分类: entertainment

  • More good vibes from MNR this year

    More good vibes from MNR this year

    Emerging soca sensation Melanie Nicole Richard, professionally known as MNR, is navigating a unique dual path as both a psychology student in Oklahoma and an ascending Caribbean music artist. The St. Lucian performer recently reflected on her musical journey and future aspirations in an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times.

    Richard’s entry into the competitive soca scene occurred merely four years ago, inspired by fellow female artist Kisha K who served as her initial mentor. “Working with Kisha K marked the starting point,” MNR revealed. “While I’ve always adored soca since childhood television viewings of Soca Monarch competitions, Kisha truly helped me gain footing in the industry.

    Her career milestones include a collaborative debut track “We Jumping” with Kisha K, followed by significant competition achievements. MNR reached the semi-finals of the 2024 Soca Monarch with “Take Over” and advanced to the finals last year with her popular single “No Sweeter.”

    The artist’s trajectory continued upward when she claimed victory at December’s Youth Star competition during MusicFest Sent Lisi, delivering an unreleased soca composition. Interestingly, Richard had initially sought only a guest performer slot at the event. “I wasn’t interested in competing,” she explained. “After reaching out to organizers, they encouraged me to submit my song for competition consideration instead.” Her submission “Pride for Life,” though not yet officially released, earned her a finals placement.

    Richard expressed particular admiration for the dedication shown by fellow MusicFest participants. “I was impressed by all performers who came fully prepared with props and complete presentations,” she noted. “I simply executed my rehearsed performance and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

    The artist extended gratitude to event organizers and sponsors for providing developmental platforms for young Lucian musical talents. Looking toward 2026, MNR plans increased musical output alongside another Soca Monarch competition entry. “Last year I released only one song, but I’ve commenced my soca journey much earlier this year,” Richard stated. “I hope to release multiple tracks that audiences will genuinely enjoy.

    While acknowledging her background in gospel music cultivated through church involvement, Richard affirmed her current dedication to soca. “I adore soca’s vibrant energy and audience response,” she said. “Although I may explore other genres eventually, soca remains my present focus where I can create lasting impressions while doing what I love.”

  • SAINT models dominate Parisian runways

    SAINT models dominate Parisian runways

    The global fashion scene is currently illuminated by the remarkable achievements of two Jamaican models from SAINT International, who are making significant strides on prestigious international platforms.

    Dru Campbell, having recently completed a powerful appearance at Paris’s co-ed collections during the Fall/Winter Men’s 2026 Ready-to-Wear show season, further solidified her status by walking in Dior’s Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 show this Sunday. Her presence at such exclusive events highlights her growing influence within haute couture circles.

    Simultaneously, fellow SAINT International star Jessie Craig is capturing attention in New York’s luxury market. The Spanish Town native, rapidly ascending as a fashion industry darling, has been announced as the new face for Agmes, a celebrated fine jewelry brand based in New York. Founded a decade ago by Morgan Lang, Agmes has selected Craig to front their latest campaign celebrating the brand’s 10th anniversary.

    The newly released editorial features Craig showcasing pieces from Agmes’ Echo Collection, including the elegant Fredrika bracelet paired with the brand’s signature small Celia hoops. The collection emphasizes sustainable luxury, featuring pieces like the Nadia pendant crafted from recycled precious metals and the statement-making Jean cuffs released for the anniversary celebration. Each piece, from the sterling silver Frederika necklace to the distinctive Hilda earrings, is presented with Craig’s distinctive elegance, reflecting both the model’s rising star power and Agmes’ commitment to artistic design and environmental consciousness.

  • Shaggy’s ‘Boom Body’ featuring Aidonia and Akon hits Billboard

    Shaggy’s ‘Boom Body’ featuring Aidonia and Akon hits Billboard

    Reggae-dancehall icon Shaggy has unveiled the lead single from his highly anticipated twelfth studio album, titled ‘Lottery.’ The new track, ‘Boom Body,’ marks a significant collaborative effort, featuring the distinct talents of R&B superstar Akon and Jamaican dancehall artist Aidonia.

    The release has already made a notable impact on the music charts. ‘Boom Body’ has debuted impressively at number 36 on Billboard’s prestigious Rhythmic Airplay chart. This achievement extends Shaggy’s long-standing presence on the chart, representing his twelfth career entry. For collaborator Aidonia, the milestone is even more profound, as it signifies his first-ever appearance on any Billboard chart, heralding a major breakthrough in his international career.

    This release follows Shaggy’s previous chart activity, which saw his collaborative single ‘Til a Mawnin’ with Sting spend a total of four weeks on the same Rhythmic Airplay chart in the summer of the previous year. That track ultimately peaked at number 35, setting a high bar for the new release. The forthcoming album ‘Lottery’ is poised to be a major event in the 2024 music calendar, showcasing Shaggy’s enduring ability to fuse genres and collaborate across musical landscapes.

  • Romae Gordon walks Chanel runway in Paris

    Romae Gordon walks Chanel runway in Paris

    In a spectacular return to high fashion, Jamaican modeling pioneer Romae Gordon graced the runway at Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2026 Haute Couture presentation in Paris on Tuesday. The event marked the highly anticipated debut collection of newly appointed chief designer Matthieu Blazy, who transformed the Grand Palais into an immersive psychedelic forest featuring towering mushrooms and pastel-colored weeping willows.

    Gordon showcased an exquisite ensemble featuring a double-breasted jacket with distinctive peak lapels and artistic button appliqués, elegantly paired with sheer skirting accentuated by a delicate feathered hemline. The collection drew direct inspiration from avian aesthetics and natural forms, creating a harmonious blend of structural tailoring and organic elements.

    The Jamaican model’s participation carried historical significance, recalling her groundbreaking achievement as the first Jamaican to appear on the cover of a British magazine (Slimmer). With an international career spanning Europe, Africa, and the United States, Gordon has been represented by prestigious agencies including Elite Premier in London, G3 in South Africa, and Wilhelmina in New York. Her extensive portfolio includes collaborations with Cosmopolitan magazine, Macy’s, Champion sportswear, JCPenny, and Gillette.

    Beyond modeling, Gordon has demonstrated business acumen through her previous role as co-managing director of Pulse Investments, adding a dimension of entrepreneurial accomplishment to her fashion legacy. Her appearance at Blazy’s debut signifies both a personal comeback and Chanel’s commitment to diverse representation in haute couture.

  • Kamella Carmino unleashes Sōk-D’M, a fusion of soca, EDM

    Kamella Carmino unleashes Sōk-D’M, a fusion of soca, EDM

    Trinidadian entrepreneur and cultural innovator Kamella Carmino has pioneered a groundbreaking musical genre titled Sōk-D’M (pronounced Soak Dem), representing an intentional fusion of Caribbean soca rhythms and electronic dance music (EDM). This innovative soundscape bridges traditional Carnival energy with global festival appeal, creating what industry observers are calling a transformative moment for Caribbean music on the world stage.

    The genesis of Sōk-D’M emerged from a strategic conversation between Carmino and ABM of Platinum Trini Hot 97FM Internet Radio, based in Los Angeles. During their discussion, ABM—who holds promotional licensing rights in Las Vegas—revealed the challenging reality that while EDM dominated the Vegas entertainment market, virtually no platform existed for traditional soca music. This market gap inspired Carmino’s immediate creative response: “So why don’t we fuse soca and EDM and call it Sōk-D’M?”

    Within hours of this conceptual breakthrough, Carmino collaborated with her son Jesus Carmino-Garraway to produce the inaugural Sōk-D’M single “Cross De Stage,” released through JuJu Multimedia. This pioneering track established the genre’s technical parameters and artistic vision, blending soca’s characteristic drum patterns, call-and-response vocal arrangements, and steelpan heritage with EDM’s synthesizer textures, powerful basslines, and dramatic build-and-drop structures.

    Carmino has since expanded the Sōk-D’M catalog with additional compositions including “High on Love” and “Jump Up on Down,” further refining the genre’s sonic identity and emotional resonance. Operating within a tempo range of 125-132 BPM, Sōk-D’M occupies a unique musical space that merges the visceral energy of Trinidad’s J’Ouvert celebrations with the spectacular production values of international festivals like Tomorrowland.

    The term “Sōk-D’M” itself carries profound cultural meaning, with Carmino explaining: “To Soak Dem is to be drenched in rhythm, culture and spirit.” Beyond its musical innovations, the genre represents a philosophical movement advocating for borderless Carnival expression and electronic music with authentic Caribbean soul. This creative initiative invites global producers, DJs, and music enthusiasts to engage with Caribbean culture through rhythm-based connection and collective celebration.

    As Sōk-D’M gains traction across international markets, Carmino envisions the genre transforming how Caribbean music is perceived and consumed worldwide, creating new pathways for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration across continents.

  • Undercover cooler fete full of vibes, energy

    Undercover cooler fete full of vibes, energy

    Farmhouse Events’ ‘Undercover’ cooler experience at Drew Manor in Santa Cruz transformed into an electrifying celebration of Caribbean music and culture last Saturday, with Grenadian artists delivering particularly memorable performances that captivated attendees.

    The meticulously curated event featured an impressive lineup of musical talents including DJs Wayne Small, Team Joy, Adam, Gonzo, and Kenez who maintained infectious energy throughout the night. Local favorites Freetown brought their signature wholesome aesthetic, while Viking Ding Dong entertained with comedic interludes. The dynamic duo Full Blown revived their 2025 hit ‘Big Links riddim,’ adding R&B romance to the diverse musical offerings.

    However, the evening’s most explosive moments came from Grenadian sensations Alex ‘Muddy’ Cuffie and Keron ‘Lil Kerry’ Noel, whose authentic jab energy and cultural connection ignited the massive crowd. Their charismatic stage presence and undeniable talent earned enthusiastic encores as the audience embraced their northern neighbors’ distinctive sound and style.

    Beyond the music, the event offered a visually stunning experience with Instagram-ready photo backgrounds, vibrant decorations, and twinkling overhead lights that created a backyard bashment atmosphere. Attendees elevated the glamour quotient with sophisticated outfits and hairstyles, while Next Level Devils, moko jumbies, and the One Band One Sound rhythm section provided traditional Carnival elements that enhanced the cultural authenticity.

    MC Ancil ‘Blaze’ Isaac skillfully coordinated the evening’s presentations, ensuring seamless transitions between performances. The overall production demonstrated Farmhouse Events’ commitment to creating immersive entertainment experiences that celebrate Caribbean musical heritage while fostering cross-cultural connections within the region.

  • Sly Dunbar ‘lived  for the music’

    Sly Dunbar ‘lived for the music’

    The Jamaican music community has been plunged into a second wave of mourning within a week following the sudden passing of legendary drummer Lowell Fillmore ‘Sly’ Dunbar on Monday morning. This devastating news comes just days after the death of Third World’s Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, creating a profound sense of loss within the industry.

    Dunbar, celebrated as a pioneering force who helped shape the soundtrack of both the 20th and 21st centuries, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that extends far beyond Jamaica’s shores. As one half of the iconic production duo Sly & Robbie, his innovative drumming patterns became the rhythmic foundation for generations of reggae and dancehall music.

    Producer Rorey Baker of Sly & Robbie’s Taxi Records camp expressed the collective grief, stating: ‘Jamaica has lost a true visionary. Sly and Robbie were more than musicians—they were pioneers of this great genre. With Robbie’s passing in 2021 and now Sly’s departure, the industry is heartbroken. This marks the final chapter in the foundation of reggae as we know it.’

    Baker emphasized Dunbar’s role as both innovator and mentor: ‘Sly lived for the music. He was a role model, father figure, and humble creative who generously shared his knowledge. He never hesitated to teach others or step into the spotlight.’

    The official family statement confirmed Dunbar’s passing on January 26, 2026, describing him as a ‘beloved husband, father, and legendary musician’ whose ‘extraordinary talent, innovation, and lasting contributions will never be forgotten.’

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness led national tributes, honoring Dunbar as a ‘titan of music’ and ‘architect of sound’ who, alongside Robbie Shakespeare, ‘established a foundation that defined the era of reggae and dancehall.’ The PM highlighted their global influence, from their Taxi label to collaborations with international superstars including Grace Jones and The Rolling Stones.

    Culture Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange described the loss as ‘devastating for music,’ recognizing Dunbar as ‘one of the greatest drummers ever’ who backed legendary artists from Bunny Wailer and Black Uhuru to Beenie Man and Jimmy Cliff.

    Dancehall veteran Bounty Killer paid emotional tribute to Dunbar’s role in creating his career-defining hit ‘Hey Baby,’ while artist Patra recalled working with the legendary duo on her remake of Grace Jones’s ‘Pull Up To My Bumper.’

    For over four decades, Dunbar’s musical partnership with bassist Robbie Shakespeare formed the legendary ‘Riddim Twins’—more than a professional collaboration, they served as the backbone for thousands of recordings and launched careers of giants like Gregory Isaacs through their Taxi label.

    Dunbar’s contributions earned Jamaica’s highest honors, including the Order of Distinction and the Musgrave Gold Medal for ‘distinguished eminence’ in music. His recent Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota in May 2025 recognized his role in establishing reggae as a global brand.

    The legendary duo made Grammy history by winning the first-ever reggae category award in 1985 as producers of Black Uhuru’s ‘Anthem,’ earning another Grammy in 1999 and accumulating 13 nominations throughout their groundbreaking career.

  • ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Sinners’ top BAFTA nominations

    ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Sinners’ top BAFTA nominations

    LONDON, United Kingdom — The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) unveiled its highly anticipated shortlist, revealing a commanding lead for two distinct cinematic works. The unconventional thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ and the musical horror period piece ‘Sinners’ emerged as the frontrunners, setting the stage for a dramatic awards season climax.

    ‘One Battle After Another,’ a film that navigates the turbulent landscape of radical violence, immigration enforcement, and white supremacist ideologies, secured an impressive 14 nominations. This total includes a coveted spot in the Best Film category, cementing its status as a critical favorite. The film’s gritty narrative and provocative themes have resonated strongly with the academy’s voting members.

    Trailing closely is ‘Sinners,’ a vampire tale interwoven with a haunting musical score, which garnered 13 BAFTA nominations and will also compete for the top prize of Best Film. This recognition comes on the heels of its historic achievement at the Academy Awards, where it shattered records by securing 16 Oscar nominations just days prior.

    The announcement positions the upcoming BAFTA ceremony, scheduled for next month, as a crucial indicator for the subsequent Oscars in mid-March. The strong showing for both films at the UK’s premier film awards suggests a highly competitive international awards landscape, with these two works poised for a potential sweep of major accolades.

  • Stardom Tent highlights calypsonians this week, before further eliminations at upcoming Calypso Semi-finals

    Stardom Tent highlights calypsonians this week, before further eliminations at upcoming Calypso Semi-finals

    Dominica’s vibrant entertainment calendar reaches a crescendo this week with two pivotal events in the nation’s cherished calypso tradition. The cultural spotlight first falls on The Factory’s Stardom Tent, which hosts its semi-final round on Wednesday, January 28th. This event promises a dynamic showcase of musical artistry set against the energetic atmosphere of Valley Road.

    A diverse roster of acclaimed performers is set to take the stage, including Lord Thunder, DBS, Works Up, Sour Sour, Lady V, and Lady Barko, among other distinguished acts. The Swinging Stars will provide musical accompaniment as the backing band, ensuring a night of captivating live performances that highlight the richness of Dominican musical talent.

    The competitive intensity escalates on Saturday, January 31st, when Windsor Park Stadium becomes the battleground for the Dominica Calypso Association’s Semi-Finals. Twenty semi-finalists will compete for only nine coveted positions, with the ultimate prize being a chance to challenge reigning Monarch Joy in the finals. This elimination round represents a critical juncture in the competition, as more than half of the contestants will face elimination in this rigorous selection process.

    The performance order, determined by Thursday’s ‘dipping’ results, will proceed as follows: Sandy, MysterySai, Lady S, Royette, Trendsetter, Checker, Reds, Tasha P, followed by The Observer, Kalfa P, Mighty D, The Bob, JD, The Web, Abiyah Israel, Nachelle, Daddy, Chess, and Caressa.

    Following the competitive performances, the audience will be treated to special appearances by current Monarch Joy and the popular Booyah Sensation, Kwan Dan. The competition will culminate in the grand finals scheduled for February 14th, where the next calypso monarch will be crowned.

    The Dominica Calypso Association emphasizes that public participation remains essential to preserving this cultural tradition, encouraging widespread attendance and support for the artists throughout this celebration of Dominican musical heritage.

  • Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen Kia Kirwan to Represent at the Miss OECS Pageant in Dominica

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen Kia Kirwan to Represent at the Miss OECS Pageant in Dominica

    Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural ambassador, Queen Kia (Ms. Kia Kirwan), is preparing to represent the nation at the prestigious Miss OECS Pageant scheduled for January 30, 2026, in Dominica. This regional competition unites delegates from across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States in a celebration that transcends conventional beauty contests by emphasizing intellectual acuity, cultural heritage, and regional solidarity.

    The pageant serves as a dynamic platform for emerging female leaders to advocate for their nations while promoting cross-cultural understanding. Queen Kia’s participation highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing initiatives to empower young women and showcase national cultural assets within the Caribbean community.

    Official endorsements have poured in from prominent national figures. Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, commended Kirwan’s dedication: “Queen Kia exemplifies the vibrant spirit and cultural richness of our nation. We proudly support her representation with confidence and distinction.”

    Echoing this sentiment, The Honourable Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, characterized her participation as both a personal milestone and a national achievement: “She embodies our creative talent and cultural identity on the regional stage.”

    With anticipation building, the Festivals Commission has mobilized public support, encouraging citizens to demonstrate national pride through the ‘268’ campaign (referencing the country’s telephone code) as Kirwan prepares to compete in this showcase of Caribbean beauty, unity, and female empowerment.