The Caribbean music scene is poised to take center stage in 2026 as three exceptional artists—Zamoni, Mr. Benji of Triple K, and Pahjo—have been officially nominated for the prestigious Soca Artiste of the Year award at the Dominica Music Awards. The awards ceremony, set to take place on January 3rd, 2026, will celebrate the remarkable achievements and cultural contributions of these musicians. This nomination underscores their growing influence and unwavering dedication to the Soca genre, as well as their standout performances that have captivated audiences across the region. Their recognition not only highlights their individual talents but also reflects the vibrant and evolving nature of Caribbean music on the global stage.
分类： entertainment
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Chef Maureen St. Jean to Represent Antigua and Barbuda at Festival de la Gastronomie in Saint Martin
Chef Maureen St. Jean, the Executive Sous Chef at COCOS Hotel Antigua, is set to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the prestigious Festival de la Gastronomie in Saint Martin on November 22. Renowned for her unique blend of local and international culinary expertise, Chef Maureen will bring her signature style and passion to the regional stage. With over 20 years of experience, her journey began at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute, followed by stints at top resorts such as St. James’s Club and Curtain Bluff. At COCOS Hotel, she continues to innovate Antiguan cuisine while mentoring the next generation of chefs. Her dedication was recognized early on with the ABHTA Employee of the Year Award in 2006, and she remains a proud ambassador for Antiguan flavours. The tourism and hospitality community in Antigua and Barbuda is fully supporting her as she prepares to highlight the island’s rich culinary heritage in Saint Martin.
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Fine Arts Market showcases new and emerging artists
The bi-annual Fine Art Market is set to transform The Anchorage in Chaguaramas into a vibrant hub of creativity on November 22, 2025, from 8 am to 7 pm. Organized by renowned artist Jacqueline Guzman, this one-day event will showcase over 60 local fine artists, each presenting a collection of original works that embody the spirit and soul of Trinidad and Tobago. From bold contemporary pieces to serene seascapes and evocative portraits, every artwork tells a uniquely Caribbean story. Since its inception, the Fine Art Market has successfully hosted nine exhibitions, with the most recent in May 2025, attracting art enthusiasts and collectors alike. This year’s event will feature notable artists such as Linda Goodridge, Malcom Charles, Kavir Motoo, and Roger Abiss, alongside emerging talents and students from local schools. Additionally, Trinidad and Tobago authors, including Donna Benny and Roma Saney, will display their latest literary works. Guzman emphasized the event’s mission to provide a platform for both emerging and established artists to exhibit and sell their work, while fostering a deeper appreciation for local art. The Fine Art Market promises an inspiring day filled with creativity, conversation, and Caribbean pride, welcoming seasoned collectors, casual admirers, and first-time buyers to share in the joy of discovery.
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Mikey General honours Rastafari legacy with Haile Selassie Liveth
Renowned reggae artist Mikey General has unveiled his latest single, ‘Haile Selassie Liveth,’ a heartfelt homage to the enduring legacy of Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia and a central figure in the Rastafarian faith. Released on October 31, 2025, under Meridian Records, the track showcases Mikey General’s signature velvety vocals, delivering a soulful and meditative reggae experience. The song masterfully intertwines spiritual reverence, cultural consciousness, and musical artistry, offering listeners a transcendent journey that both uplifts and educates. ‘Haile Selassie Liveth’ stands as a testament to Mikey General’s commitment to creating spiritually enriching music, further solidifying his esteemed position in the reggae genre. The single is now accessible on all major streaming platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, and Tidal.
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Spice re-enters Billboard Reggae Albums chart with 10
Dancehall sensation Spice has made a triumphant return to the Billboard Reggae Albums chart with her 2021 debut studio album, *10*. Released under VP Records, the album has re-entered the chart at #8, marking a significant milestone for the artist. Originally debuting at #6 on August 21, 2021, *10* spent a week on the chart, showcasing Spice’s enduring appeal in the reggae and dancehall genres. Notably, Spice stands as the sole female artist currently featured on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, underscoring her unique position in the industry. Her impressive chart history includes five entries, with the *Captured* mixtape reaching #1 in 2018, the *So Mi Like It* EP peaking at #14 in 2014, and *Emancipated* and *Mirror 25* both climbing to #7 in 2022 and 2024, respectively. This latest achievement further cements Spice’s legacy as a trailblazer in reggae and dancehall music.
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Miss Universe Jamaica falls during evening gown preliminary competition
Dr. Gabrielle Henry, Jamaica’s representative at the 2025 Miss Universe pageant, is currently receiving medical attention at Paolo Rangsit Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, following an unfortunate incident during the preliminary competitions. Henry reportedly fell from the stage shortly after participating in the evening gown segment on Wednesday. According to Mark McDermoth, the national director of the Miss Universe Jamaica Organisation, preliminary medical tests have confirmed that Henry is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries. McDermoth urged the public to keep Henry in their prayers during this challenging time. Henry was accompanied to the hospital by her sister, mother, and representatives from the Miss Universe organization. Earlier in the week, she had successfully competed in the national costume and swimwear preliminary rounds. The coronation of the 74th Miss Universe is set to take place on Thursday, November 20, at the Impact Challenger Hall Arena in Bangkok, with delegates from 120 countries vying for the prestigious title. Jamaica has a strong history in the pageant, with several contestants achieving top-ten placements, including Sandra Foster (1989), Kimberly Mais (1991), Nicole Haughton (1999), Christine Straw (2004), Yendi Phillips (2nd place, 2010), Kaci Fennell (2014), Davina Bennett (2017), and Miqueal Symone Williams (2020).
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Terry Ganzie champions conscious music
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Renowned recording artist Terry Ganzie is once again captivating global audiences as he reconnects with his roots and reignites his mission to inspire and uplift through his music. Known for his profound contributions to the conscious dancehall movement of the 1990s, Ganzie is now crafting a new chapter in his illustrious career, blending timeless messages of truth, resilience, and spiritual strength with contemporary sounds that resonate across generations and borders. Emerging in the early 1990s as part of the influential Penthouse and Bobby Digital movements, Ganzie quickly established himself as a voice for the marginalized. His iconic tracks, including ‘Welcome the Outlaw,’ ‘Who’s Responsible,’ ‘Treat You Right,’ ‘Jah Will Help,’ and ‘Heavy Load,’ solidified his reputation as one of reggae’s most revered truth-tellers. His music, characterized by its unapologetic consciousness and spiritual depth, continues to inspire listeners worldwide. In a recent statement, Ganzie emphasized, ‘Music is both a weapon and a healing force. My mission has always been to uplift and awaken people, reminding them that reggae’s essence is truth.’ As reggae evolves globally, blending with Afrobeat, hip-hop, and digital subgenres, Ganzie’s influence is being rediscovered by a new generation of fans and selectors. His latest initiative, ‘Legacy of The Outlaw,’ celebrates his cultural impact through a series of interviews, performances, collaborations, and digital releases. With new tracks like ‘We Rise’ gaining international acclaim, Ganzie’s signature blend of grit, wisdom, and inspiration continues to resonate with audiences seeking authenticity. ‘Reggae is not just entertainment—it’s education, it’s emancipation. The fire never dies. The Outlaw still stands firm,’ he declared.
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Roman Oost-West: Liefde in tijden van dictatuur
On the eve of the 50th anniversary of Srefidensi, Professor Guno Jones, holder of the Anton de Kom Chair, received the first copy of the novel ‘Oost-West’ by Morales Wijngaarde (1961–1992) in Amsterdam. The book launch, held in a packed venue, was attended by notable figures including Ernestine Comvalius, Henry Does, Raoul de Jong, Ricardo Wijngaarde, Caroline Mulder, and Noraly Beyer. The novel narrates the love story between two young individuals during the early years of the Republic of Suriname. At a university party, Marius, a politically conscious Afro-Surinamese student raised in the multicultural environment of Paramaribo, meets Chandra, a teacher training student from a traditional Hindu background in the rice district of Nickerie. Their relationship faces resistance due to cultural differences. Noraly Beyer, in her review on the book’s back cover, praised the novel for its precise depiction of daily life in Suriname, drawing parallels to the famous 1976 Surinamese film ‘Wan Pipel’. She highlighted the grim backdrop of the 1980s military dictatorship, which she personally recognized. Morales Wijngaarde, a sociology graduate from the Anton de Kom University of Suriname, was a student leader and editor of the leftist weekly ‘Mokro’. He left Suriname after the December Murders, during which ‘Mokro’ founder Bram Behr was killed and the publication was banned. Wijngaarde continued his work as a journalist and writer in exile in Amsterdam until his death. ‘Oost-West’ was published by Nijgh & Van Ditmar, the same publisher that released works by Albert Helman. Raoul de Jong wrote the foreword, and Henry Does provided the introduction. The author dedicated the novel to Bram Behr, stating, ‘For Bram. They destroyed your fragile body, but they could not tame your restless spirit.’
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Chef Ronald Reagan Wilson to Represent Antigua and Barbuda at Saint Martin’s Festival de la Gastronomie
Chef Ronald Reagan Wilson, the esteemed Head Chef at Blue Waters Hotel, has been selected to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the prestigious Festival de la Gastronomie in Saint Martin. This announcement was made by the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, underscoring the nation’s commitment to showcasing its culinary prowess on a regional stage. Wilson is set to take center stage at the festival’s grand finale on November 22, where he will unveil two of his signature creations: a tantalizing dish of fungee paired with a passion fruit and ginger dipping sauce, and the innovative Chop-Up Churri. The festival, a celebrated gathering of culinary experts and food aficionados from across the Caribbean, provides a platform for Wilson to highlight the rich flavors and traditions of Antigua and Barbuda. His participation not only elevates the country’s culinary reputation but also fosters cultural exchange and appreciation within the region.
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Young Lyrics Completes Successful Media Tour in Trinidad, Showcasing Antigua and Barbuda on the Regional Stage
Young Lyrics, the rising star from Antigua and Barbuda, has concluded a highly successful media tour in Trinidad, effectively spotlighting her homeland on the regional entertainment stage. The tour, which spanned several days, saw the artist engage in a series of high-profile interviews, live performances, and cultural exchanges, all aimed at promoting Antigua and Barbuda’s vibrant arts scene. Her dynamic presence and compelling storytelling captivated audiences, earning widespread acclaim from both local and international media outlets. This strategic move not only bolstered her personal brand but also served as a significant cultural export for her nation, reinforcing its position as a hub of Caribbean creativity. The tour’s success underscores the growing influence of Antigua and Barbuda in the regional entertainment industry, paving the way for future collaborations and opportunities.