Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Collaborates With Music Producer Kitwana Israel

    Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Collaborates With Music Producer Kitwana Israel

    The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) is moving forward with a targeted, longstanding pledge to grow and elevate the country’s burgeoning music ecosystem, forging a new strategic partnership with celebrated Caribbean music producer and songwriter Kitwana Israel, founder of AdvoKit Productions.

    Boasting more than 10 years of hands-on professional experience in the global music space, Israel brings a deep well of industry expertise and extensive cross-regional connections to the collaborative initiative. Having built his career delivering projects across the Caribbean, the United States, and continental Africa, he has earned widespread acclaim for crafting high-caliber, culturally rooted music that connects with audiences both at home and across international markets.

    Israel’s production discography reads as a who’s who of modern Caribbean hitmaking. His standout credits include *Ola (Kan Kan Riddim)* performed by Olatunji Yearwood, *Hello (Folklore Riddim)* from Kes, and *Buss Head*, a fan-favorite collaboration between Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin. He has also produced charting tracks including *Tender* and *Anxiety* for Patrice Roberts, *DAP (Drink and Party)* for Viking Ding Dong, *Come Home* for the pairing of Nailah Blackman and Skinny Fabulous, and *Take Me Home* for Trinidadian collective Freetown Collective. Most recently, he released *Doux Darlin* for rising artist Christo, a project that has further solidified his reputation as a leading architect of contemporary Caribbean sound.

    In comments on the new partnership, Israel opened up about his current work on the island, where he is already collaborating with local creators to develop a custom rhythm crafted exclusively for the annual Antigua Carnival. The core goal of the project, he explained, is to center the distinct sound and identity of Antiguan music on a global stage. “Being here and working in the same space with local artistes like Tian and DJ Quest has been an incredible experience,” Israel said. “There’s a unique energy that can’t be replicated anywhere else, and we’re channelling that into music that can resonate not only in Antigua but across the Caribbean and internationally. This project is about creating timeless music that reflects the culture, the people, and the spirit of the island.”

    ABFC Chairperson Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul reiterated the commission’s unwavering commitment to investing in the country’s creative economy, echoing the priorities laid out by national leadership. Minister Daryll S. Matthew, who serves in the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, highlighted why cross-sector partnerships like this one are foundational to the future of Antigua and Barbuda’s creative sector.

    “Investing in our creative industries is critical to national development and levelling up our artistes,” Matthew explained. He noted that this collaboration builds on a successful track record of empowering local talent, pointing to 2023’s Music Producers’ Masterclass: Audio Essentials, led by industry veteran Kasey Phillips. That initiative, like the new partnership with Israel, was designed to upskill local creators, strengthen the domestic music ecosystem, and build pathways for long-term, sustainable growth for the sector.

    “By facilitating knowledge transfer and real-time collaboration, we are ensuring that our creatives are equipped with the tools and exposure needed to succeed beyond our shores,” Matthew added.

  • High-Energy Gospel to Light Up Belize City This Holy Week

    High-Energy Gospel to Light Up Belize City This Holy Week

    As Holy Week approaches in 2026, Belize City is gearing up to host its beloved annual Holy Week Revival Concert, a two-night high-energy gospel gathering designed to bring communities together in faith, fellowship, and collective hope. Now in its fourth iteration, the event traces its origins back to 2023, when it was launched in the aftermath of two devastating crises: the global COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Lisa, which left lasting social and economic scars across the city. Conceived by Belize City Mayor Wagner, the concert was originally created to give residents a space for collective healing, renewal, and a rekindled sense of shared purpose after a period of prolonged isolation and disruption.

    This year’s event promises a dynamic lineup that blends homegrown local musical talent with world-famous international gospel acts, headlined by the much-anticipated return of Nigerian gospel superstar Sinach and the internationally renowned reggae gospel group Christafari. Designed to be inclusive for attendees of all ages, the concert frames itself as more than just a musical performance: for city leaders, it is an opportunity to rebuild social connections and strengthen community bonds that were frayed by recent crises.

    Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller shared that the city council has adjusted its approach for the 2026 event, responding to public feedback about event costs that arose after the inaugural 2023 concert. Rather than covering the entire budget with city funds alone, the council prioritized building new public-private partnerships to offset expenses, starting outreach to public agencies and private sector organizations back in late 2025. Those collaborative efforts have already secured more than $100,000 in monetary and in-kind donations from local and regional partners.

    Total projected costs for the 2026 two-night event come out to approximately $236,000, meaning the Belize City Council will cover the remaining $130,000 gap. Miller emphasized that city leaders view this expenditure as a strategic investment in the city’s social fabric, not an unnecessary expense. He noted that widespread business community participation in fundraising reflects broad support for the event’s mission of fostering unity.

    Miller also pushed back against the narrative of significant public pushback, noting that the 2023 event was widely celebrated as the largest gospel concert in Belize’s history, earning warm reception from audiences across the country. For 2026, organizers are doubling down on the event’s core mission: creating a family-friendly, community-focused space where Belize City residents can gather, celebrate their faith, and reaffirm their shared connection. The concert is scheduled to open the evening of March 31 and run through the following night, with organizers expecting large crowds of local attendees and visitors from across the country.

  • Postponement Of Antigua Carnival 2026 Event Launch!

    Postponement Of Antigua Carnival 2026 Event Launch!

    Organizers of one of the Caribbean’s most anticipated annual cultural celebrations have announced a last-minute change to the kickoff of their 2026 event. The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC), the governing body that oversees the planning and execution of Antigua Carnival, has confirmed that the official launch party for Antigua Carnival 2026 will not go forward as originally planned.

    Initially, the launch was set to take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the popular Rising Sun Grounds venue. However, unforeseen overlapping commitments and the scheduling of other major community and national activities during the same window have forced the commission to reschedule the launch event.

    In a public statement shared this week, ABFC expressed gratitude to the local community and carnival fans around the world for their ongoing patience and support of the iconic annual celebration. Organizers have encouraged all those excited for the 2026 carnival to embrace the event’s official theme “Feel the Rhythm” and follow the commission’s verified social media channels and official communication platforms to receive real-time updates as soon as a new launch date is confirmed. The full carnival celebration itself is still expected to proceed as planned later in the year, with only the introductory launch event affected by this scheduling adjustment.

  • Dominica launches HikeFest 2026, inviting regional travellers to explore “Beyond the Beaten Path”

    Dominica launches HikeFest 2026, inviting regional travellers to explore “Beyond the Beaten Path”

    After more than a decade since its first gathering, one of the Caribbean’s most anticipated active nature events is making a comeback to the island of Dominica. Scheduled across the entire month of May 2026, HikeFest will open the door for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers from around the region to explore the Caribbean island’s most isolated, untouched natural landscapes, organized by the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA).

    Carrying the 2026 theme “Beyond the Beaten Path,” the festival is intentionally designed to take participants far beyond the typical tourist trail. Instead of crowded, well-documented overlook points, HikeFest 2026 grants curated access to hidden alpine lakes, secluded forest swimming holes, panoramic wind-swept ridgelines, and thundering off-grid waterfalls that rarely see casual visitor traffic. To fit a wide range of hiking abilities and vacation schedules, the event program balances gentle, leisurely half-day walks with strenuous full-day endurance challenges, letting adventure travelers experience a diverse array of Dominica’s iconic terrains in a single trip.

    The festival’s core hiking schedule is spread across five Saturdays in May, with three additional midweek treks added on May 14, 18, and 21 to accommodate both short-stay visitors and extended vacation travelers. Time options are equally flexible, ranging from crisp early-morning summit climbs to a unique after-dark nature exploration that lets participants experience the island’s rainforest after sunset.

    For travelers planning to attend, reaching Dominica is straightforward: the island welcomes direct flights from major U.S. departure points including Miami and New Jersey, maintains regional air connections across the Caribbean, and offers regular ferry service from nearby popular destinations Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia. Accommodation options also fit every travel style, from budget-friendly eco-lodges tucked into rainforest valleys to luxury island resorts and boutique rainforest retreats.

    Marva Williams, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority, explained that HikeFest 2026 aligns directly with the island’s long-running “Nature of Love” tourism brand, and works to solidify Dominica’s global reputation as a top-tier destination for active, nature-focused travel.

    “HikeFest gives travelers a concrete reason to choose Dominica for their May getaway,” Williams noted. “This event is all about stepping into landscapes you could never find or navigate safely on your own, and sharing that one-of-a-kind experience with partners, friends, or a new community of fellow outdoor lovers.”

    Every trek included in the festival is led by local, highly experienced hiking guides, who not only ensure participant safety but also unlock access to remote areas that require specialized local navigation knowledge to reach. The full 2026 lineup of confirmed hikes includes:
    – May 2: Boeri Lake (Moderate difficulty, 1.5-hour duration)
    – May 2: Trinity Lakes (Challenging difficulty, 3-hour duration)
    – May 9: Chemin Letang Trail (Moderate difficulty, 3-hour duration)
    – May 16: Jaco Flats (Challenging difficulty, 2.5-hour duration)
    – May 23: Middleham Trail – Nature After Dark (Easy difficulty, 1.5–2-hour duration)
    – May 30: Boiling Lake (Challenging difficulty, 6–8-hour duration)
    – May 30: Charles Warner Trail (Easy difficulty, 1-hour duration)

    Pricing for the event is structured to encourage participation in multiple hikes, with registration fees set at Eastern Caribbean (EC) $75 per person for single hikes. For travelers booking two to four separate hikes, the rate drops to EC$70 per hike, and those who register for all five core Saturday hikes, as well as groups of 10 or more participants, qualify for a discounted rate of EC$60 per hike.

    Organizers have issued a call for early registration and trip planning, noting that participation capacity for each trek is strictly limited to preserve the natural environment and maintain a quality guest experience, and organizers expect strong demand across all dates in May. For registration information and full event details, interested participants can contact the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association by phone at (767) 275-7454 or via email at [email protected].

  • Appleton Estate delivers at Zimi Seh Beach 2026

    Appleton Estate delivers at Zimi Seh Beach 2026

    On Sunday, March 29, 2026, one of Jamaica’s most anticipated annual cultural events, the Appleton Estate Zimi Seh Beach gathering, rolled across the island’s north coast, injecting the region with nonstop energy and the unmistakeable, genuine spirit of Jamaican island life.

    Thousands of attendees, ranging from local residents to international tourists, converged on Puerto Seco Beach in St. Ann to immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind experience that blended pulsating music, world-class Jamaican cuisine, immersive entertainment, and the brand’s iconic premium Jamaican rum.

    The electric atmosphere never dipped from the opening notes to the final fade of sunset, thanks to a stacked lineup of top local DJs including Chromatic Live, A-Team, Laing D, Tonio x Brush 1, and Travis x Fyahman. Each act brought their own distinct, crowd-pleasing style to the turntables, keeping guests on their feet dancing from the midday sun well into the golden evening.

    Attendees wandered the beachfront sipping handcrafted Appleton Estate cocktails, soaking in warm Caribbean sunlight and cool ocean breezes, surrounded by the unmatched relaxed yet vibrant energy that only a Jamaican beach celebration can offer. The event was crafted from the ground up as a love letter to Jamaican cultural identity, weaving together every element to highlight the island’s unique art, food, and community spirit.

    By the close of the day, feedback from the crowd was overwhelmingly positive. A common refrain echoed across social media and beach conversations: “Zimi Seh owes us nothing” — a clear testament that the 2026 iteration of the event delivered an unforgettable, authentically Jamaican experience that lived up to every bit of pre-event hype.

    The gathering also drew a host of prominent Jamaican public figures and celebrities, who turned out to join in the celebration. Appleton Estate Brand Manager Kerry Ann Bryan was photographed enjoying the festivities, alongside beloved rhyme master Khorii Rhymez and breakout dancehall star Armanii. Influential local personalities including content creator Audrianna Richards, dancehall recording artist Nayda Vii, 2026 Miss Global Jamaica first runner-up Kadejah Anderson, Shacqueal Major (wife of top Jamaican entrepreneur Romeich Major), and 2020 Miss Universe Jamaica Miqueal-Symone Williams, a digital creative and model, were also spotted taking in the sun and fun at the beachside celebration.

  • Antigua Sailing Week Expands Shoreside Experience With Riddim & Tides Beach Celebration.

    Antigua Sailing Week Expands Shoreside Experience With Riddim & Tides Beach Celebration.

    Antigua Sailing Week, one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious regattas, is set to significantly enhance its shoreside offerings by introducing the ‘Riddim & Tides’ beach celebration. This innovative addition aims to transform the event from a purely competitive sailing spectacle into a comprehensive cultural festival, merging world-class nautical competition with the vibrant spirit of Caribbean entertainment.

    The new ‘Riddim & Tides’ experience will feature live musical performances from renowned regional and international artists, creating an immersive audio-visual backdrop against the stunning Antiguan coastline. Organizers have curated a program that includes traditional Caribbean rhythms, contemporary beats, and sunset soundscapes, providing both participants and spectators with unforgettable post-race entertainment.

    Beyond the musical elements, the celebration will showcase local culinary excellence through pop-up stalls offering authentic Antiguan cuisine and premium cocktails. This expansion represents a strategic effort to boost local tourism and provide economic opportunities for island vendors, artisans, and hospitality providers. The integration of these cultural elements is designed to attract a broader audience, including non-sailing enthusiasts who wish to experience the unique blend of sport and island culture.

    Event directors note that this expansion reflects the evolving nature of destination regattas, where the overall experience is becoming as important as the competition itself. The 2024 edition of Antigua Sailing Week, with its enhanced shoreside program, is positioned to set a new standard for maritime events in the region, offering a holistic celebration of sailing, music, and Caribbean lifestyle.

  • Rohan Daniel Wins $500 in Flow’s Riddim and Rewards Promotion Ahead of Final Draw

    Rohan Daniel Wins $500 in Flow’s Riddim and Rewards Promotion Ahead of Final Draw

    In a recent development within Flow’s engaging promotional campaign, participant Rohan Daniel has been announced as a winner, securing a $500 prize. This victory occurs as the telecommunications company’s Riddim and Rewards promotion approaches its highly anticipated final draw, generating increased excitement among participants.

    The promotional initiative, designed to reward customer engagement through musical themes, has seen growing participation across its duration. Daniel’s success story emerges as one of the preliminary triumphs within the broader competition framework, highlighting the tangible benefits available to participants before the campaign concludes with its grand prize allocation.

    Industry observers note that such promotional activities represent strategic efforts by service providers to enhance brand visibility while offering value to their consumer base. The timing of Daniel’s win serves to maintain momentum and interest leading to the final phase of the giveaway structure, potentially encouraging continued participation from other entrants hoping for similar outcomes.

    The announcement underscores the ongoing relationship between entertainment-based marketing initiatives and customer retention strategies within the competitive telecommunications sector, where companies frequently leverage culturally relevant themes to connect with their audiences.

  • Documentary “The Steps of Time” honors pioneers of Dominican ballet

    Documentary “The Steps of Time” honors pioneers of Dominican ballet

    SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS – Cultural institutions and ballet enthusiasts gathered at Centro León for a significant cinematic event showcasing Dominican Republic’s rich dance heritage. The premiere of “The Steps of Time” (2025), produced in collaboration with the Dominican Ballet Concert Foundation, served as both historical documentation and artistic tribute to the nation’s classical dance evolution.

    Directed by filmmaker Oliver Olivo, this compelling documentary traces the formative years of professional ballet through the pioneering efforts of three foundational figures: Clara Elena Ramírez, Paulina Comprés, and Xiomara Rojas. Through archival footage and contemporary interviews, the film meticulously documents how these visionaries established the institutional framework and pedagogical standards that transformed Dominican ballet from its nascent stages to a professionally recognized art form.

    Prominent cultural commentator Carlos Veitía, among other distinguished attendees, emphasized the film’s dual significance as both an artistic achievement and vital historical record. The documentary serves as a cultural time capsule, preserving the technical methodologies and artistic philosophies that defined early Dominican ballet.

    Beyond mere historical recounting, the film illustrates how these pioneers’ legacy continues to influence contemporary Dominican cultural identity, demonstrating ballet’s evolution from imported European art form to nationally distinctive expression. The screening event itself became a gathering point for multiple generations of dancers, educators, and cultural preservationists, highlighting the ongoing relevance of these historical contributions to today’s artistic landscape.

  • Jah9’s Open Heart invites listeners on a journey of self

    Jah9’s Open Heart invites listeners on a journey of self

    Reggae artist Jah9 transformed an intimate listening session at Harry J Studios into a profound exploration of personal transformation through her newly released project, ‘Open Heart.’ The carefully curated event transcended conventional album presentations, evolving into a shared experience of emotional vulnerability and self-discovery.

    Jah9 inaugurated the musical journey with the title track, establishing a thematic foundation that extended beyond romantic notions to encompass love, abundance, and the courage of emotional openness. Her melodic delivery, infused with distinctive feminine energy, created an atmosphere where attendees were encouraged to examine their own emotional landscapes.

    Between musical selections, the artist engaged in candid discourse about personal evolution, emphasizing that growth frequently necessitates deliberate release. She reflected on her own transformative experience during pandemic-induced isolation in Africa, where she reconciled her artistic persona (Jah9) with her foundational identity (Janine). This period of introspection enabled her to shed protective armor adopted for navigating the reggae industry, ultimately rediscovering her authentic self through forgiveness and self-care.

    The album’s narrative depth unfolded through strategically sequenced tracks. ‘Match’ explored the vulnerability inherent in being truly seen by others, while ‘Hurricane’ drew parallels between relational turbulence and meteorological forces—though unlike destructive storms, Jah9 posited that genuine love possesses transformative rather than devastating power. This thematic progression culminated in ‘Sacred Energy Xchange,’ which articulates her philosophy that fulfilling relationships require individuals to achieve wholeness independently before engaging in spiritual exchange.

    Jah9 acknowledged the artistic courage required to present such vulnerable themes within reggae’s traditionally expectations-bound landscape. Her creative direction consciously challenges listeners to move beyond passive consumption toward active engagement with their own emotional armor, weathered storms, and the radical courage of living with an open heart.

    The project emerges as a timely counterpoint to contemporary emotional detachment culture, proposing that true protection lies not in emotional barriers but in remembering one’s authentic self when the heart remains open.

  • Alkaline’s NPT debuts at #10 on Billboard

    Alkaline’s NPT debuts at #10 on Billboard

    Jamaican dancehall sensation Alkaline has secured his third career entry on the prestigious Billboard Reggae Albums chart with his latest project ‘NPT’ making a notable debut at position #10. The album, which arrived on March 23rd through the artist’s own AutoBamb Records imprint, comprises sixteen tracks that showcase Alkaline’s distinctive vocal style and contemporary dancehall production.

    The collection includes several previously successful singles that have already demonstrated chart potential, including the viral hit ‘Gyal Good,’ the academically-themed ‘Graduate,’ along with established fan favorites ‘Key Man’ and ‘No Emotions’—the latter produced by Sponge Music. This strategic release compilation demonstrates Alkaline’s methodical approach to album construction, blending proven hits with new material.

    This achievement places Alkaline in rarified company within the reggae and dancehall landscape. His previous chart entries, ‘New Level Unlocked’ and ‘Top Prize,’ demonstrated even stronger commercial performance by reaching the chart’s peak positions at #1 and #2 respectively. The consistent chart presence establishes Alkaline as one of the most commercially viable artists in contemporary dancehall music.

    Notably, ‘NPT’ holds the distinction of being the first dancehall album to break onto the Billboard Reggae Albums chart since the beginning of 2023, ending a three-month drought for the genre on this influential ranking. This milestone highlights both Alkaline’s individual popularity and the continued relevance of dancehall music within the broader international music market.