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Rihanna, Cardi B, Bad Bunny And More Caribbean Roots Stars Steal The Show At Met Gala 2026

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By ET News Reporter | NewsAmericasNow.com

NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. May 5, 2026: Caribbean roots stars turned the Met Gala 2026 into a diaspora showcase Monday night, with some of the biggest names in music and entertainment commanding fashion’s most prestigious red carpet under the evening’s “Fashion Is Art” dress code tied to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s spring exhibition, “Costume Art.”

Rihanna Owns The Carpet – Again

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Rihanna attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/FilmMagic)

Barbados’ own Rihanna cemented her status as the undisputed queen of the Met Gala, arriving in a shimmering sculptural gown by Maison Margiela Couture designed by Glenn Martens. The show-stopping look combined art and technology, featuring a liquid metal fabric woven with silk and recycled metal wiring, an intricate jewel-encrusted long-sleeve bodice in gold and silver, and a dramatic fabric structure that framed her body in what critics immediately dubbed a “sculptural beauty” moment. She completed the look with frosty eyeshadow and a hairstyle adorned with gold hardware.

By her side, A$AP Rocky wore a custom pink Chanel robe-style jacket with black satin lapels, black trousers, and a white shirt – solidifying pink as one of the night’s dominant trends.

Bad Bunny Goes Viral With Age Transformation

Bad Bunny attends the 2026 Met Gala Celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City transformed at an older man. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)

Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny – born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio – delivered one of the night’s most shocking and viral moments, appearing as a hyper-realistic version of himself 50 years into the future. Using extensive prosthetic makeup created by Mike Marino — the artist behind Heidi Klum’s most elaborate Halloween transformations – he transformed into an elderly man complete with deep wrinkles, age spots, white hair, and a walking cane.

His custom all-black tuxedo, co-designed with Zara, featured an oversized pussy bow necktie directly referencing designer Charles James’s 1947 “Bustle” gown housed in the museum’s permanent collection. The look was widely praised for highlighting the “Costume Art” exhibition’s exploration of the aging body — a stage of life often ignored by the youth-centric fashion industry.

Cardi B Commands The Carpet

US fashion designer Char Defrancesco, US rapper Cardi B and US designer Marc Jacobs arrives for the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York, on May 4, 2026. (Photo by Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images)

Cardi B, whose roots extend to the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago, made a late-night entrance alongside designer Marc Jacobs despite battling a fever — and the internet noticed. Her custom Marc Jacobs gown leaned heavily into surrealism, featuring a sheer black lace ruffle dress layered over a color-blocked bodysuit, with massive padded sculptural forms around the shoulders and hem inspired by the work of Surrealist artist Hans Bellmer. She navigated the carpet in her signature 9.5-inch platform boots.

Teyana Taylor Dazzles In Silver

Teyana Taylor attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Actress and entertainer Teyana Taylor, 35, who carries Caribbean roots and served as a 2026 host committee member, turned heads in a silver fringed Tom Ford gown with a matching fringed headdress that draped dramatically over half her face — one of the night’s most visually striking silhouettes.

Marcello Hernández Honors Caribbean Heritage

Caribbean roots Marcello Hernandez at The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating “Costume Art” held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Penske Media via Getty Images)

SNL breakout star Marcello Hernández paid direct homage to his Cuban and Dominican heritage through a custom ensemble by Willy Chavarria titled “The Caribbean Canvas.” The structured architectural jacket mimicked the movement of tropical flora, while the lining of his cape featured hand-painted imagery inspired by the streets of Havana and Santo Domingo. Custom boots incorporating traditional Dominican embroidery techniques and a vintage Cartier brooch completed the look.

Zoë Kravitz Brings Bahamian Roots To The Red Carpet

Caribbean roots Zoë Kravitz attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Zoë Kravitz, who carries Bahamian and African American heritage, served on the 2026 host committee and interpreted the “Fashion Is Art” dress code through a lens of dark Victorian romance. Her custom Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello gown – constructed from dense graphic black guipure lace worn unlined – featured a basque waist and structured exaggerated hip panniers nodding to historical Rococo art. Green stone drop earrings and a large ivory sculptural ring by Jessica McCormack completed the ensemble.

Rauw Alejandro Goes Futuristic

Caribbean roots star Rauw Alejandro attends the 2026 Met Gala Celebrating “Costume Art” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)

Puerto Rican superstar Rauw Alejandro arrived in an ultra-modern Saint Laurent look that fashion critics described as Blade Runner-esque — a custom black slick-textured suit with a draped leather top and the night’s most talked-about accessory: silver bridge jewelry across his nose and face created by Ida Lajevardi’s Yaaqee Studio. He also debuted a fresh new hairstyle specifically for the event.

Caribbean Heritage On Fashion’s Biggest Stage

From Barbados to Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago to the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas to Cuba – the 2026 Met Gala made clear that Caribbean heritage is not just present at the intersection of fashion and culture. It is leading it.

The 2026 Met Gala was held Monday, May 4th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

RELATED: SEE CARIBBEAN STARS AT LAST YEAR’S MET GALA

IShowSpeed Draws Over 16 Million Viewers In Caribbean Tour To Date – And Tourist Boards Are Getting A Free Ride

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By Staff Reporter | NewsAmericasNow.com

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. April 29, 2026: He arrives by Expedia Gulfstream and gets millions watching. IShowSpeed, the American internet phenomenon whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., has so far racked up more than 16 million cumulative live stream viewers across five Caribbean islands, turning what would have cost governments millions in tourism advertising into a free, real-time global showcase.

The 19-year-old African American streamer kicked off his Caribbean run in Trinidad and Tobago before hitting Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines yesterday. His highest single-stream viewership so far has come from Trinidad and Tobago at 4.7 million. Even his lowest – 2.9 million from Barbados – rivals the audience of a major cable news broadcast.

Why Caribbean Tourism Boards Should Be Paying Attention

Speed’s visits aren’t scripted tourism campaigns. They are chaotic, unfiltered, deeply human encounters with local culture – and that is precisely why they work. When millions of Gen Z viewers watch him eat doubles in Port of Spain, react to a fish market in Barbados, or get mobbed by fans on a St. Lucia street, they aren’t watching an ad. They’re experiencing a place.

Tourism economists have a term for this: earned media. What Speed is generating for the Caribbean is essentially the same visibility that agencies spend tens of millions of dollars trying to manufacture – delivered organically to a global audience that trusts him.

During a recent Africa tour spanning 20 countries in under a month, Speed gained more than 3.7 million YouTube subscribers and pushed past the 50 million subscriber milestone. The pattern is consistent: he visits, the world watches, and destinations trend.

The Tour Isn’t Over

While no official schedule has been confirmed, the broader Caribbean leg is expected to include Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Sint Maarten, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For islands still on the itinerary, the calculus is straightforward: millions of eyeballs, zero cost, and the kind of youth-market penetration that no tourism board has reliably cracked.

The Bigger Picture

Speed has taken his cameras across Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia and New Zealand. His Caribbean run follows that same model: arrive with a massive platform, engage authentically with locals, and let the algorithm do the rest.

What is new is the regional concentration. Five islands in rapid succession means the Caribbean as a whole – not just individual destinations – is getting a sustained moment in front of one of the internet’s largest audiences.

For a region that has long struggled to compete with better-funded tourism markets for global attention, Speed’s tour is a reminder that the rules of visibility are changing. And the Caribbean, for once, is on the right side of the algorithm.

ABOUT ISHOWSPEED

Speed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., was born in Ohio. He reportedly became a millionaire by age 16 or 17 – one of the fastest wealth accumulations in streaming history. By the end of 2023, he had firmly established himself as a multi-millionaire, with his net worth growing well beyond early estimates, driven by YouTube ad revenue, brand deals, merchandise, and his massive live-streaming audience. His net worth ranges from $10 million to $30 million.

IShowSpeed’s Caribbean tour is ongoing. NewsAmericasNow.com will continue tracking viewership data and island visits as they are confirmed.

Caribbean-Roots Actors Star In Michael Jackson Movie

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By NAN ET EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sat. April 25, 2026: Caribbean-rooted actors are taking center stage in the Michael Jackson movie, Michael, bringing depth and cultural nuance to the story of one of music’s most iconic families.

Award-winning actor Colman Domingo portrays Joe Jackson, the complex and often controversial patriarch of the Jackson family, while Nia Long takes on the role of Katherine Jackson, the matriarch whose quiet strength helped anchor the family through fame and pressure.

The film, which opened in theaters on Friday, April 24th, stars Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of Michael Jackson, as his uncle. Juliano Krue Valdi, a 12-year-old actor and dancer, plays the young Michael. The movie traces the singer’s rise from childhood in Gary, Indiana to stardom with The Jackson 5 and on to solo global superstardom. The story focuses on the period from the 1960s through 1988, stopping before the later controversies that surrounded the artist.

In an interview with Black Girl Nerds, Long, whose roots extend to Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Grenada, spoke about approaching the role of Katherine Jackson with empathy rather than judgment.

“I wouldn’t say judgment,” she explained. “I would definitely say empathy, and I would say that I have more in common with her than I ever thought I did.”

Long said portraying Katherine required tapping into her own experiences as a mother, emphasizing the protective instinct that defines the role. “Once you’re a mother and you’re connected to the wellness of your family and the wellbeing of your children, there’s an energy of protection that supersedes everything,” she said. “That was her job, that was her mission, that was her heart.”

She described Katherine Jackson as a steady, grounding force during the family’s rise to global fame. “When you look at what the Jackson family had to manage, the level of stardom, there had to be a quiet force leading the way,” Long said. “That’s what makes her such a beautiful woman.”

Domingo, whose heritage traces back to Belize and Guatemala, also highlighted the importance of portraying Joe Jackson with complexity rather than one-dimensional judgment.

“We started by having great conversations about men that we know, that we’re raised by, men of a certain generation,” Domingo said, noting that Joe Jackson represented a generation shaped by responsibility, discipline, and survival.

He emphasized that the role required acknowledging both strength and vulnerability. “Sometimes people think that they’re just hard in some ways, but we know their softness, we know their vulnerabilities,” he said. “And we care about these men deeply, and so we wanted to make sure that we really looked at Joe Jackson… with as much complexity as possible.”

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael offers audiences an intimate look at the family dynamics, sacrifices, and pressures that shaped the King of Pop’s early life and career.

The film also leaves room for a potential continuation, with Domingo hinting at the possibility of a second installment exploring later chapters of Jackson’s life.

Michael Jackson, who rose to fame with The Jackson 5 before becoming a global superstar, died in 2009 at age 50. He was acquitted in a 2005 criminal trial and consistently maintained his innocence against allegations made during and after his lifetime.

 His nephew does a great job of channeling Michael’s signature look, executing his iconic choreography, embodying his voice, recreating his mannerisms, and getting into his headspace.

When it comes to the music, featuring hits from across Jackson’s early career, does Jaafar provide the vocals in the musical movie? The answer is both yes and no. When asked if he lent his voice to the project, Jaafar replied, “When I was doing all the performances, I was actually singing out live in the microphone on top of Michael’s track.”

He went on to explain that the final product is “a blend” of his vocals and Michael’s together. But there are a few key moments that saw Jaafar on his own in front of a microphone. On more than one occasion, Michael takes its audience into the studio to watch the titular star record a few of his biggest hits. We then cut between Michael singing with and without a backing track. In those instances, the audience is hearing pure Jaafar without his uncle’s blended-in vocals.

“It’s actually me singing acapella,” the actor shared. “Which was really fun to do.”

With its focus on family, legacy, and the human stories behind global fame, Michael delivers not only a portrait of an icon, but also a deeper exploration of the people who helped shape his journey.

Projected Opening: $85M – $95M+ domestically.

Preview Earnings: $12.6 million total (including Wednesday previews and Thursday).

International Start: $18.5 million in 82 markets.

Total Initial Gross: Already topped $44 million worldwide within its first couple of days.

Records: It set records for the biggest opening day for a musical biopic in several markets, including the UK, France, and Australia.

Audience Response: Early data indicates strong, positive audience reception with 5 stars on PostTrak and high, 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Get a peak at the movie here

Ernie Smith Transitions – His Music Captured The Everyday Story Of Jamaica

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News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Mon. April 20, 2026: Long before reggae became a global force, Ernie Smith was telling the everyday story of Jamaica through music – blending humor, social commentary, and melody into songs that captured the spirit of a generation.

Ernie Smith, born Glenroy Anthony Michael Archangelo Smith on May 1, 1945, was a Jamaican reggae singer known for his deep baritone voice and storytelling style, with his greatest success in the late 1960s and 1970s. Smith died Thursday, April 16, 2026 at age 80 at a hospital in Miami, Florida, following complications linked to cardiac issues, according to his family.

Born in Kingston and raised in St. Ann and May Pen, Smith’s musical journey began early. Influenced by his father, who played guitar, he picked up the instrument as a teenager and later performed with the band The Vandals. Initially pursuing a career in radio, he eventually turned to songwriting and recording, carving out a distinctive space in Jamaica’s evolving music scene.

His breakthrough came in the late 1960s with hits such as Bend Down, followed by a string of Jamaican number one songs including Ride on Sammy, One Dream and Pitta Patta. In 1972, he gained international recognition after winning the Yamaha Music Festival in Japan with Life Is Just For Living, a song that would become one of his signature works.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness led national tributes, describing Smith’s voice and storytelling as “unmistakable” and central to Jamaica’s musical identity. “His contribution to Jamaican music is profound,” Holness said, noting that Smith earned admiration both locally and internationally.

Culture Minister Olivia Grange said his voice “will resound in hearts and memories forever,” while the opposition People’s National Party described him as a creative force whose music captured “the everyday spirit of the Jamaican people.”

Opposition Leader Mark Golding also praised Smith’s ability to deliver “sweet melodies and profound lyrics” that have become part of Jamaica’s cultural fabric.

Beyond his chart success, Smith’s music stood apart for its authenticity. His songs reflected life as it was lived – simple yet complex, humorous yet deeply observant – resonating across generations in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean diaspora.

In 1973, he was honored by the Jamaican government with the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service in Music, recognizing his contribution to the country’s cultural landscape.

During the late 1970s, political tensions surrounding his music, including The Power and the Glory, prompted him to relocate to Canada before later moving to the United States. Despite personal and financial challenges, he continued to create and perform, returning to Jamaica in the years following Hurricane Gilbert and reconnecting with audiences through live performances and new recordings.

Over a career spanning decades, Smith released numerous albums, including Life Is Just For Living, To Behold Jah, and Country Mile, cementing his place as one of Jamaica’s most distinctive musical voices.

For many, his songs were more than entertainment – they were reflections of identity, memory and shared experience.

As Jamaica and the wider Caribbean diaspora reflect on his passing, Smith’s legacy endures not only in his music, but in the stories he told – stories that continue to echo across generations. Funeral arrangements and memorial details have not yet been publicly announced.

Celebrate Ernie Smith’s legacy with some of his music here.

RELATED: Caribbean Roots, Hip-Hop Pioneer Afrika Bambaataa Dead At 68

New Caribbean Music Drops: Kartel, Protoje, Machel Lead

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 17, 2026: The Caribbean music scene is heating up with a wave of new releases from some of the region’s biggest names, delivering everything from high-energy dancehall to soulful reggae and soca anthems.

Leading the charge is Vybz Kartel, who teams up with legendary producer Bobby Konders for a high-energy track already shaping up to be a summer anthem.

The April 17th release blends Konders’ signature bouncing production with Kartel’s unmistakable delivery, creating a vibrant, feel-good dancehall record celebrating women, confidence and island life. The track’s playful and empowering vibe positions it as a strong contender for the “girls’ anthem” of the season, built for parties, beaches and carnival vibes.

PROTOJE

In reggae, Protoje returns with his new album, The Art of Acceptance, further cementing his place as one of the genre’s most influential voices. The project features collaborations with Damian Marley, Shenseea, Masicka and Stephen Marley, among others.

Produced by Winta James, the album blends reggae with hip hop, soul and jazz influences, continuing Protoje’s signature sound that has earned him global recognition and a Grammy nomination.

STREAM NOW: https://ffm.to/protojetheartofacceptance

MACHEL MONTANO

Soca fans are also getting fresh energy from Machel Montano, who drops “No Wayyy,” a vibrant track that captures the infectious rhythm and spirit of Caribbean carnival culture. The song adds to the momentum of his Encore album and reinforces his dominance in the soca space.

MAXI PRIEST

Meanwhile, reggae legend Maxi Priest delivers a smooth, soulful offering with “Touch By An Angel,” a track that leans into his signature lovers rock sound and timeless vocal style.

RAYVON

Adding to the lineup, Rayvon brings fresh dancehall energy with “Hydraulics,” featured on the WYFL riddim produced by DJ Mac, rounding out a diverse set of releases across the Caribbean music landscape.

From dancehall to reggae to soca, the latest drops highlight the region’s continued influence on global music, delivering sounds that move seamlessly from local streets to international stages.

With summer approaching, these tracks are already setting the tone for playlists, parties and festivals worldwide.

Check out here: https://lnkfi.re/rayvon-hydraulics

RELATED: Caribbean Roots, Hip-Hop Pioneer Afrika Bambaataa Dead At 68

Caribbean Roots, Hip-Hop Pioneer Afrika Bambaataa Dead At 68

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 10, 2026: Afrika Bambaataa, the Bronx-born DJ and cultural innovator widely regarded as a founding figure of hip-hop, has died at age 68, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in Caribbean heritage and global cultural influence.

Bambaataa, born Lance Taylor in New York City to Jamaican and Barbadian parents, was shaped by the traditions, rhythms, and community ethos of the Caribbean diaspora in the Bronx. His upbringing in the Bronx River Projects reflected a broader Caribbean-American experience that helped inform the early identity of hip-hop culture, with an activist mother and uncle. As a child, he was exposed to the black liberation movement and witnessed debates between his mother and uncle over conflicting ideologies within it. He was exposed to his mother’s extensive and eclectic record collection.

FLASHBACK – Caribbean American DJ & Rapper Afrika Bambaataa (born Lance Taylor) performs onstage at Club de Ville, Austin, Texas, October 26, 2007. (Photo by John Anderson/The Austin Chronicle/Getty Images)

His death was confirmed Thursday by the Universal Zulu Nation, the international movement he founded to promote peace, unity, and cultural awareness through music. No official cause of death has been released.

Emerging in the 1970s, Bambaataa became a central figure in organizing block parties in the South Bronx, where Caribbean sound system culture, DJing traditions, and rhythmic experimentation converged. These gatherings laid the foundation for hip-hop as a global genre.

His landmark 1982 single, Planet Rock, fused electronic beats with rap, helping to define the electro-funk sound and influence generations of artists worldwide. The track is widely credited with expanding hip-hop’s sonic boundaries beyond its New York roots.

Bambaataa’s Caribbean lineage played a key role in his approach to music and community-building. Like many Caribbean-American pioneers of early hip-hop, he drew from a tradition of storytelling, rhythm, and social commentary that transcended borders.

Through the Universal Zulu Nation, he transformed his early involvement with street gangs into a global cultural movement, echoing the communal values often found in Caribbean societies. The organization became instrumental in exporting hip-hop culture internationally.

However, his later years were marked by serious allegations of child sexual abuse. Beginning in 2016, multiple accusers came forward, and in 2025 he lost a civil case involving abuse and trafficking claims. The allegations led to his departure from the organization he founded and complicated his legacy.

For Caribbean-American communities, Bambaataa’s life reflects both the powerful cultural contributions of the diaspora and the complexities of legacy in public life. His role in shaping hip-hop remains undeniable, even as his personal history continues to be scrutinized.

As tributes emerge, Bambaataa is being remembered as a figure whose Caribbean roots helped influence one of the most important cultural movements of the modern era.

WATCH HIM PERFORMING HERE

RELATED: Papa Michigan To Headline Team Jamaica Bickle’s NYC Gala

Papa Michigan To Headline Team Jamaica Bickle’s NYC Gala

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. April 8, 2026: Reggae and dancehall veteran Papa Michigan of Michigan and Smiley fame, is set to take center stage as the featured artist at this year’s Labor of Love Resilience Gala, scheduled for Sunday, April 12th, at the Crest Hollow Country Club, beginning at 12 noon.

In a recent interview, Papa Michigan emphasized that his appearance will go beyond entertainment. “It will be more than a performance, it’s about making an impact and contributing to a cause,” he shared. He added that he is “honored to be part of this year’s Team Jamaica Bickle event, which seeks to raise funds to support our athletes… our ambassadors who continue to amaze fans with their spectacular performances.”

Papa Michigan To Headline Team Jamaica Bickle’s NYC Gala

Patrons attending the gala can expect a dynamic set from the seasoned performer. Papa Michigan noted that guests will be taken on a musical journey spanning his early dancehall hits to his most recent releases, promising an engaging and nostalgic experience. The gala serves as a key fundraiser for Team Jamaica Bickle, which provides critical support to Caribbean athletes competing internationally. Papa Michigan described the athletes as “ambassadors” who continue to represent the region with excellence on the global stage.

The appearance comes as the artist prepares to release his latest single, “Grind Neva Sleep,” on April 10, adding to a career that continues to evolve decades after his emergence in reggae and dancehall.

Papa Michigan has also recently been recognized for his contributions to the genre, including honors linked to his work with legendary group The Mighty Diamonds and accolades in New York’s Caribbean community.

Organizers say the Labor of Love Resilience Gala will combine music, culture and philanthropy, and are encouraging early ticket purchases as interest builds.

The artist was recently honored for his work with The Mighty Diamonds and was among the recipients of the Casony Award in Queens.

With anticipation building, organizers are encouraging supporters to secure their tickets early for what promises to be an inspiring afternoon of music, culture, and community impact. 

Tickets for the Labor of Love Resilience Gala are now available. Patrons are encouraged to secure their seats by visiting www.teamjamaicabickle.org.

About Team Jamaica Bickle

Team Jamaica Bickle, founded by Irwine Clare, Sr., OD, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Jamaican and Caribbean athletes, particularly during international competitions, by providing resources that contribute to their overall well-being and success.

RELATED: Team Jamaica Bickle Honors Jamaican Athletes For Record-Breaking Penn Relays Performances

No Rihanna – But Fenty Beauty Just Launched In Guyana

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Mar. 30, 2026: Rihanna may not have been in Guyana on Saturday, but her presence was unmistakable.

Fenty Beauty, the globally recognized cosmetics brand founded by the Barbadian superstar, officially launched in Guyana on March 28th, marking a significant milestone for the country’s retail landscape and highlighting a broader shift in how global brands are engaging with Caribbean markets.

FLASHBACK – Rihanna is seen on January 19, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by XNY/Star Max/GC Images)

The highly anticipated launch took place at Glamour Beauty’s MovieTowne location in Georgetown, drawing strong crowds despite inclement weather. For many customers, it was a long-awaited opportunity to access a brand that has already built a loyal following across the Caribbean diaspora.

The rollout was spearheaded by Glamour Beauty, one of Guyana’s premier retail chains, founded by entrepreneur Varsha Sharma. According to Sharma, the launch followed a year-long effort to secure a contract with Fenty Beauty – a process that reflects both the complexity of global brand partnerships and the growing readiness of Guyana’s retail sector to meet international standards.

FLASHBACL : Rihanna poses in front of own ad campaign at bus stop in Barbados bearing mother’s name after Fenty Beauty was launched in her Caribbean hometown in 2024. (IG image)

“This launch proves that Guyana is no longer on the sidelines of beauty,” Sharma told News Room Guyana. “We’re part of it now. We’re not just launching a brand. We’re making a statement that Guyana is ready – that we deserve global brands and that we can deliver world-class experiences right here at home.”

The expansion was supported by Miami-based distributor Essence Corp, which is helping drive Fenty Beauty’s growth across the Caribbean. While the brand has long been accessible through online purchases and informal distribution channels, its direct retail presence in Guyana marks a new level of accessibility for local consumers.

Guyana now joins more than ten Caribbean territories where Fenty Beauty products are available, reflecting a steady expansion strategy aligned with rising consumer demand across the region.

At the launch, customers were able to test products on-site, with professional makeup artists providing personalized shade matching and recommendations. For many, the experience represented more than convenience — it signaled a shift in what is available locally.

“It’s like knowing that Fenty is here means I can explore skincare and makeup without having to order overseas,” News Room quoted customer Matthew Jeffrey as saying. “We’ve had options before, but mostly drugstore brands. This is different.”

The brand’s emphasis on inclusivity – particularly its wide range of shades designed to serve diverse skin tones – has been a key factor in its global success and strong resonance within Caribbean communities. Local influencers and beauty professionals have long advocated for its availability in Guyana.

Makeup artist and influencer Chantelle Sewett described the launch as transformative for the local beauty industry. “I’m ecstatic,” she was quoted by News Room as saying. “From a makeup artist’s perspective, this is a huge deal. It’s big for our country. The fact that we are being recognized – that matters.”

Beyond beauty, the launch carries broader economic significance.

As Guyana continues to experience rapid growth driven by its expanding oil sector, rising incomes and increased consumer spending are attracting greater attention from international brands. The arrival of globally recognized names like Fenty Beauty reflects growing confidence in the country’s economic trajectory and its potential as a viable retail market.

For consumers, the benefits are immediate: access to premium products without the added costs of international shipping, and the ability to purchase new releases in real time alongside global markets.

For the Caribbean, however, the implications are even more profound.

The launch underscores a shift in how the region is viewed – not as an afterthought, but as a market worth investing in.

Rihanna may not have been there. But her brand’s arrival makes one thing clear: Guyana – and the Caribbean – are no longer on the sidelines.

RELATED: Rihanna Brings Fenty Beauty “Home”

Jamaican Jazz Legend Dr. Monty Alexander Takes New York And New Orleans By Storm This April

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NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, March 25, 2026: April 2026 belongs to Dr. Monty Alexander. The Grammy-nominated Jamaican-born pianist, widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz musicians alive, is set to deliver two landmark performances this month – first at New York City’s legendary Blue Note Jazz Club for a sold-out Easter weekend run, and then as the headliner of the Jazz Tent at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where Jazz Fest will honor Jamaica in an historic celebration under his banner.

Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J. (Jazz Baltica image)

Hot off a triumphant reception at Miami’s Moss Center last month, Alexander brings his electrifying “Jamaica to Jazz” concert experience to two of America’s most storied music stages – commanding a full ensemble of up to seven world-class musicians and turning every performance into an unforgettable journey through the soul of Caribbean sound and the art of jazz.

NEW YORK CITY – BLUE NOTE JAZZ CLUB | EASTER WEEKEND, APRIL 2–5

Beginning Thursday, April 2 and running through Easter Sunday, April 5, Alexander takes the Blue Note stage for eight shows across four nights – two each evening at 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM. The Blue Note Jazz Club, at 131 W. 3rd Street in Greenwich Village, is the most celebrated jazz venue in the world, and Alexander’s return there is nothing short of a homecoming.

“Jamaica to Jazz” traces the blazing arc of Jamaican music into the heart of modern jazz – from the early ska sessions of Kingston’s first recording studios to the international stages that made history — told through the hands and voice of the man who helped build it all. From the American Songbook to the blues, from gospel to bebop, from calypso to reggae, every set is a living history lesson delivered with irresistible joy.

Alexander personally introduces each musician from the stage – a signature touch that makes every show feel like an invitation into his world. With as many as seven musicians joining him on stage, the ensemble is an event unto itself.

Venue: Blue Note Jazz Club, 131 W. 3rd St., New York, NY 10012

Dates: Thursday, April 2 – Sunday, April 5, 2026

Shows: 8:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM) & 10:30 PM (Doors 10:00 PM) nightly

Tickets: bluenotejazz.com/nyc • Phone: 212.475.8592 • $20 minimum per person

NEW ORLEANS – JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL | APRIL 23: “JAMERICANA”

Three weeks later, on April 23, Dr. Monty Alexander brings the celebration south – to New Orleans, the other great capital of jazz in the African diaspora – for a performance that is already being called one of the most historically significant moments of Jazz Fest 2026. Alexander headlines the Jazz Tent Stage at 5:45 PM, closing out the day as its marquee act.

But this is more than a headline slot. Jazz Fest 2026 is honoring Jamaica – co-presented under Alexander’s name – in a landmark cultural celebration dubbed “Jamericana.” The Jamaica Tourist Board is actively involved, with representatives confirmed to be on the ground in New Orleans with a full program of Jamaica-themed activities and presentations surrounding the performance. When Alexander sits down at the piano that evening, it will be a moment where Kingston and New Orleans, reggae and jazz, the Caribbean and the American South, converge on one stage.

“Jamericana” is Dr. Alexander’s signature artistic concept: the electrifying fusion of Jamaica’s African-rooted rhythmic tradition with the jazz born in America’s Deep South. At Jazz Fest, the concept reaches its fullest expression – not just music, but a celebration of two cultures, two cities, and one unbroken line of Black musical genius.

Festival: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2026

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2026

Stage: Jazz Tent – Headliner

Time: 5:45 PM

Festival Info: nojazzfest.com/music

ABOUT DR. MONTY ALEXANDER, C.D., O.J. – A PIONEER WHO SHAPED THE SOUND OF THE WORLD

Born on June 6, 1944, in Kingston, Jamaica, Monty Alexander was playing Christmas carols by ear at four and performing in local clubs by 14. As a teenager in late-1950s Jamaica, he played in the island’s earliest recording studios – taking part in the foundational ska sessions that would give rise to reggae and reshape global music culture forever.

At just 16, he had recordings on the Jamaican hit parade. By 19, he had made his way to New York City, where he captivated audiences at Jilly’s – the legendary club owned by Frank Sinatra’s close confidant Jilly Rizzo. That connection ignited collaborations with Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Milt Jackson, Wes Montgomery, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Sonny Rollins.

Today, with more than 75 albums and performances at virtually every major jazz festival and concert hall on earth, Alexander is ranked the fifth greatest jazz pianist of all time in

The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of All Time (Hal Leonard Publishing). The prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival has presented him 23 times since 1976.

HONORS

Commander in the Order of Distinction (C.D.) – Jamaica, 2000

Order of Jamaica (O.J.) – 2022, for sterling global contributions to Jamaican music and jazz

Honorary Doctorate (DLitt) – University of the West Indies, 2018

Grammy Nomination – One of jazz’s most celebrated recording artists

STAY CONNECTED WITH MONTY

Facebook: facebook.com/officialmontyalexander  |  Twitter/X: @_MontyAlexander  |  Instagram: @monty.alexander  |  montyalexander.com

Actress CCH Pounder To Lead Cross Continental Forum Expansion To South Africa With UMEDA And Pambili Media Partnership  

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News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Fri. Mar. 20, 2026: Award-winning actress, CCH Pounder, is helping to spearhead the expansion of the Cross Continental Forum (CCF), an international co-production platform connecting producers across Africa and the global diaspora, as the initiative moves its 2026 edition to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

CCH Pounder, Award Winning Actor, and CCF Steering Group Member.

“Creation, to me, is our most powerful act of connection. Expanding the Cross Continental Forum to South Africa allows us to turn shared heritage into shared enterprise – creatively, economically and strategically,” commented CCH Pounder, Award Winning Actor, and CCF Steering Group Member.

A Gateway For Global Collaboration

The move is being made in partnership with UMEDA, the economic development agency for the Pietermaritzburg Midlands, and South African production company Pambili Media. The partnership reflects growing interest in building stronger co-production links between Africa, the Caribbean and Diaspora markets as demand increases for globally relevant stories and talent.

“KwaZulu-Natal is ready to engage the global screen economy in new ways. Partnering with the Cross Continental Forum connects our region’s creative industries with international producers, while positioning the Midlands as a gateway for collaboration between Africa and the global marketplace,” stated Michael Newton, CEO of UMEDA.

CCF’s 2026 theme Bridging Markets, Building Futures focuses on strengthening Black authorship and Global South leadership in international co-productions, so that producers enter partnerships as originating partners and rights holders, and creative control and intellectual property remain rooted in the communities where the stories begin.

“For us at Pambili Media, this partnership is about creating the conditions for meaningful collaboration – where projects can be developed locally while building the international relationships they need to travel globally,” said Sydney Masina, partner at Pambili Media.

“Creating strong business connections between Africa and the Diaspora will be the great success story of the 21st Century, one that will be increasingly rewarding and profitable as we move forward,” US-based Pambili partner Steven Adams, who has a long history of working between Africa and the United States

Launched by CaribbeanTales Media Group in 2024, the Cross Continental Forum brings together film and television producers from Africa, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, and the Americas with potential co-production partners.

After two successful editions in Barbados, the 2026 program will begin with an in-person gathering in the Pietermaritzburg Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal, from July 20-26, presented in partnership with UMEDA and Pambili Media. The program will then continue during the Toronto International Film Festival Market (Sept. 8 – 13), followed by four weeks of virtual labs and curated B2B matchmaking sessions.

Driving South South Collaboration

With the recent co-production agreement signed between South Africa and Nigeria, and the continued growth of the African Continental Free Trade Area, (AfCFTA), cross-regional collaboration in the creative industries is entering a transformative phase. 

The AfCFTA connects 55 African Union nations, forming the world’s largest free trade area by membership.

“We’re witnessing the potential of the AfCFTA to come to life through creative industry partnerships. South Africa’s dynamic screen industry, combined with its co-production infrastructure, positions it as a strategic gateway for South–South collaboration and creative entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Keith Nurse, Cultural Industries Specialist, Chair of CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution. 

“The Cross Continental Forum was designed from the outset to move between locations across the Global South.  It is part of a long-term effort to build sustainable co-production pipelines linking African, Caribbean, and diaspora producers to the global screen marketplace,” said Frances-Anne Solomon, Founder and CEO, CaribbeanTales Media Group.

Applications are now open to Black producers and producers of Global Majority descent from Canada, the Caribbean, Africa, the U.K., Europe, and South/Latin America. 

Applications close April 15, with a limited number of bursaries available.

About The Cross Continental Forum

The Cross Continental Forum, established by CaribbeanTales Media Group, is a co-production accelerator connecting Black and Global Majority producers across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and the Americas. The hybrid program provides mentorship, training and industry connections designed to support sustainable and equitable global partnerships.

For more information and to apply before April 15, 2026, visit:  www.decolonisingcoproduction.com/apply/