Beres Hammond to headline star-studded lineup on 2026 Love & Harmony Cruise
By Nelson A. King on 01/08/2026

Beres Hammond to headline star-studded lineup on 2026 Love & Harmony Cruise

Reggae icon Beres Hammond will headline the 2026 Love and Harmony Cruise, joining an all-star roster.Organizers announced Tuesday, Jan. 6, that Hammond — whose catalog of love songs and anthems spans generations—will headline alongside dancehall powerhouse Busy Signal, bringing unmatched energy and

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Guyanese ‘Hot Gyal’ Nesta rings in New Year on a ‘Ride’
By Nelson A. King on 01/07/2026

Guyanese ‘Hot Gyal’ Nesta rings in New Year on a ‘Ride’

Georgetown, Guyana-born singer Nesta Nelson, known to fans as “Hot Gyal” Nesta, is stepping confidently into the new year with a new dancehall single on a “Ride,” continuing her momentum from previous releases.Released on Jan. 1, “Ride” was produced by dancehall producer Damion “Jkeez” Hewitt of Jke

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Ijeal Joseph drops ‘Perfect’
By Nelson A. King on 01/06/2026

Ijeal Joseph drops ‘Perfect’

Grenadian-born gospel artist and minister Ijeal Joseph has released a new single, “Perfect.”“This song, ‘Perfect’, was born from a very real moment in my journey,” Joseph, a Brooklyn resident, told Caribbean Life on Monday, Jan. 5. “It came during Inspiration & Light, a 31-day daily devotional journ

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Surgeon-musician Dr. Elvis Francois to release new EP ‘Realignment’
By Milette Millington on 01/05/2026

Surgeon-musician Dr. Elvis Francois to release new EP ‘Realignment’

On Jan. 16, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Elvis Francois, will be releasing his new EP, “Realignment,” from which the first single, “I’ll Be” has been released.According to a press release published on Oct. 17, 2025 by Shore Fire Media, “From the soulful inspiration conjured up on opening track ‘Good Morni

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Thousands petition to deport rapper Nicki Minaj to TT
By Vinette K. Pryce on 01/05/2026

Thousands petition to deport rapper Nicki Minaj to TT

A Change.org petition calling for the deportation of 43-year-old Trinidad-born rapper Onika Tanya Maraj, known as Nicki Minaj, has reached more than 120,000 supporters. Initiated last year by liberal game-changing activists at Change.org, their numbers surged to disproportionate proportions with a

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Machel Montano named Everybody’s Person of the Year 2025
By Nelson A. King on 12/31/2025

Machel Montano named Everybody’s Person of the Year 2025

The Brooklyn-based Everybody’s magazine has selected Trinidad and Tobago Soca superstar and calypsonian Machel Montano as its Person of the Year 2025, highlighting his influence and exceptional impact.Herman Hall, the Grenadian-born publisher of Everybody’s magazine, told Caribbean Life on Monday, D

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Jamaica honors Jimmy Cliff
By Nelson A. King on 12/30/2025

Jamaica honors Jimmy Cliff

As the official funeral service for reggae icon Jimmy Cliff takes place this week in Kingston, Jamaica, at the National Indoor Sports Center, Louis “Louie” Grant, executive vice president and executive producer at Irie Jam Media, says that Cliff’s passing is “the end of an era.”The Government of Jam

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Cultural Gift
By Nelson A. King on 12/30/2025

Cultural Gift

The Brooklyn-based Tropicalfete, Inc., presented “The Finale: A Cultural Gift for the Community” on Sunday, Dec. 21, at the BMS Playhouse Theatre in Brooklyn.“The free, family-friendly event brought together residents, artists, educators, and cultural leaders for an afternoon of music, dance, theate

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Year-in-Review 2025 – Arts and Entertainment
By Nelson A. King on 12/30/2025

Year-in-Review 2025 – Arts and Entertainment

The year unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of Caribbean culture, music, community leadership, and diaspora engagement, particularly centered in New York City and extending across the Caribbean and international stages. From grassroots cultural recognition to global musical triumphs, each month highligh

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Robert Bailey releases ‘Breakthrough,’ an anthem of hope after Hurricane Melissa
By Tangerine Clarke on 12/29/2025

Robert Bailey releases ‘Breakthrough,’ an anthem of hope after Hurricane Melissa

Internationally acclaimed Jamaican Gospel singer Robert Bailey has released his highly anticipated new single “Breakthrough,” dedicating the upbeat ‘Anthem of Hope’ to Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa.The single, now available on all major streaming platforms, is described by Bailey as “A tim

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