Posts

Has Nicki Minaj Gone Full MAGA?

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Jan. 28, 2026: Trinidad-born rapper Nicki Minaj seems to be now officially MAGA.

Minaj is set to appear alongside the U.S. President at a U.S. Treasury Department summit today to mark the launch of a new tax-advantaged savings program known as “Trump Accounts,” underscoring the growing involvement of high-profile celebrities in the administration’s economic messaging.

FLASHBACK – Trinidadian-US rapper Nicki Minaj speaks during the panel discussion “Combatting Religious Violence and the Killing of Christians in Nigeria” at the US Mission to the United Nations in New York City, on November 18, 2025. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

The summit, to be held in Washington, D.C., will also feature Shark Tank investor and actor Kevin O’Leary, actress and wife of RFK, Jr., Cheryl Hines, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Trump and Bessent are both scheduled to deliver remarks, and the event will be streamed live on X.

“Trump Accounts” are a newly created form of tax-advantaged individual retirement account for children, allowing contributions from parents, guardians, employers, and other donors. The accounts were established under last year’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and are being promoted by the administration as a tool to expand long-term financial opportunity for American families.

While specific details of the summit agenda have not been publicly disclosed, the Treasury Department said the event will include policy briefings and expert discussions outlining how the accounts function, their projected economic impact, and the administration’s broader economic priorities.

Additional participants expected to attend include conservative influencer Isabel Brown, political consultant Alex Bruesewitz, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, technology executive Michael Dell, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

The event represents a notably high-profile rollout for a Treasury Department initiative, reflecting an effort to boost public awareness of the program. Treasury Secretary Bessent previously indicated in a radio interview that a national television commercial promoting Trump Accounts is planned to air during next month’s Super Bowl, shortly after the national anthem.

Minaj’s participation comes amid her increasingly public expressions of political alignment including at a speech at the US mission to the UN and at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, where she voiced admiration for Trump during an onstage interview. That let to a petition to have her deported.

“I have the utmost respect and admiration for our president,” Minaj said at the event. “He’s given so many people hope.”

Minaj recently clashed with former CNN host Don Lemon, who she attacked with homophobic tweets on X.

Born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in the United States, Minaj is one of the most internationally recognized artists of Caribbean descent. Minaj has been open about coming to the United States as an undocumented child. In an emotional social media post in 2018, she called out the separation of families at the border during Trump’s first administration.

“I came to this country as an illegal immigrant. I can’t imagine the horror of being in a strange place & having my parents stripped away from me at the age of 5,” she reportedly wrote in the caption of a photo showing young children separated from their parents at the border being detained.

“This is so scary to me. Please stop this,” she wrote. “Can you try to imagine the terror & panic these kids feel right now? Not knowing if their parents are dead or alive, if they’ll ever see them again.”

You’ve Likely Heard His Drums Your Whole Life — Sly Dunbar Is Gone

/0 Comments/in /by

By NAN ET EDITOR

News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jan. 26, 2026: You may not know his face. You may not even know his name. But if you’ve listened to reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, pop, or rock over the last half-century, you have almost certainly heard his drums.

Lowell Fillmore “Sly” Dunbar, the legendary Jamaican drummer and one-half of the groundbreaking rhythm duo Sly and Robbie, has died at the age of 73. His wife, Thelma Dunbar, confirmed his passing after finding him unresponsive at their home early Monday morning, January 26th. His death marks the loss of one of the most influential musicians Jamaica ever produced and comes on the heels of the passing recently of Third World co-founder, Cat Coore.

Born on May 10, 1952, in Kingston, Dunbar began drumming as a teenager, quickly earning a reputation for precision, versatility, and innovation. By age 15, he was already performing professionally, first with The Yardbrooms and later with the Ansell Collins–led band Skin, Flesh & Bones. His earliest recordings came through collaborations with Dave and Ansell Collins, laying the foundation for a career that would reshape global music.

Dunbar’s life changed in 1972 when he met bassist Robbie Shakespeare. Their partnership became one of the most prolific and influential rhythm sections in modern music. Together, they formed the duo Sly & Robbie, often referred to as the “Riddim Twins,” whose sound would define reggae and dancehall while crossing seamlessly into rock, pop, and hip-hop.

Working closely with producer Bunny Lee and the Aggrovators, Sly and Robbie helped drive Jamaica’s golden era of roots reggae before pushing the genre forward with digital rhythms and experimental production in the late 1970s and 1980s. Their influence reached far beyond the Caribbean. The duo recorded and performed with artists including Peter Tosh, Grace Jones, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, and countless others.

In 1980, the pair launched Taxi Records, a label that became a powerhouse of Jamaican music. Taxi Records introduced and elevated artists such as Black Uhuru, Ini Kamoze, Beenie Man, Red Dragon, and Chaka Demus and Pliers, shaping the sound of dancehall for a new generation while keeping reggae globally relevant.

Dunbar’s drumming style was unmistakable – crisp, inventive, and deeply musical. He blended traditional Caribbean rhythms with funk, rock, and electronic influences, creating grooves that were both complex and accessible. His credits spanned from Junior Murvin’s Police and Thieves to Bob Marley’s Punky Reggae Party, as well as Bob Dylan’s albums Infidels and Empire Burlesque. Few drummers in history have left fingerprints across so many genres.

His longtime musical partner Robbie Shakespeare passed away in December 2021, making Dunbar’s death especially poignant for fans who saw the duo as inseparable. Together, they redefined what a rhythm section could be — not just backing musicians, but architects of sound.

Dunbar’s contributions did not go unrecognized. He was awarded Jamaica’s Order of Distinction and received the Musgrave Gold Medal in 2015 for his outstanding service to music. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota in May 2025, further underscoring the global reach of his work. Dunbar was set to be honored at Reggae Genealogy on Feb. 7th in Fort Lauderdale.

The Jamaican entertainment industry is again in mourning, following the loss of yet another cultural giant. But Sly Dunbar’s death does not silence his legacy. His rhythms live on in the music that still fills dance floors, radio stations, films, and playlists around the world.

You may not have known his name before today. But you’ve likely heard his drums your whole life — and you always will.

LISTEN TO HIS EHYTHMS HERE

Caribbean Roots Shine As Delroy Lindo Earns First Oscar Nomination For Sinners

/0 Comments/in /by

By NAN ET EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 23, 2026: After decades of commanding performances that shaped modern Black cinema, Caribbean roots, British-born actor Delroy Lindo has finally crossed a milestone many believe was long overdue: his first Academy Award nomination.

British Caribbean actor Delroy Lindo attends the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 11, 2026. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP via Getty Images) /

The London-born, Jamaican-rooted actor, 73, earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 98th Academy Awards for his role as Delta Slim in Sinners, the genre-blending vampire thriller directed by Ryan Coogler. The nod marks a long-awaited recognition for an artist whose career has been consistently lauded by critics, yet repeatedly overlooked by awards bodies.

Delroy Lindo, l., Ryan Coogler (C) and cast and crew of “Sinners” accept the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award onstage during the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 11, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/CBS via Getty Images)

For Caribbean audiences and the global diaspora, Lindo’s nomination resonates far beyond Hollywood. Born in Lewisham, London, to Jamaican parents who were part of the Windrush generation, Lindo’s life mirrors a transatlantic Caribbean journey – moving from the UK to Canada as a teenager, then to the United States, where he trained at the American Conservatory Theater and forged a career that would span stage, film, and television.

His mother was a nurse who struggled as an outsider in England but instilled a strong sense of heritage in her son, while his father held various jobs, contributing to the family’s cultural background. Lindo has said in the past that he felt like an outsider as the only Black child in his school, but was inspired to act after a school play. He deeply connects with his Jamaican roots, viewing his parents’ emphasis on presentation as a key part of his heritage, a theme echoed in his work.

Delroy Lindo accepts Best Supporting Actor for “Sinners” onstage during the 2026 Annual Movies for Grownups Awards with AARP at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on January 10, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for AARP)

Lindo has previously found himself in awards-season conversations for iconic roles, including West Indian Archie in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X and his searing performance in Da 5 Bloods. But when nominations failed to materialize, he deliberately resisted expectation. “I try not to buy into that,” he told Entertainment Weekly last year, reflecting on past snubs. Still, he admitted that the absence of recognition was painful. “I was profoundly disappointed, frankly.”

That disappointment did not derail him. Instead, Lindo kept working – on his own terms.

In Sinners, he delivers a performance critics describe as hypnotic. Playing Delta Slim, a Mississippi bluesman whose music anchors a juke joint that becomes the target of supernatural forces, Lindo brings gravitas, restraint, and lived-in wisdom to the screen. Coogler has praised the performance as “incredible,” noting what Lindo brought to the role every single day on set.

Audiences agreed. Sinners boasts a 97% critical rating and 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and its global box office haul of approximately $368 million made it one of the year’s most successful original films. The movie shattered awards records with 16 Oscar nominations, becoming the most-nominated film in Academy history.

For Lindo, the recognition arrives not as validation, but as affirmation. “To have been working as an actor for the length of time that I have… the fact that audiences still apparently find what I’m doing interesting – that’s not a given,” he said. “I don’t take any of it for granted.”

His Caribbean roots continue to inform his creative direction. Lindo has long spoken about the influence of his Jamaican heritage and the Windrush experience, which he is now exploring in a forthcoming memoir scheduled for release in 2027. He is also developing and directing a feature film set in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, centered on spirituality, healing, and the power of community – themes deeply rooted in Caribbean culture.

Lindo exclusively told E! News that his son Damiri was the one to tell him he received his first-ever Oscar nomination for the 2026 ceremony. “I was in bed,” he recalled to E!. “My phone rang. It was my son. I picked it up and said, ‘Hey man,’ and he said, ‘Dad, dad, you got it. You got that s–t.’” 

“It means the world because he’s seen it all,” Lindo was quoted as saying. “He’s seen it away from the red carpet. He’s seen both sides of it. So, along with my wife, they have the internal and the external perspective on this journey. It felt completely right on to receive this news from my son.”

Lindo  faces off against Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein), Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value), Benicio Del Toro (One Battle After Another) and Sean Penn (One Battle After Another) in his category.

But, however, it turns out, Lindo told E!: “It’s just incredibly joyful and affirming. Affirming that audiences inside and outside of the industry have responded to this work so fully, and the fact that the work has touched people, I believe, in the depth of their humanity. I don’t have the words to explain how gratifying and affirming that feels. It’s extraordinary.”

For many in the Caribbean diaspora, the moment already carries meaning: a son of Jamaican immigrants, whose artistry endured decades of industry blind spots, finally standing where history says he always belonged.

The Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, air Sunday, March 15, 2026, on ABC.

RELATED: Teyana Taylor Makes Golden Globe History As Second Caribbean-Rooted Black Winner

From ‘Shottas’ To ‘Cool Runnings’ – Caribbean Movies Gen Z Is Rediscovering

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, Fl: Generation Z – generally defined as people born between 1997 and 2012 – spend a significant amount of time on digital platforms. Social media and video-based apps are central to how this generation consumes culture, with YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram ranking among their most-used platforms (Pew Research Center). That pattern has created a new pathway for older films, including Caribbean movies released decades before Gen Z was born.

Gen Z is rediscovering classic Caribbean movies like Shottas, Cool Runnings, and The Harder They Come through streaming, TikTok, and music-driven digital culture.

Titles from the 1970s through the early 2000s are reaching younger audiences through streaming platforms, social video, and soundtrack-driven discovery. In many cases, these films were originally watched by Gen Z’s parents or older relatives, especially within Caribbean and diaspora households. Today, they are being encountered independently, through digital circulation rather than family viewing.

Digital Discovery And Generational Distance

One of the most visible examples is Shottas. The film circulates widely on TikTok and Instagram, where short clips tied to dancehall tracks appear under hashtags related to Jamaican culture and early-2000s aesthetics, such as #Shottas. These clips often omit context, allowing music, fashion, and setting to communicate tone quickly. Viewers encountering the film for the first time frequently comment that they discovered it through social media rather than through family viewing or traditional broadcast.

By contrast, Cool Runnings reaches Gen Z primarily through streaming. Since its inclusion on Disney+, the film has appeared in reaction videos, ranking lists, and commentary threads on YouTube and TikTok. Gen Z viewers are more likely than older cohorts to engage with films through reactions and short commentary rather than full reviews, according to Nielsen. Cool Runnings benefits from this pattern because its pacing, humor, and soundtrack translate well into short clips.

Music As A Bridge Between Eras

Soundtracks play a central role in rediscovery. ‘The Harder They Come’ continues to surface because its music remains widely streamed. Jimmy Cliff’s title track appears in film edits, playlists, and recommendation threads on platforms such as Letterboxd, where younger users often note encountering the music before the film itself. This mirrors broader findings from Spotify and Apple Music, which show Gen Z frequently discovering older media through soundtrack-driven exploration.

Dancehall Queen (1997) has gained renewed visibility among Gen Z viewers through fashion- and performance-focused clips shared on Instagram Reels and TikTok. Short excerpts featuring Audrey Reid’s dancehall performances circulate as references for styling, movement, and stage presence, often detached from the film’s broader storyline. The visual elements of these scenes – custom outfits, bold color choices, body-focused silhouettes, and competitive presentation – align closely with contemporary dancehall-inspired music videos.

This continuity is frequently noted in discussions comparing the film’s imagery to modern productions such as Major Lazer’s ‘Watch Out For This,’ (Bumaye), which draws on similar dancehall fashion codes, performance framing, and crowd dynamics. For younger viewers, Dancehall Queen functions as a visual reference point, offering a clear line between 1990s Jamaican dancehall culture and its ongoing influence on global music video aesthetics.

Rockers continues to circulate because it offers direct access to late-1970s Jamaican music culture at work. Performance and sound system scenes featuring artists such as Jacob Miller and Burning Spear are frequently shared on YouTube and referenced in reggae-focused forums, where viewers often describe them as archival footage rather than traditional cinema.

The film documents how musicians rehearsed, performed, dressed, and moved through everyday spaces, with minimal separation between the music and the environment that produced it. For Gen Z audiences accustomed to behind-the-scenes content and documentary-style visuals, Rockers reads more like a record of process than a scripted narrative.

Why These Films Circulate Now

These films persist because they translate efficiently into short-form viewing. Their music establishes place and tone within seconds. Their visuals are legible without extensive explanation. Many of the most-shared clips are under 2 minutes, aligning with Gen Z’s dominant viewing habits.

There is also a secondary effect. For second-generation Caribbean viewers, these rediscoveries often prompt conversations at home about films their parents watched when they were first released. For viewers without a Caribbean background, the films function as entry points into a broader cultural archive encountered through music and visual media.

This is the space Reggae Genealogy Music Festival occupies. Through ‘Lights. Camera. Reggae,’ the festival examines how Jamaican music has shaped film, television, and global pop culture across decades, connecting archival work with present-day circulation. Hosted by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, Reggae Genealogy builds on the museum’s mission to preserve, interpret, and present Caribbean cultural history in ways that remain accessible to new audiences. As younger viewers continue to encounter these films through modern platforms, initiatives like Reggae Genealogy provide a framework for understanding where the work came from, how it traveled, and why it still holds relevance today.

Learn more about Reggae Genealogy: Lights. Camera. Reggae, coming to Plantation, Florida, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at reggaegenealogy.org.

RELATED: Teyana Taylor Makes Golden Globe History As Second Caribbean-Rooted Black Winner

Another Of Third World’s Defining Sounds Has Gone Silent – Stephen “Cat” Coore Dead At 69

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, New YORK, NY, Mon. Jan. 19, 2026: Reggae has lost one of its most accomplished architects with the death of Stephen “Cat” Coore, co-founder, guitarist, cellist, and musical director of Third World, who passed away on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at the age of 69. He was one of the two surviving members of the original Third World Band.

Coore’s family confirmed the sudden passing of the celebrated musician, who was widely regarded as one of Jamaica’s most innovative instrumentalists and arrangers. According to reports, he died following a seizure and pneumonia. A husband, father, grandfather, and cultural ambassador, Coore helped shape a sound that carried reggae beyond its traditional borders and onto the global stage.

FLASHBACK – “Cat” Coore and Third World perform at Celebrate Brooklyn! at Prospect Park Bandshell on August 7, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/WireImage)

Born April 6, 1956, Coore was trained in classical music but grounded in Jamaica’s rich musical traditions. That rare combination would become central to Third World’s identity. As a founding member, he played a defining role in blending reggae with soul, funk, pop, jazz, and rock – a fusion that distinguished the band from its peers and broadened reggae’s international appeal.

FLASH-BACK: Stephen “Cat” Coore of Third World performs at Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park on August 18, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Julia Beverly/Getty Images)

Formed in the early 1970s, Third World emerged during a pivotal era in Jamaican music. The band quickly earned recognition for its musical sophistication, instrumental depth, and crossover sensibility. Under Coore’s musical direction, Third World produced a catalogue of enduring hits, including Now That We’ve Found Love, 96 Degrees in the Shade, Try Jah Love, and Rhythm of Life. These songs helped position the group as one of Jamaica’s longest-running and most successful bands internationally.

FLASHBACK – Guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore of reggae group Third World performs at the Agora Ballroom on November 14, 1980 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Tom Hill/Getty Images)

Coore’s musicianship was central to that success. Equally adept on guitar and cello, he brought melodic complexity and structural discipline to Third World’s arrangements. His background allowed the band to experiment without losing reggae’s rhythmic core – a balance that proved crucial to its longevity.

Third World toured extensively across Europe, North America, Africa, and the Caribbean, sharing stages with some of the world’s most influential artists and introducing reggae-fusion to new audiences. The band supported The Jackson 5 during their historic visit to Jamaica and later collaborated with global figures including Stevie Wonder, further cementing their international stature.

FLASHBACK – Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore of Third World performing at Reggae Sunsplash, Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace, London, UK on 29 July 1985. (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)

In recognition of his contribution to Jamaican culture and the creative arts, Coore was awarded the Order of Distinction, (OD) by the Government of Jamaica in 2005 -one of the nation’s highest honors. He was nominated nine times for a Grammy but never won.

Coore’s passing marks another significant chapter in the gradual loss of Third World’s original architects. Over the past decade, the band has mourned the deaths of several foundational members who helped define its sound and direction. Lead vocalist William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke, whose voice became synonymous with the group’s global success, died in 2014. Keyboardist Michael “Ibo” Cooper, a founding member and early creative force, passed away in 2023. Percussionist Irvin “Carrot” Jarrett, part of the band’s formative years, died in 2018.

CAT CORE IS PERFORMING AT BELLYUP LIVE

Together, these musicians shaped a sound that was both unmistakably Jamaican and universally accessible – a rare achievement that allowed Third World to transcend genre and generation.

Despite lineup changes over the decades, Third World remained active, recording and performing well into the 21st century. The group received multiple Grammy nominations, lifetime achievement awards, and international recognition for its enduring influence on reggae and global popular music.

Stephen “Cat” Coore is survived by his wife Lisa; his children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley; his grandchildren; and a wide circle of family, bandmates, colleagues, and admirers across the world.

As tributes continue to pour in from Jamaica and the global music community, Coore’s legacy endures – not only in the songs that defined an era, but in the sound that helped carry reggae into the world.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, posted on X that “Cat Coore was a cultural ambassador in the truest sense, representing Jamaica with dignity, excellence, and pride. His contribution to the creative arts enriched our national identity and inspired generations of musicians at home and abroad.”

“May his music continue to live on, reminding us of who we are and the power of Jamaican creativity to unite the world,” he added.

Jamaica’s minister of culture, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, added: “Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was a unique talent and a true Reggae Ambassador. A pioneering co-founder of Third World and former member of Inner Circle, his music helped carry Jamaica’s sound to the world.”

“To wake up and learn that Stephen Cat Coore, has just made the transition – that is a bitter pill to swallow. RIP,” the band Steel Pulse posted on X.

RELATED: Former Third World Member To Be Laid To Rest

Teyana Taylor Makes Golden Globe History As Second Caribbean-Rooted Black Winner

/0 Comments/in /by

By NAN ET EDITOR

News Americas, LOS ANGELES, CA, Weds. Jan. 14, 2026: When Teyana Taylor accepted the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress on Jan. 11, 2026, she joined a very short and historic list. She became only the second Black actor of Caribbean heritage to win a Golden Globe, following the late Bahamian-roots film legend, Sidney Poitier. She also joined an elite group – just 1 of 17 Black actors overall to win a Golden Globe.

US actress Teyana Taylor, who also has Caribbean roots, poses in the press room with the Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture award for “One Battle After Another” during the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 11, 2026. (Photo by Etienne Laurent / AFP via Getty Images)

More than six decades after Poitier broke barriers in Hollywood, Taylor’s win marks a new chapter in Caribbean diaspora representation, connecting generations of Black excellence across film, culture, and geography. Yet, it’s a milestone that largely flew under the radar.

Born in Harlem to a Trinidadian father and an African American mother, Taylor has long embodied a layered cultural identity. While she was raised primarily by her mother in New York City, she has consistently acknowledged both sides of her heritage – an American upbringing shaped by Caribbean lineage, resilience, and influence.

A Caribbean Thread In A Harlem Story

Taylor’s father, Tito Smith, is Trinidadian, connecting her directly to the Caribbean and its diaspora that has shaped New York City for generations. Though she was raised by her mother, Nikki Taylor, in Harlem, that Caribbean lineage has always been part of her personal narrative, even if it has not been foregrounded in mainstream coverage.

In an industry where Caribbean identity is often flattened or overlooked, Taylor’s win stands out as a reminder that Caribbean influence extends far beyond music genres like reggae, soca, or dancehall – it is woven deeply into Black American cultural achievement across film, fashion, and performance.

The Woman Behind the Win

US singer actress Teyana Taylor’s roots extend to the Caribbean. Here she attends the Time100 Next gala at Chelsea Piers in New York City on October 30, 2025. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Much of Taylor’s grounding, she says, comes from her mother, who has served not only as her parent but also as her manager and stylist throughout her career. A former supermodel and television presenter, Taylor raised her daughter as a single mother in Harlem, fostering both creative freedom and discipline.

That mother-daughter partnership has been central to Teyana Taylor’s evolution from teenage dancer to award-winning actress. It is also a story that resonates strongly within Caribbean and diaspora households, where matriarchal strength often plays a defining role in shaping generational success.

From Music Prodigy to Film Powerhouse

Taylor’s rise has never followed a straight line. She entered the industry early – choreographing Beyoncé’s “Ring the Alarm” at just 15, dancing in Jay-Z’s “Blue Magic,” and later becoming a creative force within Kanye West’s artistic universe. Yet, for years, she was undervalued as a singer and boxed into narrow expectations.

Her pivot into film proved transformative.

Her breakout performance in ,A Thousand and One, earned critical acclaim, but it was her role as Perfidia in Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another,’ that redefined her public perception. Critics praised her portrayal for its emotional depth, vulnerability, and quiet intensity – qualities that stood in stark contrast to Hollywood’s usual framing of Black women as either hyper-strong or one-dimensional.

At the Golden Globes, Taylor used her acceptance speech to underscore that shift. “To my brown sisters and little brown girls watching tonight,” she said, “our softness is not a liability. Our depth is not too much. Our light does not need permission to shine.”

A Win Bigger Than One Actress

Taylor’s Golden Globe places her alongside a small, powerful group of Black winners that includes Poitier as well as Donald Glover, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Denzel Washington, Regina King, Morgan Freeman, Mahershala Ali, Whoopi Goldberg, Jamie Foxx, Octavia Spencer, Eddie Murphy, Chadwick Boseman, Sterling K. Brown, Oprah Winfrey and Ryan Coogler.

What makes Taylor’s moment distinct is how it quietly expands that lineage to explicitly include the Caribbean diaspora – a community whose cultural contributions to global Black identity are immense, yet often uncredited in mainstream awards narratives. Her win also arrives at a time when Caribbean-descended artists are increasingly crossing boundaries between music, film, fashion and directing, refusing to be confined to a single lane.

Representation That Doesn’t Ask Permission

Teyana Taylor has never framed herself as a symbol – but symbolism followed her anyway. As a Harlem-born artist with Trinidadian roots, raised by a fiercely independent Black woman, Taylor represents a form of diaspora success that doesn’t rely on erasure or assimilation. Her Golden Globe is not just a personal triumph; it is a marker of visibility for Caribbean-descended talent operating at the highest levels of global entertainment.

In a room where history is often slow to change, her win quietly widened it. And for the Caribbean diaspora watching – from New York to Port of Spain to beyond – it was a reminder that sometimes, representation arrives not with a spotlight, but with a moment that makes history simply by existing.

RELATED: Many African Americans May Have Caribbean Roots, Says U.S. Archivist

Sean Paul To Brings Dancehall Fire To Miami Heat Caribbean Heritage Night

/0 Comments/in /by

By NAN ET EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Jan. 12, 2026: The Miami Heat are turning their home court into a full-blown Caribbean party — and they’re calling in dancehall royalty to do it.

On January 13, 2026, the Heat will celebrate Caribbean Heritage Night at the Kaseya Center, headlined by a show-stopping halftime performance from global Jamaican born dancehall star, Sean Paul. Tip-off against the Phoenix Suns is set for 7:30 p.m., but the energy will be island-high all night long.

FLASHBACK – Sean Paul performs during the 2025 Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert at UBS Arena on December 12, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Udo Salters Photography/Getty Images)

Sean Paul Takes Over Halftime

Known for decades of chart-dominating hits and explosive live performances, Sean Paul is set to transform halftime into a dancehall celebration. From international anthems to fan favorites, the Grammy Award-winning Jamaican icon will bring unmistakable Caribbean heat to one of the NBA’s most electric arenas.

For the Miami Heat, the moment underscores South Florida’s deep Caribbean roots — and for fans, it’s a rare fusion of elite basketball and global music culture on the same stage.

Miami Heat + Caribbean Culture = A Miami Moment

The Heat have long embraced the multicultural heartbeat of Miami, and Caribbean Heritage Night is one of the franchise’s most anticipated annual celebrations. This year’s edition leans all the way in, pairing Sean Paul’s star power with a full-arena cultural experience.

Keeping the party flowing is DJ Walshy Fire, who will host the night, spin throughout the game, and cap things off with an exclusive post-game DJ set on the East Plaza after the final buzzer.

Caribbean Pride on the Court

The night’s NBA matchup carries its own cultural weight, spotlighting Jamaican basketball excellence as Norman Powell of the Heat shares the floor with Nick Richards of the Suns. Their presence adds a powerful layer of Caribbean representation to the game itself.

Island Sounds, Food & Festival Energy

From the moment fans arrive, the arena will pulse with Caribbean rhythm. DJ KVass sets the tone on the front plaza, while DJs Nati and Marley keep the concourses alive with island sounds. The Miami Heat Hype Band from Florida Memorial University and the Lauderhill Steel Orchestra add brass, beats, and steelpan flair.

Outside, the towering USVI Moko Jumbies bring carnival spectacle and color, turning the Kaseya Center plaza into a festival scene worthy of Miami’s Caribbean diaspora.

Food is part of the celebration too, with jrk! serving authentic Caribbean flavors alongside special island-inspired concession items throughout the arena.

Giving Back Beyond the Game

Caribbean Heritage Night also carries a purpose beyond entertainment. Portions of promo ticket proceeds will benefit Food for the Poor and support hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica, reinforcing the Miami Heat’s commitment to community impact across borders.

A Night Where Music, Basketball, and Culture Collide

With Sean Paul commanding the halftime spotlight and the Miami Heat hosting one of the NBA’s most vibrant cultural celebrations, Caribbean Heritage Night promises to be more than a game – it’s a Miami moment.

Get tickets HERE

New Caribbean Music This Week: New Soca Tunes Set The Tone For Carnival 2026

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 9, 2026: As the countdown to Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago intensifies and the 2026 season begins to take shape, Caribbean artists in the soca genre are rolling out fresh releases aimed at fetes, airwaves, and global playlists. But several reggae singer have also dropped new tunes this week. From veteran icons to next-generation voices, here’s a look at the New Caribbean Music that has dropped this week.

SOCA

Check out Certified Sampson and more new soca and reggae music this week.

Certified Sampson & Sekon Sta – “EUPHORIA” (Soca 2026)

Certified Sampson teams up with producer Sekon Sta on “EUPHORIA,” a high-energy Soca 2026 release built for the heart of Carnival season. The track blends driving rhythms with celebratory melodies, capturing the euphoria of fete culture while delivering a polished, modern soca sound.

Written by Nesta Boxill and produced by Sekon Sta, EUPHORIA is released under Sekon Sta Production, under exclusive license to Diaspora Sound, and positions itself as an early contender for Carnival 2026 playlists.

Check it out HERE

Machel Montano & Super Blue – “Carnival Birthday” (Soca 2026)

Two generations of soca royalty collide as Machel Montano teams up with Super Blue for “Carnival Birthday,” a high-energy celebration built for road march season. Produced by Kernal Roberts, Azikiwe Kellar, and Montano himself, the track blends classic Carnival spirit with modern polish, sampling Lil Kerry’s “Bury All” for added nostalgia.

STREAM NOW

Lyrikal x Rebel Muzik x Kyle Peters – “Heart In It (Today)”

Trinidad and Tobago soca standout Lyrikal returns with “Heart In It (Today),” a high-tempo Soca 2026 release driven by live instrumentation and an infectious Carnival-ready groove. Clocking in at 160 BPM, the track blends raw energy with musical finesse, reinforcing Lyrikal’s reputation for performance-forward soca built for the road and the stage.

Written by Devon “Lyrikal” Martin, Kyle Peters, Anderson Bedasi, and Iba Fitzgerald, the song is produced by Kyle Peters and Rebel Muzik, with additional production by Lunatix Productions. Live guitars are handled by Peters, while background vocals from Cleavon Childs (Grenada) and Keoné Osbourne (Trinidad) add depth and texture. The track is mixed and mastered by Precision Productions, delivering a crisp, high-impact sound designed for peak Carnival moments.

Voice -“Cyah Behave” (Soca)

STREAM NOW: https://voice.ffm.to/cyahbehave

Voice delivers a sharp, rhythm-driven soca cut with “Cyah Behave,” produced by Mega Mick, Dwayne Mendes, and Lunatix Productions. The track balances playful bravado with polished musicianship, anchored by live percussion and crisp mixing from Precision Productions.

Major Lazer – “GOAT” (Bouyon Mixes) feat. America Foster & Bunji Garlin

Major Lazer returns with bouyon-heavy remix packs of “GOAT,” blending Dominican bouyon, power soca, and big-room EDM. Featuring Bunji Garlin and rising artist America Foster, the track is engineered for peak Carnival moments, with remix production by Precision Productions and Dadamanufakture.

STREAM NOW

MadLypso – “Panorama” (feat. Kes, Patrice Roberts & more)

MadLypso assembles a who’s-who of soca stars for “Panorama,” a collaborative anthem featuring Kes, Patrice Roberts, Kerwin Du Bois, Lady Lava, Jimmy October, Mical Teja, Lyrikal, and more. Produced and written by MadLypso, the track captures the collective energy of modern soca culture. Listen below.

Erphaan Alves — “SWAY” (Soca)

Produced by Supa and mastered by Brooklyn Decent, “SWAY” showcases Erphaan Alves’ melodic approach to soca, blending smooth vocals with contemporary Caribbean production.

Listen Now

Reggae Releases

Various Artists -“Remember Those Days Riddim” (Super Haze Records / Nah Lef Ya Muzik)

The “Remember Those Days Riddim” brings together Sizzla Kalonji, Vershon, Reemus K, Fire Chaz, and Norrie G. Produced between Japan and Jamaica, the project blends conscious lyrics, family connections, and uplifting themes rooted in reggae tradition.

LISTEN

Inner Circle – “Stay Strong”

Inner Circle delivers a powerful anthem of resilience with “Stay Strong,” released in support of Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa. The track doubles as the theme song for the Stay Strong Jamaica Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert. Check it out now.

Intence – VOYAGE (Album)

Jamaican dancehall artist Intence launches his debut album VOYAGE via VP Records. The 16-track project reflects his upbringing in Papine, Kingston, and includes collaborations with Tarrus Riley, Jah Cure, and Bad Boy Timz. The release continues Intence’s New Year’s Day tradition and follows his 2025 EP Sólo Chicas.

LISTEN NOW

Bottom Line

With Carnival 2026 on the horizon, Caribbean music is moving fast – and loud. From soca road anthems to conscious reggae and genre-blending global releases, this week’s drops underscore the region’s continued influence on the world’s soundscape.

Lifetime Achievement Honors For Mr. Vegas, Sly Dunbar and Leroy Sibbles At Reggae Genealogy

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Jan. 7, 2025: Three pillars of Jamaican music – Mr. Vegas, Sly Dunbar and Leroy Sibbles – will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards at Reggae Genealogy® 2026, presented by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, on Saturday, February 7, in Plantation, Florida.

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum celebrates reggae legends with Lifetime Achievement Awards during its high-impact, multimedia kickoff to Reggae Month on February 7

The annual event, which officially kicks off Reggae Month in South Florida, returns with its most ambitious production to date under the theme “Lights. Camera. Reggae.” Organizers expect more than 3,000 attendees for the large-scale outdoor showcase at Volunteer Park, celebrating reggae’s enduring influence across music, film, television and global pop culture.

The 2026 edition blends live performance, visual storytelling and cultural dialogue, spotlighting reggae’s evolution from Jamaica to the world. The festival is supported by the City of Plantation, Broward County Cultural Division, Florida Power & Light, Grace Foods, and Inner Circle/Bigg Zound.

Three Icons, One Legacy Moment

Mr. Vegas, one of dancehall’s most globally recognized voices, broke through internationally in the late 1990s with hits including “Heads High” and “Nike Air.” Known for his high-energy performances and genre-blending catalog, the MOBO Award winner has maintained chart presence and worldwide touring appeal for nearly three decades.

Sly Dunbar, the legendary drummer and producer behind Sly & Robbie, is among the most influential figures in reggae history. With credits spanning Bob Marley, Junior Murvin, Grace Jones and beyond, Dunbar’s innovations helped define reggae, rocksteady and dancehall rhythms. He is a two-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most recorded drummers in the genre.

Leroy Sibbles, lead singer and bassist of The Heptones, was instrumental in shaping the sound of Studio One during reggae’s formative years. In addition to voicing classics like “Book of Rules” and “Party Time,” Sibbles created foundational basslines that became enduring riddims, influencing generations of artists and producers.

Performance-Driven Celebration

The event opens with a tribute to reggae and film icon Jimmy Cliff, followed by performances from Tifa, Phil Watkis, Roy G and Bobby Rose, backed by Code Red Band. Jamaican actress Audrey Reid (Dancehall Queen) will host the main stage, with music by Bigg G and DJ King Mega and pre-show hosting by Frank!e Red.

Additional programming includes a fireside chat with Leroy Sibbles, Caribbean food vendors, artisan marketplaces, a children’s activity zone and a corporate networking circle.

Gates open at 4 p.m., with the main program beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale at reggaegenealogy.org/tickets, priced at $30 for general admission, $80 for VIP, and $10 for children.

Petition Calling For Deportation Of Trinidad-Born Rapper Nicki Minaj Draws Over 45,000 Signatures

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. Dec. 28, 2025: A controversial petition circulating on Change.org is calling for the deportation of Trinidad-Born Rapper Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj.

FLASHBACK – Erika Kirk interviews surprise guest Nicki Minaj on the final day of Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference at the Phoenix Convention Center on December 21, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Minaj spoke about her frustrations with California Governor Gavin Newsom, and about why she has embraced the conservative movement. (Photo by Caylo Seals/Getty Images)

The petition has sparked debate online, drawing more than 45,000 signatures as of press time today. The petition, created by an individual identified only as “Pedonika Minaj,” urges U.S. authorities to deport the artist back to her homeland, citing what the petitioner characterizes as ongoing online harassment, controversial public behavior and concerns related to Minaj’s personal associations.

While the petition makes sweeping claims about Minaj’s conduct and mental state, no medical or legal authority has substantiated those assertions. Immigration experts note that U.S. deportation proceedings are governed by federal law and require clear statutory grounds – such as criminal convictions or immigration violations – not online petitions or public opinion.

Still, the campaign’s rapid growth highlights the increasingly blurred line between celebrity culture, social media disputes and immigration rhetoric.

Celebrity, Speech, And Immigration As A Talking Point

The petition alleges that Minaj’s social media activity has targeted other public figures and private individuals, framing the issue as one of public safety and accountability. Minaj, who was born in Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and who became a U.S. citizen years ago, has not publicly responded to the petition.

Legal analysts point out that U.S. citizens cannot be deported, regardless of public controversy, and that calls for deportation – particularly when directed at immigrants or naturalized citizens – often reflect broader societal tensions rather than enforceable legal pathways.

“This kind of petition says more about online outrage culture than immigration law,” one immigration attorney told News Americas Now, noting that deportation is frequently misused as a rhetorical threat in digital disputes.

A Familiar Pattern In Online Culture

The petition also reignites discussion about how immigrant and diaspora figures are disproportionately targeted in calls for removal or exile during public controversies – especially when race, nationality, or accent become part of the narrative.

Advocates warn that normalizing deportation as a response to objectionable speech or behavior risks reinforcing harmful stereotypes and undermining due process.

What Happens Next

Despite its growing number of signatures, the petition carries no legal authority. Change.org petitions are designed to signal public sentiment, not to initiate government action.

For now, the campaign stands as another example of how social media conflicts can escalate into broader political and cultural flashpoints—particularly when immigration status, celebrity influence, and public accountability collide.

BACKLASH

The backlash against Minaj, who is married to comes as the rapper appeared at Turning Point USA’s four-day AmericaFest 2026 summit.

On the final day of the conservative conference, the rapper, 43, joined Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, to speak about her newfound admiration for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Her remarks led to significant fan backlash, and as of Wednesday last week, her Instagram account now reads: “Sorry, this page isn’t available.” A number of followers, however, pointed out that the “Beez in the Trap” artist had previously quit Instagram, doing so in October. Minaj’s X account remains active.

It came on the heels of her publicly backing President Donald Trump’s allegations that Christians face persecution in Nigeria.

“In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted,” Minaj said at an event organized by the US at the UN, adding: “Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart… simply because of how they pray.”

Analysts say that jihadists and other armed groups have waged campaigns of violence that affect all communities in the West African nation, regardless of background or belief.

Minaj has been open about coming to the United States as an undocumented child. In an emotional social media post in 2018, she called out the separation of families at the border during Trump’s first administration.

“I came to this country as an illegal immigrant. I can’t imagine the horror of being in a strange place & having my parents stripped away from me at the age of 5,” she reportedly wrote in the caption of a photo showing young children separated from their parents at the border being detained.

“This is so scary to me. Please stop this,” she wrote. “Can you try to imagine the terror & panic these kids feel right now? Not knowing if their parents are dead or alive, if they’ll ever see them again.”