Caribbeantales International Film Festival Celebrates 20 Years Of Big Vibes, Big Stories And Brilliant Filmmaking

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NEWS AMERICAS, Toronto, ON, Fri. Aug. 1, 2025: The CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (CTFF), North America’s premier event showcasing Caribbean and diaspora cinema, proudly announces its 20th anniversary edition, taking place Wednesday September 3rd to Saturday September 13th, 2025, in Toronto and online worldwide from September 3rd to October 3rd, 2025.

Under the theme “Resilience in Motion,” this milestone festival will celebrate two decades of transformative storytelling from across the Caribbean region and its global diaspora with 49 incredible films. Programming will include premieres, retrospectives, talkbacks, tributes, and a global virtual component, underscoring CTFF’s enduring commitment to elevating underrepresented voices in film.

Founded in 2006 by Frances-Anne Solomon, an award-winning filmmaker and advocate for diverse cinema, CTFF has grown into an internationally recognized platform for Caribbean filmmakers. Over the past two decades, the festival has screened more than 1000 films, supported hundreds of creators, and played a critical role in shifting how Caribbean narratives are represented on screen.

“This 20th anniversary is both a celebration and a call to action,” says Frances-Anne Solomon, Founder and Executive Director of CaribbeanTales Media Group (CTMG). “We look back on a generation of groundbreaking films and look ahead to a vibrant future where Caribbean stories continue to redefine the global cinematic landscape.”

Festival Highlights Include:

●     20th Anniversary | 49 Films | Canadian premieres | 15+ Countries represented

●     Opening Night Film: Bankie Banx: King of the Dune (Nara Garber, Anguilla/USA, 2024), featuring reggae icon Bankie Banx (aka Anguillan Bob Dylan), singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffet, actor Kevin Bacon, Stephen “Cat” Coore (founding guitarist with Third World)

●     Closing night Film: The Last Meal (Maryse Legagneur, Canada/DR, 2024)

●     September 6th – Honouring Our Legends: Celebrating the 88th Birthday of The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine at The Harbourfront Centre Theatre, film screenings and the presentation of the Jean Augustine Excellence Award to Steelpan Ambassador Wendy Jones

●     September 7th – Canadian Premiere of Nomad in No Man’s Land (Hester Jonkhout, Netherlands/Curaçao, 2024), a film about pioneering director Felix de Rooy, who is an openly gay celebrated artist in the Caribbean

●     Virtual CTFF from September 3rd – October 3rd, an extensive online platform accessible to global audiences.
Over the years, CTFF has been a launchpad for acclaimed works that have gone on to receive international recognition, while also serving as a cultural bridge between the Caribbean and broader international film communities.

The full festival lineup and ticketing details will be announced on August 3, 2025, via the festival website: www.caribbeantalesfestival.com.

Festival Director Diana Webley is available for Radio, Television and Digital Media outlet interviews.

CTFF Film Trailers Link

About CaribbeanTales International Film Festival:

Built over 20 years, CTMG is the only media group in Canada that provides an ecosystem of screen-based activities that serve Black Canadian, and culturally diverse audiences. CTMG provides a pipeline of activities from creation to distribution that aims to uplift, enrich, promote and monetize Black and culturally diverse film and television content for audiences.

CTMG is home to the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (CTFF), now in its 20th year. CTFF celebrates the talents of established and emerging filmmakers of Caribbean and African heritage who practice their art across the Caribbean Diaspora worldwide.

For more information, visit https://caribbeantalesfestival.com/ or follow us on

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Fundraising Effort Launched For Children Of Haitian Immigrant Security Guard Killed In NYC Shooting

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By Felicia J. Persaud

News Americas, NEW YORK, York, August 1, 2025: A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $36,000 toward a $250,000 goal to support the children of Aland Etienne, the beloved Haitian immigrant and security guard who was killed earlier this week in a mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

Aland Etienne, a beloved Caribbean immigrant and security guard who was killed earlier this week in a mass shooting at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

Etienne, 46, was working in the building’s lobby Monday evening when authorities say he was fatally shot by Shane Devon Tamura, 27, of Las Vegas. Tamura, armed with an M4-style rifle, wounded several others before proceeding to the building’s upper floors. The office tower houses high-profile tenants including the National Football League and investment firm Blackstone.

Etienne is survived by his two children, whose future the GoFundMe seeks to secure. The page, titled ‘Support Aland Etienne kids after the tragedy,’ notes that “all funds raised will go directly toward their education and well-being, ensuring that even in his absence, his love continues to guide and protect them.”

Etienne’s brother, Smith Etienne, remembered him as a devoted father and a “fantastic” older sibling who inspired those around him. “He was my hero,” he said during a press conference at 32BJ SEIU headquarters on Wednesday. “He was light in every room. He made this city a little safer every day.”

Tamura, the alleged gunman, left behind a rambling suicide note blaming chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) for his deteriorating mental state. He claimed he was attempting to target the NFL but took the wrong elevator. Tamura later died by suicide.

The NYPD confirmed Tamura had a history of mental illness and had expressed grievances about his football-related brain injuries. His note reportedly read, “Study my brain please,” and referenced former NFL player Terry Long, who died by suicide in 2005 and was posthumously diagnosed with CTE.

The fatal shooting has reignited discussions around workplace safety, particularly for front-line security personnel. Etienne was a longtime member of 32BJ SEIU, a union that has previously lost members to similar acts of violence. Union president Manny Pastreich called Etienne a “New York hero.”

“Every time a security officer puts on their uniform, they put their lives on the line,” Pastreich said in a statement. “Their contributions are essential, though often unappreciated.”

He recalled the 2015 killing of 32BJ member Idrissa Camara, a federal building security officer fatally shot in a similar attack.

Etienne’s widow, Rachelle Paoli, stood alongside union leaders and elected officials during Wednesday’s remarks. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, who is also running for mayor, praised Etienne’s dedication and called for improved protections for building security staff.

The GoFundMe campaign describes Etienne not only as a protector but also as a filmmaker and a proud father who dreamed of a bright future for his children. The fund’s organizers wrote: “We are grieving, we are heartbroken — but we are also hopeful. Hopeful that the same love Aland gave to the world will now be returned to his children.”

As of today, August 1st, over 362 donations have been made.

To contribute to the Etienne Children’s Fund, visit: gofundme.com/f/aland-etienne

Trump’s Tariffs Hits Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago

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BY NAN Business Editor

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Fri. Aug. 1, 2025: Trump tariffs are back – and this time, two Caribbean nations are feeling the heat.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced new 15% tariffs on goods from Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago as part of his escalating trade offensive targeting dozens of countries. The move has sent shockwaves through the region’s manufacturing and export sectors, particularly among businesses already struggling with supply chain costs and market uncertainty.

In a sweeping move that caught many small economies off-guard, the Trump administration on Thursday re-imposed tariffs on goods from over 70 countries, including Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, as part of a renewed effort to close America’s trade deficit. Effective immediately, both Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries will face a 15% reciprocal tariff on their exports to the U.S.

FLASHBACK – U.S. President Donald Trump holds up a chart while speaking during a “Make America Wealthy Again” trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. Touting the event as “Liberation Day”, Trump is expected to announce additional tariffs targeting goods imported to the U.S. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The new tariffs come just weeks after a temporary 90-day reprieve on harsher duties, including a previously proposed 38% rate on Guyana, which had sparked diplomatic backlash. While the rollback to 15% softens the blow, the impact remains severe – particularly for niche exporters in Guyana’s timber and manufacturing sectors and Trinidad’s energy and petrochemical producers.

“This is going to have devastating effects on us,” Howard Bulkan, a Guyanese exporter who sells over 60% of his company’s wallaba roof shingles to U.S. buyers told Demerara Waves. “We’ve been absorbing the 10% tariff since earlier this year. A 15% rate is not sustainable. We’ll now have to consider shifting to European markets.”

A Blow To Value-Added Exports

For Guyana, the tariff hike comes at a precarious time. While the country is experiencing rapid GDP growth driven by offshore oil production, its non-oil sectors have been working to diversify and expand exports of value-added goods like wood products, furniture, and agro-processing.

Industry leaders say the U.S. tariffs threaten to undercut those efforts. “That’s going to hurt,” said Ramsey Ali, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) told Demerara Waves. “We’ll be meeting to assess the fallout, but this clearly impacts competitiveness.”

The U.S. had long been a zero-duty market for many of these products. With freight costs and logistics already straining Caribbean exporters, the added 15% tariff could result in a compounded cost increase of 20–25%, potentially pricing them out of the market.

In Trinidad and Tobago, where petrochemicals, ammonia, and manufactured goods make up the bulk of exports to the U.S., the new tariff could raise costs across supply chains – affecting trade with U.S.-based industrial and construction sectors.

Political Optics vs. Trade Realities

Trump’s move – just a day before his August 1 deadline for trade deal renegotiations – is being billed by the administration as a “reciprocal tariff adjustment.” But critics say it disproportionately harms smaller economies with limited trade leverage and minimal market intrusion.

“The tariff math makes no sense,” said Bulkan. “We’re being penalized for oil exports, even though our wood products aren’t competing with U.S. goods.”

Guyana Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo confirmed ongoing talks with the U.S. Trade Representative, saying Guyana remains hopeful that the duty could be lowered to 10% through bilateral negotiations.

“We’re happy it’s not 38% anymore,” Jagdeo told Demerara Waves. “But we are still working to bring it down further.”

Risk of Market Realignment

The longer-term risk, analysts say, is that Caribbean exporters may permanently pivot away from U.S. markets – opening the door for China, Europe, or South American buyers to step in.

Several GMSA members are already eyeing European buyers as a fallback. But switching markets isn’t simple – it requires new certifications, trade relationships, and logistics chains that many small and mid-sized exporters are ill-equipped to build quickly.

For now, the region’s manufacturers are scrambling to recalculate costs, renegotiate contracts, and brace for a rocky export season.

Beres Hammond Announces 2025 U.S. Tour

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By News Americas ET EDITOR

NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, July 29, 2025: Jamaican-born, Lovers rock and reggae legend, Beres Hammond, is hitting the road once again this summer to bring his signature soul-stirring vocals to audiences across the U.S. with his Forever Giving Thanks Tour 2025.

Presented by Harmony House, the tour kicks off on August 13th in Boston and winds its way through New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. It will offer fans a chance to experience the timeless voice behind reggae staples like “Rockaway,” “What One Dance Can Do,” and “Putting Up Resistance.”

Beres Hammond Announces 2025 U.S. Tour With Marcia Griffiths, Cham, Kes & More.

But Hammond won’t be going it alone. Select dates will feature Marcia Griffiths, Cham, Kes the Band, Tarrus Riley, and saxophonist Dean Fraser & The Blak Soil Band – adding even more firepower to what promises to be a summer celebration of classic Caribbean music and culture.

A Tour Steeped in Legacy

Known as one of the most prolific voices in reggae, Hammond’s catalog spans decades, touching on romance, resilience, and Rastafarian roots. The Forever Giving Thanks Tour is both a nod to his enduring fan base and a gift to a new generation of listeners.

“This tour is about giving thanks for the journey, the love from the fans, and the power of reggae music to unite,” Hammond said in a recent statement. “We’re going to bring the full vibes – sweet, conscious, and uplifting.”

Star Power Meets Soul

In Newark (August 16) and Brooklyn (August 17), fans will be treated to performances from the Queen of Reggae herself, Marcia Griffiths, and dancehall titan Cham, adding generational range to the already rich line-up.

Down south in Georgia (August 24), the energy amplifies as Kes the Band, Tarrus Riley, and Dean Fraser join the stage for what’s expected to be one of the tour’s most dynamic nights.

Forever Giving Thanks Tour 2025 Dates

08/13 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur Theatre

08/16 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center (with Marcia Griffiths & Cham)

08/17 – Brooklyn, NY – Amphitheatre at Coney Island Boardwalk (with Marcia Griffiths & Cham)

08/19 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount

08/21 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva

08/23 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium

08/24 – Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena (with Kes the Band, Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser & The Blak Soil Band)

08/29 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live

08/30 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center

08/31 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center

Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster and venue box offices. Fans are encouraged to secure seats early – this one’s poised to sell out quickly.

The Vibe Never Gets Old

Whether it’s his unmistakable tone or heartfelt lyrics, Beres Hammond continues to be the gold standard for reggae crooners. And if this tour proves anything, it’s that his message of love, gratitude, and musical excellence still resonates loud and clear.

Tensions Rise As Sanctioned Businessman Shakes Up Guyana’s Election

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. July 29, 2025: With just weeks to go before Guyana’s pivotal September 1st General and Regional Elections, a political firestorm is brewing around the candidacy of Azruddin Mohamed, a U.S.-sanctioned gold trader and acclaimed billionaire, and leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party.

Azruddin Mohamed, the US sanctioned businessman and founder of the WIN party is contesting the Guyana elections and making waves.

Mohamed’s ability to draw a multi-ethnic following in a country dogged for decades by racial politics, particularly in key battlegrounds like Essequibo and Berbice, has set off alarms within both the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the United States government. U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot voiced “deep concern” this week, warning that Mohamed’s potential election to Parliament could disrupt U.S. investment interest in Guyana and complicate bilateral relations.

“If a sanctioned individual becomes a member of government, it could send shockwaves through our private sector partners,” Theriot said, pointing to past examples in other countries where such developments led to economic disengagement.

Mohamed and his father were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2024 for allegedly evading taxes on gold exports totaling more than 10,000 kilograms. Despite this, the WIN party has quickly gained traction, and Mohamed’s visibility on the campaign trail has forced the PPP to intensify its outreach and messaging.

In response, President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo have mounted an aggressive campaign, warning voters that electing WIN candidates – especially Mohamed – would pose a threat to Guyana’s stability and international standing, particularly amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela over the Essequibo region.

“Essequibo is not for sale,” Ali told a rally in Anna Regina. “We cannot hand this country over to people with questionable records and uncertain motives.”

To help ensure transparency and legitimacy, two major international electoral watchdogs have stepped in. The Carter Center, which has observed every Guyanese election since 1992, has launched an election observation mission, deploying a team of experts from the U.S., UK, and Georgia. The Center pledged an impartial and thorough assessment, noting that it would engage political parties and civil society throughout the process.

“We are honored to support the Guyanese people in assessing the credibility of the election,” said David Carroll, Director of the Carter Center’s Democracy Program.

The Organization of American States (OAS) has also signed an agreement with the government to deploy its Electoral Observation Mission (EOM), with former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding once again serving as Chief of Mission. This marks the seventh OAS observation mission in Guyana.

OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin stressed that their goal is not to criticize, but to offer “constructive and actionable recommendations that build public trust and institutional strength.”

While six political parties have been approved to contest the general elections, only four – the PPP/C, WIN, the main opposition, A Partnership for National Unity, APNU, and the Alliance For Change, AFC – will compete across all ten regional districts. The Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that candidate lists have been vetted and finalized.

Despite increasing scrutiny, WIN remains defiant. In a statement, the party reaffirmed its commitment to free and fair elections, thanking international observers for promoting transparency.

Still, the stakes are high. The PPP is offering its most ambitious package of development promises to date, from agricultural subsidies and new roads to ports, schools, and sports infrastructure – all aimed at retaining its dominance, especially in regions where WIN is gaining ground.

As the campaign enters its final month, Guyana finds itself at a political crossroads: a familiar incumbent facing an unlikely challenger whose candidacy carries both grassroots momentum and geopolitical risk.

All eyes – domestic and international – will be watching the returns on Sept. 1st.

From Billboard Charts To Courtrooms: Sean Kingston’s Family Empire Collapses Under Fraud Convictions

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By News Americas ET Editor

News Americas, MIAMI, FL, Mon. July 28, 2025: Once hailed as a breakout Caribbean-American pop star with platinum hits and high-profile collaborations, Sean Kingston now finds himself at the center of a legal and financial spiral that’s unraveling not just his career – but his family, too.

Last week, the singer’s mother, Janice Turner, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after being convicted in a sweeping $1 million fraud case that also implicated her son. The 63-year-old matriarch had long been seen as the force behind Kingston’s rise, managing aspects of his career and lifestyle. Now, she is headed back to prison – her second federal conviction for fraud.

Sean Kingston’s mother, Janice Tunrer. (Photo Credit: WPLG Local 10 YouTube Screenshot)

“My intention was to keep my son afloat in this difficult industry,” Turner pleaded before the court. “They used him and abused him. I am begging for mercy.”

The judge showed limited leniency. Turner will also serve three years of probation and pay restitution for her role in the scheme, which targeted vendors of luxury vehicles, jewelry, and custom furniture – none of which were ever fully paid for.

Sean Kingston: The Price of a Lavish Image

FLASHBACK: Sean Kingston performing live on stage during “Hot Summer Night” concert at FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park on June 3, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)Sean Kingston, who performed live on stage during “Hot Summer Night” concert at FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park on June 3, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)

While Kingston awaits his own federal sentencing on August 28, the 35-year-old artist – who once topped the charts with Beautiful Girls and performed with Justin Bieber – is battling fresh problems closer to home. In Broward County court, he faces nine additional state charges, including grand theft and operating an organized scheme to defraud.

Worse still: Kingston appears to be out of money. His lawyer, Robert Rosenblatt, recently filed a motion to withdraw from the case, citing the singer’s failure to pay legal fees. Court documents now suggest the entertainer “may be indigent” – and could soon rely on a public defender.

Behind the Headlines: A Family Hustle Gone Wrong

According to prosecutors, the mother-son duo pulled off a high-level con between October 2023 and March 2024, posing as wealthy clients who claimed to have sent wire transfers for goods they never intended to pay for. Among the victims were:

A luxury SUV dealer ($160,000)

A custom jeweler ($500,000)

A boutique furniture company ($86,000)

Major banks, including Bank of America and First Republic ($300,000+ combined)

Their scam unraveled in May 2024, when Kingston was arrested on a U.S. Army base in California and Turner was detained during a SWAT raid at a rented South Florida mansion.

The collapse marks a dramatic fall for both – particularly Turner, who served 18 months for a prior bank fraud conviction in 2006.

Fame, Pressure, and the Facade of Wealth

For some in the industry, the Kingston saga is a cautionary tale of what happens when the demands of celebrity outweigh the means to maintain it.

“Too many artists are trying to keep up appearances when the checks stop coming,” one former music exec commented anonymously. “Behind the scenes, it’s debt, fake flexing, and sometimes crime.”

As Kingston’s sentencing nears, one question looms: can the star who once captured the world’s attention reinvent himself – or is this the final chapter in a story that began with Beautiful Girls and ended in betrayal?

Could Exxon’s Return To Trinidad Spark An Oil And LNG Boom?

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News Americas, PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Mon. July 28, 2025: After more than two decades, ExxonMobil may be heading back to Trinidad — and the implications could be huge for the country’s oil, LNG, and energy services sectors.

The U.S. energy giant is reportedly in advanced talks with the Trinidad and Tobago government to explore up to seven deepwater offshore blocks located off the island’s East Coast. These blocks sit just north of the Guyana-Suriname basin, where Exxon has made over 30 major oil discoveries since 2015.

The negotiations are occurring outside of Trinidad’s current deepwater bid round, which closes in September 2025 – a legal move allowed under Trinidad’s energy framework. This strategic re-entry suggests Exxon sees new potential in Trinidad’s offshore reserves, long considered mature but underexplored at ultra-deep water depths. “If all goes well, I will be able to make a very positive announcement,” said Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal, signaling the government’s optimism about a landmark deal.

A Regional Energy Reset?

Exxon’s return could mark a turning point not just for Trinidad, but for the wider Caribbean’s upstream energy future. With natural gas as the country’s main revenue driver, a new wave of exploration could revitalize LNG exports, feed petrochemical industries, and inject much-needed momentum into the energy services and supply chain ecosystem.

Trinidad is already home to Atlantic LNG, one of the largest gas processing and export hubs in the Western Hemisphere. However, gas production has declined in recent years. A successful Exxon deal could help reverse that trend — especially if paired with joint ventures and long-term offtake agreements.

The move also aligns with shifting global energy dynamics. As Europe and Asia look to diversify energy supply chains, Caribbean gas is back on the map, particularly from politically stable nations with ready infrastructure.

For Investors: Signals to Watch

Deepwater Expansion: If finalized, this deal could pave the way for more international oil companies (IOCs) to revisit Trinidad’s basins.

Supply Chain Rebound: Local services, logistics, and fabrication firms stand to benefit from new offshore activity.

Regional Synergies: With Exxon already dominant in Guyana, its return to Trinidad could spark cross-border energy coordination.

So — could Exxon’s return ignite a new boom?

If talks succeed, the answer may be yes — and Trinidad could once again become a leading energy hub in the Caribbean and beyond.

Could CARICOM’s Green Finance Framework Unlock Billions In Climate Investment?

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mon. July 28, 2025: In a bold step toward climate-aligned growth, the Caribbean Community, CARICOM, and the International Finance Corporation, (IFC) have partnered to launch a regional green finance taxonomy – a move that could unlock billions in private capital for sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, and resilience projects across the Caribbean.

The framework, introduced on June 18, 2025, defines what qualifies as a “green asset” in the English-speaking Caribbean. It aims to standardize how banks, investors, and governments assess climate-related financing – a necessary step as the region works to close a projected $55 billion climate finance gap by 2030.

The taxonomy will:

Help scale green lending and investment pipelines.

Support ESG-aligned projects in renewable energy, water, transport, and agriculture.

Boost the region’s access to climate funds and sovereign green bond markets.

“It’s about translating ambition into bankable action,” said an IFC regional spokesperson. “This framework will help the Caribbean speak the same green finance language as global markets.”

Small Island Developing States, (SIDS) in the Caribbean remain among the most vulnerable to climate shocks – yet are among the least responsible for global emissions. This taxonomy gives them a path to attract global climate capital on clear and credible terms.

So, could this be the key that unlocks the region’s climate investment potential?

If adopted across CARICOM member states, the answer may be yes – especially as global investors sharpen their focus on sustainability, transparency, and high-impact emerging markets.

New Music Friday: Caribbean Artists Drop Fire Tracks For The Weekend Playlist

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By News Americas ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 25, 2025: It’s Friday – and that means it’s time to refresh your playlist with the latest new music from the Caribbean. Whether you’re vibing to reggae, grooving to soca, or in the mood for genre-bending innovation, this week’s new music releases are a celebration of Caribbean sound and soul.

Reggae Meets Africa: Selector A & VP Records Drop ‘Reggae Loves Africa, Vol. 2’

Out now via VP Records, this 10-track compilation is a soulful homage to Nelson Mandela’s legacy, curated by Japanese-born reggae producer Selector A. Featuring legends like Buju Banton, Sizzla, Luciano, and Culture, the album bridges reggae and African consciousness. It’s conscious music with a global message – and a beat you can feel.
Stream it here

Soca Universe 2025 Has Landed – And It’s Massive

Machel Montano’s Monk Music delivers again with the release of Soca Universe 2025, the definitive soundtrack to this year’s Carnival season. From “The Greatest Bend Over” by Yung Bredda & Full Blown to the Afro-Soca anthem “Fling It Up” featuring Davido, this 30+ track compilation is jam-packed with anthems from Patrice Roberts, Voice, Kes, Fay-Ann Lyons, Lyrikal, and more.
Stream it here

Jimmy October Returns With “BAM BAM”

Trinidad’s genre-fusing wordsmith Jimmy October is back with his latest single “BAM BAM”—a percussive, sun-soaked fusion of soca, dancehall, reggae, and afrobeats. Produced by Brooklyn Decent and released via Ineffable Records, it’s a feel-good groove perfect for your weekend vibes.
Listen now

Yeza & Rorystonelove Shake the Roots with ‘Star Of The East’

Conscious reggae gets a fiery new chapter with Yeza’s debut album Star Of The East, produced by dub legend Rorystonelove. From viral hit “Organic” to gritty bangers like “Preacher Man”, this is a no-skips record redefining what rebel music sounds like today.
Stream now

Mr. Easy Drops ‘Caribbean Ting’

Dancehall veteran Mr. Easy switches lanes and embraces his soca side with the release of “Caribbean Ting,” part of the Soca Jam EP. The result? A vibrant fusion of island energy and classic grooves that pays homage to calypso legends.
Listen here

Da’ville Makes Emotional Comeback with “Sunshine Days”

After a 13-year hiatus, reggae-pop sensation Da’ville is back with “Sunshine Days” – a personal anthem of healing, love, and gratitude. Distributed by AMP Music and featuring a feel-good visual by BlingBlang, it marks a soulful new chapter for the artist behind hits like “Always On My Mind.”
Watch & Stream

Rayvon & Sugar Bear Keep It Light with “She Just Wanna Party”

Need a party jam? Rayvon and Sugar Bear team up for “She Just Wanna Party,” a breezy summer banger that lives up to its name. Produced by DJ Mac and released via GTC Entertainment, it’s made for the beach, the club – or wherever you’re turning up.
Stream now

This Week’s Caribbean Heat Recap Playlist:

“The Greatest Bend Over” – Yung Bredda & Full Blown

“Sunshine Days” – Da’ville

“Organic” – Yeza

“Fling It Up” – Machel Montano ft. Davido

“BAM BAM” – Jimmy October

“Caribbean Ting” – Mr. Easy

“She Just Wanna Party” – Rayvon & Sugar Bear

Whether you’re on the road, at the beach, or just catching a vibe, these new tracks are a must-add to your playlist. Stay locked to News Americas for the latest from the Caribbean music scene every New Music Friday.

Baby Cham Drops Explosive New Album, Includes Stephen & Damian Marley

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By News Americas ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 25, 2025: Grammy-nominated Dancehall icon Baby Cham is back in a big way with the release of his long-anticipated fourth studio album, ‘Sherlock’ — out now on all major platforms via his Lawless Army Music imprint.

A blazing collection of eight hard-hitting tracks, Sherlock showcases Cham’s signature mix of grit, swagger, and storytelling finesse. The project opens with a bold title track and climaxes with “Starlight,” a melodic closer that blends reflective tones with Cham’s signature lyrical command.

The album’s lead single, “Hustling In My Blood,” featuring Stephen Marley and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, is already making waves, racking up over 250,000 views on YouTube in just two weeks. The official video is a gritty visual ode to street survival and resilience, echoing the themes that have defined Cham’s career.

From “Maddest Life” to “Lamborghini Boy,” Cham delivers high-energy anthems for dance floors and headphones alike, while tracks like “Miss Seductress” and “Hall of Fame” flex his flair for seductive storytelling and emotional range.

“The cover is inspired by the community I grew up in — Duhaney Park, Kingston 20,” Cham shared on social media. “Some call it ‘The Ghetto,’ some ‘Inner City,’ but I call it ‘Home.’ I want youth to know I walked those streets too. They can make it also.”

With hits like “Ghetto Story,” “Vitamin S,” and “Lockdown” (with Usain Bolt), Cham continues to evolve while staying rooted in Dancehall tradition. Sherlock is a reminder of Cham’s lyrical depth, cultural storytelling, and undeniable star power.

STREAM ‘SHERLOCK’ NOW:

https://lnk.to/BabyChamSherlockWATCH “HUSTLING IN MY BLOOD”:

https://youtu.be/ChamHustling

TOUR DATES:

July 27 – Heaven On Earth, Baltimore, MD

Aug. 1 – Soca vs. Reggae, Bermuda

Aug. 9 – Carifest, Rochester, NY

Aug. 16–17 – Beres Hammond & Friends, NJ + Coney Island

Aug. 23 – Oasis Festival, Toronto

Aug. 31 – 90s Rewind, FL

Oct. 28 – Welcome to Jamrock Cruise

Whether you’re a Dancehall day-one or a new-school fan, Sherlock proves Baby Cham is still at the top of his game — sharp, fearless, and unapologetically authentic.