Mr. Boombastic Goes Symphonic: Shaggy Teams Up With San Diego Symphony

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 3, 2025: Jamaican music legend Shaggy is set to bring the heat of the Caribbean to the classical stage for one unforgettable night as he teams up with the San Diego Symphony for a genre-blending performance at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – AUGUST 31: Shaggy performs on stage at PNE Amphitheatre on August 31, 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Andrew Chin/Getty Images)

In a first-of-its-kind concert titled “Shaggy with the San Diego Symphony”, the multi-GRAMMY® award-winning artist will showcase the rich tapestry of Jamaican music—from mento, ska, and rocksteady to reggae and dancehall—all with the lush backing of a full symphony orchestra, under the baton of conductor Steven Reineke.

Set for one night only, the performance will also feature custom orchestral arrangements by acclaimed composer David Serkin Ludwig, creating a fresh sonic landscape for Shaggy’s chart-topping hits, including global anthems “It Wasn’t Me,” “Angel,” and “Mr. Boombastic.”

With his signature charisma and dancehall roots, Shaggy will be joined on stage by his full band, blending streetwise energy with classical elegance in a celebration of Jamaica’s musical legacy and his own boundary-pushing career.

“This isn’t just a concert—it’s a cultural fusion,” said organizers. “Shaggy’s artistry paired with symphonic arrangements redefines how we experience Caribbean music.”

The event is supported by the San Diego Symphony, which has become known for its innovative programming and dynamic use of its waterfront venue, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, located at 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA.

Tickets and Info:
theshell.org/performances/shaggy-wsdso

U.S. Declares Haiti’s Most Feared Gangs Terrorist Groups

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 3, 2025: The United States has officially designated two of Haiti’s most dangerous gangs — Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif — as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, (SDGTs), marking a significant shift in Washington’s efforts to combat violent instability in the Caribbean nation.

A person films himself with his telephone in front of people holding placards at a demonstration for peace in Haiti in Paris France on May 3, 2025. (Photo by Bastien Ohier / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP) (Photo by BASTIEN OHIER/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

In a statement issued on May 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the designations are aimed at holding accountable those who fuel violence in Haiti and threaten the region’s security. “The age of impunity for those supporting violence in Haiti is over,” Rubio declared.

According to the U.S. State Department, Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif are at the center of escalating violence in Haiti. These armed coalitions are reportedly responsible for widespread killings, targeted attacks on Haitian citizens and security forces, and assaults against personnel of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission currently deployed in Haiti. The gangs are allegedly seeking to establish a gang-controlled state fueled by illicit trafficking and criminal activity.

“These gangs pose a direct threat to U.S. national security interests in our region,” the statement noted. “Terrorist designations are a critical tool in our counterterrorism efforts, aimed at restricting financial and logistical support to these groups.”

The U.S. government warned that any individual or entity, including lawful permanent residents and citizens, found supporting the groups could face criminal prosecution, deportation, or other sanctions.

The designation is also seen as a show of support for the Haitian National Police and international partners involved in the MSS mission. Rubio praised their courage and dedication to restoring order in the country. He also urged Haiti’s political leadership to come together, end the violence, and work toward democratic elections.

Additionally, Secretary Rubio spoke with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, reaffirming the strategic U.S.-Dominican partnership, especially in countering illegal immigration and addressing regional security challenges.

While gangs control at least 85% of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, they have launched attacks in the country’s central region in recent years.

A UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police that began last year to help Haitian police quell violence has struggled in its fight against gangs.

More than 5,600 people were killed across Haiti last year, with gang violence leaving more than one million people homeless.

Reggae Icon Honored In South Florida

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 3, 2025: Reggae icon Ken Boothe, 77, was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum during the 12th annual Rhythms of Africa concert. The event, hosted by Willie Stewart and the Embrace Music Foundation at the Miramar Cultural Center in Florida, celebrates the enduring influence of African and Caribbean musical traditions.

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum Executive Director Calibe Thompson with Ken Boothe and Willie Stewart during Lifetime Achievement Awards presentation at Rhythms of Africa 2025. (Photo by Steve James)

Boothe’s remarkable career spans nearly six decades, beginning in 1966 when Clement “Coxsone” Dodd signed him to the iconic Studio One label. That same year, Boothe also recorded for producers Phil Pratt and Sonia Pottinger, finding immediate success with songs like “The Train Is Coming” (backed by The Wailers), “You’re No Good” with the Soulettes—featuring Bob Marley’s future wife, Rita Anderson—and “Lonely Teardrops.” Promoted as “Mr. Rock Steady,” Boothe quickly rose to fame with classics like “Moving Away,” a rocksteady anthem that continues to be sampled and covered by generations of artists.

He toured the UK in 1967 alongside Alton Ellis and the Studio One Soul Vendors, further cementing his global appeal. In 1970, Boothe moved to Beverley’s Records under producer Leslie Kong, releasing hits such as “Freedom Street” and “Why Baby Why.” His biggest international success came in 1974, when his reggae rendition of “Everything I Own” soared to Number One on the UK Singles Chart, remaining there for three weeks. He followed that with another hit, “Crying Over You,” which reached No. 11.

Boothe’s influence transcended borders and genres, even earning a lyrical mention by Joe Strummer in The Clash’s song “(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais.” Despite shifts in the industry and label challenges, Boothe continued to record into the 1980s and 1990s, including a notable collaboration with Shaggy on a reimagined version of “The Train Is Coming” for the 1995 film Money Train. In 2003, the Jamaican government recognized his cultural contributions with the prestigious Order of Distinction.

During Rhythms of Africa, Boothe headlined both nights, captivating the audience with heartfelt performances of his timeless hits. The award presentation by Island SPACE Executive Director Calibe Thompson on April 28 was a highlight of the evening, marked by a standing ovation. “It’s collaborations like these that allow us to spotlight Caribbean excellence and ensure our cultural icons are honored as they deserve,” said Thompson.

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum continues to build meaningful partnerships across the diaspora, providing platforms to showcase and celebrate the region’s rich cultural legacy.

About Island SPACE:
Island SPACE (Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to advancing Caribbean arts, history, and culture. Located in South Florida, the museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., and Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children. Visit www.islandspacefl.org to learn more.