As the 2026 carnival season draws near, the Dominica Calypso Association (DCA) has officially launched registration for the highly anticipated National Calypso Competition. Aspiring calypsonians are invited to sign up at Aturo Sports, located within the Prevost Cinemall in Roseau, Dominica, with a participation fee of $50. The competition promises to be a vibrant showcase of talent, with a series of events scheduled to unfold over the coming months. The eliminations are set for December 13, 2025, followed by the Quarter Finals on January 17, 2026, the Semi-Finals on January 31, 2026, and culminating in the Grand Finals on February 14, 2026. The DCA has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering the evolution and popularity of Calypso music through this prestigious event. For additional details, interested parties can reach out via the contact numbers provided: 1-767-235-0573 or 1-767-618-3794.
分类： entertainment
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Cultural ambassador Leroy Charles calls for national recognition of Cadence-Lypso pioneer Gordon Henderson
At the 25th anniversary of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), Cultural Ambassador Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles made a heartfelt plea for the Dominican government to officially honor Gordon Henderson, the musical pioneer behind the nation’s first indigenous genre, Cadence-lypso. Addressing a vibrant audience, Charles emphasized the profound influence of Henderson and his band, Exile One, who revolutionized Dominica’s music scene in 1973. ‘Before 1973, Dominica’s musicians played global tunes,’ Charles remarked. ‘But Henderson and Exile One gave us Cadence-lypso, a genre that defines our cultural identity and makes the World Creole Music Festival possible.’ Charles urged the government to commemorate Henderson and the late Fitzroy Williams, Exile One’s keyboardist, by naming a landmark or institution in their honor. Henderson, present at the event, responded modestly, stating, ‘No one is a prophet in this country.’ Charles also highlighted Henderson’s pivotal role as the overseas coordinator of the inaugural WCMF in 1997, which brought international media attention to Dominica. ‘Let’s honor our heroes,’ Charles implored. ‘Let’s recognize those who paved the way for us.’ The festival, now a cornerstone of Dominican culture, owes its existence to the legacy of Cadence-lypso, Charles asserted.
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Discover Dominica officials say ‘based on reviews from public’ WCMF25 was a success
The 25th Edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), held from October 24 to 26, 2025, at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Dominica, has been hailed as a resounding success. Organized by the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), the festival showcased a vibrant mix of local and international talent, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Creole music. The event’s CEO, Marva Williams, emphasized the significance of this milestone year, highlighting the inclusion of over 10 music genres and a strong focus on local artists. The festival’s theme, “Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories,” resonated deeply with attendees. The final night featured electrifying performances by Trinidad & Tobago’s Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons, alongside other notable acts such as Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage, St. Lucia’s Ezra “Da Fun Machine,” and the legendary Kassav. Despite the absence of international superstar Kehlani, whose charter flight was canceled due to Hurricane Melissa, the festival delivered an unforgettable experience. Williams noted the challenges faced but expressed pride in the event’s success, citing positive public feedback and the festival’s ability to evolve and grow. Detailed attendance and financial figures are still being compiled, but the event has already cemented its place as a cornerstone of Caribbean cultural celebration.
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Stakeholders: Full marks for Tobago carnival 2025
The 2025 Tobago October Carnival, themed ‘Unveiled: Mud, Mas, Music,’ has been hailed as a resounding success by organizers, participants, and spectators alike. Celebrating its fourth year, the event culminated on October 26 with a vibrant parade of bands through the streets of Scarborough, drawing thousands of revelers from groups such as Iconic Mas and Fog Angels. The festivities, which concluded around 8 pm, showcased the island’s rich cultural heritage and artistic creativity. Kern Cowan, CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission (TFCL), emphasized the meticulous planning behind the event, noting improvements in road management and crowd control. The introduction of barriers ensured smoother movement of bands and enhanced safety, addressing challenges faced in previous years. Cowan highlighted the growing popularity of the carnival, with increased visitor numbers signaling its potential for further expansion. THA Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor praised the event for its economic impact, citing high hotel occupancy rates and its contribution to Tobago’s economy. She expressed pride in the administration’s efforts to establish the carnival as a premier cultural product. Minority Leader Kelvon Morris commended the improved organization and coordination, while suggesting the introduction of competitive elements to elevate artistic presentations. Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin lauded the carnival as a testament to Tobago’s unique cultural identity, uniting people through music, dance, and tradition. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the event, ensuring its continued growth as a global cultural phenomenon.
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Nadine Prada returns to Studio Joli with Origin Stories
Renowned international artist Nadine Prada is set to unveil her latest exhibition, ‘Origin Stories,’ at Studio Joli in St James, Trinidad and Tobago. This highly anticipated showcase follows the success of her previous work and delves deeper into her profound connection to her birthplace. Born in Trinidad but raised in Canada, Prada’s art has always been influenced by her Caribbean heritage, a theme she continues to explore in this new collection.
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Parang Festival
The National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago successfully hosted its third annual Parang Festival on October 25, 2025, at the San Raphael RC School. The event, themed *El Poder de La Parranda* (The Power of Parang), showcased the rich cultural heritage of parang music, a traditional genre deeply rooted in the country’s history. Thirteen talented bands graced the stage, including Los Sonidos, Herencia Venezolana, Voces de Promesa, Admonias Magníficas, Los Amigos Cantadores, Los Alumnos de San Juan, Voces Jóvenes, and Buenos Ayres Sancouche. Each group brought their unique flair to the festival, captivating the audience with lively performances. Newsday photographer Angelo Marcelle documented the event, capturing the essence of the vibrant celebrations. Highlights included the youthful energy of Admonias Cantadores, which underscored the promising future of parang, and the spirited performance by La Familia de Carmona y Amigos, representing Chaguanas. Jade Antoine of Los Sonidos also stood out, showcasing her skill on the maracas. The festival not only entertained but also reinforced the cultural significance of parang music in Trinidad and Tobago.
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UK actress Prunella Scales, TV’s Sybil Fawlty, dies at 93
LONDON, United Kingdom — Prunella Scales, the celebrated British actress renowned for her iconic role as Sybil in the classic TV comedy “Fawlty Towers,” has passed away at the age of 93. Her family confirmed her peaceful passing at her London home on Monday. Scales, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013, remained active in her career for several years, often collaborating with her husband, the esteemed actor Timothy West, who predeceased her in November 2024. The couple, married for 61 years, shared a profound bond, with West becoming her caregiver in later years. Together, they also filmed multiple series of the Channel 4 program “Great Canal Journeys.” Scales’ portrayal of Sybil, the sharp-witted wife of the bumbling hotelier Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese, cemented her status as a beloved figure in British television. “Fawlty Towers,” created by Cleese and his then-wife Connie Booth, aired only 12 episodes between 1975 and 1979 but left an indelible mark on British culture. In 2019, the show was hailed as the greatest British sitcom of all time by “Radio Times.” Scales’ illustrious career spanned nearly seven decades, including her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the film “A Question of Attribution” and her one-woman show “An Evening With Queen Victoria.” She is survived by her two sons, a stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
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Antiguans Flock to Dominica for Record-Breaking World Creole Music Festival
The 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), held from October 24–26 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Dominica, has been celebrated as one of the most successful iterations since its inception. Under the theme ‘Pulsating Rhythms,’ the festival showcased the island’s rich musical heritage while attracting a record-breaking crowd, including an estimated 1,000 Antiguans and Dominicans residing in Antigua and Barbuda. Organizers reported one of the largest turnouts in recent years, with a significant surge in visitors from Antigua, many of whom traveled specifically to witness the electrifying Friday night performance by Antigua and Barbuda’s iconic soca band, Burning Flames. Prime Minister Gaston Browne graced the opening night, joining thousands of enthusiastic festivalgoers. The evening also featured stellar performances by Masicka, Steel Pulse, Romain Virgo, Triple Kay International, and Midnight Groovers. Burning Flames’ dynamic set, blending timeless hits with fresh rhythms, ignited a wave of national pride among Antiguans in attendance. Saturday’s lineup maintained the high energy with powerhouse acts like Vybz Kartel, Spice, Kes, WCK, Joé Dwèt Filé, Asa Bantan, and Ophelia, delivering a seamless fusion of reggae, bouyon, and soca. The festival concluded on Sunday with a star-studded finale, headlined by Kehlani, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons, Tiwa Savage, and Kassav, alongside local favorites Signal Band and Michele Henderson. Patrons described the final night as ‘electric,’ cementing this year’s WCMF as the most memorable to date. Tour operators and ferry companies noted a significant uptick in travel from Antigua, with tickets selling out early and accommodations reaching full capacity. Festival officials attributed the record attendance and world-class performances to solidifying WCMF’s reputation as a premier Caribbean music festival and a symbol of Creole culture and regional unity.
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Grenada Contemporary 2025 opens 30 October
The Grenada Contemporary Exhibition, a cornerstone of Caribbean visual art, is set to return for its 8th edition on Thursday, 30 October 2025, at Art House 473. The event, running from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, offers free admission to the public, inviting all to immerse themselves in one of the region’s most vibrant artistic platforms. Since its inception under the Susan Mains Gallery, the exhibition has grown into a critical and creative benchmark, showcasing the works of 91 artists across various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. This year’s theme, ‘Dreevay,’ a Caribbean term symbolizing wandering and movement, explores the idea that art thrives in motion, capturing the spontaneous and ever-evolving essence of Caribbean life. Curated by Asher Mains, the exhibition features over 25 artists whose works delve into themes of identity, ecology, migration, and belonging. The event will also include an artist talk on Saturday, 1 November, featuring Russell Watson from Barbados, who will share insights into his photography and video art practice. Grenada Contemporary continues to assert the Caribbean as a hub of artistic innovation, offering a space where visual, political, and poetic expressions converge. Parking is available at Lavo Lanes, with a shuttle service provided. For media inquiries, contact [email protected].
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Applications Open for Inaugural Miss St. John’s Rural West Pageant 2026
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — The first-ever Miss St. John’s Rural West Pageant is set to debut in 2026, offering young women from the constituency a platform to showcase their elegance, leadership, and community spirit. Organizers have officially opened applications for female residents aged 18 to 27, emphasizing that no prior pageant experience is required. Instead, they seek participants who demonstrate poise, authenticity, and a drive for personal growth. The competition aims to celebrate women who embody beauty, intelligence, and a deep commitment to their community. The winner will assume the role of a community ambassador, fostering civic engagement and inspiring others to pursue leadership roles. Applications can be submitted online at https://forms.gle/DtqkXTVSmj8RZaWc9. This groundbreaking event is hailed as a significant milestone, blending heritage, empowerment, and grace into a single celebration.