Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Rotunda Gallery pays tribute to nation’s icons – Portraits of Honour

    Rotunda Gallery pays tribute to nation’s icons – Portraits of Honour

    The Rotunda Gallery at The Red House in Port of Spain is currently hosting a distinctive portrait exhibition titled “Portraits of Honour: A Tribute to the Nation’s Icons,” showcasing 50 artistic works that recognize both celebrated and unsung contributors to Trinidad and Tobago’s development. Featuring creations from 24 artists across diverse media including painting, photography, sculpture, and digital art, the exhibition aims to redefine the concept of national icons beyond mere celebrity status.

    Curated by Chenelle Maharaj, the exhibition intentionally moves beyond conventional fame to honor individuals whose dedication and service have profoundly impacted the nation’s social, cultural, and political landscape. The selected works depict pioneers across multiple domains including politics, science, literature, music, sports, and community service, with notable figures such as the country’s first prime minister Dr. Eric Williams, celebrated pan arranger Jit Samaroo, former national footballer Dwight Yorke, and ace pannist Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe among those represented.

    The gallery’s vision emphasizes that national heroes extend beyond prominent figures to include community activists and groups whose lifelong work has left enduring marks on Trinidad and Tobago. While Maharaj noted that many artists gravitated toward familiar cultural icons, she expressed hope that future exhibitions might explore lesser-known contributors in fields such as science, medicine, and women’s leadership.

    Strategically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), the exhibition strengthens collective identity through cultural preservation. By presenting these narratives visually, the gallery aims to foster conversations about representation, remembrance, and national narrative construction.

    Following the conclusion of Portraits of Honour on January 30, The Rotunda Gallery will transition to exploring Carnival heritage with “Walking with the Spirits: The Legacy of the Moko Jumbie” from February 2-27. This subsequent exhibition will examine the cultural significance of Moko Jumbies as guardians of tradition and living symbols of resilience, further emphasizing the gallery’s commitment to preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural legacy.

  • Lessons from Dad

    Lessons from Dad

    The music world mourns the passing of Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, the legendary Jamaican musician who reshaped reggae history through his unwavering dedication to cultural authenticity. His daughter Kanna Coore recently shared intimate reflections with the Sunday Observer about her father’s extraordinary journey from classical prodigy to reggae ambassador.

    In a defining moment that would chart his destiny, Coore made the radical choice to decline a prestigious scholarship to New York’s Juilliard School—the pinnacle of classical music education—to pursue his passion for Jamaican rhythms. This decision, made against conventional wisdom, ultimately positioned him as a foundational member of the iconic band Third World and earned him the revered title of ‘Reggae Ambassador’.

    Kanna describes her father as someone who ‘ate, drank, slept, and breathed music,’ with Jamaica representing more than just homeland—it was a spiritual commitment. ‘He believed in Jamaica as if it were a religion,’ she noted, emphasizing how her father’s off-stage persona mirrored his artistic integrity. His performances carried the same technical precision and emotional depth that would have graced the world’s most prestigious concert halls, yet he remained devoted to sharing Jamaica’s musical heritage globally.

    Beyond his musical achievements, Coore’s parenting philosophy reflected his artistic principles. He cultivated an environment of trust and freedom, never pressuring his children to follow specific paths despite their grandfather’s legal career. Two of his sons naturally gravitated toward music—Stephen Jr. on guitar and Shiah on bass—discovering their passions independently. ‘He trusted our decisions and our choices. He trusted us as humans,’ Kanna recounted.

    The most enduring lesson Coore imparted was the courage to pursue one’s authentic path. By witnessing her father fearlessly follow his reggae dream despite societal expectations, Kanna learned that true success emerges from forging uniquely personal journeys. ‘We knew we could take risks because his life showed us that there is always the possibility of things working out,’ she explained.

    Coore’s legacy extends beyond musical innovation to encompass his roles as devoted father, philanthropist, and humanitarian. His sudden passing on January 18 has created a profound void in both Jamaican and international music communities, though his influence continues to resonate through the countless lives he touched and the cultural barriers he broke.

  • Vibes With Voicey – Cheers To 10 on February 12

    Vibes With Voicey – Cheers To 10 on February 12

    Trinidad and Tobago’s acclaimed soca artist Aaron “Voice” St Louis prepares to commemorate a significant career milestone with his Vibes With Voicey X – Cheers To 10 concert on February 12. The event, scheduled for Carnival Thursday at Queen’s Park Savannah beginning at 9 PM, honors ten years of musical evolution since his breakthrough 2016 International Soca Monarch victory with “Cheers to Life.

    The concert represents more than just a personal achievement for the three-time consecutive ISM champion, who subsequently claimed titles with “Far From Finished” (2017) and “Year of Love” (2018). It symbolizes the maturation of an artist who has transcended performance to become a curator of authentic musical experiences. The Vibes With Voicey platform, initially conceived during COVID-19 lockdowns as a digital performance series, has evolved into a respected venue celebrating lyrical craftsmanship, live instrumentation, and genuine artist-audience connections.

    Voice emphasizes the reflective nature of this anniversary: “Ten years ago, I was just trying to find my footing and say something honest through music. It was never about trends. It was about growth, performance, and building something real.”

    The event promises to bridge musical eras and genres while maintaining the platform’s reputation for thoughtful curation and artistic integrity. Designed as a collective celebration, Cheers To 10 will honor the community of artists, musicians, and supporters who have contributed to Voice’s journey and the platform’s development.

    “This is not just a show,” Voice noted. “It’s a thank-you. To the artistes, to the musicians, and to the audience that kept showing up and believing in what we were building.”

    With additional details to be announced in coming weeks, tickets are currently available through www.islandetickets.com for what has become an essential Carnival Thursday tradition for many patrons.

  • Cinderella according to The Beatles at Kolkata Film Festival

    Cinderella according to The Beatles at Kolkata Film Festival

    A vibrant Cuban theatrical production featuring musical adaptations of The Beatles’ greatest hits has made its international debut at the Kolkata International Children’s Film Festival. The performance, titled after the legendary band’s iconic anthology album ‘1,’ represents a unique cultural fusion that merges British musical heritage with distinct Cuban artistic expression.

    Directed by acclaimed Cuban theater director Carlos Alberto Cremata of La Colmenita company, the production creatively reimagines Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tales through the lens of The Beatles’ timeless music. Cremata explained to press members that the songs of the famous English group serve as ‘a key element of the entertaining plot,’ providing both narrative structure and emotional depth to the performance.

    The production distinguishes itself through its incorporation of authentically Cuban linguistic elements and traditional rhythms, creating a distinctive cultural hybrid that celebrates both British and Cuban artistic traditions. This innovative approach to children’s theater demonstrates how cross-cultural artistic collaborations can create fresh theatrical experiences that resonate with international audiences.

    The festival, which will continue through January 29, 2026, features an impressive lineup of 180 films from 32 countries, providing a global platform for children’s entertainment and educational content. The event was attended by diplomatic representatives including Cuban Ambassador Juan Marsan and First Secretary Maiky Diaz, who participated in the inauguration of a thematic exhibition alongside Indranil Sen, Minister of State for Information and Culture of West Bengal.

  • Karessah promises “Bigger” and “Better” calypso Semi-Finals

    Karessah promises “Bigger” and “Better” calypso Semi-Finals

    The Dominica Calypso Association has announced ambitious plans for its upcoming Semi-Finals competition, promising an elevated spectator experience at Windsor Park Sports Stadium on January 31st. Association President Gregory ‘Karessah’ Riviere revealed the enhanced arrangements during Thursday’s weekly Carnival press conference, building on what he described as an exceptionally successful Quarter-Finals event. Riviere confirmed that twenty qualifying calypsonians will progress to the semi-final round, including notable performers such as Mystrie, Nacheal, The Bobb, and Karessah himself, with three reserve artists standing by. The production will feature completely reimagined stadium arrangements including general seating, a dedicated party VIP section with seating accommodations, and special areas for attendees preferring standing room with dancing space. Ticket distribution will be handled through multiple vendors including Bullseye and Depex outlets, plus the Calypso Association office. Pricing structure maintains accessibility with advance tickets available for just $50, rising to $60 regular admission, $70 general seating, and $130 for the VIP party experience. For international audiences and those unable to attend physically, a pay-per-view streaming option will be offered at $20 USD. The evening will feature a special guest performance by bouyon artist Quann and Company, with the competition scheduled to commence at 8:30 PM.

  • Queen Kia departs for Dominica to represent Antigua and Barbuda at Miss OECS Pageant

    Queen Kia departs for Dominica to represent Antigua and Barbuda at Miss OECS Pageant

    Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural ambassador, Queen Kia, has commenced her journey to Dominica where she will represent the nation at the prestigious Miss OECS Pageant scheduled for January 30, 2026. The regional competition, which brings together delegates from across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, serves as a platform showcasing Caribbean talent, cultural heritage, and regional solidarity.

    As Queen Kia departed her homeland, an outpouring of support emerged from citizens and well-wishers who expressed their enthusiasm for her participation. Messages emphasizing national pride and hopes for her success have flooded social media platforms, with many highlighting the significance of her representation on the inter-island stage.

    The Miss OECS Pageant represents more than mere aesthetic appreciation, functioning as a meaningful celebration of Caribbean identity and unity. Through various competitive segments including cultural presentations, talent demonstrations, and intellectual discourse, contestants demonstrate the rich diversity and shared values across OECS member states.

    Event organizers have confirmed that additional details regarding the pageant’s proceedings will be released in the coming days as final preparations are completed. The anticipated event is expected to draw significant viewership across the Caribbean region and among the diaspora community.

  • International Jazz Plaza Festival heats scene in Cuba

    International Jazz Plaza Festival heats scene in Cuba

    Havana’s cultural scene is set to captivate music enthusiasts this weekend with a series of prestigious performances leading up to the International Jazz Plaza Festival. On Saturday afternoon, the Theater of the National Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA) will present “Yohana Pena and Jose Portillo: Habana Filin,” a special concert paying homage to José Antonio Méndez, the foundational figure of Cuba’s distinctive filin musical style. The event will feature acclaimed guest artists Lázaro Rivero “El Fino” and Juan Carlos Rojas “El Peje.”

    Simultaneously, Cuban musical virtuosos including Oliver Valdés, Jorge Reyes, Yosvany Terry, Yaroldy Abreu, Roberto Álvarez, and Alejandro “Coqui” Calzadilla will deliver an extraordinary collaborative performance, serving as an illustrious prelude to the Jazz Plaza Festival’s official opening on Sunday.

    Meanwhile, in Santiago de Cuba, renowned pianist Roberto Fonseca prepares for a spectacular open-air performance at Cespedes Park. His collaboration with the Steel Band del Cobre promises to deliver another top-tier musical experience as part of the festival’s diverse programming, showcasing Cuba’s rich jazz traditions across multiple cities.

  • Book Mrs. Dalloway at Saturday’s literary event in Havana

    Book Mrs. Dalloway at Saturday’s literary event in Havana

    The cobblestone streets of Old Havana are set to host a unique cultural rendezvous each Saturday morning. At 11:00 AM local time, the historic Calle de Madera adjacent to the Plaza de Armas transforms into an open-air literary salon, courtesy of an initiative by Cuba’s national publishing institution.

    This weekly event, orchestrated by the Cuban Book Institute (ICL) and facilitated by the Arte y Literatura publishing house, invites readers to collectively explore Virginia Woolf’s groundbreaking 1925 novel ‘Mrs. Dalloway’. The gathering represents Cuba’s ongoing commitment to making world literature accessible to the public in engaging formats.

    The novel itself, celebrating nearly a century since publication, continues to captivate readers with its revolutionary narrative technique. Woolf’s masterpiece chronicles a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a evening party, using this seemingly simple framework to launch profound explorations of consciousness and society.

    Through innovative literary devices including fluid time transitions, psychological flashbacks, and pioneering stream-of-consciousness writing, Woolf creates a richly textured portrait of her protagonist’s inner world. The narrative’s poetic imagery and emotional depth reveal the complex interior landscape of a woman navigating post-war English society.

    Beyond its psychological insights, the novel offers a critical examination of British society in the aftermath of World War I (1914-1918). Woolf’s narrative subtly exposes the social tensions, psychological wounds, and profound transformations that characterized the interwar period, making the work both a literary milestone and valuable historical document.

    The regular gathering demonstrates how classic literature continues to find new audiences and contexts, with Havana’s historic quarter providing a evocative backdrop for discussions of this modernist classic.

  • Corripio Foundation National Literature Prize: Pedro Vergés

    Corripio Foundation National Literature Prize: Pedro Vergés

    In a significant recognition of literary excellence, the distinguished Dominican author Pedro Vergés has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2026 National Literature Prize. The award, jointly sponsored by the Dominican Ministry of Culture and the Corripio Foundation, represents the highest honor in Dominican letters and celebrates Vergés’ extraordinary contributions across multiple genres including fiction, poetry, and essays.

    The selection committee, comprising representatives from leading universities, the Ministry of Culture, the Dominican Academy of Language, and the Corripio Foundation, honored Vergés for his impeccable command of language and substantial impact on contemporary literature. The jury specifically noted his ‘balanced sobriety’ in prose and his valuable scholarly work as both literary researcher and essayist.

    Vergés’ literary significance was previously acknowledged during the 2023 Book Fair, which celebrated his novel ‘Ya yo estaré lejos’ (I Will Be Far Away). The work received critical acclaim for its powerful depiction of the first 25 years of Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship, exploring its societal trauma and economic consequences while capturing the collective yearning for freedom and democracy.

    The author’s international recognition began in 1981 when he received Spain’s prestigious Critics’ Society for Castilian Narrative award for ‘Solo cenizas hallarás (Bolero).’ That same year, he was also honored with the Blasco Ibáñez International Prize for the same work, establishing his reputation beyond Dominican borders. Even before this national accolade, Vergés had garnered admiration from literary circles who considered his work essential reading for understanding post-dictatorship Dominican society, particularly praised for its masterful use of colloquial language and narrative structure.

  • Carnival Princess contestants to light up stage this weekend

    Carnival Princess contestants to light up stage this weekend

    Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Carnival City will transform into a vibrant cultural hub on February 1st as it hosts the highly anticipated 2026 Carnival Princess Show. The event, described by organizers as “the most dazzling spectacle of the season,” will feature three young contestants competing for the prestigious title.

    The contestants include Shanell Benjamin from Woodfordhill Primary School, sponsored by Morancie and Sons; Arianna Challenger from Paix Bouche Primary School, supported by the Stephen Paboy Thomas Foundation; and dual representatives Belle Lavi Villa and Fanayé Shillingford from Bagatelle Primary School, backed by Springfield Trading.

    Bianca LeBlanc, representing the Rotaract Club of Roseau, generated excitement during Thursday’s Discover Dominica Authority weekly Carnival Press Conference by promising an unforgettable experience. “Our girls are bonding, growing every day and fully in bloom,” LeBlanc announced. “Expect glitter, music, dance, and performances that will leave you breathless.”

    Emphasizing the event’s cultural significance, LeBlanc declared, “Carnival City will be alive with the light of laughter. This show will be the highlight of the season, so make sure you’re part of it. Come support the three, come support culture.”

    The organizers have implemented a tiered ticketing system with standing tickets priced at $25 for adults and $15 for children under 15. Seated tickets are available for $40. For international viewers and those preferring home viewing, Kairi FM will provide an online broadcast accessible for $15 USD. “Perfect if you want to sit back, relax, and really enjoy the show,” LeBlanc noted regarding the streaming option.

    The spectacle is scheduled to commence at 3:00 PM, with organizers expressing gratitude to current sponsors while encouraging additional sponsorship support to enhance the event’s production quality and cultural impact.