Bill Newman, famously known as ‘The Mighty Crooner,’ achieved a historic sweep at the annual Canadian Calypso Competition on July 26, hosted by The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA). His winning composition, *The 51st State*, not only earned him the prestigious title of Calypso Monarch by the judges but also secured the People’s Choice award through audience votes. Newman’s triumph extended to every major category, including Best Melody, Best Lyrics, Best Composition on a Local Topic, Most Humorous, and Best Rendition. Renowned Canadian calypso scholar Roger Gibbs praised Newman as ‘an unstoppable force,’ highlighting his signature suave style, clear diction, and topical compositions. *The 51st State* cleverly addresses Canada’s resolute rejection of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada become the 51st state. The song’s chorus, ‘No Donald no, we want to let you know, we don’t want to be the 51st state,’ resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting Canada’s commitment to sovereignty and independence. Newman’s performance was further elevated by the masterful arrangement by Ozzy Gurley, his long-time collaborator. Born in Guyana and later moving to Toronto, Newman’s journey into calypso began decades ago when he attended a competition and was inspired to perform. Known for his humorous calypsos, Newman’s latest work has sparked widespread interest, with calls for performances across Toronto. *The 51st State* is now available on YouTube and major streaming platforms.
分类： entertainment
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Sonequa Martin-Green for Greta Constantine
In a grand celebration of female excellence, Glamour magazine has announced its 2025 Global Women of the Year, recognizing luminaries across various fields. Demi Moore and Tyla were crowned as the Global Women of the Year, while Rachel Zegler took home the title of US and UK Woman of the Year. Additionally, Ms Rachel, Pat McGrath, and five standout athletes from the WNBA — Lexie Hull, Napheesa Collier, Jonquel Jones, Nyara Sabally, and Satou Sabally — were honored as US Women of the Year. The festivities kicked off with a glamorous soirée in the UK on October 31, followed by a star-studded event at New York’s Plaza Hotel on November 4. Among the highlights was British make-up icon Pat McGrath, who delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, crediting her Jamaican mother, Jean, for instilling in her the values of beauty, identity, and self-expression. ‘From a dream-filled kid in North Hampton to standing here tonight, it’s been an incredible journey,’ McGrath reflected. The event also featured appearances by fashion icons Jennifer Behr and Olivia Palermo, as well as designer Kirk Pickersgill of Greta Constantine. McGrath shared a first glimpse of her award with her Instagram followers, marking yet another milestone in her illustrious career.
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Rebecca Foster bares her soul with Mixtape: Vol 1
After a six-year absence from the local art scene, Trinidadian visual artist Rebecca Foster is set to make a bold return with her one-day exhibition, ‘Mixtape: Vol 1,’ at the 101 Art Gallery on November 15. The 45-year-old Diego Martin resident will showcase over 30 pieces, a vibrant collection of new and older works, including sketches, Hard Rock Cafe portraits, and previously unseen creations. Foster describes the exhibition as a deeply personal endeavor, revealing her artistic soul and reflecting her journey as an artist. ‘This show is probably more of a reflection of me, which is terrifying. But hey, you gotta put yourself out there sometimes,’ she shared. The exhibition features a diverse range of styles and themes, from landscapes and architectural works to traditional Carnival characters and celebrity portraits, all unified by her signature use of vivid color. Foster’s artistic journey has been shaped by her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she created free coloring pages to help people cope with stress, eventually compiling them into her book, ‘Colouring Carnival: Traditional Mas.’ Her career spans multiple creative disciplines, including acting, production design, and even pole dancing. Foster’s upcoming exhibition marks a significant milestone in her artistic evolution, blending her Caribbean roots with a cinematic storytelling approach. The exhibition will be open from 11 am to 6 pm at the 101 Art Gallery on November 15.
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The Coconut Cracker a classical favourite with a Caribbean twist
The Caribbean School of Dancing (CSD) continues its legacy of blending discipline and creativity with a groundbreaking production titled *Fantasy in Dance: The Coconut Cracker*. Scheduled for November 15 and 16 at Queen’s Hall in St Ann’s, this performance reinterprets the classic ballet *The Nutcracker* through a distinctly Caribbean lens. Choreographed by principal Bridgette Wilson, the show features a cast of 110 dancers and 20 musicians, including members of the UWI Arts Steel, promising a vibrant celebration of local culture, music, and dance.
Wilson, inspired by the late Patricia Roe’s dedication to making ballet accessible to Caribbean audiences, has transformed the traditional European narrative into a story that resonates with Trinidadian heritage. The Nutcracker becomes the Coconut Cracker, a coconut vendor, while the Sugar Plum Fairy is reimagined as the Sugar Cane Fairy. The siblings Clara and Fritz are now Kyara and Junior, and even the toy soldier is redefined as Soldier Larry, drawing from sailor mas traditions.
The production also incorporates local elements such as a Sahara dust storm replacing the snow scene, with moko jumbies guiding Kyara to the Land of Island Paradise, symbolizing Trinidad and Tobago. Wilson’s vision is to reclaim space for Caribbean culture within the traditionally Eurocentric art form of ballet, showcasing the richness of local traditions on a global stage.
In addition to *The Coconut Cracker*, younger students aged three to eight will perform *Anansi and the Magic Shell*, an original story blending ballet, hip-hop, tap, and modern dance. The costumes, designed by Valmiki Maharaj of The Lost Tribe, merge traditional ballet attire with Caribbean aesthetics, further enhancing the cultural narrative.
Wilson sees this production as the beginning of a larger creative journey, aiming to expand and refine *The Coconut Cracker* in future iterations. Her work not only honors the legacy of CSD but also reaffirms the place of Caribbean culture in the world of performing arts.
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‘Predator: Badlands’ conquers N American box office
The North American box office witnessed a sci-fi horror triumph as ‘Predator: Badlands,’ the latest addition to the nearly four-decade-old franchise, stormed into theaters with a commanding $40 million debut, according to industry estimates released Sunday. Produced by 20th Century Studios, the film introduces Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as an outcast Predator who takes on the role of an unlikely hero, joining forces with an android portrayed by Elle Fanning on a grand quest for redemption. This marks the ninth installment in the iconic series that began in 1987 with Arnold Schwarzenegger as its lead.
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Cathy Matete takes Kenyan politicians to task in new song
In a bold artistic move, Kenyan singer Cathy Matete has channeled her frustration with political corruption and social injustice into her latest song, ‘We Won’t Be Silenced.’ Produced by Jamaican Garfield Cowan for Natures Way Entertainment, the track is set for release in November and is part of the Roots Rock Reggae compilation album, scheduled for early 2026. Matete’s powerful anthem reflects the growing disillusionment among Kenyans, particularly the youth, who feel betrayed by unfulfilled promises of jobs and empowerment. The song’s accompanying video further amplifies its message, critiquing the lack of accountability among Kenya’s political elite. Matete, who will perform at the Jamhuri Reggae Festival in Nairobi on November 29, describes the song as a declaration of resistance against silence and complacency. She also hints at upcoming projects exploring similar themes, signaling her commitment to using music as a platform for social commentary.
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Salt-N-Pepa, Outkast, Thom Bell and others inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
In a star-studded ceremony held on November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, hip-hop pioneers Salt-N-Pepa and Outkast were officially enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The event celebrated their monumental contributions to music and their enduring influence on the industry. Salt-N-Pepa, the groundbreaking New York hip-hop trio featuring Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton, received the Musical Influence Award for their iconic tracks such as ‘Let’s Talk About Sex,’ ‘Push It,’ and ‘Shoop.’ These songs, which championed women’s empowerment and playful sexuality in a male-dominated genre, have left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture. Missy Elliott, a Grammy-winning artist, paid tribute to the trio, stating, ‘These three women are the bricklayers to the foundation that holds hip-hop together. They gave us their shoulders to stand on.’ Outkast, the Atlanta rap duo known for chart-topping hits like ‘Hey Ya,’ ‘Ms Jackson,’ and ‘The Way You Move,’ was honored with a heartfelt tribute from actor Donald Glover. Glover, who grew up listening to Outkast, expressed his gratitude, saying, ‘Atlanta is not the music Mecca it has become without you. There is no Childish Gambino without you. There is no South without you.’ The ceremony also celebrated other legendary inductees, including Thom Bell, a key figure in the ‘Sound of Philadelphia’ soul movement, Cyndi Lauper, the White Stripes, and Soundgarden. Lauper, known for her vibrant punk style and hits like ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,’ was praised for her unapologetic artistry and four-octave vocal range. The White Stripes, represented by their electrifying rock anthems such as ‘Seven Nation Army,’ were lauded by Iggy Pop, who described their music as ‘coming from a foundation of love, not revolution.’ The event underscored the profound impact these artists have had on shaping the musical landscape and inspiring future generations.
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Home cooks win honours in Independence culinary contest
The Barbados Food & Rum Festival witnessed a celebration of local culinary talent as two Barbadians triumphed in the Food & Rum X Independence competition. The event, a highlight of the festival, showcased the creativity and passion of participants for traditional Barbadian cuisine. Cola, the first-place winner, captivated the judges with her dish of Cou Cou, Flying Fish, and okra, which beautifully encapsulated tradition, storytelling, and heart. Reflecting on her journey, Cola shared, ‘Cooking has always been part of my daily life. My mother cooks every day, so it was either learn to cook or be on your own. I learned, and every day she’d teach me something new.’ Her dedication earned her two tickets to the premium event, Barbados Food & Rum Festival: Liquid Gold. Faith Joseph secured second place with her innovative Pumpkin Pancakes, inspired by her love for locally grown produce. ‘Pumpkin is a staple in everyday meals all year round. I just wanted to showcase that in a different way,’ she explained. Joseph’s prize included two tickets to another festival event, Rise & Rum. Both winners were honored by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and the Barbados Food & Rum Festival, celebrating their home-cooked talent and exceptional taste.
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Rooted in tradition, Food & Rum fest’s star rises on global stage
The Barbados Food and Rum Festival’s International Chef Demo in Hastings was graced by the return of Chef Kamilah Callendar, who made her first public appearance in her homeland after eight years. The event was a sensory delight, with the aroma of garlic and caramelized pineapple filling the air as Callendar took the stage. Her signature dish, a slow-roasted pork belly accompanied by breadfruit purée, caramelized pineapple, toasted cassava flour with plantains, and a Bajan cherry beer reduction, captivated the audience. The dish’s golden, crackling skin and shimmering cherry glaze were a testament to her culinary artistry. Callendar’s journey from Barbados to Brazil and now Botswana has been marked by a commitment to her roots, blending traditional Bajan ingredients with innovative techniques. She shared her philosophy of staying true to tradition while embracing creativity, a principle that has guided her career. Callendar’s culinary path was unexpected; initially studying geology in Brazil, she discovered her passion for cooking and pursued gastronomy. Her work at the Embassy of Barbados in Botswana has allowed her to explore Setswana cuisine, enriching her culinary repertoire. Inspired by her mother, grandmother, and sister, Chef Janelle Hyland, Callendar’s approach to food is deeply personal. At the festival, she emphasized the importance of resilience in a male-dominated industry and the balance between tradition and innovation. Her dishes, described as ‘pork perfection on a plate,’ resonated with the audience, embodying a culinary adventure that evokes nostalgia while introducing new flavors. Callendar’s future aspirations include exploring Japanese cuisine and opening a restaurant that fuses Caribbean authenticity with global techniques. Her story is a celebration of Barbadian heritage, creativity, and the evolving identity of its cuisine on the global stage.
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Revealing the spirit in stone: Christopher Chandler’s art for the people
In the heart of Barbados, a hidden genius is reshaping public spaces with his extraordinary sculptures. Christopher Chandler, an artist with over three decades of experience, has been quietly transforming stone, wood, and discarded materials into breathtaking works of art. His creations, ranging from the Parris Hill mural in St Joseph to the Reviving Humanity monument in Egypt, are not just decorative pieces but profound statements of creativity and shared humanity. Chandler’s philosophy is simple yet profound: he doesn’t create art; he reveals what already exists in the materials he works with. His approach is deeply rooted in the belief that every piece tells its own story, whether it’s a tree trunk carved with expressive faces or a monumental sculpture that stands as a testament to human resilience. Despite his international acclaim, Chandler remains a low-profile figure, preferring to let his work speak for itself. He believes that art should be accessible to everyone, not confined to galleries or private collections. His pieces, which can take anywhere from half an hour to a year to complete, are designed to engage the public and provoke thought. Chandler’s journey as an artist is a testament to the power of vision and dedication. Without formal training, he has carved a niche for himself in the global art scene, inspiring young artists to see beyond aesthetics and engage with the world around them. His work is a dialogue between people and the environment, a reminder that art is not just about decoration but about noticing and paying attention to the small things in life.