Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Paris Coutain shows off his versatility in new releases

    Paris Coutain shows off his versatility in new releases

    At just 22 years old, Trinidadian artist Paris Coutain is demonstrating extraordinary artistic range through his latest musical releases and compelling stage presence. His newest soca single “Brush” represents a deeply personal project, produced by Richard Gosine with mixing and mastering handled by Nikholai Greene. Coutain co-wrote the track alongside Emmanuel Rudder and Yohann Niles, describing it as “a smooth, sweet melodic vibe that invites someone to hold and dance with.”

    Simultaneously, Coutain showcases his versatility with the chutney soca track “Magic in the Air” on the Soca Love Story Riddim, which he composed with production by Motto. This dual-genre approach reflects his fundamental artistic philosophy: “I could never envision myself confined to a single genre. My passion spans across multiple genres, so versatility is my goal as an artist.”

    Hailing from Arouca, Coutain credits his mother’s protective upbringing and musical influence as foundational to his development. “My mother is a huge Michael Jackson fan,” he shared, “so from the moment I learned about him at the age of five, I decided that I wanted to be an artiste and performer.”

    This early inspiration was formally cultivated through his education, culminating in a bachelor’s degree in performing arts from the University of Trinidad and Tobago in 2024. His academic training taught him “to fully commit to my performances and to be adequately prepared for shows.”

    Coutain’s competitive achievements include winning both Mr NGC Sanfest in 2019 and the Junior Chutney Soca Monarch in 2020, followed by placements in the Intellectual Chutney Monarch (5th in 2024) and Ultimate Soca Champion (4th in 2025). He views these competitions as strategic platforms for exposure and growth rather than mere contests.

    Beyond music, Coutain has built a substantial digital presence with over 164,000 TikTok followers through comedy skits and musical content. “It all began when I was quite young; I aspired to be an artiste, so I started creating skits and building a fanbase,” he explained, noting that making others laugh brings him “immense joy.”

    Looking toward Carnival 2026, Coutain plans to audition for the Chutney Soca Monarch while preparing additional releases, including a collaborative track with another artist. His long-term vision extends beyond Trinidad’s shores: “Becoming an international artist is my aspiration,” he stated, aiming to break into global markets with pop, R&B, and hip-hop while remaining true to his Caribbean roots.

  • Local media professional publishes romance book titled, Forgive Us

    Local media professional publishes romance book titled, Forgive Us

    Grenadian media professional Sorana Mitchell has unveiled her second literary work, the romance and erotica collection titled ‘Forgive Us,’ marking a significant milestone in her writing career. The book launch on December 27, 2025, gathered friends and supporters to celebrate Mitchell’s bold entry into sensitive literary territories.

    The collection comprises three distinct novellas set against Grenada’s vibrant backdrop, representing creative concepts that first emerged approximately fifteen years ago. Mitchell reveals these stories began taking shape following her bipolar disorder diagnosis, serving as an outlet for the persistent narratives occupying her thoughts. “Rather than being continuously bombarded by these storylines in my mind,” Mitchell explained, “I channeled them into writing.”

    Mitchell’s affinity for romance literature traces back to her teenage years when such novels provided escape from personal challenges. She humorously recalls being among secondary school students disciplined for reading forbidden romantic materials, highlighting the genre’s controversial history in conservative educational environments.

    Her philosophical approach to romance centers on mutual choice and partnership. “The concept that two people can meet, choose each other, and collaboratively build a life together represents something profoundly beautiful,” Mitchell reflected. “It’s about no longer facing the world alone.”

    The decision to publish these particular stories involved considerable internal conflict, primarily due to their inclusion of intimate scenes considered taboo within some social circles. Mitchell acknowledged initial concerns about public perception but ultimately embraced her creative vision. “I wrestled with hesitation before stepping into my true being to fully own my creation,” she stated.

    Financial constraints and unforeseen delays temporarily postponed the publication, though Mitchell persevered to complete the project. Demonstrating her commitment to community collaboration, the author intentionally incorporated references to local Grenadian businesses within her narratives. “On a small island like ours,” Mitchell emphasized, “small businesses must find innovative ways to collaborate. I featured their products in my book and even included sensual items from local entrepreneurs in special launch packages.”

    The trilogy begins with ‘Unexpected,’ exploring a romance between a woman in her mid-forties and a younger man. ‘His Pretty Girl’ addresses themes of class stratification, physical appearance, and societal acceptance, particularly regarding weight-related prejudices. The titular novella ‘Forgive Us’ delves into forbidden romance between a priest and his childhood sweetheart.

    ‘Forgive Us’ follows Mitchell’s previously published memoir ‘Still Smiling,’ with both works available through Amazon’s global distribution network.

  • NO LIVE STREAMING at the One Nation Caribbean Music Festival

    NO LIVE STREAMING at the One Nation Caribbean Music Festival

    The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has implemented stringent broadcasting restrictions for the upcoming One Nation Caribbean Music Festival, prohibiting all live streaming during both nights of the event. This policy stems from contractual obligations with international performing artists whose agreements explicitly limit digital distribution rights.

    Media organizations seeking coverage must acquire official footage through the nation’s state broadcaster, ABS TV, which will serve as the exclusive distributor of professional-grade content. This centralized approach ensures consistent visual quality and perspective across all media outlets.

    While attendees are permitted to capture personal photos and videos using mobile devices for non-commercial purposes, any attempt to live broadcast performances will result in immediate ejection from the venue. Festival security personnel will actively enforce these protocols throughout both evenings.

    The commission emphasizes that these measures align with international entertainment industry standards for protecting intellectual property and artistic rights. By controlling distribution channels, organizers aim to maintain the value of performers’ content while delivering a premium experience for physical attendees.

    These protective measures ultimately serve to honor artistic agreements while preserving the exclusive nature of the live event experience. The commission expresses gratitude for public cooperation in upholding these professional standards within the Caribbean music industry.

  • President Abinader receives Michel Camilo and Berklee College of Music delegation

    President Abinader receives Michel Camilo and Berklee College of Music delegation

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant cultural development, Dominican President Luis Abinader hosted an eminent delegation at the National Palace, featuring world-renowned pianist Michel Camilo and officials from Boston’s Berklee College of Music. The high-profile gathering served to evaluate advancements within the groundbreaking ‘Berklee in Santo Domingo 2026’ initiative, a collaborative effort designed to cultivate exceptional musical talent across the Caribbean nation.

    The program represents an extraordinary educational opportunity, providing intensive training to over 200 meticulously selected students from a highly competitive applicant pool. These young musicians are receiving instruction directly from Berklee’s distinguished faculty during the January 5-10 intensive session. As a highlight of the program, Maestro Camilo will conduct an exclusive masterclass at the National Theater on January 7, offering participants invaluable insights from his illustrious international career. The most promising participant will receive the program’s pinnacle award: a comprehensive scholarship to pursue studies at Berklee’s main campus in the United States.

    This ambitious cultural-educational project operates through a strategic alliance between Berklee College and several Dominican institutions, including the Ministry of Culture, the National School of Fine Arts, and the National Conservatory of Music. The collaboration signals a substantial investment in cultural infrastructure and demonstrates the administration’s dedication to creating international pathways for Dominican artists. The initiative not only enhances artistic education but also strengthens the global cultural presence of the Dominican Republic, positioning the nation as an emerging hub for musical excellence in the Caribbean region.

  • Nominations Open January 6 for the 2025 Antigua & Barbuda National Music Awards

    Nominations Open January 6 for the 2025 Antigua & Barbuda National Music Awards

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has officially launched the nomination process for its prestigious 2025 National Music Awards (ABNMA), with submissions opening January 6, 2026. The Ministry of Creative Industries, through its Department of Culture, announced the commencement of the awards’ second edition, which will culminate in a grand ceremony on February 26, 2026, in St. John’s.

    This national initiative serves as the country’s premier platform for honoring exceptional achievements across the musical landscape. The awards recognize diverse contributors including performers, composers, educators, media specialists, producers, and cultural advocates who have significantly enriched the twin-island state’s musical heritage and entertainment sector.

    The 2025 edition introduces a substantially expanded awards framework designed to encompass a broader spectrum of creative and industry contributions. The comprehensive categories now include:

    – MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR honors covering instrumental excellence, steelpan performance, and vocal artistry across genres including Soca, Calypso, Reggae/Dancehall, and Gospel
    – Producer and Songwriter recognition awards
    – People’s Choice categories for Best Recording Artist, Band & DJ, Song & Sound, and Events
    – Emerging artist development awards including the Ricardo Drue Foundation Award for musicians aged 25 and under
    – Special Recognition Awards for individuals and organizations with over a decade of contribution
    – Lifetime Achievement Award honoring those with 20+ years of significant national impact

    The nomination process emphasizes accessibility and transparency, offering both online and in-person submission options through the Ministry of Creative Industries headquarters on Old Parham Road. The program welcomes nominations from the public, provided they have the nominee’s permission, ensuring both accuracy and willingness to participate.

    Nominees are encouraged to prepare comprehensive submission packages including tailored biographies, professional images, project summaries, and other supporting materials that demonstrate their qualifications for specific award categories. Detailed guidelines for each category will accompany the official nomination forms.

    This expanded awards framework reflects the nation’s deepening commitment to celebrating artistic excellence while simultaneously fostering innovation, education, cultural preservation, and industry development. The ABNMA continues to evolve as a unifying cultural force that inspires emerging creatives, showcases national talent, and enriches Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural identity on the global stage.

  • Three to compete for Carnival Princess 2026

    Three to compete for Carnival Princess 2026

    Roseau’s Rotaract Club has officially unveiled the three young contestants who will compete for the coveted title of Carnival Princess 2026 in an eagerly anticipated cultural event. Dubbed the “Fabulous Three” by organizers, these contestants were introduced to the public during a special Facebook Live launch event on Monday evening.

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

    Event organizers are mobilizing community support, urging Dominica residents to attend in significant numbers to cheer on these talented young ambassadors of culture. The grand Carnival Princess Show is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Carnival City venue, with festivities commencing at 3:00 PM. The competition represents a cherished tradition that highlights cultural pride, youthful talent, and community spirit through vibrant performances and presentations.

  • UB40’s Labour of Love revisits Billboard

    UB40’s Labour of Love revisits Billboard

    Four decades after its initial success, UB40’s iconic reggae album ‘Labour of Love’ demonstrates remarkable staying power on music charts worldwide. The British band’s fourth studio recording, originally released in 1983, has re-entered Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart at number nine this week, nearly 40 years after its debut. This chart reappearance follows the album’s peak performance in 2022 when it reached number six—its highest position to date on this particular chart.

    The ten-track collection, consisting primarily of covers originally performed by Jamaican artists, includes celebrated renditions of ‘Sweet Sensation’ by The Melodians, Jimmy Cliff’s ‘Many Rivers to Cross,’ Eric Donaldson’s ‘Cherry Oh Baby,’ and Winston Tucker’s ‘Please Don’t Make Me Cry.’ The album’s enduring appeal is further evidenced by its platinum certification status across multiple nations including the United States, New Zealand, Canada, and the Netherlands.

    Billboard’s current reggae chart landscape continues to be dominated by Bob Marley and the Wailers’ ‘Legend,’ which maintains its extraordinary reign at number one for an unprecedented 312 non-consecutive weeks. The chart’s upper ranks feature Shaggy’s ‘Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection’ holding steady at number two, followed by Sean Paul’s ‘The Trinity’ and ‘Dutty Rock’ at three and four respectively. Stick Figure claims three consecutive positions with ‘World on Fire,’ ‘Wisdom,’ and ‘Set in Stone’ occupying spots five through seven.

    Regional charts show significant activity with Neto Yuth and Anthony B’s ‘So Long’ continuing its leadership on the Rebel Vibez Top Ten Canadian Reggae chart. In New York, Sherell Rosegreen’s ‘Come Jesus Come’ retains the top position for a second week, while White Mice’s ‘One Blood’ and Busy Signal’s ‘Conscious Vibes’ show upward movement. South Florida’s reggae chart welcomes a new number one with the Mr Vegas-produced remix of ‘Pitta Patta’ by Ernie Smith and Ed Robinson.

  • Courtney Wilson returns to stage with Boopsie’s Homecoming

    Courtney Wilson returns to stage with Boopsie’s Homecoming

    Courtney Wilson, a foundational pillar of Jamaica’s theatrical scene, marks his triumphant return to the stage in Jambiz International’s newest comedic production, ‘Boopsie’s Homecoming’. Having originated his iconic Shaggy character in the company’s ‘Cinderellisha and the DJ Prince’ 24 years ago, Wilson now embodies Larry, the scheming accomplice to his sister Petal in this domestic drama unveiled on Boxing Day at Kingston’s Courtleigh Auditorium.

    The narrative centers on Boopsie (portrayed by Glen Campbell), a Jamaican expatriate residing in the United States who has diligently financed the construction of his dream home through years of remittances to his wife. His anticipated homecoming transforms into profound disillusionment upon discovering the funds have mysteriously vanished with minimal construction progress to show.

    Though Wilson confesses to never personally participating in such financial deception, he channels profound empathy for Boopsie’s betrayal, drawing upon analogous personal experiences of familial trust violation in business contexts, as revealed in his Jamaica Observer interview.

    His extensive collaborative history with Campbell—Jambiz’s perennial lead—and playwright Patrick Brown (company co-founder and principal writer) creates exceptional synergistic dynamics. Wilson attributes their sustained success in productions like ‘Indecent Proposal’, ‘Room 513’, ‘Windscream Posse’, and ‘Lockdown’ to this deeply ingrained professional familiarity, noting their mutual awareness of each other’s artistic strengths and vulnerabilities both onstage and off.

    Hailing from West Kingston and raised in the McIntyre Villa community (colloquially termed Dunkirk), Wilson’s artistic journey commenced at Excelsior High School through Jamaica Cultural Development Commission events before formalizing his craft with a performing arts degree from Excelsior Community College.

    His uninterrupted tenure with Jambiz since 2002 has provided both artistic refinement and economic stability—a crucial combination for a family man within the acting profession. Wilson emphasizes his enthusiasm for challenging, diverse roles that maintain his creative engagement and financial security.

    The production features Daindra Harrison and Renae Williams alternating as the duplicitous Petal, with David Crossgill completing the ensemble as Papa. Performance schedules maintain Wednesday-through-Friday evening showings at 8:00 PM, supplemented by dual Saturday and Sunday performances at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

  • “Born females” invited to register for Miss Anguilla Pageant

    “Born females” invited to register for Miss Anguilla Pageant

    The search for Anguilla’s next cultural ambassador has officially commenced with the opening of registration for the 2026 ‘Once Upon a Queen’ pageant. Organizers have announced a nationwide call for aspiring contestants who embody the values of elegance, intelligence, and national pride.

    Prospective candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria to participate in the prestigious competition. Applicants must be born female between the ages of 18 and 27, never married, and without children. Additionally, requirements include Anguillian citizenship or legal residency, English fluency, and a minimum of four Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) passes including English language proficiency.

    The competition framework emphasizes personal development and cultural representation rather than conventional beauty standards. The thematic concept ‘Once Upon a Queen’ invites participants to envision their potential reign as a transformative journey of self-discovery and national service.

    Registration will remain open through January 31st, 2026, providing ample time for qualified individuals to complete the application process. The selected queen will assume responsibilities as a cultural representative and role model for Anguillian youth and women.

    This biennial event forms part of Anguilla’s broader efforts to promote cultural diplomacy and youth empowerment through traditional pageantry formats. The competition aims to showcase the island’s talent while maintaining international pageant standards aligned with contemporary values of education and social responsibility.

  • Dominica Music Awards 2025: A night of pride, legacy, and global vision

    Dominica Music Awards 2025: A night of pride, legacy, and global vision

    The InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa served as the magnificent backdrop for the 2025 Dominica Music Awards (DMA), an evening that brilliantly showcased the island nation’s rich musical heritage and contemporary creativity. Produced by Creole Heartbeat, this prestigious event united artists, producers, cultural ambassadors, industry specialists, and enthusiastic music aficionados in a grand celebration of Dominican music’s dynamic spirit and international influence.

    The ceremony distributed honors across 24 competitive categories while simultaneously presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards and Special Honours, highlighting the extraordinary depth and diversity of Dominica’s musical landscape. From promising emerging artists to established legendary figures, the DMA reaffirmed music’s dual role as both cultural bedrock and significant economic contributor to the island nation.

    Among the evening’s most celebrated winners were Shelly, who secured both Male Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year awards, while Bouyon Barbie Faithii earned Female Artist of the Year honors. The collaborative album ‘Electric Room’ by Shelly & Signal Band received Album of the Year recognition, with the same artists winning Music Video of the Year for ‘Bye to the Old Me.’ Signal Band themselves claimed Band of the Year honors.

    The awards spanned multiple genres including Soca, Bouyon, Reggae/Dancehall, Calypso, Cadence-Lypso, and Kompa/Zouk, demonstrating the remarkable variety within Dominican music. Additional category winners included Pudaz (Bouyon Artist), Colton T (Reggae/Dancehall Artist), Joy (Calypso Artist), and Extasy (Kompa/Zouk Artist).

    A particularly moving segment featured the Office of the Prime Minister Lifetime Achievement Awards, which paid homage to seven cultural pioneers whose contributions have fundamentally shaped Dominican music: Ophelia Olivacce-Marie and Fitzroy Williams (Cadence-Lypso), David Benjamin (Traditional Music), Nasio Fontaine (Reggae), Ian Jackson (Calypso & Songwriting), Jerry Lloyd (Gospel), and Keith Goddard (Bouyon).

    Special Honours included the Felix Henderson Award presented to Sonia Magloire Akpa and the Iconic Award bestowed upon Khrisna ‘Dada’ Lawrence. The event also recognized contemporary influencers including DJ MJ (DJ of the Year), Jael Joseph (Social Media Influencer of the Year), and Asa Bantan (Promoter/Event of the Year for Breakfast Fete).

    The successful execution of the DMA was made possible through substantial support from numerous sponsors including the Office of the Prime Minister, Republic Bank Limited, KFC Dominica, Dexia, Josephine Gabriel, NCCU, Q95, and many others, reflecting a collective dedication to advancing Dominican music on the world stage.

    Established with the mission to celebrate, honor, and professionalize Dominican music, the Dominica Music Awards continues to elevate local talent while strategically positioning the island’s music industry within global markets. Through its recognition of artistic excellence, cultural preservation, and industry innovation, the DMA plays a crucial role in strengthening Dominica’s creative economy and inspiring future generations of musical talent.