Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Carnival Marred By Gunfire

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News Americas, BROOKLYN, NY, Mon. Sept. 2, 2024: The West Indian American Day carnival parade got off to a great start today until a lone gunman walked up to the crowd and started shooting this afternoon, New York police said.

A woman takes part in 2024 West Indian Day Parade on September 02, 2024 in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

The shooting marred an otherwise peaceful J’Ouvert and Parade celebration, the 57th annual carnival of Caribbean culture in Brooklyn, and one of the biggest parades in the world.

Revellers at the 2024 West Indian Day Parade along the Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, NY, on September 2, 2024. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Five people were shot on Eastern Parkway near Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights around 2:45 p.m. EST according to the NYPD. In a news conference, police said 4 males and 1 female were stuck by the gunfire. Police said 2 of the victims are in critical condition and 3 have non-life-threatening injuries.

A man takes part in the 2024 West Indian Day Parade along the Eastern Parkway in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

At least one person is still being sought. The suspect is described as a male 6’2″ to 6’3″ slim build. wearing a bandana, brown shirt, who fled Westbound on Eastern Parkway towards Classon Avenue, police said.

A man takes part in the 2024 West Indian Day Parade along the Eastern Parkway on September 2, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Police are asking the public to come forward with any video of the incident that may be helpful to their investigation.

Caribbean women take part in the 2024 West Indian Day Parade along the Eastern Parkway on September 2, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

“This was an intentional act by one person toward a group of people,” NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said. “We do not by no means have any active shooter, or anything of that nature, running around Eastern Parkway as we speak.”

A young child attends the 2024 West Indian Day Parade along the Eastern Parkway on September 2, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

The carnival is presented annually by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association, (WIADCA).

CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL IN NEW YORK

The roots of Caribbean Carnival in New York City can be traced back to the 1930s when Ms. Jessie Wardell and some of her West Indian friends initiated the celebration in Harlem. Due to the cold February weather, they hosted costume parties in large indoor venues like the Savoy, Renaissance, and Audubon Ballrooms. This timing aligned with the traditional pre-Lenten festivities celebrated in many countries worldwide. However, the indoor setting limited the true spirit of Carnival, which thrives on outdoor parades with music and vibrant costumes.

The first known Carnival street activity in NYC occurred in the 1940s when Ms. Wardell secured a permit for a parade in Harlem. In the 1960s, another Trinidadian, Rufus Goring, brought the Carnival tradition to Brooklyn. By 1967, Goring passed the leadership to Carlos Lezama, who became the president of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA). Lezama nurtured the organization and the Carnival until 2001, when he retired due to ill health, and his daughter, Yolanda Lezama-Clark, took over as president until 2011. In 2012, Thomas Bailey was elected president. All of these key figures spent their early years in Trinidad & Tobago.

The Caribbean’s Winning Formula: How Olympic Glory And Tech Are Shaping A New Era In Sports

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Sept. 3, 2024: The Caribbean had an excellent 2024 Paris Olympic Games this summer. The nations that represented the region managed to get on the board with several wins, with six gold medals between them, having been earned a total of 25 medals.

St Lucia’s Julien Alfred celebrates after winning the women’s 100m final of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 3, 2024. (Photo by Martin BERNETTI / AFP) (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP via Getty Images)

Stories and history-setting moments were created, with St Lucia’s Julien Alfred winning her country’s first Olympic medal ever by upsetting America’s Sha’carri Richardson in the 100-meter sprint. She continued her impressive Games by landing a silver medal in the 200-meter race.

It wasn’t just her, as Thea LaFond managed to land Dominica’s first-ever medal at the Games, too. She beat out the competition in the triple jump event. Marileidy Paulino won gold for the Dominican Republic to get their first-ever gold at the Games by winning the 400-meter race, while Grenada managed to secure two bronze medals.

Jamaica has always been the region’s flag-bearer, which is why there are usually many expectations on their shoulders, especially by those who bet with Betway on the Games. For those interested in exploring betting options and staying updated on upcoming events, more information can be found on their official website or app. But with the smaller Caribbean nations starting to show promise, there may be more interest in these nations when the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics takes place.

How did each nation do?

Final Leaderboard based on Gold Medal Count

32. Cuba – 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 6 Bronze – 9 Total

44. Jamaica – 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Bronze – 6 Total

55. Saint Lucia – 1 Gold, 1 Silver – 2 Total

59. Dominican Republic – 1 Gold, 2 Bronze – 3 Total

62. Dominica – 1 Gold – 1 Total

80. Grenada – 2 Bronze – 2 Total

80. Puerto Rico – 2 Bronze – 2 Total

Why have the Caribbean nations had a successful Olympics?

While there is no doubt that athletes are getting better and their success in Paris is likely to inspire new generations of competitors in the future, technology has played a vital role in helping to shape sport across many factors.

New technologies have been made available that have helped athletes with their training. Alfred and LaFond will have been able to use various forms of tech to enable them to perfect their performances. They will have been able to use footage to analyze certain aspects of their technique, use data to help them understand where they can be efficient, and watch what other competitors are doing to identify any potential weaknesses they can capitalize on.

Sport has only evolved in a physical capacity. Tech has revolutionized the way fans enjoy it. Viewing experiences have been altered as technology has allowed them to obtain better experiences. Fans can watch their favorite athletes compete in new ways, with tech even transforming the way they can bet on them, with operators like Betway providing enhanced odds and live streams that can be watched when the events are taking place.

A new era of sports for the Caribbean

With technological advancements, it’s possible to argue that Caribbean sports are entering a new era. The success witnessed in Paris will only fuel excitement and inspire their communities, but the availability of tech will give individuals the tools to potentially achieve sporting success themselves.

Caribbean Music Awards 2024 – In Photos

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 31, 2024: The second Caribbean Music Awards took place on August 29, 2024, at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, bringing together celebrities and fans from across the Caribbean. The event, hosted by Spice and Majah Hype, featured performances by Trinidad’s Ravi B, Barbados’ Leadpipe x Jus-Jay King, and Skinny Fabulous from St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

Skinny Fabulous emerged as the night’s big winner, taking home three awards, including Male Soca Artist of the Year and two for his hit collaboration with Trinidad’s Nailah Blackman, “Come Home.” In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude and pride in representing his small island, stating, “I believe in myself, I believe in Soca music, I believe in the people.”

Other notable winners included Shaggy, Patrice Roberts, Asa Banton, and Dexta Daps, who entertained the crowd with his performance and a humorous stint as a co-presenter.

Honorees for the evening included Ravi B, Alison Hinds, Cedella Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Sherwin Gardner, and the legendary Mighty Sparrow.

Presenters added to the excitement, with DJ Cassidy making an appearance fresh from spinning at the DNC. He joined Melyssa Ford on stage, along with other presenters like Spragga Benz, Angela Yee, and Wyclef Jean.

Check out some of the stars who attended.

Spice attends the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards at Kings Theatre on August 29, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Marleen Moise/Getty Images)

DJ Cassidy attends the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards at Kings Theatre on August 29, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

The Mighty Sparrow attends the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards at Kings Theatre on August 29, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Marleen Moise/Getty Images)

Marcia Griffiths attends the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards at Kings Theatre on August 29, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Marleen Moise/Getty Images)

Nailah Blackman attends the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards at Kings Theatre on August 29, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Marleen Moise/Getty Images)

Alaine attends the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards at Kings Theatre on August 29, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Marleen Moise/Getty Images)

Skinny Fabulous attends the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards at Kings Theatre on August 29, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Marleen Moise/Getty Images)

Hilton Announces First Two Hotels In Guyana

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 29, 2024: Hilton, the global luxury hotel brand, has announced plans to construct its first two hotels in Guyana, marking a significant expansion into the oil rich South American CARICOM nation. The new developments, Hilton Georgetown and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Georgetown, will both be located in the country’s capital, Georgetown.

Hilton will soon have two hotels in Guyana.

According to the company, these two hotels will be part of a larger oceanfront, mixed-use business and entertainment complex, offering a combined total of over 400 rooms. The project will be owned by an affiliate of the Assets Group and managed by Hilton.

This announcement comes nearly four years after a private company initially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Guyanese government to build two Hilton-branded hotels. However, that project never advanced, and now Hilton has decided to take the reins directly.

“We believe in investing in Guyana, a country poised for significant growth and a promising future in tourism and hospitality,” said Moutaz Al Khayyat, Chairman of Assets Group. He highlighted the company’s commitment to entering emerging markets with high potential and expressed confidence in Guyana’s economic trajectory.

The 11-story Hilton Georgetown will feature 253 guest rooms and suites, providing an elevated stay experience, while the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Georgetown will offer 158 contemporary suites.

“We are proud to bring the flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, which continues to set the standard for travel, and the renowned DoubleTree by Hilton tradition of warm welcomes and upscale comfort to Guyana,” said Gary Steffen, Global Category Head for Full-Service Brands at Hilton. He added that the company is eager to introduce its iconic hospitality to the Guyanese market through these two award-winning brands.

Hilton emphasized that these new properties will underscore its commitment to delivering premium, luxurious experiences that cater to the discerning needs of its guests.

Beres Hammond Celebrates Birthday With “Let Me Help You”

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 29, 2024: Celebrating his 69th birthday in style on August 28th, veteran reggae artist Beres Hammond has released a visualizer for his latest single, “Let Me Help You.”

Jamaican iconic reggae singer Beres Hammond has dropped a new video.

The visualizer, shot and edited by SAMO, enhances the soulful track with a compelling visual narrative, featuring cameos from notable figures like Machel Montano, Sevana, D’Yani, and others. Interspersed with concert footage and personal photos, the video offers a glimpse into Beres’ remarkable journey in music.

“Let Me Help You” is a re-recording of his 1988 hidden gem, “Let Me Help You Smile Again,” and was released on May 3rd via Harmony House / VP Records. As with the original, Beres himself produced, arranged, wrote, and performed the new version. This track is a rarity in his extensive catalog, as it joins only a few songs that he has re-recorded over his illustrious five-decade career.

The decision to revisit the track was sparked by a conversation about its lyrics during a call to his office. When Beres discovered that the original master recording was lost, he chose to redo the song, enlisting longtime drummer and collaborator Kirk “Kirkledove” Bennett, who assembled a talented team of musicians, including legendary horn player Dean Fraser. The 2024 version of the song replaces the digital elements of the original with live instrumentation, giving the classic a fresh, vibrant sound.

Upon its release, “Let Me Help You” received significant attention, even earning a spot on Spotify’s New Music Friday billboards in New York City’s Times Square and Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square—an honor typically reserved for album releases rather than singles.

Beres announced the single during his annual Love and Harmony Cruise in April, where he performed an all-white concert at sea. Following this, he embarked on an extensive North American tour, visiting cities like New York, Toronto, Miami, and Los Angeles, where he delighted fans with his timeless hits and soulful performances.

Catch it here

Caribbean Roots Tennis Star Completes First Major Win In four Year

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 28, 2024: Caribbean heritage tennis star Naomi Osaka is back at the US Open, securing her first major win in more than four years by defeating top-10 player Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia. After openly discussing the mental health challenges she faced since returning from maternity leave, Osaka rediscovered her form with a commanding first-round victory.

Caribbean heritage tennis star, Naomi Osaka reacts to defeating Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in the first round on Day 2 of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2024 in New York City (Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images)

The Japanese-Haitian star also made a fashion statement during her match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens. Dressed in a custom Nike outfit featuring a green ruffled skirt with a white bow tied around her waist, the four-time Grand Slam champion showcased resilience far beyond her wardrobe. Despite a challenging season, Osaka proved she wasn’t giving up easily.

Naomi Osaka of Japan appears to cry after beating Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in a U.S. Open women’s singles first-round tennis match in New York on Aug. 27, 2024. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)

In front of a packed crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium on August 27, Osaka exuded positivity and determination as she took down her Latvian opponent—also a Grand Slam champion—who had 11 more match wins than Osaka this year.

Fighting back tears, Osaka spoke emotionally after the match, moved by the audience’s standing ovation. “I so badly wanted to step on these courts again,” she shared. “I didn’t know if I could. … Just to win this match, just to be in this atmosphere, means so much to me.”

Osaka’s performance was remarkable, making no unforced errors in the first set and finishing the match with only five, 16 fewer than Ostapenko. Reflecting on her victory, she added with a smile, “I do remember thinking, ‘I need to win this match so I can wear my other color.’ That was very important to me. I guess you’ll see my other color next time.”

Ranked 88th in the world, Osaka had earned a wild card spot in the women’s singles main draw after not qualifying directly. She entered the tournament with an 18-15 record, following her most recent loss in the qualifying rounds of the Cincinnati Open. On Instagram, she candidly discussed the mental struggles she faced since giving birth to her first child, baby Shai, in July 2023.

“I don’t feel like I’m in my body,” Osaka wrote, before signing off with a promise to give it her best as she headed for New York. So far, her hard work appears to be paying off.

Osaka will next face 2023 French Open runner-up Karolina Muchova, who advanced with a 6-3, 7-5 win against Katie Volynets of the U.S.

Osaka and her boyfriend, rapper Cordae, welcomed baby Shai in July 2023. Speaking to Vogue earlier, Osaka shared her excitement about becoming a mother. “Everyone I know that has had a kid, it has changed their life,” she said. “I don’t think I can prepare for it. I think I’m gonna have to go with the flow.”

Julian Marley & Antaeus Submit ‘Jah Sees Them – Amapiano Remix’ for Grammy® Consideration

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Aug. 27, 2024: Julian Marley, the son of legendary reggae icon Bob Marley, and Grammy-winning artist/producer Antaeus are once again making waves in the music industry with their submission for the 67th Grammy® Awards.

Following their recent Grammy® win for Best Reggae Album with Colors of Royal at the 66th Grammy® Awards, Julian and Antaeus are now eyeing a new category: Best Remixed Recording in the Pop & Dance/Electronic field. With eligibility for the 2025 Grammy® Awards running from September 2023 to August 2024, Julian Marley’s remix is already generating buzz among fans and critics alike.

The Grammy® timeline includes First Round Voting from October 4 to 15, the Nominations Announcement on November 8, Final Round Voting from December 12, 2024, to January 3, 2025, culminating in the awards ceremony on February 2, 2025.

Their latest release, “Jah Sees Them – Amapiano Remix,” is a high-energy club track that brilliantly fuses Julian’s signature reggae sound with the infectious rhythms of South Africa’s Amapiano genre. Produced by UK DJ Footsteps, MrMyish, and Antaeus, the remix showcases a dynamic blend of cultures and genres. The track, out now via Monom Records and distributed by The Orchard/Sony, features mixing and mastering by Grammy®-winning engineers Joe Maldonado and Alex Psaroudakis.

Julian Marley expressed his passion for the project, stating: “The Jah Sees Them Amapiano Remix represents my deep love for music beyond reggae. It’s a powerful fusion that bridges cultures and genres, reflecting my belief that music has no boundaries.” Antaeus echoed this sentiment, adding, “This remix embodies our dedication to creating timeless music that resonates across generations and transcends borders.”

The official video for the remix has just premiered on Monom’s YouTube channel, directed by Damaniac Visualz. Shot in iconic Jamaican locations like Kingston, Wickie Wackie Beach, and Port Antonio, the video captures the vibrant energy of the track, featuring stunning Caribbean scenery, bonfires, and captivating performances.

Fresh off a successful European tour, Julian will also join The Marley Brothers on their Legacy US Tour, beginning September 5.

Julian Marley continues to make his mark on the global music scene, following in the footsteps of his father, while Antaeus, with his diverse and acclaimed work, solidifies his role as a visionary force in the industry.

Preview here

West Indies Win Over South Africa

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. August 25, 2024: Led by superb bowling performances from Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph, the West Indies pulled off a stunning 30-run victory against South Africa, securing the three-match T20 series with a game to spare.

Romario Shepherd (L) of West Indies celebrates the dismissal of Reeza Hendricks of South Africa during the 2nd T20i match between West Indies and South Africa at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP) (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

After being sent in to bat, West Indies posted a competitive total of 179 for six in their 20 overs at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Sunday.

Ottniel Baartman (L) of South Africa congratulates Matthew Forde (R) of West Indies for winning the 2nd T20i match between West Indies and South Africa at Brian Lara Cricket Academy Stadium in Tarouba, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP) (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

Man-of-the-Match Shepherd and Joseph then spearheaded a middle-order collapse, taking six wickets between them, as South Africa was bowled out for 149 with just two balls remaining in the match.

This win gave the home side an unassailable 2-0 series lead, following their seven-wicket victory in the opening T20 on Friday.

Despite the eventual outcome, South Africa seemed poised to level the series after a strong start to their run chase. Openers Ryan Rickelton (20) and Reeza Hendricks, who top-scored with 44 off just 18 balls, powered South Africa to 63 in under five overs. Hendricks was especially dominant, hammering off-spinner Roston Chase for two sixes and two fours in an over that yielded 23 runs.

However, Joseph made the breakthrough by having Rickelton caught at deep backward square by Matthew Forde, attempting a pull shot. Shepherd then claimed the crucial wicket of Hendricks, who had struck six fours and two sixes, as the batter dragged a wide ball onto his stumps, leaving South Africa at 71-2 in the sixth over.

Even after Shepherd trapped South African captain Aiden Markram lbw for 19, the visitors appeared in control with Tristan Stubbs and Rassie van der Dussen adding 43 runs, taking their total to 129-3 after 14 overs.

But in a dramatic collapse, South Africa lost their final seven wickets for just 20 runs. Stubbs was caught at long-off by substitute fielder Fabian Allen for 28 off spinner Akeal Hosein, and five runs later, Donovan Ferreira was stumped off the bowling of Gudakesh Motie, reducing South Africa to 134 for five.

Hosein also took the wicket of van der Dussen (17), and when Bjorn Fortuin was bowled by Joseph, the visitors had tumbled to 144 for seven in the 17th over. Shepherd returned to claim his third wicket, with Patrick Kruger caught on the cover boundary by Shai Hope, and Joseph and Forde finished off the tail to seal the win.

Shepherd ended with outstanding figures of 3-15 from his four overs, while Joseph achieved his best-ever T20 figures of 3-31 from his four overs. Hosein contributed with 2-25.

Earlier, after losing the toss and being asked to bat on a flat, dry pitch, the West Indies got off to a steady start with openers Alick Athanaze and Hope putting on 41 runs together. Athanaze became the first of three wickets for South African bowler Lizaad Williams when he was caught at midwicket for 28, attempting a pull shot.

Caribbean Roots Chef Among The Dead On Sunk Sicily Yacht

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. August 26, 2024: The body of Caribbean roots chef Ricardo Thomas is among those recovered after the sinking of the £30 million superyacht Bayesian, owned by British billionaire Mike Lynch.

Caribbean roots Chef Ricardo Thomas has died on the Bayesian superyacht. (facebook image)

Chef Ricardo Thomas, born in Canada to Antiguan parents, had been living in Antigua for the past 20 years at his family’s home in Clare Hall. He is being fondly remembered by loved ones following the tragic accident that claimed his life near the coast of Sicily on August 19th.

Caribbean roots Chef Ricardo Thomas was born in Antigua to Antiguan parents.

The Bayesian was struck by a powerful storm on Monday, August 19th, causing it to sink around 5 a.m. local time near Porticello, Italy, according to a statement from the Italian coast guard. At the time of the incident, 22 people were aboard the yacht, including 12 passengers and 10 crew members. While 15 people were rescued, Thomas was among those who perished.

Thomas was celebrated by friends as a beloved figure in his community and a cherished friend. “He was a one-of-a-kind, special human being,” a close friend shared with The Independent, noting that they spoke to him “nearly every day.” Another longtime friend, Eli Fuller, emphasized how important Thomas was as a role model for young Antiguans. “He was sought after in his line of work, and for kids in Antigua to see one of their own traveling the world on yachts was inspiring.”

Gareth Williams, who had known Thomas for 30 years, revealed that the chef had been working to help his family. “He told me just the other day that he needed to work two more seasons to fix up his late parents’ house. He loved yachting, but he was tired.”

The search for missing bodies continues, with those recovered so far including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah, along with Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judy, and New York lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda.

Investigations are now focused on how the Bayesian, considered “unsinkable” by its manufacturer, the Italian Sea Group, could have gone down so quickly. CEO Giovanni Costantino has pointed to potential crew errors as the cause of the tragedy, stating in an interview with the Financial Times that the yacht sank in 16 minutes, a timeframe that should have allowed for a safe evacuation.

The ill-fated voyage was reportedly hosted by Lynch to celebrate his recent acquittal on fraud charges in the U.S.

Caribbean Roots Actress Stars In Zoe Kravitz’ Blink Twice

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. August, 26, 2024: Caribbean roots star Naomi Sarah Ackie lit up the screen this weekend as ‘Blink Twice,’ the movie from Zoë Kravitz, opened in fourth place with $7.3 million.

Caribbean roots actress Naomi Ackie attending the European premiere of “Blink Twice” at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on August 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Jo Hale/FilmMagic)

Ackie, 32, the daughter of second-generation immigrants from Grenada, stars opposite Kravitz’ real life fiancee, Channing Tatum, who plays tech billionaire Slater King. He invites Ackie, who plays cocktail waitress and aspiring nail artist Frida, to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. Wild nights blend into sun-soaked days, and everyone’s having a great time. plays cocktail waitress and aspiring nail artist Frida, who ventures to the island alongside friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) and strangers Sarah (Adria Arjona), Camilla (Liz Caribel), and Heather (Trew Mullen). Their host, Slater, is a fresh off of an apology tour from some kind of undisclosed misconduct and claims he’s a changed man.

When the guests arrive, their phones are collected, they’re given matching linen dresses and swimsuits, and then the booze, drugs, and gourmet delights come out. What could go wrong? As it turns out, plenty. Jess goes missing, the maid (María Elena Olivares) keeps repeating cryptic phrases (“red rabbit”?). Manipulations and abuse rise to the surface. Soon Frida, like Daniel Kaluuya’s Chris in Get Out, goes from cheery to petrified – and joins forces with the other women to plot bloody revenge.

Blink Twice reportedly cost a modest $20 million to produce before marketing and received a B- CinemaScore from audiences. The film is from MGM and Amazon, with Warner Bros. handling overseas.

Ackie, born in London, is known for her television roles as Bonnie in The End of the F***ing World (2019) and Master of None (2021) and for her role as Jannah in the film Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). In 2022, she portrayed American singer Whitney Houston in the biopic ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody.’

Her father was a Transport for London employee and her mother worked for the National Health Service. She is one of three children and has an older brother and sister. She went to Walthamstow School for Girls.

Her first role was at the age of 11, playing the angel Gabriel in a school nativity play. She studied at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and graduated in 2012.’

Blink Twice was shot in Yucatán, Mexico. plays cocktail waitress and aspiring nail artist Frida, who ventures to the island alongside friend Jess (Alia Shawkat) and strangers Sarah (Adria Arjona), Camilla (Liz Caribel), and Heather (Trew Mullen). Their host, Slater, is a fresh off of an apology tour from some kind of undisclosed misconduct and claims he’s a changed man. When the guests arrive, their phones are collected, they’re given matching linen dresses and swimsuits, and then the booze, drugs, and gourmet delights come out. What could go wrong?
As it turns out, plenty. Jess goes missing, the maid (María Elena Olivares) keeps repeating cryptic phrases (“red rabbit”?). Manipulations and abuse rise to the surface. Soon Frida, like Daniel Kaluuya’s Chris in Get Out, goes from cheery to petrified — and joins forces with the other women to plot bloody revenge.

Ackie recently shared a funny story in a candid interview with PEOPLE about her experience with rock musician Lenny Kravitz, the father of Zoe Kravitz, whose mother also has roots in the Caribbean. Ackie shared that during the making of Blink Twice, while she was going through her filming activities, she went out from her bedroom and found herself face to face with Lenny Kravitz right outside.

Since they had never met before, Lenny Kravitz, known for his hit songs like “Are You Gonna Go My Way?”, introduced himself in a friendly manner. However, so overwhelmed by how famous he was that she automatically shut the door.

“I’d never met him before. I opened my bedroom door, and Lenny was just there. He was like, ‘Hi, you must be Naomi. I’m Lenny.’ I was like — I shut the door.” After getting herself together for a second, however, Ackie reopened the door to greet Kravitz properly. I took a moment to calm down and then said, ‘Okay, now I’m ready,’” she recalled.

For a glimpse of Ackie in Blink Twice, check out the clip here: Watch Now.