The Island Music Conference (IMC) has revealed that Grammy Award-winning artist and Belizean politician Shyne will take center stage as the keynote speaker for its 2026 edition. Scheduled for February 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston, Jamaica, Shyne’s address, titled “From Stage to State,” will delve into his remarkable journey from music stardom to political leadership. Born Jamal Michael Barrow, Shyne’s career began in a Brooklyn barbershop, where he was discovered and subsequently signed to Bad Boy Records. His 2000 self-titled debut album went platinum, featuring hits like “Bad Boyz” and “Bonnie & Shyne” with Barrington Levy. Collaborations with icons such as The Notorious B.I.G., Mase, Puff Daddy, Usher, and Lil Wayne further cemented his place in music history. However, a 1999 nightclub shooting led to a 10-year prison sentence for assault and weapon possession, during which he released his second album, “Godfather Buried Alive,” in 2004. Post-incarceration, Shyne shifted his focus to politics, serving as a Belizean Member of Parliament from November 2020 to March 2025. Recently, he marked the 25th anniversary of his debut album in September 2025. At IMC 2026, Shyne will reflect on his dual legacy in music and politics, offering insights into how these experiences continue to influence his contributions to both fields.
分类: entertainment
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Dominica’s Jungle Bay named Caribbean’s leading Resort at World Travel Awards in St Lucia
Dominica’s Jungle Bay has been honored as the Caribbean’s Leading Retreat 2025 at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony, held in St. Lucia. Nestled on 20 acres of verdant landscape overlooking the Soufrière-Scotts Head Marine Reserve, Jungle Bay epitomizes eco-luxury, wellness, and community-focused tourism. The resort boasts 89 accommodations with top-tier amenities, including adventure activities, spa treatments, yoga sessions, gourmet dining, and immersive cultural experiences. A hallmark of Jungle Bay is its sustainable design, which integrates local community involvement, employs local staff, and sources produce from its own gardens. Marie Hubbard, General Manager, expressed her elation, stating, ‘This recognition underscores our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering an extraordinary guest experience.’ The resort’s philosophy aligns with the growing demand for travel experiences that blend rejuvenation with discovery. Samuel ‘Sam’ Raphael, President and Owner of Jungle Bay, emphasized the resort’s broader mission: ‘Jungle Bay is more than a resort; it’s a sanctuary where nature, community, and culture converge. This award validates our vision of sustainable luxury and purpose-driven hospitality, resonating deeply with travelers and industry leaders.’ The accolade further solidifies Jungle Bay’s reputation as a trailblazer in the Caribbean’s wellness and retreat sector.
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Ida Does schenkt nalatenschap Trefosa aan Surinaams Museum
In a significant cultural event, filmmaker and author Ida Does has donated a collection of documents, photographs, and personal belongings of the renowned Surinamese poet Trefossa (Henri Frans de Ziel, 1916–1975) to the Surinamese Museum Foundation. The handover ceremony took place in the Italian Hall of the Amsterdam City Archives, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Suriname’s independence. The donation was officially received by museum director Santosh Singh during a special gathering attended by representatives from both Surinamese and Dutch cultural sectors. In her speech, Does highlighted Trefossa’s groundbreaking contributions to Surinamese literature, particularly his role in popularizing the Sranan language through his poetry. She emphasized that Trefossa’s work symbolized freedom and self-determination, encapsulated in the term ‘Srefidensi.’ Among the donated items are a rare copy of Trefossa’s seminal poetry collection ‘Trotji’ (1957), his typewriter, and the handwritten lyrics of the Sranan verse of the Surinamese national anthem. Does revealed that she inherited these items from Trefossa’s widow, Hulda de Ziel-Walser, whom she befriended while producing her documentary ‘Mi a no mi’ (2008). After Hulda’s passing in 2005, she entrusted Does with her husband’s personal belongings. ‘Both Trefossa and his wife would have wanted it this way,’ Does remarked. ‘They rest together in Paramaribo. Trefossa embodied Suriname, and now it is my honor to present this legacy back to Suriname with pride.’ Museum director Santosh Singh expressed gratitude for the donation, announcing plans for a dedicated exhibition in May 2026 as part of the independence celebrations. The event was attended by Aspha Bijnaar, director of Musea Bekennen Kleur, and Mark Ponte, a researcher at the Amsterdam City Archives. The ceremony concluded with the signing of the donation documents and a recitation of Trefossa’s famous poem ‘Bro’ by Ida Does.
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Trueace buoyed by Reggae North Music Awards win
Trueace, the rising recording artiste, is basking in the glory of his recent victory at the 2025 Reggae North Music Awards. Held at the prestigious Rose Theater in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, on September 28, Trueace clinched the award for Top Traditional Dancehall Song (Male) with his hit single ‘Badman Rock.’ This track is part of his debut EP, ‘Grandeza,’ a six-track project that was released in 2024.
Reflecting on his nomination and win, Trueace shared, ‘Being nominated, I felt both special and grateful; it shows that my work doesn’t go unnoticed. When I was announced as the winner, I was so shocked that it felt like my mind stepped away from reality. That moment had me both excited and overwhelmed.’ This accolade is a testament to his growing influence in the reggae and dancehall music scene.
Trueace also emphasized the importance of perseverance and self-belief for aspiring artistes. ‘I want this moment to inspire other artistes, no matter where they are in their respective journeys. My advice is to keep believing in your craft and remember that consistency is key, despite what others may think,’ he stated.
Currently, Trueace is promoting another single from his EP, ‘Better Days,’ and is gearing up for the next phase of his career, which promises more music, visuals, awards, and entertainment for his fans. He expressed his gratitude to his team, including AktiveRecord and Wallstreet Records, for their support in making this achievement possible. ‘Big shout out to the team 1flameXGorillaz. We are always active and nothing beats time, as a wise man once said, so keep supporting and look out for a lot more, especially new collaborations,’ he added.
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Calypso History Month comes alive in south
The vibrant sounds of calypso filled the air on Cipero Street, San Fernando, on October 3, as the South-Central Community Calypso Tents and the Trinbago Calypso Museum Committee launched the southern leg of Calypso History Month. The event, held at Toast and Roast Bar, combined a day of curry duck lime with a night of calypso performances, serving as a fundraiser for the proposed Calypso Museum. This initiative aims to preserve Trinidad and Tobago’s rich musical and cultural heritage for future generations.
The Calypso Museum is a collaborative effort by four cultural organizations: Bisnath School of Art, Birds Calypso Tent, Central Rainbow Stars, and Missionaire’s Calypso Tent. Despite their passion, the project remains without a permanent home. Carey “Kinte” Stephens, the committee’s chairman, emphasized the urgent need for a proper location to house cultural artifacts donated by supporters worldwide, including George Maharaj, a renowned collector of calypso history, and Ray Funk, a retired Alaskan judge and calypso researcher.
Mc Morris Edwards, president of the Calypso Museum Committee, outlined the group’s vision for a cultural center that would not only house the museum but also host concerts, lectures, and tours. While the Carnegie Library in San Fernando has been considered as a potential site, the committee remains open to any accessible and pride-reflecting location.
The event also celebrated the contributions of media personalities like Errol Fabien, Ivan Toolsie, and Yvonne Webb, who have consistently promoted calypso and culture. The evening was dedicated to honoring calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow, with performances paying tribute to his iconic works. As the night concluded, attendees signed a banner commemorating calypso’s milestones, a symbolic gesture for the future museum.
For now, the rhythms of calypso continue to resonate, a testament to the enduring spirit of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural legacy.
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Milton Blake looks to tap into vinyl market
Milton Blake, a roots reggae artist based in Cleveland, Ohio, is capitalizing on the booming vinyl market by re-releasing his album, ‘Temporary Obstacle,’ in the classic vinyl format. Originally launched digitally six years ago, the album is now making a physical comeback, driven by both a global resurgence in vinyl demand and persistent requests from his dedicated fanbase. Blake, a Rastafarian musician, shared that he swiftly acted on pre-release orders from his Bandcamp page, sending the album to the pressing plant without delay. ‘Temporary Obstacle,’ featuring 12 tracks, marks Blake’s third studio album and was produced by Lloyd Dennis under the British label Pickout Records, renowned for hits like Tinga Stewart and Ninjaman’s ‘Cover Me’ and Conrad Crystal’s ‘True Love.’ The vinyl market, which had waned in the 1980s with the rise of CDs, DVDs, and digital formats, has experienced a remarkable revival over the past decade. Major artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Tupac Shakur, and The Beatles have also embraced this trend, releasing their works on vinyl. Blake, who began his career in the early 1990s during reggae’s vinyl heyday, noted that while sales dipped with the advent of digital downloads, vinyl has always maintained a loyal niche audience. ‘Vinyls have never been out,’ he emphasized, pointing out that many DJs and selectors continue to prefer the format for its authenticity. Born in Clarendon and raised in Central Village, St. Catherine, Blake moved to the U.S. in 2009, where he has gained recognition touring the Midwest with his band, the River Nile Band.
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Legendary actress Diane Keaton has died
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The entertainment world mourns the loss of Diane Keaton, the legendary actress who passed away in California at the age of 79, as confirmed by PEOPLE magazine. A spokesperson for the family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and no further details about her death have been disclosed. Keaton’s illustrious career began in the 1970s with her iconic role as Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather trilogy, which catapulted her to global stardom. She further solidified her place in cinematic history through her collaborations with director Woody Allen, particularly her unforgettable performance in the 1977 romantic comedy Annie Hall, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Over her five-decade-long career, Keaton became synonymous with unique style, sharp humor, and versatile acting, starring in acclaimed films such as Manhattan, Reds, Something’s Gotta Give, and Marvin’s Room. Her contributions to the film industry garnered numerous award nominations and cemented her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most cherished and distinctive stars.
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Dominica’s music takes center stage at Miami Carnival, ‘Big Bad Bouyon’
The Miami Carnival, a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, is set to showcase the dynamic sounds of Bouyon music in 2025. Organized by Jay Upscale, the newly introduced Big Bad Festival will span three days, from October 10 to 13, in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. This year’s highlight is the Saturday night segment dedicated to Bouyon, a rhythm-driven genre originating from Dominica’s carnival scene, which is gaining international acclaim. The festival will feature a diverse lineup, including Ridge, a two-time Bouyon Artist of the Year, alongside other prominent artists such as 1T1, Edday, Shelly, Reo, Trilla-G, Infrared, DJ Luchshiy, and Unstoppable Shax. Jay Upscale, the festival’s founder, emphasized the cultural significance of Bouyon, describing it as more than music—it’s an energy and a movement that connects the Caribbean diaspora. The event will take place at Toe Jam, a modern and intimate venue, offering attendees an immersive experience of Bouyon’s raw energy. Ridge expressed his excitement about performing Bouyon on such a prestigious stage, noting its growing global influence. The festival will also include Soca performances on Friday and conclude with the Big Bad Brunch on Monday. Shelly of Signal Band highlighted Bouyon’s role as a medium of cultural expression and identity. From its roots in Dominica to its presence on international stages, Bouyon continues to evolve while staying true to its rhythmic and communal essence. The Big Bad Bouyon event is a testament to the genre’s rising prominence and its ability to unite audiences worldwide.


