Saint Lucia Kings Secure CPL Playoffs Berth With Convincing Win Over Guyana Amazon Warriors

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News Americas, PROVIDENCE, Guyana, Fri. Sept. 15, 2023: The Saint Lucia Kings secured their spot in the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Playoffs with a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The Amazon Warriors won the toss and chose to bat, a decision that ultimately didn’t pay off as their innings struggled until the final five overs. Despite some late power hitting, the Amazon Warriors could only manage a total of 167-5, which seemed below par initially.

Colin Munro of St Lucia Kings bats during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and St Lucia Kings at Providence Stadium on September 14, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

A chance for a catch falls short of Matthew Nandu of Guyana Amazon Warriors during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and St Lucia Kings at Providence Stadium on September 14, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

The Saint Lucia Kings confirmed this by successfully chasing down the target of 168 runs, doing so with 15 balls to spare.

The Amazon Warriors had a slow start, with Matthew Nandu being run out for three within the PowerPlay, leaving them at 35-1 after the initial six overs. The CPL’s leading run-scorer, Saim Ayub, was dismissed for 16 in the ninth over, with the score at 50-2.

However, Shai Hope and Azam Khan, followed by Khan and Shimron Hetmyer, contributed to rebuilding the innings. Late fireworks from Keemo Paul and Romario Shepherd boosted the total, adding 72 runs in the final five overs to set the Kings a target of 168.

The Kings made light work of the chase, with Colin Munro and Bhanuka Rajapaksa forming a destructive partnership of 132 runs from 82 balls. Rajapaksa was dismissed for 86, and Munro followed shortly after for 55, but the job was already done. Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza finished the chase with three overs to spare.

This victory secures the Kings’ place in the playoffs with one game remaining.

Final Scores: Saint Lucia Kings 170-3 (Rajapaksa 86, Munro 55; Shepherd 1-15, Tahir 1-34) beat Guyana Amazon Warriors 167-5 (Khan 40, Hope 38; Joseph 2-31, Raza 1-14) by seven wickets.

Mykal Rose Drops Powerful New Album

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 15, 2023: Grammy-award-winning reggae sensation Mykal Rose has dropped his highly-anticipated album “I Give You Love” today, Friday, September 15th! This 13-track masterpiece, produced by Donsome Records LLC, features incredible collaborations with Bounty Killer, Bugle, and Jahmiel.

In a recent statement, Rose explained the inspiration behind the album’s title, revealing it’s a reflection of his life experiences and the various themes explored within the tracks. From social injustice to the high cost of living, humanity’s struggles, and matters of the heart, “I Give You Love” is a musical journey through today’s world.

Some standout tracks include “When Dem Ago Let We Go” with Jahmiel, “This World,” “World Crisis,” “Babylon Burning,” “I Give You Love” with Bugle, and “Steppin Like a Murderer” with the legendary Bounty Killer.

Mykal Rose had high praise for producer Adrian Hanson of Donsome Records LLC, likening his musical prowess to the iconic Sly and Robbie. This album is backed by the talents of musicians like Roel Powell and St Clair Connor, ensuring a sonic experience like no other.

Mykal Rose is celebrated for his solo career and his time with the Grammy-winning reggae group Black Uhuru. His iconic voice has graced chart-topping tracks such as “General Penitentiary,” “Sponji Reggae,” “Solidarity,” “What is Life,” and “Shine Eye Gal,” which were all hits in their own right.

In 1995, Rose made waves with a remake of “Shine Eye Gal” alongside Shabba Ranks, and the song climbed to number 46 on the UK Singles chart.

In 2007, Rose resonated with a new generation with the track “Shoot Out,” produced by Lloyd ‘John John’ James, which dominated local charts.

Adrian Hanson, the producer, shared insights into the collaborations with Bugle, Jahmiel, and Bounty Killer, highlighting the organic and creative process that brought these incredible artists together.

“I Give You Love” is now available worldwide on all major distribution platforms, so be sure to give it a listen and experience the magic of Mykal Rose’s latest musical offering!

Reggae Icon Marcia Griffiths Unveils ‘Golden Album’

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 15, 2023: Renowned reggae icon Marcia Griffiths has graced us with a new masterpiece, and it’s nothing short of classic! Her latest album, aptly titled ‘Golden Album,’ is a musical gem produced by Kemist Music/Donsome Records, making its debut on September 8th across all digital platforms.

This stellar collection comprises 11 original tracks, with the creative input of esteemed names in the industry. The album boasts production credits from Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, Clive Hunt, Donovan Germain, Marcia’s son The Kemist, and Adrian Hanson for Donsome Records.

Marcia Griffiths, whose timeless voice recently graced stages across Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean during an extensive tour, expresses that the songs on ‘Golden Album’ mirror her sentiments as she continues her musical journey.

“Music knows no age boundaries. I’ll continue to sing for as long as I live…the message remains, and I’ll keep spreading it,” she passionately affirms.

‘Golden Album’ has already unveiled two captivating singles: ‘Let’s Talk About Music’ and ‘Beer And A Girl,’ both expertly produced by Donovan Germain, with whom Marcia shares a long-standing and fruitful partnership.

Other notable tracks include ‘That Part of Me,’ produced by Damian Marley, ‘Slide’ directed by Clive Hunt and written by Omi of ‘Cheerleader’ fame, and ‘Time Away,’ a collaborative effort with Turbulence, all beautifully crafted by Adrian Hanson. The Kemist showcases his talent alongside his mother on ‘Dont Say Nuttin,’ adding to the album’s brilliance.

Notably, Germany’s Silly Walks Discotheque, renowned for producing Chronixx’s chart-topping hit ‘Smile Jamaica,’ takes the helm for ‘Holding You Close.’

‘Golden Album’ graced the music scene just six days before Marcia embarked on an exciting five-city tour of Japan, where she will serenade fans with the enchanting melodies from her latest creation. After a five-year hiatus, she is set to mesmerize audiences in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagasaki, Nagoya, and Hiroshima.

In October, the reggae legend will return to Jamaica, where she will be honored with the prestigious Order of Jamaica, the fourth-highest honor bestowed by her homeland.

‘Golden Album’ is now available worldwide on all major distribution platforms, brought to you by RhythmZZ Digital Distribution.

Stephen Marley Returns With First Album In Over 7 Years

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 15, 2023: Eight-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, Stephen Marley, has just released his highly anticipated album, Old Soul, marking his first full-length project in over seven years. The album is now available on all major streaming platforms through Tuff Gong Collective/UMe/Ghetto Youths International. Old Soul showcases a star-studded lineup of special guest appearances, including Bob Weir, Eric Clapton, Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Damian “Jr.Gong” Marley, Buju Banton, and Slightly Stoopid.

The album, available in CD, standard 2LP black vinyl, and a limited-edition double LP vinyl in translucent yellow and green, is set to be released on December 1st, with pre-orders currently open.

Old Soul features the latest single, “Winding Roads,” which features Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead and singer/songwriter Jack Johnson. This song serves as the album’s closing track, blending soulful vocals and guitars from Marley, Weir, and Johnson.

Previously released singles include “Old Soul” and “Cool As The Breeze.” The retrospective music video for the title track, “Old Soul,” provides a glimpse into Marley’s personal journey, touching on his lineage and early years, ultimately promoting mental freedom and unity.

The album was conceived during the COVID lockdown when Stephen Marley set up a studio on a remote family farm in Florida. The album’s sound, rooted in stripped-down instrumentation comprising binghi drums, bass, acoustic guitar, and flute, was born out of nightly jam sessions on the farm.

Old Soul explores a diverse musical palette, with each special guest contributing to the album’s spiritual journey. From heartfelt tributes to songs that defy categorization, Stephen Marley invites listeners to embrace the music’s multifaceted nature.

As part of the album’s release celebration, Stephen Marley has embarked on the ambitious Old Soul Tour Unplugged 2023, which includes a stop at the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, BC, on September 16th, and concludes at Center Stage in Atlanta, GA, on October 22nd.

Track Listing for “Old Soul”

Don’t You Believe
Cool As The Breeze
Cast The First Stone – Feat. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
Thanks We Get (Do Fi Dem) – Feat. Buju Banton
Don’t Let Me Down
Georgia On My Mind
Let The Children Play
Old Soul
There’s A Reward – Feat. Ziggy Marley
This Time
These Foolish Things (Reminds Me Of You)
I Shot The Sheriff – Feat. Eric Clapton
Standing In Love – Feat. Slightly Stoopid
Winding Roads – Feat. Jack Johnson and Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros.

Caribbean Travel News & Deals

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 15, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

Canada is warning its nationals to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to or in the Dominican Republic due to crime there. This as The Dajabón-Ouanaminthe and Elias Piña-Belladere land borders between the Dominican Republic and Haiti remain closed and the DR govt. has announced that land, air, and sea border closures may occur today – September 14th.

Canada Jetlines will be introducing twice-weekly flights between Toronto and Montego Bay on November 5th. As a start, there would be flights on Saturdays and Sundays utilising state of the art A320 Aircraft with 174-passenger capacity.

Get ready for a new resort in Antigua & Barbuda. Blue Diamond Resorts’ Royalton CHIC Antigua is set to debut and welcome guests to the leeward island in early April 2024.

The Dominican Republic will soon welcome Larimar City & Resort, a new multi-use development from Sonesta International Hotels Corporation. Completion of the first phase of Larimar City & Resort is expected in late 2025 to early 2026.

Blue Diamond Resorts and the West Indies School of Hospitality (WISH) have officially forged a strategic partnership this month. THe initiative will extend the benefits of a world-class learning program to members of the hotel management company and hospitality professionals.

Plan to check out the 12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival this year. The event is set for October 24-29, 2023, under the banner “From Small Seeds to Big Dreams: Five to Fifty.” For more and to book travel check out 1261filmfestival.com/festival-1261travel.

Get this steal Of the week now. Travel To Cuba on Delta Airlines for a MERE $240.65 Round Trip if booked for travel from Miami to Havana between September 27th to Oct. 3rd. Book Now.

And Fly to Kingston, Jamaica from Miami between September 27th and Oct. 3rd for just USD 420. Book now on Delta.