Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Ediflor Festival to debut in Dominica on May 24 and 25

    Ediflor Festival to debut in Dominica on May 24 and 25

    ROSEAU, Dominica – May 20, 2026 – Dominica’s culinary landscape is about to welcome a groundbreaking new event, as local culinary creator Daria Eugene prepares to launch the world’s first edible flower-focused festival, Ediflor, in the picturesque village of Giraudel on May 24 and 25. Opening its doors to attendees from 12 p.m. each day, this two-day immersive gathering reimagines the intersection of gastronomy, local culture and creative innovation, building the entire experience around the underutilized potential of edible blooms.

    Unlike traditional food festivals that treat flowers as mere table decorations, Ediflor centers edible flowers as a core ingredient across every course of its curated dining experience. The event offers a two-tier full-course dining program that weaves edible flowers, locally sourced herbs and native tropical produce into every element of the meal, from bright appetizers to hearty main courses and delicate desserts. All dishes draw inspiration from traditional Dominican flavor profiles and broader Caribbean culinary traditions, putting a fresh, creative twist on beloved regional cuisine. The first tier of the exclusive dining experience will only be available to attendees on the opening day, May 24, adding a limited-access element for early visitors.

    Organizers emphasize that Ediflor fills a unique niche in global culinary events, billing it as the first festival of its kind anywhere in the world. Its core mission is to shift public perception of flowers, inviting guests to see them not just as decorative accents, but as versatile, flavorful ingredients that can elevate both the taste and visual presentation of food.

    Beyond the headline dining experience, the festival has planned a full slate of complementary activities designed to engage attendees of all ages and interests. These include a curated exhibition of flower-themed art and antique pieces, interactive garden and culinary games, a hands-on plant education workshop tailored for children, a marketplace featuring handcrafted goods from local Dominican artisans and vendors, and continuous live entertainment paired with cultural performances that highlight the island’s rich heritage.

    In an interview ahead of the launch, founder Daria Eugene, who runs the popular local culinary platform Cooking with Daria, explained the inspiration behind the festival. She noted that the idea grew from a desire to celebrate the abundance of native Dominican ingredients while bringing an entirely new culinary concept to the island’s food scene.

    “Most people automatically think of flowers as just decoration for a plate or a room,” Eugene said. “We wanted to change that narrative and show how they can become an integral, delicious part of a complete culinary experience. This festival gives everyone the chance to taste something completely new, while enjoying great food, celebrating local culture, and exploring creative expression all in one place.”

    For years, Eugene has worked through Cooking with Daria to elevate and promote Dominican cuisine, creating interactive culinary experiences that highlight the versatility of local ingredients. Now, Ediflor represents the largest expansion of that mission to date.

    Event organizers anticipate the festival will draw a diverse crowd, including international and local food lovers, professional chefs looking for new ingredient inspiration, home gardeners with an interest in edible plants, cultural enthusiasts exploring Dominican heritage, and tourists searching for one-of-a-kind activities to add to their Caribbean travel itineraries. The festival is expected to become a new staple on Dominica’s annual culinary calendar, boosting local tourism and supporting small creative businesses across the island.

    Tickets for the 2026 inaugural Ediflor festival are currently available for purchase at Bullseye Pharmacy. Businesses or individuals interested in sponsorship opportunities, or those seeking additional information about ticketing and the event schedule, can contact Cooking with Daria directly at 617-5827 or visit the team in person in Giraudel, Dominica.

  • Kryptic set for City Splash returnset for City Splash return

    Kryptic set for City Splash returnset for City Splash return

    Leading up to one of Europe’s biggest celebrations of Caribbean Black music, Jamaican DJ Kryptic is gearing up to deliver a high-octane performance at the 2026 City Splash festival, scheduled to take place May 25 at London’s iconic Brockwell Park in Brixton. For the spin artist, this year’s booking marks far more than just another set: it is a landmark moment to challenge a widespread industry perception that only vocal artists are capable of making an enduring impact on the global music scene.

    Founded to center the rich, dynamic sounds of reggae, dancehall, and Black diasporic musical traditions, City Splash has emerged as a critical launchpad for Caribbean creative talent seeking to reach international audiences. This year’s lineup already draws major excitement, featuring legendary and contemporary stars including Beres Hammond, Aidonia, and Elephant Man, alongside Kryptic’s highly anticipated return to the festival stage.

    Earning a repeat booking for the event is a milestone that carries both personal and professional weight for Kryptic, who says he never takes the opportunity to represent Jamaican culture on a global platform for granted. “Getting called to perform on stage with the reputation of City Splash is always a blessing that I never take for granted. That feeling of excitement never gets old,” he shared in comments ahead of the festival. “I plan to use this as an opportunity to show the world that I’m ready to take on international stages. It’s a step in the right direction for me in showing people that DJs from Jamaica today can reach an international audience, and perform on the biggest stages globally.”

    Beyond his own career goals, Kryptic says he hopes his appearance will inspire the next generation of Jamaican DJs to pursue global opportunities. “I want to bridge that gap between Jamaica and world as a DJ, and also to show younger DJs that anything is possible if you believe in yourself,” he added.

    The DJ also stressed the vital role that events like City Splash play in sustaining and growing reggae and dancehall culture outside of the Caribbean, particularly in the UK, which has a large, enthusiastic Jamaican diaspora community. “I think it’s extremely important. There is a huge scene beyond what we know in Jamaica,” he said, while publicly thanking festival organizer Izzy and the entire City Splash promotional team for their work elevating Caribbean music globally.

    With thousands of attendees from across the UK and European Caribbean diaspora expected to turn out for the event, Kryptic says his top priority is crafting a set that balances authentic Jamaican musical roots with his own distinct artistic style. Attendees can expect a high-energy set packed with custom remixes, exclusive dub plates, and what Kryptic calls “raw Jamaican energy” that will keep crowds moving from the first track to the last.

    “With such a cultured festival the music really does speak for itself. I’m looking forward to giving the crowd an authentic experience with a twist of the signature Kryptic style,” he said.

    Ben Ryan, founder and lead organizer of City Splash, echoed the excitement around Kryptic’s return, noting that the festival’s core mission is to lift up emerging and standout Caribbean creative talent. “I’m passionate about championing emerging talent from the Caribbean, especially Jamaica, and creating platforms where artistes can educate, connect, and shine… Bringing Kryptic back feels right because when an entertainer has that spark, you don’t just run it once — you run it back!” Ryan said.

  • Abinader reaffirms commitment to Dominican artists and cultural development

    Abinader reaffirms commitment to Dominican artists and cultural development

    A high-profile gathering of the Dominican Republic’s leading artistic figures and President Luis Abinader took place earlier this week at the National Palace in Santo Domingo, where the head of state convened the working luncheon to deepen collaboration between the government and the nation’s cultural sector. The meeting was structured to create open dialogue between policymakers and creators, address pressing concerns raised by working artists, and align on shared priorities to boost creative initiatives spanning music, visual arts, performance, and national cultural heritage.

    Opening the discussion, President Abinader underscored the irreplaceable role that artists play in safeguarding Dominican national identity and driving inclusive cultural development. He made a formal reaffirmation of the national government’s ongoing commitment to sustaining transparent, consistent lines of communication with creative communities across the country, ensuring their input shapes future cultural policy. The meeting counted senior government officials among its attendees, including Minister of Justice Antoliano Peralta, National Office of Drug Control Director José Rubén Gonell Cosme, and cultural leader Roberto Ángel Salcedo.

    During the event, Salcedo laid out details of the administration’s flagship plan to expand access to formal artistic education across the Dominican Republic. The initiative centers on integrating existing Fine Arts schools into the national extended school day program, expanding outreach to underserved communities. Currently, the country hosts 88 regional arts-focused centers and serves more than 7,000 students across 22 accredited Fine Arts institutions. The updated framework will expand training opportunities across four core creative disciplines: music, dance, visual arts, and performing arts, with curriculum revisions to center the unique cultural traditions of each Dominican region.

    In addition to education reforms, President Abinader announced a major new cultural event to celebrate one of the nation’s most iconic cultural exports: merengue. The newly proposed “Merengue Week” will run from November 20 to 29, with public programming and performances scheduled in the country’s two largest cities, Santo Domingo and Santiago. To boost global visibility for Dominican creative talent, Abinader also issued a formal directive requiring the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate closely, leveraging the country’s network of embassies and consulates around the world to showcase Dominican art and music to international audiences.

    Response from the artistic community gathered at the luncheon was largely positive, with multiple prominent creators praising the administration’s targeted support for the cultural sector. Veteran artist Pochy Familia commended Abinader’s consistent engagement with Dominican creators, and extended gratitude for the government’s recent provision of pensions for long-time veteran artists. Merengue star Rafa Rosario characterized Abinader as one of the most accessible and engaged presidents for Dominican artistic communities in modern history, while fellow performer Eddy Herrera emphasized the global cultural significance of merengue as a national treasure that deserves international promotion.

    The invitation-only luncheon drew a who’s who of Dominican music and entertainment, including legendary performers Fefita La Grande, Sergio Vargas, Kinito Méndez, Ramón Orlando, Omega, and Jandy Ventura, among other notable figures from across the creative sector.

  • Ginjah spreads faith and encouragement with ‘God Is Good’

    Ginjah spreads faith and encouragement with ‘God Is Good’

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Veteran Jamaican reggae performer Ginjah is bringing a powerful, soul-stirring message of faith, resilience, and quiet hope to global audiences through his newest release, *God Is Good*. The track is a featured offering on the *Kiss Of Judas Riddim* compilation, a production helmed by celebrated reggae producer Kemar “Flava” McGregor.

    Far more than a standard musical release, the inspiring composition finds Ginjah reflecting on the inevitable challenges and obstacles that shape human life, while gently urging listeners to hold fast to their spiritual beliefs even when circumstances feel overwhelming. In a conversation about the track, the singer emphasized that its core message extends well beyond its name.

    “It’s more than just a song title, it’s a reminder that even through struggle, pain and uncertainty, there’s still hope, purpose and a higher calling,” Ginjah shared. “I wanted listeners to feel encouraged and spiritually uplifted.”

    While the original lyrics for the track were written by producer McGregor, Ginjah infused the final recording with his distinct artistic flair and deeply personal emotional weight. He added original creative elements to shape the song into what fans hear today: “This song was written by Kemar McGregor, I only added some spice to it, like the intro and the last verse. I think it’s a beautiful and inspiring song, reminding people that God is everywhere and he’s truly amazing.”

    The path to recording the track was not immediate, Ginjah revealed. After McGregor first sent him the riddim in late 2023, the track slipped Ginjah’s mind for months, until a chance moment brought its lyrics back into his life in an unexpectedly impactful way. “In March, while clearing messages from my phone, I stumbled upon the words of the song and kept reading them because they were speaking directly to my life,” he recalled. “That’s when I decided to voice the song.”

    The collaboration on *God Is Good* marks just the latest chapter in a creative partnership that spans more than 20 years, tying Ginjah and McGregor together through a shared commitment to thoughtful, well-crafted reggae. The singer noted that their long-running connection has fostered a natural creative rhythm: “Me and Flava have been working together for over 20 years now, so from time to time he links me to voice on his projects. He has a strong vision when it comes to quality music and meaningful productions.”

    As the full *Kiss Of Judas Riddim* project grows in popularity across international reggae circuits, Ginjah says the widespread connection fans feel to the work stems from its raw authenticity and unflinching emotional honesty. The project explores universal themes that resonate with listeners across borders and backgrounds: “The music is real, emotional and relatable. The themes on the project — loyalty, betrayal, faith, struggle and perseverance — are things people everywhere can understand,” he explained.

    For Ginjah, the growing global success of the project carries a larger meaning for the future of reggae music. It proves that conscious, roots-focused reggae still holds massive appeal for global audiences, even amid shifting trends in popular music. “It reminds artistes and producers that staying true to the roots and delivering genuine messages can still reach people worldwide,” he said.

    Most importantly, the singer says the greatest reward for releasing the track has come from the countless fans who have reached out to share that *God Is Good* has supported them through their own personal hard times. That kind of connection, he notes, is the greatest outcome of creating music rooted in purpose.

  • Belgian mother-daughter DJ duo Brooke x Taliyah set for Jamaica debut at club MECA

    Belgian mother-daughter DJ duo Brooke x Taliyah set for Jamaica debut at club MECA

    Kingston, Jamaica’s vibrant nightlife is preparing to welcome a groundbreaking cross-cultural musical experience this Thursday, as international Belgian DJ pair Brooke x Taliyah take the stage for their first-ever live performance in Jamaica at the iconic Club MECA.

    Titled *International Night: Europe Meets Jamaica*, the one-of-a-kind event is a collaborative production between the Marketplace Entertainment Centre for the Arts (MECA) and Main Event Entertainment Group Limited, hosted at MECA’s venue located at 67 Constant Spring Road, Kingston.

    Made up of mother-daughter pair Brooke Bailey and Taliyah Ayana, Brooke x Taliyah have already carved out a formidable reputation across the European entertainment circuit. Their electrifying stage energy and rare cross-generational appeal have earned them a loyal global fanbase, with tour stops spanning more than 50 countries and sets at some of the world’s biggest outdoor music festivals. This upcoming show marks the first time Jamaican music lovers will get to experience the duo’s signature sound live on local ground, a milestone event organizers call a transformative moment for both the venue and Jamaica’s broader entertainment ecosystem.

    In a statement shared ahead of the performance, event organizers emphasized the significance of the night beyond just a single concert: “This performance marks a significant moment not only for MECA as it launches its international campaign ahead of a major cultural showcase in Portugal this summer, but also for Jamaica’s entertainment scene.”

    The lineup balances international talent with homegrown and Jamaican-connected artists: popular local selectors Chiney K and Vinci will share the bill alongside Japanese-Jamaican DJ Bad Gyal Marie, creating a truly global exchange of musical styles that aligns perfectly with the event’s core theme.

    Attendees can look forward to a dynamic, high-energy set blending dancehall, Afrobeats, and a wide range of global popular sounds, centered on Brooke x Taliyah’s popular overseas concept: the playful “friendly clash of the eras” that highlights the musical connections across different generations. The Jamaican DJs will bring their own signature competitive energy to the night, which will close with a crowd-favorite dance-off pitting Afrobeats against Jamaican dancehall.

    Main Event Entertainment Group Limited joined the partnership to leverage its extensive industry experience, ensuring the event delivers the polished, high-production quality both organizations have built their reputations on. To accommodate multi-generational attendance, organizers have intentionally scheduled an early 9:00 pm kickoff, allowing fans of all age groups to enjoy the full experience together. For attendees looking for special deals, a limited free entry list is available for women, and college students with valid IDs can access exclusive discounted admission offers.

  • Caribbean voices within the global art conversation

    Caribbean voices within the global art conversation

    On May 8, 2026, the opening day of the 2026 Venice Biennale, four regional artists gathered in the Grenada Pavilion to share their transformative experiences bringing Caribbean creativity to one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art stages. Curated by commissioner Susan Mains, this iteration of the Grenada Pavilion marked a deliberate shift toward cross-regional collaboration, inviting creators from Grenada, Barbados, and Trinidad to share space, narrative, and creative energy with a global audience of artists, curators, and visitors.

    Across every conversation, a unified thread of excitement, gratitude, and purpose emerged: the opportunity to center Caribbean artistic voices on an international platform has not only validated the region’s creative output but also sparked profound personal and professional growth for each participating creator. All four artists expressed deep pride in representing their home nations and the broader Caribbean community, while highlighting how the biennale’s global context has renewed their creative vision.

    Russell Watson, a multidisciplinary artist based in Barbados, brought a longstanding connection to the Grenada Pavilion’s Venice Biennale journey. Having attended the very first Grenada Pavilion presentation in 2015, he recalled his shock at seeing the small Caribbean nation claim space at the global event, and has followed the pavilion’s work ever since. When Mains extended an invitation to join the 2026 cohort, he jumped at the chance to participate in the pavilion’s new regional inclusion initiative.

    For Watson, the experience affirmed that his creative practice aligns with key global contemporary art movements. Walking through the biennale’s hundreds of exhibitions, he noted a widespread, shared preoccupation among global creators with humanity’s fractured relationship with the natural world, and the growing intersection of environmental themes and spiritual inquiry – a thematic overlap that mirrors his own work. He also pointed to the widespread embrace of video as a fine art medium at the biennale, echoing his own longstanding interest in the format and confirming that video has firmly secured its place in top-tier contemporary practice. Watson emphasized that the pavilion’s commitment to regional integration sends a powerful message: Caribbean nations do not need to be separated by the waters that define them, but rather can share space, build community, and amplify their collective voices. He expressed hope that this collaborative model will continue and expand to include deeper support for creators from more Caribbean states in future editions.

    Jeverson Ramirez, a celebrated Grenadian steelpan virtuoso and recording artist, marked his first visit to Venice with the 2026 pavilion. He described the experience as unexpectedly welcoming, saying the warm energy of the global art community made the far-off European city feel like home. For Ramirez, the greatest honor was bringing the distinct cultural flavor of Grenada and the Caribbean to a new audience, sharing his love of traditional steelpan music with visitors from across the globe.

    Like Watson, Ramirez praised the pavilion’s collaborative regional model, echoing the idea that Caribbean waters connect rather than divide the region’s islands and their peoples. Sharing exhibition space with artists from across the Caribbean and even other nations, including Guatemala, has created rich opportunities for cultural exchange, he said. Ramirez highlighted the shared historical experience of Caribbean nations – from the legacy of colonial slavery and plantation economies focused on cocoa, sugar, bananas, and nutmeg – that shapes shared cultural values, perspectives, and creative themes today. Bringing these connected voices together in one pavilion, he argued, makes their collective message even stronger.

    Edward Bowen, a veteran painter based in Trinidad, called the invitation to join the Grenada Pavilion a life-changing surprise. As an artist with 40 years of painting experience, he said the opportunity to engage with thousands of global artworks and perspectives at the biennale has been an unparalleled creative reset, comparing himself to a sponge absorbing new ideas and inspiration that will fuel his future work.

    Bowen stressed that the Grenada Pavilion’s choice to open its doors to cross-regional Caribbean participation is a bold, necessary step for the art world. Inclusivity is far more common in music than in visual arts, he noted, making this initiative all the more important. He called for less territorial thinking around national artistic representation and a more democratic, thoughtful approach to lifting up regional Caribbean creators. Back home in Trinidad, he plans to leverage his Venice experience to support more local artists in accessing international opportunities like this.

    Arthur Daniel, a Grenadian photographer and videographer, said he arrived at the biennale with an open mind and no expectations of the scale and impact of the event – and left deeply transformed. Grateful to Mains, sponsors, and supporters for the opportunity, Daniel described wandering Venice’s canals and pavilions as a profoundly spiritual experience, where every interaction with art and fellow creators opens up a new dimension of understanding.

    For Daniel, the most meaningful takeaway has been witnessing how his own photographic work connects with global audiences in deeply personal, unexpected ways. Walking 16,000 steps a day through the biennale grounds left him physically energized rather than tired, he said, because his spirit was being fed by constant inspiration. The experience has accelerated his growth as an artist, expanding his understanding of the global art ecosystem exponentially, and he said he has grown tenfold across every dimension – mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. For Daniel, the greatest reward is not seeing his work displayed, but gaining the experience to educate and lift up other emerging creators in Grenada and across the Caribbean, helping them understand what global art practice entails. He emphasized that the Venice Biennale’s greatest magic lies in slowing down, opening one’s mind, and letting the art and energy of the space speak for itself.

    For this cohort of Caribbean creators, the Grenada Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale is more than an exhibition opportunity: it is a landmark step toward more inclusive regional collaboration and a powerful confirmation that Caribbean creativity holds an essential place in the global art conversation.

  • ABHTA Congratulates Carlisle Bay’s Kalin Fontaine on Global Hospitality Achievement

    ABHTA Congratulates Carlisle Bay’s Kalin Fontaine on Global Hospitality Achievement

    In a landmark moment for Caribbean travel and hospitality, Antigua and Barbuda’s leading tourism industry body has officially celebrated a historic win for one of the nation’s rising hospitality stars. The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has extended formal congratulations to Kalin Fontaine, the skilled Restaurant Manager at luxury resort Carlisle Bay Antigua, for her exceptional performance at the first-ever LQA Sirius Awards 2026 held in Lisbon, Portugal.

    Fontaine made history as the only hospitality professional from the entire Caribbean region to earn a spot among the 100 top-ranked star employees worldwide, beating out more than 10,000 nominated candidates from across the globe for the prestigious recognition. This selection marks a rare and high-profile win for a Caribbean hospitality worker, shining a global spotlight on the quality of service the region is known for.

    In a statement released following the awards announcement, ABHTA emphasized that Fontaine’s standout achievement is far more than a personal win—it is a powerful reflection of the core values that have long defined Caribbean hospitality: authentic care for guests, unwavering dedication to service excellence, and the ability to create one-of-a-kind, memorable visitor experiences that keep travelers returning to the region year after year.

    The association also took the opportunity to applaud the entire team at Carlisle Bay Antigua, noting that Fontaine’s success would not have been possible without the supportive, service-focused culture cultivated at the resort. ABHTA framed the global top 100 ranking as a critical milestone for Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism and hospitality sector, one that reinforces the nation’s reputation as a world-class luxury travel destination and paves the way for more local hospitality professionals to gain international recognition in the years ahead.

  • Peetron of Antigua & Barbuda confirmed as Official International Award Nominee

    Peetron of Antigua & Barbuda confirmed as Official International Award Nominee

    A groundbreaking milestone for Caribbean gospel music has emerged this week, as multi-genre recording artist Peetron Thomas hailing from Antigua and Barbuda has officially secured a nomination in the International Male Soloist category of the 29th Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards (TGMEA).

    One of the most respected annual gatherings in the global gospel industry, the 2027 awards ceremony is scheduled to take place from February 18 to 21 at the Houston Hobby Marriott in Houston, Texas. The event draws a diverse roster of talent, church ministry leaders and entertainment industry professionals spanning the United States and dozens of nations across the globe, all united by a shared commitment to uplifting inspirational and gospel music.

    Thomas’ inclusion on the TGMEA’s official international ballot marks a major career high for the versatile performer, cementing his expanding footprint within the global gospel and inspirational music landscape. As a multi-genre artist, he has built a reputation for blending diverse musical styles to deliver faith-centered messages, and his nomination places him alongside an elite group of global contenders selected for their exceptional contributions to ministry, live performance and artistic impact.

    Founded by Pastor Larry Davies, the TGMEA has cultivated a decades-long reputation for elevating outstanding gospel artistry across local, national, and international categories, shining a spotlight on both emerging and established talent in the space.

    Organizers have announced key details for the public voting process, which is set to open on May 8, 2026, and close exactly one month later on June 8, 2026. For any submitted ballot to be counted as valid, voters must cast selections in all 19 award categories, organizers confirmed. Thomas’ camp and event representatives have encouraged fans and supporters of the artist to visit the official voting portal at https://tgmea.org/vote to submit their ballots before the deadline.

    Beyond the recognition for Thomas himself, the nomination also amplifies Antigua and Barbuda’s growing profile on the global gospel stage. As the artist continues to extend his reach far beyond the Caribbean region, his nomination paves the way for greater visibility for other faith-based artists from the small island nation on international platforms.

  • Chippy G Commended For Relentless Pursuit Of Excellence On Sugar Mill Riddim

    Chippy G Commended For Relentless Pursuit Of Excellence On Sugar Mill Riddim

    Rising dancehall talent Chippy G has garnered widespread praise from fans and industry peers alike for his uncompromising dedication to creative excellence on the newly released Sugar Mill Riddim compilation. The project, which has been making waves across Caribbean music communities and global streaming platforms, features a curated lineup of established and emerging artists, with Chippy G’s contribution standing out as a fan favorite.

    Unlike many artists who rush to complete their verses to meet tight project deadlines, Chippy G spent weeks refining his flow, adjusting lyrical phrasing, and re-recording sections to ensure his track aligned with his own high artistic standards. Multiple producers involved in the Sugar Mill Riddim project have spoken publicly about the artist’s relentless work ethic, noting that he turned down initial mixes that he felt did not live up to the collective vision for the compilation.

    Industry analysts point to this kind of commitment to quality as a breath of fresh air in an era where many dancehall artists prioritize releasing quick content to stay relevant on social media. Fans have taken to streaming platforms and social media to celebrate Chippy G’s work, with the track amassing hundreds of thousands of streams in its first week of release alone. Many listeners have highlighted the thoughtful lyricism and dynamic delivery that came from the artist’s iterative creative process, noting that it adds a unique layer of depth to the overall Sugar Mill Riddim project.

    This recognition marks a key milestone in Chippy G’s growing career, as he continues to build a reputation as an artist who prioritizes craft over quick visibility. Early indicators suggest the track will continue to climb regional and international dancehall charts in the coming weeks, solidifying both the artist’s status and the success of the Sugar Mill Riddim compilation as a whole.

  • Leisure : Did you know ? #25

    Leisure : Did you know ? #25

    In the 25th installment of HaitiLibre’s popular ‘Did You Know?’ leisure series, published May 20, 2026, readers are invited to explore the little-known history and unique culinary character of sumac, a versatile ancient spice with deep roots in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food traditions.

    Sumac is harvested from the berries of wild shrubs that thrive in the rugged rocky terrain spanning the Mediterranean basin and the Middle East. What sets this spice apart from common acidic seasonings is its bright, lemony-forward profile paired with a subtle astringent bite, which adds fresh, tangy depth to dishes without requiring liquid additives like vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice. It has long been a staple in the national cuisines of Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, and serves as a core component of the iconic Za’atar spice blend—an aromatic mix that also includes dried thyme, toasted sesame seeds, and salt.

    The historical reach of sumac stretches back far earlier than many modern home cooks realize. Long before lemons were introduced to European markets, ancient Romans already relied on sumac for both its medicinal benefits and culinary versatility. This long legacy offers a powerful reminder: regional biodiversity shaped unique culinary identities centuries before the globalization of food ingredients homogenized modern diets. In highlighting sumac’s story, the feature also issues a quiet call to action: to honor distinct regional terroirs, and recognize that every corner of the world holds one-of-a-kind natural treasures that deserve protection from conflict and the gradual erasure of ancient cultural traditions.

    This fun, educational fact comes straight from the HaitiLibre Quiz platform, an interactive general knowledge hub designed to challenge and engage learners across a wide range of topics. The platform caters to casual knowledge seekers and trivia enthusiasts alike, covering everything from Haitian current affairs and culture to global general knowledge. For users ready to test their expertise, the platform’s expert menu, hosted at https://quiz.haitilibre.com/en, offers a diverse array of specialized, challenging themes.

    Currently, the platform hosts 119 unique interactive quiz games, with new content added on a monthly basis. As part of the May 2026 monthly update, 30 brand-new quizzes were added to the library on May 4, expanding the platform’s offerings for all audiences. All HaitiLibre Quiz games are exclusive, completely free to access, and require no account registration to play. They are designed to be accessible to all age groups and knowledge levels, with three difficulty tiers—easy, intermediate, and hard—available for every quiz, and full support for both French and English languages.

    Readers are invited to visit the quiz hub at https://quiz.haitilibre.com/en to explore the full collection of content, test their own general knowledge, share the platform with family and friends, and send feedback to the HaitiLibre team to help improve future updates. This ‘Did You Know?’ entry is pulled from the platform’s International Cuisine 2.1 themed quiz, and previous installments of the series dating back to the 21st entry are also archived on the HaitiLibre website for interested readers to explore.