Terance Williams, of Group Abena, says the spirit of Jamaica was “alive and electrical” on Saturday, Aug. 9, as acclaimed singer and cultural ambassador Abena Amory lit up the stage at Jamaica Independence Basis, Inc.’s (JIFI) 63rd Independence Anniversary Gala at Terrace on the Park in Corona, Queens.
Williams advised Caribbean Life that the gala, “a chic fusion of Caribbean pleasure, music, and group, was one of many highlights of the summer season for the Jamaican Diaspora in New York.
“Abena’s efficiency was nothing in need of magical,” he stated. “Along with her signature mix of soulful vocals, charming stage presence, and a repertoire that pays homage to each her roots and world influences, she introduced the viewers to their ft in celebration.
“Performing a mixture of reggae classics and authentic items, Abena remodeled the gala right into a vibrant, shared expertise of heritage and unity,” Williams added.
“The gala was a celebration of those that have positively impacted the Jamaican group, with iconic honorees equivalent to Christopher Martin, who not too long ago shared the St. Kitts Music Fest stage with Abena,” Williams continued. “Friends dined and danced in honor of Jamaica’s journey from independence in 1962 to its thriving world cultural presence at this time.
“Abena demonstrated as soon as once more how music can unite generations and bridge oceans, making Jamaica’s 63rd Independence celebration not solely a mirrored image of the previous, however a daring declaration of the longer term,” he stated.
In April, Amory, a Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter and entertainer advised Caribbean Life that she was “excited” to make her debut on the St. Kitts Music Pageant 2025.
Amory, the daughter of the late Nevis Premier Vance Amory and acclaimed Vincentian vocalist Erlene Williams-King, stated she “couldn’t be extra enthusiastic about this chance” to showcase her expertise on this esteemed world stage, which came about from Jun. 26 – 28, 2025.
“As a proud daughter of St. Kitts and Nevis, it’s an absolute honor to be acting at this 12 months’s St. Kitts Music Pageant,” she stated. “This second has been a very long time coming, and, to lastly grace the stage in my homeland—amongst among the most unbelievable worldwide and regional artists—is actually a dream realized.”
She stated the St. Kitts Music Pageant is “a celebration of tradition, music and the unequalled power of our folks.
“There’s nothing like performing for a house crowd, feeling the love of my fellow Kittitians and Nevisians, and sharing this expertise with the numerous music lovers who journey from close to and much for this iconic occasion,” Amory added. “Music has at all times been a strong a part of my journey, and, to face on that stage representing my roots, my ardour and my artistry, is past thrilling.
Not one to be boxed in, Amory stated she explores numerous genres of music, taking nice care to infuse her productions with a love theme.
She stated she made her debut look on the Nevis Mango Pageant in July 2024 and blew her viewers away.
Amory stated her choice to the Fest solidifies the impression of her model and the potential of her attain.
She stated she has been writing, singing and performing for the better a part of her life, and at all times enjoys representing her Caribbean heritage and her wealthy African historical past.
Amory stated she was immersed on this planet of music from her earliest days, together with her journey as a singer and songwriter starting amidst the colourful melodies of her mom’s hometown in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, blossoming additional throughout her youth in New York Metropolis.
From there, Amory stated her voice grew to become “a shining mild”, traversing the size and breadth of the USA, charming audiences wherever it resonated.
She stated she lent her voice to ensembles equivalent to Raymond Trapp and the Voices of Reward, gracing iconic venues like Grand Central Station, and incomes accolades at prestigious occasions just like the McDonald’s Gospel Fest.
Amory stated her sonic voyage continued with the BQE Band, “igniting revelry and pleasure at Carnival celebrations throughout main cities.”
She stated famend Soca artiste Alston “Becket” Cyrus, calypso legend King Brief Shirt and legendary Caribbean musical arranger Dr. Frankie McIntosh are amongst many artistes who’ve benefited from her musical expertise.
In February 2023, Amory launched the reggae love tune, “Your Love”, to a stay viewers in Brooklyn and a declaration that she was able to take her musical profession to the following degree.
Pushed by a profound want to the touch hearts and rework lives by way of her music, Amory stated she traverses genres from gospel to calypso, reggae to jazz.
In June 2024, Amory and Dejour collaborated on the one, “Poisonous Love”.
Throughout her efficiency at Mango Pageant, Amory additionally launched a brand new single, her model of “Breezy.”
