News Americas, New York, NY, May 14, 2025: Guyana’s Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), has issued a strong condemnation of Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel’s new song, “Good Like Jesus,” labeling its lyrics as “blasphemous and deeply offensive” to Christian and other religious communities. The Commission is advocating for an immediate ban on the song’s broadcast and digital distribution within Guyana.

Vybz Kartel performs during the MOBO Awards 2025 at the Utilita Arena on February 18, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

In a statement released on Wednesday, the ERC emphasized that the song’s content is “profoundly disrespectful to Christian religious sensibilities” and undermines the values of reverence, respect, and harmony that are fundamental to Guyana’s multicultural society. Some of the lyrics of the song by Kartel states: “You pussy good, you pussy good like Jesus.”

The Commission highlighted that Jesus Christ is not only a central figure in Christianity but is also revered in Islam and respected in certain Hindu traditions. It warned that content demeaning such a universally respected figure risks offending multiple faith communities and threatens the delicate balance of inter-religious harmony in the country.

While acknowledging the right to freedom of artistic expression, the ERC stated that this freedom is not absolute and must be exercised responsibly, with due regard for the religious and cultural values of all communities. The Commission is formally calling for the song to be banned from the airwaves in Guyana and to be removed from all digital platforms accessible in the country.

Additionally, the ERC is engaging the promoter of the upcoming concert in Guyana, featuring Vybz Kartel, scheduled for May 24, to ensure that the event does not contribute to the dissemination of the offensive content. The Commission expects full cooperation in ensuring that the event upholds interfaith harmony.

In a related matter, the ERC addressed public speculation regarding the recent arrest of local artist Baby Skello by the Guyana Police Force, following the release of a song reportedly containing offensive material against the Hindu faith. The Commission clarified that Baby Skello has not been referred to law enforcement by the ERC and that the matter is currently being handled internally, with the artist summoned to appear before the Commission. Baby Skello released a song that allegedly depicted the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi in a “vulgar, sexually explicit, and blasphemous manner.” This sparked outrage and condemnation from Hindu organizations in Guyana, such as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and the Guyana Pandits’ Council.

The ERC also confirmed that artists Richard Singh and Vision Clarke have been summoned over their controversial song “Chiney,” which has sparked criticism for its potentially offensive content.

The Commission reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and faiths of all Guyanese, stating that acts of religious disrespect will not be tolerated and will be addressed with firm and constructive measures.

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News Americas, New York, NY, May 6, 2025: Caribbean-American stars lit up the red carpet with glamour and cultural pride last night at the 2025 Met Gala in New York City. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” paid homage to Black dandyism and the power of fashion in shaping Black identity — and Caribbean-rooted celebrities brought that theme to life with elegance and flair.

Leading the night’s style parade was Barbados-born Rihanna, radiant and expectant with her third child. The fashion mogul turned heads in a custom Marc Jacobs ensemble — a perfectly tailored suit that highlighted her baby bump, topped with a dramatic wide-brimmed hat.

Rihanna attending the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit Gala 2025 in New York on Monday May 5, 2025. (Photo by Matt Crossick/PA Images via Getty Images)

Trinidad-born rap queen Nicki Minaj made her eighth Met Gala appearance in a striking pinstripe suit dress by Thom Browne, detailed with a cascade of ruffled flowers down one shoulder. Minaj’s look blended power and femininity, making a bold statement in line with the evening’s theme.

Nicki Minaj leaves the New York’s luxury Mark Hotel before the 2025 Met Gala, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday, May 5, in New York City, United States. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Puerto Rican global sensation Bad Bunny channeled island elegance in a dark brown Prada suit, paired with a traditional Puerto Rican pava hat and golden tie, delivering a cultural nod wrapped in sharp tailoring.

Bad Bunny attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/GC Images)

ASAP Rocky, whose father is Barbadian, brought Harlem swag and Caribbean pride to his co-chair role. The rapper wore a custom AWGE parka-inspired double-breasted jacket in technical wool with Marmot-style details — a tribute to Harlem street fashion and his own Caribbean roots.

ASAP Rocky attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/GC Images)

Another co-chair, Grenadian-descended F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, walked the carpet with trademark sophistication, showing that speed and style can go hand in hand.

Lewis Hamilton at The 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Belizean roots actor Colman Domingo turned the red carpet into his personal stage in a pleated cape with an embellished collar. Underneath, a sharp Valentino suit underscored the elegance of contemporary Black tailoring.

US actor Colman Domingo arrives for the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025, in New York. The Gala raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The 2025 Met Gala is themed “Tailored for You,” aligning with the Costume Institute’s exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” set to open to the public on May 10. (Photo by ANDREA RENAULT/AFP via Getty Images)

Trinidadian-American entertainer Teyana Taylor honored her Caribbean heritage in a bold fashion-forward look, affirming her place as a multi-talented creative force who embraces her island roots.

US singer-songwriter and actress Teyana Taylor arrives for the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025, in New York. Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

Cardi B, who boasts both Dominican Republic and Trinidadian ancestry, wowed in a green Burberry suit reminiscent of Victorian grandeur. With a ruffled silk shirt and velvet trousers, the chart-topper brought drama and regality to her sixth Met Gala appearance.

Cardi B attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/Getty Images)

Ayo Edebiri, whose mother hails from Barbados, stunned in a custom Ferragamo creation with coral beading — a tribute to traditional Nigerian Edo attire. Her look was a masterclass in cultural fusion and thematic excellence.

Ayo Edebiri attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/MG25/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

From floor-sweeping capes to tailored power suits, Caribbean-American stars didn’t just attend the Met Gala — they defined it, celebrating the richness of Black and Caribbean culture through cutting-edge fashion.

News Americas, New York, NY, May 3, 2025: Global Jamaican born dancehall superstar Sean Paul is turning up the heat this summer as he joins forces with hip-hop mogul Wiz Khalifa and rap heavyweight DaBaby for the high-energy ‘Good Vibes Only Tour’—a 15-city North American tour guaranteed to bring pure fire to amphitheaters across the continent.

Sean Paul, Wiz Khalifa, and DaBaby hit 15 cities on the 2025 Good Vibes Only Tour, blending dancehall and hip-hop in a high-energy summer run.

The tour kicks off on July 6 at the Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center, NY, promising fans a summer soaked in rhythm, charisma, and world-class performances. It’s the ultimate mash-up of Caribbean flavor, West Coast cool, and Southern swagger, blending Sean Paul’s electrifying dancehall hits with Wiz Khalifa’s laid-back lyricism and DaBaby’s commanding stage presence.

“There’s no better feeling than connecting with fans live,” said Sean Paul. “Touring with Wiz and DaBaby brings such a wicked mix of sounds—hip-hop, dancehall, and raw energy. This tour is about unity, good vibes, and non-stop vibes all summer long. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!”

Fresh off his 2025 UK arena run with Ashanti and a 2024 U.S. tour, Sean Paul is ready to blaze through hits like “Get Busy,” “Temperature,” “Gimme the Light,” and his latest remix with Tyla, “Push 2 Start.” With over 14 billion streams on Spotify and collaborations with global icons like Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Sia, and J Balvin, the Jamaican hitmaker is set to deliver an unforgettable show.

Fans can expect not just a concert but an explosive cultural celebration—a party on stage that crosses genres and generations. With DaBaby amping up the raw edge and Wiz Khalifa delivering his signature chill vibes, this tour is more than music—it’s a movement of good energy and unity.

Good Vibes Only Tour 2025 – Select Dates:

Jul 6: Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater

Jul 9: Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

Jul 18: Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

Jul 27: Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

Tickets: Presales begin April 30 at 10am local time. General sales start May 2 via LiveNation.com. Citi cardholders get early access at citientertainment.com.

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.

ABU DHABI, UAE, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Caribbean Countries have been selected as Guest of Honour for the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), held from 26 April to 5 May 2025, under the theme ‘Knowledge Illuminates Our Community’.

By hosting the group, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) aims to highlight the cultural diversity of the 25 Caribbean Countries, strengthening their cultural and intellectual exchange with the Arab region. A special pavilion will be dedicated for the Guest of Honour in coordination with these countries’ embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, celebrating their cultural diversity in literature, arts, music, and cuisine.

Spotlighting Caribbean countries as Guest of Honour forms part of the UAE’s efforts to strengthen the publishing and translation industries, enabling new partnerships to provide Arab readers with access to Caribbean literature. It also highlights similarities between Arab and Caribbean cultures, and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global cultural capital that embraces linguistically and culturally rich regions, promoting literary diversity beyond the traditional framework, which often focuses on Europe and the US.

A lively programme of activities was planned to showcase the Caribbean region’s culture, knowledge, and civilisation , underscoring its close ties with the UAE. The programme aims to strengthen the ALC’s collaboration with Caribbean cultural institutions, enriching the public’s culture with fresh creative content, while reflecting the UAE’s thriving and diverse landscape.

His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: “The Caribbean nations are home to one of the world’s most diverse cultures, shaped through centuries of interaction and influences from various nations, setting the stage for a distinct and unique cultural identity that we are pleased to highlight at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair this year.”

“Caribbean culture is characterised by its innovativeness and adaptability, where it has forged and maintained a strong identity of its own despite external influences,” H.E. added. “The region has succeeded in creatively showcasing its heritage to the world, ensuring its continuity and visibility. Its literary contributions address core human issues, and with that in mind, we sought to host the countries of the Caribbean region in this year’s fair to explore opportunities for cooperation in creative industries, bring the Arabic language and other cultures closer together, and highlight our values of brotherhood and dialogue among peoples and cultures.”

The Guest of Honour programme also features literary, artistic, musical, and culinary performances, along with events and discussion panels featuring ambassadors, publishers, and authors from the Caribbean. While cooking demonstrations by professional chefs highlight Caribbean cuisine and its rich blend of African, Indian, and European flavours.

The ADIBF Guest of Honour programme is multifaceted, offering a variety of cultural, intellectual, and creative events catering to all segments of the community, and bringing together prominent Arab and international creatives to share their experience and knowledge with an audience of intellectual and literary enthusiasts.