place on Wednesday at the launch of sponsor Berger Paints’ new showroom, hosted at Blades & Williams on Tweedside Road, where contest winners were formally honored by organizers and industry partners. LaStacia shared that sharing the first-place title with fellow Barbadian artist Leadpipe makes the win even more special, against the backdrop of the contest’s 10-year absence from the festival calendar.

    “I am overjoyed. No words can explain the fact that this competition was not going on for 10 years, and now to come back after 10 years and be first place… it’s an amazing feeling,” LaStacia said in an interview after the ceremony. She also extended public recognition to Leadpipe, who was unable to attend the in-person presentation event, noting that she is confident he shares in the excitement of their shared win. “I just want to say big up my brother Leadpipe. Although he cannot be here, I’m sure that he’s very, very excited as well. We thank Berger very much, and we look forward to the competition again next year,” she added.

    Omar Beckles, marketing officer for festivals and events at Barbados’ National Cultural Foundation (NCF), explained that Jam Tunes was reintegrated into the Crop Over festival’s Foreday Morning lineup this year for the first time since 2016, with Berger Paints stepping in as the official sponsor. Beckles outlined that while the original competition rules planned for a single first-place prize of $7,500, organizers made the decision to split the top honor after determining LaStacia and Leadpipe delivered equally outstanding entries. This adjustment resulted in each artist receiving a $5,000 cash prize.

    Beckles thanked Berger Paints for its financial and institutional support, and commended all participating artists for their role in nurturing and sustaining the unique cultural spirit of the Crop Over festival through their original music. Tameka Thompson, market development manager at Berger Paints Barbados Limited, used the event as an opportunity to reaffirm the company’s long-term dedication to uplifting and supporting Barbadian cultural traditions. “Our commitment continues to be committed to the culture in Barbados. That’s our responsibility, and we will continue to do so,” Thompson stated.

  • From “just on a whim” to Queen

    From “just on a whim” to Queen

    Grenada’s 2026 Spicemas Groovy Soca competition has made history, as first-time competitor Sabrina Francis has become the first woman in 11 years to claim the coveted Groovy Soca Monarch title, breaking a long-running streak of male dominance in the major carnival event. What began as a casual joke from her guitarist Alesia Aird – who encouraged Francis to throw her hat into the ring – has transformed into a career-defining milestone for the contemporary artist. Though no stranger to large stage performances, Francis stepped far outside her creative comfort zone to compete in one of the Caribbean’s most competitive soca showcases this year.

    Going into the competition, Francis deliberately crafted a bold, sharp-edged performance to hold her ground against a field of top male contenders, including fan-favorite Boyzie, who ultimately finished as first runner-up. In a post-competition Instagram post, Francis explained her strategic approach: after testing her act in smaller preview shows, she recognized she needed to bring extra intensity to compete alongside seasoned male soca artists. She noted that she has long admired Boyzie and his work, and entered the final with a clear, comprehensive game plan to match whatever energy her rival brought to the stage.

    Francis’ winning entry, *Honour You*, was produced by local production outfit Stemz Productions. The track has emerged as an unexpected anthem for gender solidarity, offering a refreshing counter-narrative to a growing trend in female-led soca that sometimes leans into gender division. Instead, *Honour You* celebrates women who lift up and support their male partners, strengthening rather than fracturing family and romantic bonds. This thematic core carried through to Francis’ full stage performance: joined by choreographers from Grenada’s One Unit dance company, her set used intentional imagery to frame men as loving leaders, fathers and providers, while highlighting women’s role as nurturing partners who create safe spaces for their partners after long days of work.

    From her opening intro video to an impromptu freestyle that playfully called out her male competitors, Francis exuded unshakable confidence throughout the final round. Performing fourth, immediately after Boyzie’s high-energy set, she ad-libbed a playful twist on her chorus: swapping the original line “and I will honour you tonight” for the bold declaration “Ah beating allyuh tonight.” She took the stage in a striking red custom ensemble designed by local Grenadian designer Cindy “Rockin RoxCin” Philip, whom she publicly thanked following her win. Francis also gave a special shout-out to fellow artist Vaughn, who she dubbed her “Mr Groovy” for his constant advice and support throughout the competition process.

    Francis entered the competition on a whim, telling reporters after the results that she never expected to advance past the semi-final round, let alone take the crown. She faced last-minute chaos ahead of her performance, with multiple planned production elements – including a full prop car that was supposed to accompany her entrance – falling through at the eleventh hour. Rather than derailing her performance, the last-minute setbacks and her resulting frustration actually fueled the intense energy she brought to the stage. For her final moment, she invited one of her male dancers to place the crown on her head, cementing her historic win as Spicemas’ new Groovy Queen.

    Beyond taking the title, the competition marked a major shift for Francis’ career. As a contemporary artist who has long worked on the margins of Grenada’s mainstream soca scene, she said one of her 2026 goals was to grow her local community and connect with new audiences – and the warm welcome she received has permanently changed the trajectory of her approach to music. Going forward, Francis plans to build on the lessons she learned performing for a crowd of 10,000, noting that commanding a large Groovy Soca stage requires a unique presence and physicality that she is eager to continue developing.

    The full official results of the 2026 Groovy Soca Monarch competition confirm Francis’ win, with Boyzie taking second place and the award for Best Groovy Intro Video, Muddy earning third place, Riggy Atmosphere finishing fourth, and 2025 defending champion Mr Gold’N placing fifth.

  • Culture Minister promotes Vincymas 2027 in New York

    Culture Minister promotes Vincymas 2027 in New York

    A high-level delegation from St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Carnival Development Corporation (CDC), led by Sports, Culture and Creative Industries Minister Kaschaka Cupid, will depart for New York this week to kick off early promotional efforts for the 2027 edition of Vincy Mas, the nation’s flagship cultural festival. The 2027 celebration carries a special milestone: it marks 50 years since the festival made its historic shift from the traditional pre-Lenten calendar to its current June-July scheduling back in 1977, inspiring the campaign’s official theme “Road To 50.”

    Joining Minister Cupid on the trip are CDC Deputy Chairman Colin Graham and Chief Executive Officer Rodney Small, as the organization ramps up pre-event planning for what is widely expected to be the most significant celebration in the festival’s modern history. The delegation’s schedule centers on engagement with the large Vincentian diaspora community based in New York, starting with a public media briefing scheduled for Friday, August 14. The briefing will offer diaspora members a full update on the CDC’s long-term planning for the golden jubilee, as well as preview the slate of special events being developed as part of the multi-year “Road To 50” lead-up.

    The following day, the delegation will take part in the annual Vincy Day Picnic, one of the largest recurring gatherings of Vincentians living outside the Caribbean. While in New York, the team will also hold working meetings with the picnic’s organizing committee and other local stakeholders to deepen ties between the CDC and overseas-based Vincentians. These conversations are a core part of the CDC’s strategy to build sustained excitement for the 2027 celebration years in advance.

    The CDC outlines that the 50th anniversary celebration is far more than a party: it is an opportunity to reflect on five decades of evolution of Vincy Mas, honor the countless cultural practitioners who have shaped the festival into the beloved event it is today, and boost participation from Vincentians both at home and across the global diaspora. Long-term, the organization aims to solidify Vincy Mas’ reputation as one of the top must-visit cultural festivals in the Caribbean.

    Unlike traditional festival promotion that kicks off just months before the event, the “Road To 50” campaign is targeting audiences early, with a specific focus on reaching two key groups: Vincentians who have built lives abroad, and international travelers who have never experienced Vincy Mas or visited St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Per an official CDC press release, the campaign will introduce new global audiences to the nation’s rich tapestry of music, masquerade, cultural traditions and heritage, while also showcasing the warm hospitality that defines the island chain. The ultimate goal is to position St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a leading cultural and tourism destination for Caribbean travelers.

    This New York promotional visit is just the first step in the CDC’s multi-year outreach strategy, which centers on leveraging connections with the Vincentian diaspora to expand the festival’s global reach and drive broader participation in the 2027 golden jubilee celebrations as the nation embarks on this historic milestone journey.