The vibrant sounds of Antigua and Barbuda echoed through Toronto as local musicians took center stage during the nation’s Independence Day celebrations. Held in the heart of Canada’s largest city, the event showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean nation, drawing a diverse audience of expatriates and music enthusiasts alike. Performers delivered electrifying renditions of traditional calypso, soca, and reggae tunes, creating an atmosphere of unity and festivity. The celebration not only honored Antigua and Barbuda’s journey to independence but also highlighted the enduring connection between the diaspora and their homeland. Organizers emphasized the importance of cultural preservation and the role of music in fostering community ties across borders. The event concluded with a grand finale, leaving attendees inspired and eager for future cultural exchanges.
分类： entertainment
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Food and Rum Festival ends with golden celebration
The 2025 Barbados Food and Rum Festival culminated in a dazzling extravaganza known as the Liquid Gold Feast, a night that seamlessly blended gourmet cuisine, mesmerizing music, and exquisite décor. Held at a venue recently transformed after hosting CARIFESTA, the event was a sensory delight that left attendees in awe. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with meticulous attention to detail, including a make-up touch-up station to combat the tropical heat. The evening’s ambiance was set by the smooth harmonies of G-Syndicate, who reimagined soca classics like Gorg’s ‘I Got My Rum’ into soulful ballads. Inside, the venue was a visual masterpiece, adorned with décor that reflected the island’s vibrant culture. Barbados’ top chefs and mixologists showcased their craft, offering dishes and cocktails that celebrated local flavors. The Darrien Bailey Band electrified the crowd with renditions of Michael Jackson’s ‘Rock with You’ and Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ while Brian Carter’s dual-recorder performance of Teddy Swims’ ‘Lose Control’ left the audience spellbound. Kweku Jelani added a reggae flair with Bob Marley’s ‘Lively Up Yourself,’ and Shadia Marshall delivered powerhouse performances of Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ and Cher’s ‘Believe.’ The night peaked with DJ Puffy’s high-energy set, ensuring the crowd remained in a festive frenzy. Attendees, dressed in shimmering metallics and dapper suits, matched the event’s bold style. Despite minor hiccups like limited signage and the early depletion of curry oxtail, the Liquid Gold Feast was a resounding success, leaving patrons like Sonia from Tobago eager to return. The event not only lived up to its name but also set a high bar for future festivals.
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Rum tour offers revelry, rhythms, cultural flair
Despite the gloomy weather, the Rum Route North bus tour brought a burst of color, music, and celebration to Barbados last Saturday, turning the day into a vibrant festival of flavors, heritage, and joy. Part of the Barbados Food & Rum Festival, the event kicked off at the Speightstown Esplanade, where participants, clad in bright T-shirts and armed with umbrellas, eagerly gathered to defy the rain.
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Where Is Nawat? MU Executive Dismissed After Viral Heated Confrontation
The 2025 Miss Universe pageant has been rocked by controversy following the dismissal of Nawat Itsaragrisil, a key executive, after a heated confrontation with Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, during the sashing ceremony. The incident, which was broadcast live, has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about Itsaragrisil’s leadership. During the ceremony, Itsaragrisil accused Bosch of failing to promote Thailand, called her a ‘dumbhead,’ and ordered security to remove her. This led to several contestants walking out in solidarity with Bosch. Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha announced the decision to restrict Itsaragrisil’s involvement in the competition, stating, ‘We had, unfortunately, trusted MGI, and that trust has failed under the unfortunate leadership of Nawat.’ Itsaragrisil later issued a tearful public apology during the opening ceremony, acknowledging the pressure he was under but insisting he did not intend to harm anyone. However, his comment, ‘Are you happy?’ directed at the candidates, particularly Miss Mexico, who did not applaud, was seen as dismissive by body language experts. The pageant is still set to proceed on November 21 in Thailand, but the fallout from this incident continues to dominate discussions.
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Artists Bring Out Positive Vibes at Yamaha Sunfest
Jamaican dancehall sensation Skeng delivered a high-energy performance at the second edition of Yamaha Sunfest in Saint Lucia on Saturday, marking his first appearance on the island. Despite his history of controversy, Skeng headlined the boat and beach event, which drew thousands of visitors from neighboring Martinique and Guadeloupe. Dressed in a green sweat suit, Skeng burst onto the Pigeon Island stage with an electrifying presence, gradually shedding layers of clothing during his 45-minute set. His performance featured hit tracks such as ‘Protocol,’ ‘Life Changes,’ and ‘Likkle Miss,’ captivating the enthusiastic crowd. The event also showcased performances by Jamaican artist Armanii, who charmed the audience, and Saint Lucian Dennery segment acts Cooyah, Subance, and Mighty. French artists Danthology, N’ken, and Yozo & Chati, along with DJs from Martinique and Guadeloupe, added to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. The two-day event concluded on Sunday with watersports and beach activities at Pigeon Island, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories.
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CDF to Honour 18 Late Musicians at Mizik 2025
Mizik 2025, a grand celebration of Saint Lucian musical heritage, is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, at the National Cultural Centre. Organized by the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), this year’s event, themed ‘A Legend’s Encore,’ honors the enduring contributions of 18 late musicians to the nation’s cultural identity. Among the celebrated artists are Nicole David, Lennie Stone, Leebo, Jany, and King Caro. The event will feature performances and tributes by both seasoned and emerging local talents, including King Dezral, Derek Yarde, Arthur Allain, and others. Additionally, Mizik 2025 includes a two-day workshop for aspiring emcees, led by Gilroy ‘Ezi’ Hall and Barbara Jacobs-Small, aimed at nurturing future voices in the creative sector. CDF Communications Director Kendal John emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of these musicians, stating, ‘We’ve lost so many, yet we’re so grateful that they have left us a legacy we can cherish.’ The event also coincides with St. Cecilia’s Day, observed locally as a celebration of musicians. Tickets for Mizik 2025 are available at The Cell Stores, PromoTech Store, and the CDF office, priced at $60 for early birds and $80 regular, with higher costs at the door.
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Oliver Samuels premières Di Prodigal Pickney in US
Renowned Jamaican theatre legend Oliver Samuels is set to bring his latest stage comedy, ‘Di Prodigal Pickney,’ to the United States, with performances doubling as fundraisers for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. The production, written, directed by, and starring Samuels, will tour the New York Tri-State Area over two weekends, beginning on November 14 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and concluding on December 7 in Beltsville, Maryland. Additional performances will be held in Brooklyn, East Orange, Jamaica (Queens), Hartford, and the Bronx. The decision to allocate a portion of the proceeds to hurricane relief was made by producer Patrick M. Reid following the devastation caused by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which struck western Jamaica on October 28, causing widespread damage and displacement. ‘Di Prodigal Pickney,’ inspired by the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, follows the comedic misadventures of a Jamaican family navigating unexpected challenges. The cast includes acclaimed actress Karen Harriott and rising star Tesfa Edwards. The production has previously enjoyed successful runs in Canada, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and the UK, earning rave reviews for its blend of humor and themes of forgiveness and redemption. Samuels, a veteran of over 60 theatrical productions, has also appeared in notable films such as ‘The Mighty Quinn’ and ‘Great Moments in Aviation.’ The fundraiser will benefit the Jamaica Organisation of New Jersey and the Westwood High School for Girls Alumnae Chapter, which is rebuilding a medical clinic damaged by the hurricane.
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Dominican poet releases literary mixtape: ‘Feels like home’
Dominican author and poet Anella Shillingford has introduced her latest literary endeavor, “Feels Like Home,” a unique fusion of poetry, music, and memory. Described as a “literary mixtape,” the work delves into themes of love, healing, and belonging, offering readers an intimate and soulful experience. Shillingford’s collection combines poetic prose, free verse, found poems, and lyrical storytelling, creating a narrative that resonates like a heartfelt playlist for the soul. Inspired by her deep connection to Caribbean culture and soundscapes, the author employs rhythmic patterns and repeated motifs to evoke movement and emotion through her words. Shillingford describes the work as “nostalgia captured on paper,” likening it to a warm hug or a comforting cup of cocoa tea. Since her debut in 2019 with “Bonfire,” which explored themes of womanhood and resilience, Shillingford has continued to enrich Caribbean literature. Her second collection, “Of Rivers and Oceans” (2022), examined identity, nature, and love. Rooted in the rhythms and languages of the Caribbean, her writing amplifies Black women’s voices, memory, and the transformative power of words.
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LyricKsMan Hails Burning Flames’ Knighthood as a National Triumph
In a momentous event during Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Anniversary of Independence celebrations on November 3, 2025, the iconic soca band Burning Flames was honored with knighthood, marking a historic milestone for the nation. The group’s members—Sir Oungku, Sir Onyan, Sir Bubbi, and Sir Foxx—were celebrated for their decades-long contributions to music and national identity. Antiguan entertainer LyricKsMan of LSA Entertainment hailed the knighting as both a personal and national triumph, emphasizing its profound significance.
LyricKsMan, a prominent figure in the soca scene, described the band’s influence as transformative, shaping his musical journey from childhood. “Since the age of three, Burning Flames has been my band. Their rhythms raised me, their lyrics taught me, their energy inspired me,” he shared. He credited Sir Oungku, the band’s lead singer, as his “musical father” and mentor, praising his creativity and dedication to keeping Antiguan soca vibrant.
The entertainer emphasized that the knighthood was more than an award—it was a “national moment of truth” and a symbol of pride for musicians, dreamers, and islanders. He lauded Burning Flames as pioneers, teachers, and patriots whose impact extended beyond music, representing Antigua and Barbuda across the region and inspiring generations.
In a heartfelt tribute, LyricKsMan expressed gratitude to the band for their sacrifice, talent, courage, and consistency. “You are proof that when passion meets purpose, the world must listen,” he said. Concluding with a rallying call, he declared, “Long live Burning Flames. Long live Antiguan music. Long live JAM BAND—the fire that never out!”
The knighting of Burning Flames stands as a testament to their enduring legacy and the cultural richness of Antigua and Barbuda.
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Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Announces the Launch of Night One of the One Nation Caribbean Music Festival
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has officially announced the launch of Night One of the One Nation Caribbean Music Festival, set to take place on January 10th and 11th, 2026, at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in St. John’s, Antigua. This highly anticipated event promises to be a vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, culture, and unity, featuring a dynamic lineup of artists across genres such as Soca, Reggae, Dancehall, Bouyon, and Benna.