Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • ‘I Wouldn’t Put Myself in a Situation to Hurt My Country’, Says New MUB Director

    ‘I Wouldn’t Put Myself in a Situation to Hurt My Country’, Says New MUB Director

    Just weeks ahead of the official casting process for the next Miss Universe Belize (MUB), newly appointed national director Destiny Wagner has broken her silence on the controversy surrounding the franchise’s new ownership, pushing back against criticism and stressing that her top priority remains lifting up Belizean women competing on the global stage.

    Wagner, who took on the role after the franchise was transferred to an El Salvador-based production company, says the appointment came as a completely unexpected turn. “It was definitely not something that I had on my vision board this year, but I’m a firm believer that when an opportunity comes your way, it wouldn’t have come your way if it weren’t meant for you,” she shared in her first public interview since taking the position with local outlet News 5. In fact, Wagner was only contacted about the role the day before her public appointment and signed her contract the night before the official announcement.

    The cross-border transfer of ownership has sparked public pushback, with critics raising concerns about foreign control of the national pageant brand. But Wagner argues that foreign ownership of international beauty pageant franchises is far from an unusual practice, and that outside investment can deliver tangible benefits for emerging local talent. “A lot of pageants in Miss Universe or Miss Earth have franchisees that don’t live in that country but own the franchise, but what they bring is valuable resources that the young women can benefit from,” she explained. She emphasized that she would never accept a role that would harm Belize or the young contestants competing in the pageant, adding, “I have Belize’s best interests at heart, and I always will.”

    Despite initial hesitation about stepping into the high-profile, controversial role, Wagner says she ultimately agreed to take the position after aligning with the production company’s long-term vision for the Miss Universe Belize program.

    The leadership transition has not been without conflict, however. Former national director Destinee Arnold has already publicly stated she plans to mount a legal challenge to reclaim the franchise rights in 2027.

    For the 2026 competition cycle, the process is moving forward as planned. An open casting call is scheduled for July 4 at Belize Pilates, running from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wagner confirmed that the national Miss Universe Belize pageant will be held in mid-August, with the winner going on to compete in the international Miss Universe competition scheduled for November.

  • Soca semis deliver, stage set for finals

    Soca semis deliver, stage set for finals

    The race to claim the 2026 Groovy and Power Soca Monarch titles heated up dramatically last Friday, when 40 competing artists took the stage at Saint Lucia’s National Cultural Centre to fight for one of the coveted spots in the July 10 grand final. What unfolded was a high-energy, unforgettable night of Caribbean musical celebration, as every performer pulled out all the stops to win over both the panel of official judges and the packed audience in attendance.

    The evening opened with the highly anticipated Groovy Soca segment, which delivered no shortage of standout showings. Several acts earned roaring cheers from the crowd, including Kisha K’s rendition of *Done*, Ricky T’s *Not Kissing A$$*, Arthur Allain’s *Work on Pause (#WOP)*, and Shemmy J’s *Everything*. The electric atmosphere built through the intermission, carrying straight into the high-octane Power Soca segment, where fan engagement hit new heights. Standout sets in this round included Ezra D’Funmachine’s *Salute*, Shemmy J’s *Even If She Crying*, the collaborative *Mad People* from Bronx, Dhirv 2 Frunny & Mata, Sirlancealot’s *Jusso*, *Bring Your Cooler* by Sedale, Hollywood & Deevon, and Team Tension’s *Actimo*.

    By the end of the night, the audience’s reaction proved to be a remarkably reliable predictor of which acts would move forward: almost every performer that earned the loudest applause and biggest cheers secured a spot in the upcoming final. Five competitors have a rare shot at double glory: Ezra D’Funmachine, Kisha K, Ricky T, Shemmy J, and Sly all qualified for both the Groovy and Power categories, giving them two separate opportunities to take home a 2026 title.

    All eyes now turn to the SAB venue in Vigie, where the 2026 final will be held. Defending Groovy Monarch Nerdy and current Power Monarchs Dezral & Jardel will take the stage to defend their crowns against the newly qualified contenders. For fans hoping to catch the historic final, advance tickets are priced at EC$60, available for purchase online via 4circlestickets.com, at all The Cell outlets across the island, and at Steve’s Barbershop in central Castries. Tickets purchased at the gate on the day of the event will be priced at EC$80.

  • Caribbean Soca Artist Oscar B Dies

    Caribbean Soca Artist Oscar B Dies

    The Caribbean music community is in mourning this week following the passing of legendary Trinidadian soca artist Oscar Dennis Benjamin, professionally known as Oscar B, who died on a Sunday morning in June 2026 after a prolonged battle with illness. Fans across Belize – a nation where his upbeat tracks became a staple of annual national September celebrations – are among the thousands grieving the loss of a performer who built a decades-long bond with local audiences.

    Oscar B first catapulted to international recognition as the lead vocalist for Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, a group widely regarded as one of the most influential soca and calypso acts in Caribbean history. It was during his tenure with the band that he first established his deep connection to Belize, joining the group for annual performances during the country’s September independence celebrations, quickly growing from a visiting performer to a familiar, fan-favorite figure.

    After departing the Dragonaires to pursue a solo career, Oscar B refused to let his relationship with Belizean audiences fade. He continued to return to the country for regular tour dates, delivering high-energy live sets that drew sell-out crowds, and became just as famous for his iconic signature “butterfly” dance move as he was for his catchy, rhythm-driven tracks.

    In a touching show of regional support just days before his death, Tobago’s Chief Secretary Farley Augustine announced during a budget debate in the Tobago House of Assembly that lawmakers had approved emergency funding to cover Oscar B’s ongoing medical costs. In his announcement, Augustine highlighted the underrecognized impact the singer had on Caribbean culture, noting, “We have Oscar B ordinarily singing at our functions and not realising his mark on the region and the globe.”

    In the wake of his passing, heartfelt tributes have flooded social media and community spaces from both Tobago and Belize, with countless fans sharing intimate, personal memories of interactions with the star. One woman recalled celebrating her wedding anniversary on Caye Caulker when she and her husband encountered Oscar B at the famous Split beach spot. After asking for a photograph and mentioning their special occasion, she said the singer immediately serenaded the couple with an impromptu performance that made their day unforgettable.

    Another fan shared the story of being pulled on stage at the Biltmore to dance the iconic butterfly alongside the performer, describing the moment as one of the most joyful experiences of her life. Other memories include a private performance at a friend’s 50th birthday party in 2018, and a 2017 encounter at a Belize City store where Oscar B signed a Trinidadian one-dollar bill for a fan as a personalized keepsake. For many, the legacy of Oscar B extends far beyond his music, living on in the small, kind moments he shared with fans across the Caribbean.

  • Tributes pour in for Oscar B

    Tributes pour in for Oscar B

    The global Caribbean music community is gripped by sorrow this week following the passing of beloved, trailblazing soca performer Oscar “Oscar B” Benjamin, who breathed his last early Wednesday morning. The 57-year-old artist, a lifelong resident of Signal Hill, Tobago, had been battling health complications after suffering a severe stroke back in May, and his sudden passing came just hours before a community-organized benefit concert intended to cover his mounting medical costs and support his ongoing recovery.

    The Tobago Family and Friends Healing Concert had been planned weeks in advance for the Shaw Park Cultural Complex, scheduled to kick off Wednesday evening. Following confirmation of Benjamin’s death, event organizers and the Division of Tourism, Antiquities and Creative Industries operating under the Tobago House of Assembly announced the show would go forward as originally scheduled, but would be reimagined as a moving celebration of Benjamin’s life and his decades-long contributions to the evolution of Caribbean soca culture.

    Within minutes of the official announcement of his passing, tributes began pouring in from across the music industry, government circles, and the local Tobagonian community, all honoring the iconic artist’s legacy. In an official statement released Wednesday, Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Culture and Community Development hailed Benjamin as “a cherished son of Tobago and a celebrated ambassador of our culture”, highlighting his journey from a young choir singer to one of the region’s most recognizable soca performers.

    Benjamin first nurtured his passion for music as a young member of his local church choir, before launching his professional musical career in 1982 when he joined the iconic Signal Hill Alumni Choir. Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin shared a heartfelt tribute to the late artist, noting that Oscar B devoted his entire life to spreading the joy of Caribbean music, delighting audiences across the globe, and proudly uplifting his home of Tobago every time he stepped onto a stage.

    “It is especially heart-breaking that he passed away less than 24 hours before the scheduled Tobago Family & Friends Healing Concert, an event organized by those who loved and admired him to support his recovery following his recent illness,” Minister Benjamin said. “While he may not have witnessed that extraordinary outpouring of affection, it stands as a lasting testament to the lives he touched and the deep respect he earned throughout his career.”

    Veteran soca legend Austin “SuperBlue” Lyons was among the first fellow artists to share his condolences publicly on social media. “Waking up to sad news this morning hearing my dear Friend Oscar B pass away. May you fly with the angels above until we meet again. Always enjoy watching your performance. You will be missed. Rest in Peace,” Lyons wrote in his social media post.

    Signal Hill Secondary School, Benjamin’s alma mater, also shared a tribute remembering the star as far more than a talented performer, calling him “a living legend” whose impact extended far beyond the stage. Former Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell also offered his condolences, writing: “Oscar, boy we had some really good moments. Thank you for the entertainment and the performances, always. Fly high and rest in eternal peace.”

  • Grand finale delivers unforgettable moments at St. Kitts Music Festival

    Grand finale delivers unforgettable moments at St. Kitts Music Festival

    After three straight nights of electrifying performances spanning genres, generations, and global talent, the 28th annual St. Kitts Music Festival concluded in spectacular fashion on Saturday night, capping an event that organizers and attendees alike are calling one of the strongest editions in the festival’s decades-long history. The closing night’s lineup blended A-list international stars, beloved regional favorites, and standout local acts, turning the final evening into a memorable celebration that left crowds buzzing long after the last note rang out.

    Headline performer Fantasia, a celebrated Grammy Award-winning R&B vocalist, kicked off the night’s high-profile sets with a powerhouse performance that held thousands of attendees spellbound. She wove together decades of fan-favorite hits, from soulful staples like *When I See You* to the raw, emotional *Lose to Win*, before surprising the crowd with a moving cover of Whitney Houston’s iconic I Wanna Dance with Somebody that had the entire venue on its feet. The evening took an even more joyous turn when the festival surprised Fantasia mid-set with an on-stage birthday celebration. As sparkling fireworks lit up the St. Kitts skyline and a custom cake was brought out, thousands of fans sang out birthday wishes in unison, creating the most talked-about heartfelt moment of the entire three-night event.

    Following Fantasia’s unforgettable set, legendary reggae trailblazer Beres Hammond took the stage to a roaring welcome, leading the crowd on a nostalgic musical trip through his decades-spanning catalogue of timeless hits. Fans of all ages sang every lyric back to Hammond from start to finish, a clear testament to the enduring cross-generational appeal of his work that has made him a staple of Caribbean and global reggae culture for decades.

    Next up, iconic R&B vocal group Boyz II Men brought their signature smooth harmonies and choreographed dance moves to the stage, earning roars of approval from the crowd. The trio also paid homage to the legends that paved their way, delivering soulful renditions of classic Michael Jackson tracks and New Edition’s beloved ballad *Can You Stand the Rain* that had the audience singing along in unison.

    As the night stretched into the early hours of Sunday morning, acclaimed reggae star Tarrus Riley stepped into the closing spot, keeping the energy high for the thousands of enthusiastic fans who stayed on-site to witness the festival’s final moments. Alongside the night’s big-name acts, a host of other talented artists delivered solid sets that resonated deeply with their followers: local standout Zu, rising reggae performer D’yani, iconic reggae artist Luciano, and fan-favorite act Gharlic all earned warm receptions from the crowd.

    Early projections from festival organizers indicate that the 28th edition of the event drew the largest total attendance since the festival first launched, solidifying its standing as one of the premier must-attend music gatherings across the Caribbean. For attendees and artists alike, the 2024 (note: original text refers to upcoming 2026, the 28th is the current concluded edition) festival delivered exactly what makes the event special: a diverse, joyful celebration of music that brings together artists and fans from across the globe against the iconic backdrop of St. Kitts.

  • Milan welcomes hundreds for Dominican Parade 2026 celebration

    Milan welcomes hundreds for Dominican Parade 2026 celebration

    MILAN, Italy — Hundreds of members of Italy’s Dominican diaspora filled the city’s central thoroughfares on Sunday for the 2026 edition of the annual Dominican Parade, turning a routine weekend into a vibrant showcase of Caribbean heritage and community solidarity.

    Now in its fifth year, the procession is far more than a public celebration: it has grown into a cornerstone cultural event that binds together the Dominican community spread across Italy and wider Europe. This year’s gathering was collectively organized by three leading institutions: the Dominican Cultural House, the Dominican Republic Chamber of Commerce in Italy, and the Association of Dominican Professionals in Europe. The event drew a diverse cross-section of participants, including sitting Dominican legislators, long-serving community leaders, and a range of local and international Dominican cultural collectives, all marching together under a shared celebration of national identity.

    The colorful procession set off from the bustling Piazza San Babila in Milan’s city center, winding through popular downtown streets before concluding at the city’s world-famous Duomo di Milano, one of Italy’s most recognizable architectural landmarks. After the march ended, attendees and onlookers alike gathered to enjoy immersive displays of Dominican cultural expression, including live sets of the island’s iconic merengue and bachata music, alongside a lineup of traditional folk performances that brought the historical roots of Dominican culture to life for attendees from all backgrounds.

    The day’s festivities wrapped up with a full concluding cultural showcase staged at Chiesa Rossa Square, featuring cross-cultural performances from two notable artists: award-winning Italian singer Annalisa Minetti and prominent Dominican urban creative Lomiiel. In post-event comments, organizing representatives emphasized that the annual parade serves a dual purpose: it fosters closer connection and mutual support among the tens of thousands of Dominican people living across the European diaspora, while also building greater international awareness and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic beyond the country’s borders.

  • Grenada contributes to the global conversation on Contemporary Art and Culture

    Grenada contributes to the global conversation on Contemporary Art and Culture

    Last week, a landmark moment for Caribbean cultural outreach unfolded at New York City’s iconic Museum of Modern Art, where Dr. Susan Mains, Commissioner of the Grenada Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, took the stage to share the small island nation’s groundbreaking success on one of the global art world’s most prestigious stages. The event marked the official launch of *Atlante Dell’arte Contemporanea*, a definitive, comprehensive compendium curating the most significant works and voices in Italian and international contemporary art, that includes coverage of the Grenada Pavilion’s contributions to the global art ecosystem.

    In her address at the launch, Dr. Mains reflected on how intentional cross-sector strategic partnerships have transformed the Grenada Pavilion from a simple national exhibition space into a dynamic hub for inclusive international cultural dialogue. For years, Grenada’s participation in the Venice Biennale has served as a critical conduit to center Caribbean creativity, academic insight, and artistic innovation before an international audience of curators, collectors, scholars, and art enthusiasts.

    At the core of the pavilion’s rising international profile is the curatorial leadership of Daniel Radini Tedeschi, who has balanced global artistic context with deep respect for the specific historical and cultural experiences of the Caribbean. Under his direction, the pavilion has not only elevated its standing in the global art community but also created tangible, long-lasting opportunities for Grenadian and regional Caribbean artists to participate in global contemporary art discourse, extending their reach far beyond the limited run of the Biennale exhibition itself.

    Dr. Mains emphasized that the success of the Grenada Pavilion would not have been possible without its core collaborative partnership with START, a multifaceted cultural organization far more impactful than a traditional publishing house. START’s team of seasoned cultural professionals brings cross-cutting expertise spanning scholarly publishing, exhibition curation, strategic communications, and international cultural programming, work that ensures the Grenada Pavilion’s contributions are not just displayed temporarily, but permanently documented, studied, and preserved for future generations.

    A key unsung contributor to the pavilion’s success highlighted by Dr. Mains is Stefania Pieralice, whose exceptional organizational skill, relentless dedication to cross-cultural exchange, and meticulous attention to detail have turned ambitious creative visions into actionable, successful outcomes. Her work coordinating complex cross-border initiatives, nurturing durable relationships with leading cultural institutions, and overseeing the countless operational details required for high-profile exhibitions and publications has been instrumental in building the Grenada Pavilion’s reputation for professionalism and impact.

    The broader START team’s collaborative mission aligns directly with the core vision of the Grenada Pavilion: their commitment to editorial and creative excellence has produced authoritative catalogues and scholarly publications that serve as permanent public records of Grenada’s participation in the Venice Biennale, making the work of the nation’s artists accessible to researchers, curators, collectors, and young creatives for decades to come.

    The benefits of these long-term collaborative partnerships extend across every dimension of the pavilion’s work, including amplified international visibility for participating artists, peer-vetted scholarly documentation that preserves the pavilion’s legacy, expanded professional networks connecting Caribbean creators to leading global cultural institutions, robust critical and curatorial frameworks that deepen the impact of artistic presentation, sophisticated project management that advances cultural diplomacy goals, and lasting cultural impact that endures long after the Biennale concludes each edition.

    As Grenada enters its next phase of participation in the Venice Biennale, with multiple successful editions under its belt and a growing global footprint, these collaborative partnerships remain central to the project’s mission. The pavilion’s steady growth demonstrates that small island developing nations can make outsized, meaningful contributions to global contemporary culture when they center strategic collaboration, intellectual rigor, and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.

    The ongoing partnership between the Grenada Pavilion, its curatorial leadership, and the START team represents a shared investment in inclusive cultural exchange, rigorous scholarship, and boundary-pushing artistic innovation. Together, the collaborators continue to build a platform that not only elevates Grenadian and Caribbean artists at the Venice Biennale, but also adds unique, vital perspectives to the global conversation around contemporary art and culture.

  • Film intervention launched in honour of slain Barbadian teen

    Film intervention launched in honour of slain Barbadian teen

    Against a backdrop of rising youth violence tearing at Caribbean communities, local film producer Kerri Birch has launched a groundbreaking creative project named “Once Upon a Frame” — a labor of love and activism built to honor the life of 13-year-old Shawnathon Chase, who was killed in a fatal shooting last year while attending a community netball match at Silver Hill’s hard court in Christ Church.

    Shawnathon was not just a victim of senseless violence; he was an aspiring young writer with a growing body of work, and his death has become a catalyst for change. Reflecting on the tragic loss, Birch emphasized that Shawnathon’s killing is far from an isolated incident, pointing to a worsening pattern of youth violence that is eroding community cohesion, destabilizing family units, and putting an entire generation of young people in danger across the region.

    Developed in partnership with production company 13 Degrees North and Shawnathon’s grieving parents, Sean and Zabida Chase, the initiative will transform original short stories written by young creators into four completed short films. Among the adapted works is “Kite Heist”, a story penned by Shawnathon before his death, alongside another youth-created story “Intergalactic Pup”, which Birch confirmed will be produced entirely using artificial intelligence technology.

    Once post-production is complete, the four films are scheduled to premiere on national public television, with additional selections planned for screenings at leading international film festivals to spread the project’s message to a global audience.

    Birch, who has centered her work on community-centered storytelling, explained the core philosophy behind the initiative: youth violence takes root when young people are disenfranchised, feeling invisible, unheard, and cut off from opportunities to build stable, fulfilling futures. Instead of leaving vulnerable teens to fall through the cracks, “Once Upon a Frame” replaces idleness with creative imagination, replaces social isolation with collaborative skill-building, and replaces risky, empty lifestyles with a clear sense of purpose. Beyond creative expression, the project also equips participating young people with professional film production skills that can open doors to sustainable careers in the creative economy.

    The initiative has already secured backing from a coalition of corporate sponsors, and Birch’s team is currently holding exploratory talks with officials from Barbados’ Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology to expand support for the program. In closing, Birch issued a call for broad national investment in youth-focused interventions, arguing that the critical policy question facing the country is not whether public and private stakeholders can afford to fund programs like “Once Upon a Frame” — but whether the nation can afford not to prioritize the safety and opportunity of its young people.

  • More Than a Music Festival: St. Kitts Music Festival 2026 Ends on a High Note – WIC News

    More Than a Music Festival: St. Kitts Music Festival 2026 Ends on a High Note – WIC News

    From June 25 to 27, 2026, the Caribbean island of St. Kitts played host to one of the region’s most anticipated annual cultural gatherings, drawing thousands of global music fans to Basseterre’s Warner Park Stadium for the 28th iteration of the St. Kitts Music Festival. Far more than a simple series of concerts, this year’s event blended top-tier international talent, beloved regional Caribbean acts, heartfelt cultural tributes, and innovative new attendee experiences to deliver a three-day celebration that left audiences eager for the next edition.

    Headline performances delivered the high-energy moments that quickly went viral across social platforms. Soca icon Machel Montano’s opening weekend set dominated post-festival conversation, with thousands of attendees dancing and singing along to every track from the artist’s first step on stage to his final encore. Local St. Kitts radio personality Sweet Sister Sensia summed up widespread fan reaction in a viral Facebook post, writing, “If there was ever any doubt why he’s called the King of Soca, tonight was your answer. From start to finish, Machel tore up that stage – the energy, the vocals, the crowd connection, it all earned a perfect 10/10. He didn’t just perform, he gave us an experience we’ll talk about for years.”

    Day two of the festival brought R&B favorite Kehlani to the main stage, where the multi-platinum artist earned rave reviews from local and international attendees alike. Local resident Olivia summed up the crowd’s response, noting, “Kehlani was incredible from the moment she entered the stage till she left. It was smooth, soulful, just perfect – I absolutely love her.”

    While international draws drew large crowds, regional Caribbean music emerged as one of the festival’s standout highlights. Dominica’s Signal Band brought the infectious rhythm of bouyon music to the stage, with performance clips spreading rapidly across Caribbean social media. Fans repeatedly described bouyon as “more than music, it is a movement,” praising the genre’s irresistible energy. St. Kitts own Nu Vybes Band International also earned a perfect 10/10 rating from most attendees, with their seamless pacing, skilled musicianship, and infectious crowd engagement turning their set into one of the weekend’s biggest success stories. Viral social media posts from the performance were dominated by fire emojis and the band’s breakout lyric “Ah cyah behave meh self,” which perfectly captured the electric atmosphere inside the stadium. Rucas H.E. Empire and V’ghn kept the momentum going through the weekend, delivering nonstop high-energy sets that won glowing praise from both in-venue and online audiences.

    One of the festival’s most talked-about moments was not a headlining performance, but a heartfelt tribute to a local legend. The All Star Band’s homage to the late King Ellie Matt, one of St. Kitts and Nevis’ most influential musical icons, drew tearful, heartfelt reactions from attendees. Many called the tribute a “masterclass” in cultural remembrance, and the crowd’s unified reaction to the performance of Matt’s hit track “Drop It” quickly became the festival’s most shared moment, with thousands of attendees erupting in unison as the first notes played across the stadium speakers.

    Organizers also won praise for innovative new additions that improved the overall attendee experience. This year’s launch of the Fete Land entertainment zone eliminated long lulls between main stage set changes, giving local DJs and emerging performers a space to keep crowds engaged while the main stage was reset. Attendees took to social media to applaud the new concept, noting it kept the festival’s energy consistent from the first act to the last. Pre-festival excitement also reached a fever pitch thanks to a creative promotional campaign from Jamaican dancehall artist Shaneil Muir, who launched a social media talent contest inviting fans to upload original singing and rap clips for a chance to win a VIP festival experience. The campaign generated massive fan engagement and built widespread anticipation ahead of the festival’s opening night.

    The festival wrapped its 28th iteration on a high note with a grand finale night blending smooth R&B, soul, and timeless reggae. Headliner Fantasia delivered a showstopping performance, captivating the crowd from start to finish with her powerhouse vocals, raw heartfelt emotion, and commanding stage presence. Fans left the performance calling it a fitting capstone to the weekend, noting it would be remembered as one of the festival’s best closing sets for years to come. Reggae legend Beres Hammond followed with a soulful set of his most iconic timeless hits, reminding attendees why his voice remains one of reggae’s most beloved. By the end of the final night, attendees were already sharing their excitement for next year’s festival, cementing the St. Kitts Music Festival’s reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier cultural and musical events.

  • Dancehall acts deliver high-energy night two at St. Kitts Music Festival

    Dancehall acts deliver high-energy night two at St. Kitts Music Festival

    The 28th annual St. Kitts Music Festival kept its momentum roaring through its second night, drawing another enormous audience that packed the venue for an unforgettable evening of electric performances from top regional and international musical acts.

    Opening the night’s show was Steel Pulse, the iconic, Grammy-winning reggae group that kicked off the event with a nonstop high-energy set that set the tone for the rest of the evening. The curated lineup for night two showcased a diverse range of musical talent spanning reggae, dancehall, R&B, and local sounds, with popular acts including dancehall heavyweights Mavado, Aidonia, Masicka and Valiant, R&B global star Kehlani, reggae-dancehall artist Kranium, Jamaican songstress Shaneil Muir, and Rodney Tattat, the only homegrown performer representing host nation St. Kitts and Nevis.

    The night saw particularly electric chemistry between the audience and the lineup’s top dancehall acts. Mavado commanded the stage from start to finish, leading the entire crowd in sing-alongs to his decades of hit tracks including *Special*, *Give It All to Me* and *School Party*, never letting the venue’s energy dip throughout his set. Masicka similarly earned a rapturous response from fans, thrilling the audience with beloved cuts including his fan-favorite *Moments*. Kranium kept the crowd locked into the performance with his global hit *Nobody Has to Know*, a track that has remained a staple of festival setlists since its release.

    Offering a smooth, soulful counterpoint to the upbeat dancehall energy, international R&B standout Kehlani brought a unique vibe to the night, captivating the audience with stripped-back and powerful performances of her tracks *Folded* and her recent charted single *Cruise Control*.

    Leading up to the final night, festival leadership has shared promising data about this year’s turnout. During a recent press briefing, Clement O’Garro, Director of the St. Kitts & Nevis National Carnival Committee, confirmed that the festival’s opening night drew the largest single-night crowd in the 28-year history of the event. Early projections now point to 2024 marking the highest overall attendance for the festival since its founding.

    With two successful sold-out-style nights in the books, anticipation is already building among festival-goers for the third and final night of the celebration. The closing lineup is set to feature an equally star-studded slate of acts including Grammy-winning R&B singer Fantasia, reggae legends Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Luciano, iconic saxophonist Dean Fraser, and rising artists Zu, Gharlic, and D’yani.