分类: entertainment

  • SAINT’s Sanique Dill dazzles in Vogue

    SAINT’s Sanique Dill dazzles in Vogue

    Over the past several months, Jamaican modeling talent Sanique Dill has rapidly emerged as one of the most in-demand new faces on the international fashion circuit, with top photographers across London and Paris lining up to shoot the striking SAINT International signee. Known for her distinct gap-toothed smile and vivid green eyes, Dill has just notched a career-defining win: a multi-page haute couture editorial in the latest issue of Vogue Korea.

    Shot three months ago on the heels of Paris’ Spring/Summer 2026 couture show season, the spread, titled ‘On the boundary between everyday life and art’, pairs Dill with acclaimed photographer Mok Jung Wook and stylist Aline De Beauclaire. The editorial showcases the 20-year-old model in a curated selection of high-end looks from some of the most revered luxury houses in the industry, including Dior, Valentino, Armani Privé, Tamara Ralph, Luchen and Aelis.

    Standout pieces from Dill’s couture wardrobe for the shoot include a dramatic five-strand layered black mesh gown from Dior paired with the house’s statement voluminous floral earrings, an Armani Privé cape hand-adorned with shimmering black microcrystals, and Valentino’s geometric gold-embroidered top matched with a structured black velvet bustier and skirt. Each look highlights Dill’s unique ability to blend high fashion grandeur with approachable charisma, a quality that has made her a favorite among creatives in the industry.

    Speaking to Observer Online this Thursday, an elated Dill called the opportunity the honor of a lifetime. “It’s such an iconic fashion brand in the industry and every model has the magazine on their career wishlist, so now I can proudly check it off mine,” she shared. Dill, who recently moved from Paris to New York to pursue expanding professional opportunities, added that she was thrilled by the chance to work alongside the shoot’s award-winning team and wear the one-of-a-kind couture creations.

    The Vogue Korea spread is just the latest addition to Dill’s rapidly growing portfolio of high-profile editorial work. The rising model also recently wrapped up feature shoots for two other major international publications: Harper’s Bazaar Italia and independent fashion title Heroine magazine, with both spreads set to release in the coming weeks. Industry insiders note that Dill’s string of major placements confirms her transition from promising newcomer to established runway and editorial talent, with more high-profile collaborations expected to be announced in the near future.

  • Michael Jackson fans swarm Berlin for biopic premiere

    Michael Jackson fans swarm Berlin for biopic premiere

    BERLIN, Germany — Thousands of devoted fans of the late “King of Pop” Michael Jackson flocked to the German capital on Friday for an early premiere screening of the new biopic *Michael*, with longstanding child sexual abuse allegations against the star failing to dampen their enthusiasm for the project.

    The upcoming feature, which casts Jackson’s own nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, is projected by its production team to become one of the highest-grossing musical biopics ever released worldwide. Only around 4,000 lucky attendees secured access to the Friday evening screening, with tickets distributed exclusively through prize draws two weeks ahead of the film’s official global theatrical launch. For fans who did not win entry, organizers have planned a full weekend of Jackson-themed events, including public panel discussions with the film’s production crew, a career-spanning exhibition celebrating the singer’s life and work, and multiple themed fan parties.

    Jackson, who died at 50 in 2009 from an accidental overdose of the anesthetic propofol, faced repeated child sexual abuse allegations throughout his later career. While he was acquitted of all criminal charges in a 2005 molestation trial, he never successfully repaired his public image during his lifetime. Since his death, additional accusers have filed civil lawsuits against the star’s estate, with several legal proceedings still active as of the premiere. No criminal or civil court has ever issued a guilty verdict against Jackson related to these allegations.

    According to industry outlet *Variety*, which cited anonymous sources familiar with the production, the film was originally developed to examine how the abuse allegations shaped Jackson’s personal life and career. However, producers were forced to cut roughly one-third of the finished project after legal representatives for the Jackson estate identified a contractual clause in a past settlement with one of the accusers that barred any mention of that individual in the film. The extensive rewrites and reshoots required to comply with the clause pushed the film’s global release date from its originally scheduled April 18, 2025 launch to an undetermined future date.

    Many fans in attendance at the Berlin premiere emphasized their continued support for Jackson’s legacy, dismissing the allegations as unsubstantiated. Andy Escobar, a 31-year-old aircraft mechanic who traveled from the United States for the event, shared that his childhood nickname was “MJ” because of his lifelong fandom. When asked about the allegations, Escobar stated simply, “We know that’s not true.” Megane Kittler, a 31-year-old educator based in Berlin who originally hails from France, echoed that sentiment, pointing to Jackson’s 2005 acquittal as proof of his innocence.

    Distributor Lionsgate is projecting the biopic will earn $700 million in global box office revenue. If the projection holds, *Michael* will become the second-highest grossing musical biopic of all time, outranking nearly all competitors but falling short of 2018’s *Bohemian Rhapsody*, the Freddie Mercury-focused biopic that earned $910 million worldwide.

  • Courvoisier named official cognac of Xodus Carnival at Lost In Paradise

    Courvoisier named official cognac of Xodus Carnival at Lost In Paradise

    Jamaica’s iconic carnival season is gearing up for a luxe new addition, as world-famous premium cognac producer Courvoisier steps in as the official cognac partner for Xodus Carnival’s highly anticipated 2026 edition, ‘OlympiX’. The historic spirits brand will take center stage at one of the festival’s most buzzworthy happenings: the one-of-a-kind Lost In Paradise experience.

    Lost In Paradise is far from a standard carnival pop-up, forged through a groundbreaking cross-regional partnership between Jamaica’s Xodus Carnival and a leading event brand rooted in Barbados. This collaboration marks a new chapter for Jamaica’s already dynamic carnival landscape, bringing together diverse Caribbean cultural perspectives to create a one-of-a-kind celebration for attendees from across the globe. Organizers say the fusion of regional creative energy and cultural influence will deliver an immersive, unforgettable experience that redefines modern carnival entertainment.

    For Courvoisier, the partnership is more than a sponsorship—it is an alignment of values. The brand will craft an elevated, premium guest experience that weaves its centuries-old legacy of artisanal craftsmanship and luxury elegance seamlessly into carnival’s vibrant, high-energy spirit. From custom-crafted cocktail tastings to interactive immersive brand activations, every touch is designed to amplify the event’s atmosphere and leave a lasting, positive impression on every attendee.

    “Carnival at its core is all about unapologetic self-expression, joyful celebration, and genuine connection between people—values that are exactly what Courvoisier stands for,” explained Georgia Fearon, Brand Manager for Courvoisier. “As the official cognac of Xodus Carnival’s OlympiX season, we could not be more thrilled to bring our signature touch of elegance and refinement to such a high-energy, culturally rich experience at Lost In Paradise.”

    As countdown to the event begins, anticipation continues to build among carnival fans, with many already marking Lost In Paradise as a can’t-miss highlight of the 2026 season. The event is designed to blend top-tier live entertainment, rich Caribbean cultural heritage, and curated premium offerings into a seamless, immersive experience. Courvoisier’s involvement, organizers note, further strengthens the event’s core commitment to delivering quality, elevated style, and once-in-a-lifetime memories for all guests.

    “Teaming up with Courvoisier for Lost In Paradise lets us take the overall guest experience to the next level for our patrons,” shared Pierre Goubault, CEO of Xodus Carnival. “As the official cognac of Xodus Carnival, the brand brings an unmatched level of luxury and refinement that aligns perfectly with our mission: we don’t just put on an event, we deliver a memorable, immersive lifestyle experience that sticks with you long after the celebration ends.”

    Scheduled for April 10, 2026, Lost In Paradise will be hosted at the scenic Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus, and is structured as a drink-inclusive experience. Attendees can look forward to exclusive, custom-curated DJ sets from a lineup of regional stars, including Jamaica’s own Rice the DJ, Trinidad’s acclaimed Major Penny, and Barbados’ fan-favorite Jus Jay.

  • ‘Vibes cyaan done’ at Illuminate

    ‘Vibes cyaan done’ at Illuminate

    Downtown Kingston transformed into a vibrant, neon-soaked celebration of Carnival spirit on Wednesday night, as the annual Illuminate pre-party drew thousands of festival-goers to kick off the most anticipated week of Caribbean revelry. From the moment the sun dipped below the skyline, it was clear this edition of the event would surpass all expectations, with electric anticipation hanging in the air and bold, colorful displays turning ordinary city streets into an open-air playground for music and dance.

    Attendees embraced the festive theme head-to-toe, with women stepping out in eye-catching, daring ensembles and men swapping heavy jeans for lightweight shorts, all prepared to dance late into the night as Carnival season gains momentum. The first energy jolt came early, when popular Trinidadian soca artist Rico Suave took the decks to set the tone for the evening. Without hesitation, he launched into a string of his most beloved anthems, including fan favorites *Escape*, *Cyah Behave*, *Too Real*, *Someone Else*, and *Good Spirits*, drawing the growing crowd closer and urging attendees to let loose from the very first beat.

    As thousands more revellers flooded into the downtown venue, the energy climbed to new heights, and DJ Tyler and Fyahman stepped in to take the experience to the next level. What followed was a nonstop barrage of hit tracks including *Happiest Man Alive*, *Ring Finger*, and *Worst Behaviour*, each sending ripples of excitement through the tightly packed crowd that had the entire venue shaking. Party-goers abandoned all inhibitions, turning the open space into a single, pulsating sea of movement: couples paired off to move in sync with the bassline, while other attendees joined the popular “free-whine segment”, a wildly popular Carnival tradition of uninhibited, expressive open dance that left no one sitting on the sidelines. The crowd followed every cue from the DJs, arching, dipping and gyrating along to the rhythm as the night sky glowed neon overhead.

    When *Vibes Cyah Done* blared through the massive speaker systems, attendees lifted their drinks in a collective toast to the freedom, joy and community that defines Caribbean Carnival. As neon confetti drifted down over the crowd, Tyler and Fyahman passed the DJ baton to event organizer Bloodline Franco, who was joined by Creep Chromatic and Brush1 The Road Marshal for the final stretch of the night. The trio launched straight into fan favorites *Rum Is Meh Lover* and *Greatest Bend Ova*, interspersed with chart-topping dancehall hits from Jamaican stars Masicka and RDX, and kept the energy at a constant high, never letting the momentum dip for a single minute.

    For revellers, the night became far more than just a pre-Carnival party: it was a collective declaration of fun, a much-needed break from the stress of daily life. As Problem Child’s hit *Holiday* rang out across downtown, the crowd spilled out onto the surrounding streets, giving onlookers a preview of the massive energy expected for the official Road March Sunday, the culminating event of Jamaica’s annual Carnival celebrations.

    In a post-event interview, Bloodline Franco reflected on how far Illuminate has come since its launch, calling the 2024 edition a truly special milestone. “We started off very humbly at this venue downtown with one sound truck, now we need two trucks and so we’re grateful,” he said. “This year we took the party onto the streets for a full road march experience, and that is testament to the growth and our commitment to giving the people a new experience every year. The core aim of Illuminate was always to give the people who have never experienced Road March Sunday, and always wished they could go, the chance to get that authentic feeling ahead of the big day. This year the Road March experience was superb because we had Lil Kerry performing his hit song, *Bury All*. This was his first time in Jamaica and so it was a truly international experience at Illuminate this year.”

  • D&G co-founder Gabbana resigns as chairman

    D&G co-founder Gabbana resigns as chairman

    In an official announcement released Friday, iconic Italian luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana confirmed that co-founder Stefano Gabbana has resigned from his position as chairman of the brand, though he will retain his core role as creative co-designer for the label he helped build nearly 40 years ago.

    The 63-year-old designer’s exit from all corporate leadership roles took effect on January 1, a change the company framed as “a natural process of organisational and governance evolution”, according to its official statement.

    Alfonso Dolce, chief executive officer of the brand and sibling to Gabbana’s long-time design partner Domenico Dolce, will take over the post of chairman, per a January corporate filing reviewed by Agence France-Presse. News of Gabbana’s leadership departure was first broken by financial news outlet Bloomberg, which also added further context to the brand’s current strategic moment.

    Per Bloomberg’s reporting, Gabbana is currently exploring potential options for his 40 percent equity stake in the privately held fashion company, as the label enters fresh negotiations with banking lenders to refinance roughly 450 million euros ($525 million) in outstanding debt. When contacted for comment on the debt refinancing reports, a Dolce & Gabbana spokesperson declined to share additional details, noting only that discussions with financial partners remain ongoing.

    The executive shake-up at Dolce & Gabbana comes as the broader global luxury sector faces sustained headwinds: over the past several years, shifting consumer spending patterns and economic uncertainty have squeezed profit margins and growth outlooks for many of the world’s top high-end fashion brands.

    Despite the corporate changes, Gabbana remains fully embedded in the brand’s creative identity. Most recently, he and Domenico Dolce appeared together on the Milan Fashion Week runway following the label’s February 2024 women’s ready-to-wear show, joining special guest Madonna for the traditional designer bow.

    Founded in Milan by Gabbana and Dolce in 1985, Dolce & Gabbana has grown into one of the fashion industry’s most enduring and successful creative partnerships. Drawing on Domenico Dolce’s Sicilian heritage to craft distinctive, figure-hugging silhouettes and bold, culturally rooted designs, the brand has cultivated a loyal A-list clientele that ranges from pop icon Madonna to Italian screen legend Monica Bellucci.

  • Canadian office hosts a taste of Antigua and Barbuda

    Canadian office hosts a taste of Antigua and Barbuda

    On a Tuesday evening in Toronto’s trendy Yorkville neighborhood, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority turned EPOS Cafe into a vibrant showcase of Caribbean culinary heritage, welcoming more than 20 journalists and digital content creators to its exclusive intimate event, “A Taste of Antigua and Barbuda”.

    Attendees were greeted with handcrafted signature cocktails and alcohol-free mocktails as they arrived, before taking their seats for a carefully curated five-course gourmet dining experience. Every dish on the menu was conceived and prepared by celebrated Antiguan chef Giovanni Meyer, who drew deeply from the layered cultural history and vibrant native ingredients of the twin-island nation to craft each bite that tells a story of the destination.

    Tameka Wharton, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Director for Canada, opened the event with a warm welcome to guests. Beyond highlighting the evening’s one-of-a-kind tasting menu, Wharton extended a formal invitation to all attendees and travel lovers across North America to experience the full breadth of the islands’ food scene in person during Antigua and Barbuda’s national Culinary Month, held this coming May.

    Chef Meyer brings an impressive, cross-continental resume to his work showcasing his home country’s cuisine. He completed his foundational culinary training at two respected institutions: the local Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute, followed by advanced studies at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. Before launching his work showcasing Antiguan flavor globally, Meyer honed his skills at top local venues including Carlisle Bay Resort and Sheer Rocks in Antigua, then refined his technique at world-renowned establishments overseas: he held a position at the Michelin-starred A Voce in New York City, and later worked at two of Toronto’s most acclaimed dining spots, Constantine and Byblos.

    The Toronto event also drew another notable culinary guest: Canadian celebrity chef, TV host and cookbook author Devan Rajkumar, who was on hand to share his own upcoming connection to the islands’ Culinary Month. Rajkumar is set to travel to Antigua this May, where he will team up with a local Antiguan chef for the program’s headline closing event: a Finale Beach Party and Cookout hosted at the scenic Tamarind Hills property.

    The immersive tasting event marks a key strategic push by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority to position the twin islands as a top culinary tourism destination, tapping into the growing global interest in food-centric travel experiences that connect visitors to local culture.

  • Quiz : Did You Know ? #13

    Quiz : Did You Know ? #13

    As part of its ongoing monthly general knowledge series “Did You Know?”, the popular free quiz platform Quiz.HaitiLibre has released its 13th installment, focusing on a hidden historical gem of Haiti that ties together national heritage and revolutionary legacy: Fort Ogé in Jacmel.

    Perched on the elevated Cap-Rouge hills overlooking Haiti’s southern coast, the fort carries the name of Vincent Ogé, one of the earliest martyrs who fought for civil and political rights for freedmen in the colonial era of Santo Domingo, the precursor territory to modern Haiti. Constructed shortly after Haiti gained independence in 1804, the installation was originally a core component of Jean-Jacques Dessalines’ national defense strategy, tasked with monitoring Caribbean waters to fend off potential colonial reconquest invasions.

    Architecturally, Fort Ogé follows the standard defensive design of early 19th-century Haitian fortifications, built with dry stone and mortar to maximize structural durability and unobstructed strategic visibility across the coast. The decision by Haiti’s founding leaders to name the fort after Ogé was no accident: it was a deliberate choice to anchor the young nation’s new built heritage to the heroes who paved the way for revolution before independence was achieved.

    Today, the fort serves two key roles for Haitians and visitors alike: it offers sweeping, unrivaled panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, while also acting as a living educational landmark that connects younger generations to the sacrifices made by the earliest pioneers of Haitian freedom.

    This little-known historical fact is pulled from the answer key accompanying the 13th entry in Quiz.HaitiLibre’s popular series. The free, no-registration platform caters to knowledge seekers of all backgrounds, offering dozens of quiz games covering topics from Haitian history and culture to global current events, with three adjustable difficulty levels – normal, intermediate, and advanced – and full support for both French and English languages.

    As part of its scheduled April 2026 monthly update, 28 brand new quiz games were added to the platform on Wednesday, April 8, expanding the already extensive library of content available to users. Curious readers and knowledge enthusiasts can explore the full collection of quizzes, including previous installments of the “Did You Know?” series, by visiting the official Quiz.HaitiLibre website at https://quiz.haitilibre.com/en.

  • PHOTO: Alfred Rolle Wins Flow’s Final Riddim and Rewards Grand Prize, Takes Home $1,000 Cash

    PHOTO: Alfred Rolle Wins Flow’s Final Riddim and Rewards Grand Prize, Takes Home $1,000 Cash

    The final installment of Flow’s popular Riddim and Rewards talent competition has wrapped up, and the spotlight now shines on Alfred Rolle, the standout competitor who walked away with the grand prize. After weeks of intense performances that showcased a diverse range of musical and rhythmic talent from across the region, Rolle outshone all other participants to claim the $1,000 cash top award.

    The Riddim and Rewards series, launched by telecommunications provider Flow, was designed to celebrate and uplift local emerging creative talent, particularly those rooted in Caribbean rhythmic and musical traditions. The competition drew dozens of entries across preliminary rounds, with fans and a panel of industry judges narrowing the field down to a handful of finalists for the concluding event. From skillful lyrical delivery to innovative rhythm composition, each finalist brought their unique artistic flair to the stage, but Rolle’s standout performance resonated most strongly with both the judging panel and the audience in attendance.

    Industry observers note that competitions like Riddim and Rewards play a key role in nurturing the next generation of Caribbean creatives, providing not just financial support but also much-needed exposure for artists who may otherwise lack access to mainstream opportunities. Flow has long positioned its community-focused entertainment initiatives as a way to invest in the cultural fabric of the regions it serves, and the conclusion of this year’s series marks another milestone in that ongoing commitment. For Rolle, the $1,000 cash prize is more than just a reward—it is a validation of his artistic work and a stepping stone for future projects in his creative career.

  • Soca Meeting Postponed To Support “Manifesting Greatness” Event With Masicka And Dawson Lewis

    Soca Meeting Postponed To Support “Manifesting Greatness” Event With Masicka And Dawson Lewis

    In a show of commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative talent in the soca industry, the National Soca Fraternity (NSF) has formally announced the postponement of its general meeting originally planned for the current date. The decision was made to clear the way for full participation and backing of the high-profile “Manifesting Greatness” youth and artiste engagement initiative.

    The organization has issued a public call urging all young creatives and working artistes across the region to seize the professional and personal growth opportunities presented by the “Manifesting Greatness” event. NSF leadership emphasized that targeted engagement programs like this play an irreplaceable role in advancing both individual careers and the collective evolution of the wider soca and creative entertainment industry. By stepping back to accommodate the youth-focused gathering, the fraternity underlines its priority of investing in long-term industry health over routine organizational business.

    Following the postponement, the NSF has confirmed a new rescheduled date and venue for its general meeting: attendees will now gather at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 at Dele’s Restaurant and Bar. The organization extends an open invitation to all soca artistes, industry stakeholders, and interested community members to join the rescheduled session for discussions on ongoing initiatives, future planning, and collaborative projects.

    In closing, the NSF Executive Board offered sincere apologies to all members and guests who had adjusted their schedules to attend the original meeting, acknowledging that the last-minute change may have created unplanned inconveniences. The board reaffirmed its enduring institutional commitment to centering programs and policies that lift up working artistes, foster connectedness across the creative community, and build a more sustainable and inclusive soca industry for all participants.

  • Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra Hits a High Note with New Musical Equipment

    Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra Hits a High Note with New Musical Equipment

    Young emerging instrumentalists of the Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO) are preparing to showcase their craft with a fully upgraded percussion section, after the Sandals Foundation’s Caribbean Artisan Programme contributed more than $35,000 Eastern Caribbean dollars in new instruments and supporting equipment to the ensemble.

    As the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts, the foundation has built a long-running regional commitment to growing creative opportunities for young Caribbean people, and this donation marks another milestone in that work. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, emphasized that investment in youth arts delivers far more than recreational benefits: “We are dedicated to nurturing Caribbean youth through the creative arts. Music acts both as a transformative tool for individual growth and a robust cultural sector that can generate sustainable livelihoods, boost national economies, and amplify the Caribbean’s unique cultural voice on the global stage. Today’s students are tomorrow’s composers, producers, educators and world-class performers who will carry our region’s heritage to audiences across the globe. By investing in initiatives like ABYSO, we help young artists refine their raw talent, build lasting confidence, and envision viable, long-term careers within the creative industries.”

    ABYSO leadership notes that the orchestra’s long-term viability relies entirely on partnerships with mission-aligned corporate donors and community supporters. Beyond directly improving the training experience for current orchestra members, the new equipment will allow the organization to dramatically expand its community outreach work across both Antigua and its sister island Barbuda. With the additional percussion gear in hand, ABYSO will deepen its in-school programming, delivering introductory instrumental classes to students at Pigotts Primary, Potters Primary, and Holy Trinity School in Barbuda. The outreach initiative also creates a clear talent pipeline, giving promising beginning student musicians a clear pathway to advance into ABYSO’s junior and full youth orchestral programs. A dedicated teacher training component is also included in the partnership, designed to build the instructional capacity of local music educators and ensure orchestral music education can grow steadily and sustainably across both islands. Combined, these efforts are expected to widen access to structured music learning while cultivating a steady pipeline of skilled young Caribbean musicians for years to come.

    For McKuelan Morris, ABYSO’s percussion coordinator, the donation could not have come at a better time. “The percussion instruments we received were not only timely but tremendously welcome additions to our section,” Morris explained. “As we work with our young musicians to develop their skills, the repertoire we tackle grows more complex. Having these high-quality instruments available now lets us add much-needed depth to our collective orchestral sound, while giving our percussionists the opportunity to learn multiple percussion instruments at the same time. We are incredibly grateful for this support.”

    This contribution is just one part of the Sandals Foundation’s decades-long regional investment in youth music education across the Caribbean. In The Bahamas, the foundation has supported community initiatives including the Exuma Community Youth Band and the LN Coakley Music Programme, expanding access to structured learning for young musicians in Exuma. In Jamaica, the organization has backed the Skyliner Marching Band, partnered with Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College to deliver specialized brass education workshops, and invested in the island’s legendary Alpha School of Music. Across all these initiatives, the foundation’s core goal remains consistent: to nurture the next generation of Caribbean musical talent and preserve the region’s rich, diverse musical heritage for future audiences.