For emerging writers, navigating a landscape dotted with constant rejection, every nod of recognition carries far more meaning than just an award nod — it is validation that their creative voice and chosen path matter. For St. Lucian writer Tresha Lionel, that validation came recently when she spotted her name on the longlist for the prestigious Commonwealth Short Story Prize, marking the second time her work has earned a place among the competition’s standout entries.\n\n”I was really happy about it… It’s a sort of validation that I’m on the right path,” Lionel shared in an interview with local outlet St Lucia Times, reflecting on the moment she learned of her longlisting. Lionel knows firsthand how unforgiving the submission process can be for working writers. “Being a writer and sending in submissions can mean a lot of rejection, so any acceptance and recognition feels great,” she added.\n\nLionel’s first recognition from the prize came for her earlier work *God Don’t Need Long Pants*, a deeply personal narrative that centered on her grandmother’s illness and the heavy emotional toll it placed on her entire family. Today, as she pursues a Master’s degree in Creative Writing, her work remains firmly rooted in the lived experiences, communities, and landscapes that shaped her growing up in Vieux Fort’s Shanty Town neighborhood. All of her stories draw from the people, spaces and quiet, overlooked moments she has known intimately.\n\nThe longlisted story at the center of her latest recognition is *A Soft Place*, a nuanced narrative that follows a woman’s lifelong, evolving search for safety that begins in early childhood and unfolds across decades of adulthood. At the core of the story is the thematic exploration of “softness” — a concept Lionel frames as both a literal and symbolic journey toward emotional safety, rest, love, and an escape from cycles of violence. \n\n”I write about memory, survival and joy in our ordinary lives and the deeper truths held within them. I focus on community. As a writer, I think I’m really an observer trying to make sense of the world around me,” Lionel explained of her creative focus. “Certain themes are really important to me. Softness, for example, is a theme because it operates as both a literal and symbolic pursuit by representing emotional safety, rest, love and escape from violence. I write it in because I think in the end we all seek and want some softness.”\n\nWeaving between past and present, across rural and urban regions of Saint Lucia, the narrative unpacks how family bonds, collective memory and community ties shape the search for personal comfort. It also confronts a universal, underdiscussed reality: that the spaces and people we perceive as safe can be taken from us, or shift irreversibly, over the course of a lifetime.\n\nAnother core layer of the story explores the tension between Kwéyòl (Saint Lucian Creole) and standard English — a dynamic Lionel experienced growing up firsthand. Her grandmother spoke only Kwéyòl, but the language was actively discouraged in formal school settings. For Lionel, this contrast is not merely about language itself; it is a broader exploration of cultural identity and which forms of knowledge are deemed valuable by dominant institutions. It is this kind of quiet, deeply felt, often overlooked detail of everyday Caribbean life that she prioritizes capturing in her prose.\n\nBreaking down the story’s core arc in her own words, Lionel explained: “My story, *A Soft Place*, traces a woman’s lifelong search for safety, comfort, and emotional refuge. Beginning in childhood, she associates softness with her mother’s hair and body. As she grows, these sources of comfort are repeatedly taken away or transformed, forcing her to find new, often temporary, forms of refuge. The narrative moves between past and present, rural and urban Saint Lucia, between memory and reality and shows how cultural knowledge, family, language, and community shape her understanding of survival. As an adult, she navigates exhaustion, responsibility, and political possibility, returning finally to a fragile but real moment of connection. The story follows parts of my own life and my observations living in Shanty Town, Vieux Fort, working as a journalist, and engaging in Saint Lucia’s political landscape.”\n\nFor Lionel, this latest longlisting reinforces that the deeply personal, community-centered stories she chooses to tell resonate beyond the borders of her home island, earning a place on a global literary stage.
分类： entertainment
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Yaksta and The Carey James collab on ‘Strength of a Lion’
Jamaican reggae’s fastest-growing new talent, Carey James, has joined forces with established reggae performer Yaksta and in-demand producer Spyda Meng to release their highly anticipated collaborative single, *Strength of a Lion*.
Dropped to digital platforms on April 17 through independent imprint Pondemik Records, the track has already crossed a major milestone, racking up more than 150,000 global streams in its early window of release, a clear sign of its resonance with reggae fans worldwide.
Crafted around sharp, thoughtful social commentary, the song pairs clever, purpose-driven lyrics with a lush, roots-reggae rooted instrumental built by Spyda Meng. The production strikes a careful balance between vintage reggae authenticity and contemporary sonic styling, blending hard-hitting, unapologetic reggae energy with modern production flourishes to carry a core message of personal resilience, unshakable faith, and steady perseverance through hardship.
Yaksta, a fan favorite celebrated for his raw, socially conscious delivery and heartfelt, authentic storytelling, brings new layers of gravity and credibility to the collaboration. His distinctive vocal style complements the commanding, confident presence that Carey James brings to the track, creating a dynamic chemistry that elevates the entire record.
Anchored by an anthemic hook that repeats the plea for “the strength of a lion”, the track speaks directly to the experience of pushing through personal and collective struggle, and maintaining mental fortitude when facing hardship. Its intentional lyrics tackle systemic inequality, ongoing global conflict, and rising social division, expanding the song’s scope from a personal mantra to a unifying call for global peace. It places particular focus on nations across the African continent, closing with a clear plea for “no more war”.
Overall, the three collaborators have created a bold, timely artistic statement rooted in reggae’s cultural legacy of social awareness and collective strength. *Strength of a Lion* is currently available for streaming and download on all major digital music platforms worldwide.
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IShowSpeed kicks off Caribbean tour in Trinidad
One of America’s biggest breakout online content creators, IShowSpeed, has launched his highly anticipated Caribbean tour, launching the global excursion with a high-octane opening stop in Trinidad and Tobago. On Saturday, the viral streamer brought his trademark unfiltered, high-energy live performance directly out of the studio and onto local streets, giving fans an up-close, in-person experience of the content that has made him a global household name.
This Caribbean leg of his worldwide touring schedule marks the latest in a string of successful international outings for the creator, who has already drawn massive crowds and millions of concurrent online viewers from treks across Africa, Europe, and Latin America in previous years. Unlike traditional studio-based streams, this tour is built around on-location, real-time content creation that centers direct engagement with local fan bases across the region’s island nations.
Over the course of the tour, IShowSpeed will make stops at 15 separate Caribbean countries and territories. Beyond the opening destination of Trinidad and Tobago, the confirmed upcoming stops include Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each stop is expected to feature unique live content tailored to the local area, building on the creator’s reputation for spontaneous, unscripted entertainment that resonates with millions of young viewers across the globe.
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WATCH: Night two of Barbados Reggae Weekend ignites with high-energy start
The second night of one of Barbados’ most anticipated reggae gatherings, Barbados Reggae Weekend, has exploded into life at Bridgetown’s iconic Kensington Oval, launching with high-octane opening performances that set a fiery tone for the evening ahead. Up-and-coming acts Idea The Artist and Weather 40 delivered dynamic, crowd-engaging sets that got thousands of gathered fans on their feet early, stoking excitement for the evening’s headlining performers. As ticketholders continued streaming through the venue gates long after the event kicked off, all eyes and expectations are fixed on two of reggae’s biggest names: beloved dancehall star Popcaan and legendary Jamaican artist Capleton, who is affectionately known to fans around the world as “the Fireman” for his explosive stage presence. Many attendees at the event have been repeat visitors for years of Barbados Reggae Weekend, and in on-the-ground interviews with Observer Online, they shared what draws them back to the festival year after year. For these loyal fans, it is the unbeatable, one-of-a-kind collective energy and community vibe that keeps the event at the top of their annual must-attend entertainment lists, turning the reggae gathering into a beloved tradition for casual listeners and die-hard reggae fans alike. Local entertainment journalist Dana Malcolm reported on the opening of the night’s festivities from the venue.
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Bare Skinz lights up Negril
Last Saturday, Jamaica’s iconic Negril 7-mile beach gained a new milestone in its ongoing entertainment resurgence, as the highly anticipated Bare Skinz event turned the sun-soaked shores of Wavz Beach into a vibrant, energy-charged celebration of Caribbean dancehall culture. Organized by Damage Musiq Group, the one-night showcase was designed not just to deliver world-class live entertainment to attendees, but to reinforce Negril’s long-held reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier must-visit locations for large-scale music events.
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Amaziyah The Great tracks Crime and Violence
Acclaimed Jamaican artist Craig Kirkland, better known by his stage name Amaziyah The Great, has expanded his creative discography with the launch of a brand-new single titled *Crime and Violence*, now available to stream across all major digital music platforms. A multi-talented creative force, Kirkland holds credits as an international recording artist, published poet, author, and award-winning filmmaker, and his latest work draws directly from the lived economic and social hardship he has witnessed among his loved ones and community.
In a statement discussing the inspiration behind the new track, Kirkland explained that the struggles of his parents, the uncertainty his children have faced, and the barriers encountered by his talented but underemployed friends and peers left him determined to push for meaningful change and a path to collective prosperity. This personal connection to community struggle has anchored much of his work throughout his decades-long career in entertainment.
Performance has long been second nature for Kirkland, who cut his teeth performing across his home country of Jamaica long before expanding his reach internationally. Early in his career, he was a regular act at community events in his hometown of Frazer’s Content, Spanish Town, St Catherine, and went on to grace the stage of major regional events including GT Taylor’s iconic Reggae Christmas Extravaganza and Yasus Afari’s Poetry Festival. His international touring journey has taken him across the United States, with memorable sets at Pawtucket Poetry in Rhode Island — where he first met his wife Lori — and the Boston Jerk Fest in Massachusetts, among other stops across the Northeast.
Years of consistent, grassroots work in the industry are now earning Kirkland growing mainstream acclaim. Most recently, he secured his third nomination to the prestigious International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), adding to a growing list of career honors. Up next, he is slated to compete for an award at the 2025 National Spoken Word Awards in Chicago, marking another milestone in his cross-genre creative journey.
Looking ahead, Kirkland says his current focus is on expanding his catalog of original music and poetry recordings to serve his growing global fanbase, with a special shoutout to the TikTok community that has become a major source of inspiration and support for his work. He also plans to return to his Jamaican roots to reconnect with local audiences, re-establish his presence in his home country, and update fans on his upcoming projects. All upcoming releases will drop under his own independent production banner, Great Amazement Multimedia Entertainment LLC, with distribution handled by Distrokid and publishing support from BMI, after Kirkland recently signed on with the performance rights organization.
In a closing appeal to the Jamaican diaspora, Kirkland urged widespread support for homegrown, authentic Jamaican creative talent, emphasizing that independent artists deserve more recognition for their work. Confident about what lies ahead, he noted, “More greatness is yet to come.”
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Carlene Davis toasts IRAWMA nomination
Veteran Jamaican gospel reggae performer Carlene Davis has expressed profound humility and gratitude after securing a nomination in the Best Gospel Entertainer category for the 2026 International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA), one of the most prestigious global honors for reggae and world music creators. The 2026 IRAWMA ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 17 at the Lauderdale Performing Arts Center in South Florida, drawing hundreds of industry professionals, fans, and artists from across the globe.
In an exclusive reflection on her nomination, Davis shared that recognition from the IRAWMA holds special meaning, not just for her career but for the broader gospel music community. “Nominations are a part of life, something that happens based on how people see things and not necessarily what you expect,” she explained. “I do appreciate the nomination, especially from where the message of the gospel is recognised and is so necessary in our society. So much so that the organisers of IRAWMA would give the gospel of Jesus Christ a category.” Davis joins seven other talented nominees in the category, including DJ Nicholas, Kevin Downswell, Papa San, Judith Gayle, Prince Saj, and Jason Mighty.
For the veteran performer, this latest nomination carries far more symbolic weight than just a shot at another trophy. Davis framed the recognition as a quiet, powerful reminder of hope amid uncertain times. “It means, ‘As long as there is life there is hope,’ according to how the Holy Spirit guides us through all truth…” she said.
Davis’ history with the IRAWMA stretches back decades, long before the awards adopted their current name. Her first nominations and wins date back to the 1980s, when the ceremony was known as Martin’s International Reggae Music Awards. Over the years, she has taken home honors in categories ranging from Best Female Vocalist and Best Music Video to Best Gospel Oriented Entertainer, and claimed the 1992 award for Best Gospel Album. Most recently, she earned the IRAWMA Best Gospel Album award in 2015 for her critically acclaimed project *Dripping Blood*.
Despite her long track record of industry recognition, Davis says she enters this nomination cycle with a grounded perspective: she already considers herself a winner. A self-described non-competitive artist by nature, Davis pointed to her faith as the source of her contentment. “By being nominated in this international event that gives recognition to persons in the music industry on a global level, I am already a winner, being a part of the Kingdom of God,” she said. “And if Carlene Davis wins, it is a victory for the kingdom; and for that I say to God be the glory.”
The coming year has already been a busy one for Davis, who has been actively ministering across the globe in recent months. Her tour schedule has taken her across the Caribbean, with stops in Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica, and Guyana, as well as multiple performances across the United States and her home country of Jamaica. This year also saw her minister to audiences on the Love & Harmony Cruise on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Davis has continued to release new work in recent years, most recently co-producing and releasing the full project *Songs of Zion* and the single *Holy Forever* under the Glory Music label, distributed through VPal Music. One of her recent singles, *No Regrets*, earned the honor of Outstanding Reggae Recording of 2025 at The Marlin’s Awards held in the Bahamas. In addition to her IRAWMA nomination, Davis added another major career honor in early 2026, when she received the Marcus Garvey Iconic Award from the Commission of the City of Miramar, Florida, back in February.
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WATCH: Barbados Reggae Weekend off to electrifying start
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The iconic Kensington Oval played host to a vibrant, cross-cultural gathering on the opening night of Barbados Reggae Weekend, drawing thousands of music enthusiasts from across the Caribbean and around the globe. All gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of reggae music and watch performances from some of the genre’s most legendary and beloved artists.
Kicked off with the official title “Mount Gay Legends of Reggae Show and Dance”, the first night of the event was crafted as a tribute to the pioneering trailblazers who have shaped reggae over decades. The stacked lineup featured some of the biggest names in the business, including Jamaican dancehall trailblazer Sister Nancy, beloved soul-reggae vocalist JC Lodge, iconic deejay Super Cat, roots-reggae star Barrington Levy, celebrated roots artist Norris Man and popular Caribbean performer Biggie Irie.
Local media outlet Jamaica Observer caught up with attendees on the ground, where fans shared their excitement ahead of the performances. Some spoke specifically about the one artist they had been most eager to see take the stage, while others expressed that every performer on the lineup was a must-see, making it impossible to pick a favorite.
When asked what draws them back to the annual Barbados Reggae Festival year after year, attendees highlighted two standout factors that keep the event a staple on their cultural calendars. Many cited the infectious, laid-back yet energetic collective vibe of the festival as their top reason for returning, while others emphasized the consistent quality of the lineup of talent that organizers bring to Bridgetown each year. On-the-ground video footage of the event was captured by journalist Dana Malcolm.
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WATCH: No stopping Sister Nancy at Barbados Reggae Weekend
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Reggae trailblazer Sister Nancy delivered a masterclass in live performance Friday, drawing a roaring response from attendees at the Barbados Reggae Weekend’s Mount Gay Legends of Reggae Show and Dance held at Kensington Oval. The iconic deejay, whose career stretches back nearly five decades, brought an unmatchable high-energy set that resonated with cross-generational fans, once again proving why she remains one of the genre’s most beloved figures.
Fresh off an unexpected viral surge earlier this year when a heartfelt performance at her niece’s wedding spread across social media and won over a new wave of fans, Sister Nancy opened up about her decades-long career in an interview with Observer Online. She emphasized that young audiences have consistently embraced her work, even decades after she first stepped onto the music scene in 1976. Echoing the unshakeable confidence that has defined her career, she stated, “Don’t you hear me seh ain’t no stopping Nancy?”
Best known globally for her timeless, genre-defining hit *Bam Bam*, the 64-year-old artist told reporters she never anticipated she would still be commanding stages and connecting with audiences decades into her career. For her, every performance today is a welcome blessing she does not take for granted. Footage of the electrifying set was captured by videographer Dana Malcolm.
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WATCH: No stopping Sister Nancy at Barbados Reggae Weekend
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — On a electric Friday night at Kensington Oval, pioneering reggae deejay Sister Nancy delivered a powerhouse performance at the Mount Gay Legends of Reggae Show and Dance, the flagship event of Barbados Reggae Weekend, that reminded thousands of attendees exactly why she has earned her status as one of reggae music’s most enduring icons.
The 64-year-old artist, whose career stretches back nearly five decades, brought unrelenting energy to the stage, her commanding presence drawing roars of approval from a cross-generational crowd that included both lifelong fans and younger listeners who discovered her work through modern social media. By the end of her set, she had once again cemented her warm place in the hearts of reggae lovers across all age groups.
The performance comes on the heels of an unexpected viral breakout earlier this year, when a clip of Sister Nancy delivering a heartfelt surprise performance at her niece’s wedding spread rapidly across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, introducing her iconic sound to a whole new generation of listeners. Speaking to *Observer Online* after her Barbados set, the artist brushed off any surprise at her ongoing popularity with young audiences, noting that youth have always connected with her music.
“I’ve been here from 1976…Don’t you hear me seh ain’t no stopping Nancy? I mean that,” she told reporters, leaning into the unshakeable confidence that has defined her decades-long career.
Best known globally for her timeless 1982 hit *Bam Bam* — one of the most sampled reggae tracks in history — Sister Nancy admitted that she never anticipated she would still be touring and performing for audiences at 64. Far from taking her ongoing success for granted, she described her continuing career as an unexpected gift that she cherishes deeply.
Footage of the landmark performance was captured by videographer Dana Malcolm.