January
Regardless of medical problems, considered one of Grenada’s prime calypsonians and cultural figures, Valentine “Val” Adams, continues to be hitting the stage.
Adams was one of many foremost acts, primarily singing Christmas Carols, in the course of the fortieth Anniversary Gala celebration final Month of the Brooklyn-based Vincentian-American Impartial Nationwide Charities, Inc. (VINCI) at El Caribe Nation Membership on Strickland Avenue in Brooklyn.
“Though, like the whole lot else, there have been minor obstacles alongside the best way, together with a stroke which I skilled in 2017, I’ve continued to offer our communities and international locations alike with stunning, pleasant music,” Adams, a three-time Grenada Independence and Calypso Monarch in New York, advised Caribbean Life over the weekend.
“I’m nonetheless going by way of remedy and medical remedy, particularly for fixed ache on my left hip,” added the four-time Calypso Monarch finalist in Grenada, and twice second runner-up, with hits like “Take a Bow,” “Rise Up” and “Bumsy.” “I nonetheless carry out as I see match, by God’s grace.”
Adams, who was additionally twice Soca Monarch finalist in Grenada and founding father of the Home of Fireplace Calypso Tent in New York, stated he launched considered one of Grenada’s conventional mass, “Shortknee,” to the West Indian-American Labor Day Carnival in Brooklyn.
He stated his mas band, “500 Robust,” has been named Band of the 12 months, within the small band class, for 3 consecutive years, 2013-2015, within the West Indian-American Day Carnival Parade on Brooklyn’s Japanese Parkway.
February
Internationally acclaimed dancehall icon Sean Paul has unveiled a vibrant music video for his newest single, “Biggest,” which is featured on the trailblazing Dutty Cash Riddim.
Ronnie Thomlinson, the Brooklyn-based Jamaican leisure publicist, advised Caribbean Life on Thursday that the video, directed by revolutionary director Ruption, is “a visible feast that completely enhances the infectious power of the monitor, with dynamic visuals and pulsating rhythms.”
Produced by Rvssian, famend producer and proprietor of Head Concussion Information, Tomlinson, the chief government officer of the New York-based Destine Media, stated, “‘ Biggest’ is a standout monitor on the Dutty Cash Riddim, showcasing Sean Paul’s signature mix of dancehall and reggae-infused melodies.
“With its irresistible beats and catchy hooks, the music has already garnered widespread acclaim from followers and critics alike,” she stated.
“The accompanying music video, shot in Jamaica with vibrant backdrops and fascinating dance strikes, captures the essence of the Caribbean spirit whereas showcasing Sean Paul’s magnetic presence and fascinating supply,” she added. “It’s a testomony to the dancehall icon’s unparalleled [nk1] creativity and inventive imaginative and prescient.”
Sean Paul stated, “Engaged on this video was an unbelievable expertise.
“I needed to create one thing visually gorgeous that may seize the music’s essence and convey it to life in a vibrant and dynamic means,” she stated. “I’m pleased with the ultimate end result and hope followers get pleasure from it.”
March
Trinidadian-born Canadian singer, songwriter, and entertainer, Anslem Douglas sang the praises and serenaded 13 phenomenal ladies Saturday night in the course of the tenth Annual Phenomenal Lady Awards on the Queens Museum of Artwork.
Brooklyn resident Douglas introduced the home down together with his unique and signature masterpieces, “Too Candy,” “Ohh Ahh,” and “Who Let The Canine Out,” in the course of the gala affair organized by the Far Rockaway, Queens-based La “V” en Rose Productions.
Haitian-born Rose Guerrier, founder and president of La “V“ en Rose Productions, shared the position of Grasp/Mistress of Ceremonies together with her cousin, legal professional Jacques M. Leandre.
“In my 34-plus-years on stage, acting from Antigua to Zimbabwe, I nonetheless discover probably the most pleasure in performing to a well-dressed seated viewers,“ Douglas advised Caribbean Life completely afterwards. “On Saturday, the sixteenth of March, on the Queens Museum, that was perfection. The venue, the event, and the viewers, dressed to the nines, positioned me in a Heaven on earth.
“The tenth anniversary of Phenomenal Lady Awards was a tremendous occasion, as all of us got here out to pay homage to the ladies in our neighborhood who’ve achieved and proceed to do superb issues,“ he added.
“I felt very privileged to be one of many performers to bathe them with reward and serenade them with a couple of of my songs,“ Douglas continued. “Thanks, Rose (Guerrier) and your committee, for blessing me with the chance to carry out to such a chic viewers and community-oriented awardees.“
April
His father, Light Benjamin, stated two-time Grenadian GRAMMY award-winning jazz musician Casey Benjamin died on March 30 in Maryland. Casey was 45.
Grenadian-born Light Benjamin – the producer of the defunct, long-running, New York-based Caribbean TV cultural program Tradition Share – stated Casey, also called
“Stutzmcgee“ was a first-generation New Yorker whose mom was Panamanian-born Julieta Benjamin.
Benjamin advised Caribbean Life on Tuesday that Casey died from pulmonary thromboembolism and that he had obtained his GRAMMYs with the band Robert Glasper Experiment in 2013 and 2015.
Benjamin stated Casey started exhibiting an curiosity in jazz at age 4, taking part in the saxophone at age 8, and acting at age 12.
Rising up in legendary Jamaica, Queens, dwelling of “Jamaica funk,” “Casey was taken below the wings and mentored by famend musicians comparable to Weldon Irvine, Denzell Miller, Bernard Wright, Donald Blackman, and Invoice Jacobs,“ Benjamin stated.
From there, he stated, Casey attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia Excessive College of Music and the Performing Arts.
Benjamin stated Casey obtained first place as a presidential scholar within the Nationwide Basis for the Development within the Arts as a pupil. President Invoice Clinton offered this award to him on the White Home.
Benjamin stated Casey’s attendance on the New College College/Mannes Jazz Program “allowed him to forge a working relationship together with his mentors and professors,” a few of whom included Joe Chambers, Reggie Workman, Vincent Herring, Buster Williams, and the late Betty Carter.
At 14, Benjamin stated, “Casey had the chance to play“ with the late Grover Washington on WNBC TV-NY and was chosen on two events to carry out and file two CDs in Los Angeles with the GRAMMYS “all American Excessive College GRAMMY Band.“
Could
Visually impaired, Queens-based dancehall singer Nigy Boy continues his meteoric rise to world superstardom, having achieved what some say could also be a primary for a dancehall artist.
Final week, Caribbean-American Meeting Member Alicia Hyndman invited Nigy Boy, 23, whose actual identify is Nigel Hector, to be a particular visitor on “Queens Day“ in Albany throughout a New York State Meeting session.
Hyndman introduced in her presentation that the singer has been working for her as an workplace intern.
“He’s been my intern, and he hails from Springfield Gardens, Queens,“ she stated. “So, whereas we now have him right here, I’d prefer to introduce him.
“He’s a reggae famous person, and, most weekends, he might be in Guyana, Jamaica, Bahamas,“ she added.
In a historic transfer, Nigy Boy was welcomed to the ground by Home Speaker Carl Heastie, whose grandfather hailed from the Bahamas, who thanked Nigy Boy for his “contribution to music and humanities.“
“Proceed your nice work, and know you’re all the time welcome right here,“ Heastie urged.
Along with pursuing his musical desires, Nigy Boy is a pupil on the State College of New York (SUNY) in Lengthy Island, majoring in political science and historical past. He’s anticipated to graduate with a bachelor’s diploma later this month.
In 2021, Nigy Boy garnered the eye of R&B famous person Chris Brown, who hailed his expertise in an Instagram submit that modified his profession trajectory and impressed him to maintain singing.
Earlier this yr, Rvssian – who has produced hits for superstars Travis Scott, Submit Malone, Cardi B, 21 Savage, Davido, Byron Messia, Shenseea, Vybz Kartel, Sean Paul, and Charly Black – added Nigy to his in style “Dutty Cash“ riddim.
Nigy Boy has since launched singles “Judgement“ and “Nomad.”
He not too long ago carried out alongside African Big Burna Boy at a sold-out occasion in Georgetown, Guyana, the place he teased a soon-to-be-released duet with an unnamed overseas-based 11-year-old feminine artiste.
Nigy Boy stated the music can be launched in a couple of weeks after the video is accomplished.
June
Hip-hop reggae artist Edley Shine has formally solidified a brand new distribution partnership with business powerhouse Symphonic, dropping his first explosive challenge, “Life’s Journey.”
On Thursday, leisure publicist Aptitude Lindsey of Acclaim PR advised Caribbean Life that the collaboration between Shine’s Shinealous Information and Symphonic marks “a big milestone within the esteemed artist’s profession.”
“It opens up a wide range of alternatives for his label that you just simply don’t get as an Indie,“ she stated.
Shine stated he had “devoted conferences with quite a few departments at Symphonic“ and that “their responsiveness is welcoming and new to me, as I’ve been an unbiased label proprietor for 20 years.
“And up till now, no distribution firm has ever given me their inner assets out the gate,“ he stated.
With the buzzin’, reggae-fueled “Life’s Journey“ now obtainable throughout digital and streaming platforms, Lindsey stated the primary effort between Shine’s Shinealous Information and Symphonic is “blazing a musical path.”
Produced by the gifted Sawfie Alliance, Lindsey stated “Life’s Journey“ options extra manufacturing from GRAMMY-nominated Roe Summerz, identified for his work with artists like Beenie Man, Tommy Lee, Ding Dong, and Dustin (Skooly) Marshall.
“This infectious monitor is the primary installment in a riddim sequence, with the complete compilation set to be unveiled within the Summer season of 2024,“ Lindsey stated.
July
Following what has been described as a “resounding success“ of two sold-out exhibits over the weekend, with over 36,000 live performance goers on the prestigious UBS enviornment in Lengthy Island, Buju Banton, the legendary GRAMMY award-winning reggae artist, on Monday introduced his inaugural Area Tour, “The Overcomer.”
“Rightfully titled, ‘The Overcomer’ tour will characteristic billboard chart-topping particular visitor artist Fridayy,“ Ronnie Tomlinson, the Brooklyn-based, Jamaican-born leisure publicist, advised Caribbean Life.
Identified for his distinctive musical skills, Fridayy, a Haitian American singer, songwriter, and file producer, “has made waves within the music business“ together with his “When It Comes To You,” “Stand By Me,” “With out You,” and his triple Grammy-nominated music “God Did“ by Dj Khaled, that includes Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, and John Legend, stated Tomlinson, the chief government officer of the New York-based Destine Media.
She stated Buju Banton, backed by Shiloh Band, “captivated followers with an exciting 90-minute efficiency over the weekend that showcased his unmatched expertise and power, cementing his standing as the primary reggae artist to attain such record-breaking ticket gross sales in two days.“
Buju Banton’s supervisor, Joseph Budafuco, expressed “nice satisfaction“ within the artiste’s accomplishments and the “monumental nature of his first-ever Area Tour.“
He underscored the importance of Buju Banton’s return to touring the USA after a 15-year hiatus, emphasizing the anticipation and pleasure surrounding this momentous tour.
Tomlinson stated Buju Banton’s “hottest reggae live performance ticket“ is produced by Black-owned AG Touring in affiliation with Gargamel Music, XO Administration, Mammoth, and Eventim.
The historic run kicks off on Aug. 24 in Fort Lauderdale, FL, on the Amerant Financial institution Area. It’s going to then make stops throughout the US, together with Tampa, Washington, D.C., Boston, Atlanta, Houston, and Inglewood, CA, earlier than heading to Brooklyn’s Barclay Heart.
August
Outstanding Haitian-American leisure publicist Marie Pushed says “Habits,” produced by FloXFilms, is a movie a couple of middle-class Haitian-American household dwelling in Canarsie, Brooklyn. It premiered on the Sheepshead Bay Film Theater on July 12 and supplies a “compelling exploration of psychological well being points and the pressures younger folks face in city America.“
“Set in opposition to the backdrop of cultural tensions between Haitian and Dominican (Republic) communities, ‘Habits‘ delves into the intricate relationships and private struggles of its younger protagonists, portrayed by Daniel Jean and Jodell Lewis,“ Pushed, the managing director of the Brooklyn-based Playbook MG, an leisure publicity firm, advised Caribbean Life after she and supporters gathered to have a good time the non-public film screening of “Habits,” directed by Haitian-American filmmaker Wanly Florexile.
Pushed stated the theater was “filled with neighborhood members, different actors and influencers.“
In “Habits,” she stated Kelvin Hammond, taking part in the character CJ, “exhibits indicators of extreme anger points from a younger age, together with destroying a stuffed animal given to him by his father.”
Pushed stated Jodell Lewis, who performs CJ’s father, “acknowledges the cries for assist however opts in opposition to remedy, fearing it’d jeopardize his utility to the police pressure.”
In the meantime, Pushed stated CJ’s mom advocates for looking for skilled assist for his or her son.
“As CJ grows older and eventually begins remedy, his classes reveal worsening situations,“ stated Pushed, stating that “Habits‘ highlights the numerous impression of psychological well being on kids’s lives and what number of dad and mom overlook the indicators, typically unaware that they could be contributing to the issue.
“The movie emphasizes the significance of acknowledging psychological well being points and looking for skilled assist to stop hurt to each kids and their households,“ she added.
Aminique Kirnon, an educator, who stars in “Habits“ as “Marie,” a mom to a teenage son, “CJ“ (Kelvin Hammond), advised Caribbean Life that the Haitian-American household is “not sure of methods to greatest help their little one, who seems to be combating a psychological sickness.”
She stated “Habits“ focuses on the stigma connected to psychological well being, peer stress, and socio-economic inequalities.
September
In picture-perfect climate, hundreds of thousands of spectators and 1000’s of masqueraders and revelers on Monday converged on Brooklyn’s Japanese Parkway for the 57th Annual West Indian American Day Carnival Parade.
The New York Caribbean Carnival Week, which began on Thursday, culminated on Monday, Labor Day, a public vacation in the USA, with the grand parade of masqueraders, with giant and small costumes, displaying the tradition of the Caribbean, alongside a 3 ½-mile route on Japanese Parkway, a serious thoroughfare, beginning at Buffalo Avenue and ending at Grand Military Plaza and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.
The West Indian American Day Carnival Affiliation (WIADCA), organizer of the big carnival, stated over 3 million spectators, largely behind police barricades, have been anticipated to view and have a good time 57 years of Caribbean tradition, delicacies, packages, contribution, mas, metal band music and way more.
However the New York Police Division (NYPD) stated no less than 5 folks have been shot and wounded nearly towards the parade’s finish at Classon Avenue and Japanese Parkway within the Crown Heights part of Brooklyn.
“This was not random; this was an intentional act,“ stated Chief of Patrol John Chell, stating that the suspected gunman apparently stood on the concrete divider on Japanese Parkway and fired a number of pictures into the gang of close by spectators.
The NYPD recognized the victims, listed as in secure situation, solely as a 69-year-old girl who was shot within the again proper shoulder; a 64-year-old man who was shot in the suitable arm; a 36-year-old man who was shot within the head; a 25-year-old man who was shot within the stomach; and a 16-year-old male who was shot within the left arm.
The NYPD stated the gunman, believed to be in his 20s, fled the scene on foot and continues to be at giant.
October
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), New York Metropolis Heart’s principal dance firm and America’s cultural ambassador to the world, returns to the New York Metropolis Heart stage for its annual, five-week vacation engagement.
AAADT stated on Monday that the Dec. 4 – Jan. 5 engagement celebrates “Legacy in Movement.”
That includes the world premieres of Sacred Songs by Interim Creative Director Matthew Dashing, Discovering Free by Hope Boykin, Many Angels by Lar Lubovitch, and Al-Andalus Blues by Jamar Roberts, the season additionally contains the twenty fifth anniversary staging of Ronald Okay. Brown’s rapturous blockbuster Grace and a brand new manufacturing of Elisa Monte’s mesmerizing Treading.
AAADT stated dwell music will be offered at choose performances of Discovering Free, Sacred Songs, and Alvin Ailey’s soul-stirring masterpiece Revelations.
“This season we have a good time the lineage and legacy of Mr. Ailey, highlighting his acclaimed works in addition to new ballets by choreographers for whom he paved the best way,“ Dashing stated. “As I take a look at the repertory for our season, I am reminded that dance is each a mirrored image of our previous and a information to our future.
“We’re excited to welcome audiences this vacation season to be impressed by Ailey’s extraordinary artistry and wealthy story because it continues to be written,“ he added.
AAADT stated performances kick off with a one-night-only Opening Evening Gala honoring legendary dance educator Jody Gottfried Arnhold.
The particular program will showcase the twenty fifth anniversary manufacturing of Ronald Okay. Brown’s spellbinding Grace with a particular dwell music efficiency by Tony® and GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr.
Set to Duke Ellington’s traditional “Come Sunday,“ Peven Everett’s hit “Gabriel,“ and the irresistible pulse of Fela Kuti’s Afro-Pop, Grace depicts people on a journey to the promised land, increasing from a single angel-like determine in white to the fireball depth of 12 highly effective dancers.
Right here, the secular and sacred meet in a tour-de-force connecting African and American dance.
AAADT stated the night will conclude with Ailey’s indelible Revelations, accompanied by a dwell choir.
November
Carnegie Corridor stated on Tuesday that legendary reggaeton famous person Ivy Queen will make her Carnegie Corridor debut within the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage on Nov. 20.
Named Billboard’s Ladies in Music Icon in 2023, Ivy Queen first emerged on the music scene within the Nineteen Nineties with “a robust ethos of empowerment and self-determination,“ Carnegie Corridor stated.
“The output of this pioneering singer, rapper, songwriter, and actress spans not solely reggaeton but in addition salsa, bachata, hip hop, and extra,“ it stated.
Carnegie Corridor stated the one-night-only occasion is a part of Nuestros sonidos — a season-long Carnegie Corridor competition “shining a lightweight on Latin tradition within the US.”
This Nov. 20 efficiency will mark the primary time a reggaeton artist has headlined a live performance at Carnegie Corridor.
Carnegie Corridor stated Nuestros sonidos occasions all through the Carnegie Corridor season spotlight the game-changing contributions and fixed evolution of Latin music from the Nineteen Thirties to at the moment, with a particular concentrate on genres which have developed and thrived within the US, together with very important contributions from the Caribbean.
Carnegie Corridor stated concert events all through the 2024–2025 season will characteristic musical types starting from salsa, bachata, and Latin jazz to reggaeton, hip-hop, classical, and way more.
Carnegie Corridor stated that, over a profession spanning over 20 years, she is well known for her empowering songs that deal with themes of resilience, love, and social points, setting a excessive normal within the reggaeton and Latin music business.
It stated her iconic hits, comparable to “Quiero Bailar,“ proceed to resonate throughout generations, solidifying her affect on Latin music globally.
“Ivy Queen’s dedication to her craft and her trailblazing presence have earned her quite a few accolades, together with Billboard Latin Music’s Icon Award in 2023, and the respect of followers and friends alike, making her some of the revered figures in Latin music historical past,“ Carnegie Corridor stated.
December
On Wednesday, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined Principal of the Household Life Academy Constitution College II Valerie Marchionno, Assistant Principal Marilea Alberto, and Music Director Nicholas Diaz in debuting her first-ever Winter Vacation Live performance, “Tis the Season.“
The 2-hour occasion occurred within the Rotunda of Bronx Borough Corridor, 851 Grand Concourse.
Gibson, the daughter of a Trinidadian-immigrant father, advised Caribbean Life that over 300 dad and mom, family, and caregivers gathered to listen to greater than 200 Kindergarten by way of fifth Grade college students enrolled on the Mott Haven college sing vacation hits.
They included “Pleasure to the World,” “Sleigh Trip,” “Holidays,” “Gentle of Kwanzaa,” “Prepared,” and “Regular Go Now!“ “Mele Kalikimaka,” and others.
“It was a real pleasure to have a good time the vacations with over 200 college students from Household Life Academy Constitution College II at our first-ever Winter Vacation Live performance, held within the Rotunda of Bronx Borough Corridor,“ Gibson stated.
“By way of their performances of beloved songs, these college students introduced the sunshine, hope, and marvel that this season brings to so many people,“ she added, extending “heartfelt thanks“ to Principal Marchionno, Assistant Principal Alberto, Music Director Diaz, “and the greater than 300 dad and mom, family, and caretakers who helped make this occasion an incredible success.
“Wishing everybody a protected, joyful Kwanzaa, Christmas, Chanukah, and Three Kings Day,“ Gibson continued.
