Posts

Jamaican Singer Sean Paul Drops New Reggae Track

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Feb. 9, 2024: Jamaican Grammy winning singer, Sean Paul, has dropped a new single. Paul dropped “No Evil” today. The track delves into life’s struggles, frustrations, and the determination to stand strong. He reminds fans that in the face of adversity, there’s no evil that can break their spirit. Listen below.

Canadian Born, Jamaican Roots Actor Returns In ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’

News Americas, LOS ANGELES, CA, Thurs. Feb. 8, 2024: Canadian-born Jamaican heritage actor, Andrew Bachelor, famously known as King Bach, is making his comeback in AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.’ This upcoming American post-apocalyptic television series, created by Scott M. Gimple and Danai Gurira, is set in the aftermath of the original The Walking Dead series. It features Andrew Lincoln, Danai Gurira, and Pollyanna McIntosh reprising their roles, with Bachelor joining the cast for the premiere this week.

(L-R) Terry O’Quinn, Jamaican roots King Bach, Andrew Lincoln, Danai Gurira, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Breeda Wool and Craig Tate attend the premiere for AMC+ “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” at Linwood Dunn Theater on February 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Scheduled to debut on February 25, 2024, on AMC, ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ promises to be an epic love story. It sees Lincoln and Gurira returning to their roles as Rick Grimes and Michonne, respectively, with both also serving as executive producers. The series explores the journey of long-lost lovers striving to reunite in a world still overrun by zombies.

Canadian born Jamaican roots star, Andrew King Bach Bachelor, attends the premiere for AMC+ “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” at Linwood Dunn Theater on February 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto Rodriguez/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)

Bachelor, known for his portrayal of Bailey in ‘The Walking Dead’ and its spin-off, joins the cast for what is expected to be a captivating performance.

A native of Rexdale, Toronto, Bachelor has a diverse background, with Jamaican parents and a Christian upbringing in West Palm Beach, Florida. His journey to stardom includes significant success on platforms like Vine, where he amassed millions of followers, as well as roles in various films and TV shows.

Now, with his return to ‘The Walking Dead’ universe, Bachelor is poised to captivate audiences once again with his talent and versatility.

Julian Marley And Antaeus Secure Grammy Victory for ‘Colors of Royal’

News Americas, LOS ANGELES, CA, Sun. Feb. 4, 2024: In a triumph that resonates with the essence of reggae’s vibrant spirit, Julian Marley and Antaeus clinched the coveted Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album at the 66th annual awards ceremony Sunday night, Feb. 4th. Their masterpiece, ‘Colors of Royal,’ emerged victorious in a highly competitive field, pitted against three previous Grammy-winning albums.

Antaeus accepts the “Best Reggae Album” award for “Colors of Royal” onstage during the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Peacock Theater on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

The illustrious nominees included Beenie Man (with ‘Simma’), Buju Banton (‘Born For Greatness’), Burning Spear (‘No Destroyer’), and Collie Buddz (for ‘Cali Roots Riddim 2023’). Presenter Patti Austin announced the winner during the 66th Annual Grammy Awards premiere ceremony, which was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Antaeus, winner of the “Best Reggae Album” award for “Colors of Royal”, poses in the press room during the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Although Julian Marley was not present at the ceremony, since he is currently touring in Australia, the significance of this win cannot be understated. With three previous nominations under his belt, this triumph marks his first Grammy victory.

Accepting the award on behalf of the duo, the Greek born Alexx Antaeus, the producer behind the transformative ‘Colors of Royal’ released last April, dedicated this accolade to the warm-hearted people of Jamaica. In his heartfelt words, he expressed: “I’d like to dedicate this to the people of Jamaica who have accepted me as one of their own, embracing the country’s motto, ‘Out of many, one.’”

Released via Antaeus’ Monom Records in March 2023, the 8 track Colors of Royal was the first Grammy nomination for the producer.

Dancehall producer NotNice contributed to the album on the song, Robbed. Other tracks include The Tide Is High, Roll and Made For Your Love.

Additionally, another member of their team paid tribute to the Marley family and paid homage to the late Joseph Mersa Marley and the legendary Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett.

This victory stands as a testament to reggae’s enduring power.

Kabaka Pyramid won the 2023 Grammy for Best Reggae Album.

Pompano’s Tribute To Bahamian Roots Actress Continues This Black History Month

News Americas, POMPANO BEACH, FL, Thurs. Feb. 1, 2024: The City of Pompano’s tribute to Bahamian roots actress Esther Rolle continues this Black History Month with the “Native Daughter: An Esther Rolle Inspired Art Exhibition” at the Ali Cultural Arts Center.

(L-R) Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Esther Rolle appearing in the ABC tv series ‘Darkroom’, episode ‘Needlepoint’. (Photo by Chic Donchin /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images)

The exhibition, which opened on November 8 last year, will run through February 10th, and celebrates the life and enduring legacy of Rolle, who was born in Pompano to Bahamian immigrant parents and became famous for her role as the beloved character, Florida Evans, in the classic TV series “Good Times.”

The annual exhibition, which coincided with what would have been Rolle’s 103rd birthday, is a cherished tradition that commemorates her remarkable achievements as an award-winning actress and passionate activist.

The event showcases a curated collection of new artworks sourced from artists across the nation, including Cesar Ceballos, Tafara Clarke, Sami Davidson, Gregory Dirr, Kim Ferguson, Holly Forbes, Desirae Foston, Joanne Hampstead, Tereza Hazelton, G. Ryan Hudson, Martin Karadzhov, Manzi Liu, Susan Miiller, Leonardo Montoya, Cibby Orozco, Renata Rodrigues, and JL Schwartz.

ABOUT ESTHER ROLLE

Rolle, born in Pompano Beach, on Nov. 8,1920 to Jonathan and Elizabeth Rolle. She was the tenth of 18 siblings. Rolle first attended the Booker T. Washington High School in Miami, Florida, and then, when her family moved to Pompano Beach; Rolle Graduated from Blanche Ely High School.

Rolle initially studied at the Spelman College in Atlanta, however, she soon moved to the Hunter College in New York City, where she worked various jobs at the New York City Garment district to support her college education. Rolle was also a member of the highly prestigious Zeta Phi Beta sorority.

Rolle’s career in acting was aided in part by her performances for the Asadata Dafora’s dance troupe, which was named Shogolo Oloba. In 1960, Rolle became the director of that troupe, which was later renamed as ‘The Federal Theatre African Dance Troupe’.  In New York, Rolle first performed in 1962 for a play called “The Blacks”. Rolle then consistently performed for the Negro Ensemble Company under the highly prolific producer, Robert Hooks. Rolle then appeared for “The Crucible” and “Blues for Mr. Charlie,” which were both relatively successful. By far, Rolle’s most famous stage plays were her portrayals of Miss Maybell and Lady Macbeth for the 1973 Melvin Van Peebles Play and the 1977 Orson Welles Macbeth interpretation respectively.

Rolle’s commitment to addressing social and political injustice extended to her involvement with the National Organization for Women, (NOW), and her honorary membership in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, an organization of college-educated African American women. Her contributions spanned 39 roles in film and television, along with numerous theatrical performances. Esther Rolle’s final film, “Train Ride,” was released in 2000, two years after her passing, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and activism.

Rolle’s journey in the entertainment industry began with an uncredited role in Robert Mulligan’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” in 1962. She then joined her sister, Estelle Evans, for the film “The Learning Tree” in 1969.

However, it was her role in the iconic sitcom “Maude” in 1972 that propelled her to stardom. Portraying the character of ‘Florida Evans,’ the no-nonsense and open-minded housekeeper, Rolle became a household name.

Her portrayal of ‘Florida Evans’ was so beloved that it led to a spin-off series in 1974 titled “Good Times,” where she took on the lead role. In recognition of her outstanding performance, Rolle received a Golden Globe nomination in 1975 for her work in “Good Times.” Her talent further shone in the direct-to-television movie “Summer of My German Soldier” in 1979, earning her an Emmy Award.

Following her success on “Good Times,” Rolle predominantly appeared in direct-to-television movies. Her notable roles included Bruce Beresford’s “Driving Miss Daisy” in 1989 and Peter Segal’s “My Fellow Americans.” She also made a memorable appearance in Fielder Cook’s “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings,” based on Maya Angelou’s memoir, and featured in John Singleton’s “Rosewood” in 1997. Throughout her career, Rolle graced the stage with her talent, participating in fifteen stage plays from 1965 to 1989, and took on a variety of television roles spanning from 1964 to 1998.

In addition to her acting prowess, Rolle showcased her versatility by releasing a music album in 1975, titled “The Garden of My Mind.” Her multi-faceted career left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, making her a beloved and respected figure in film, television, and music.

For more information about this exhibition visit pompanobeacharts.org.

PAPJAZZ Festival Defies Security Challenges, Returns to Haiti’s Capital in Spectacular Fashion

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Jan. 30, 2024: In a remarkable show of resilience, Haiti’s capital played host to the “PAPJAZZ” music festival this week, drawing hundreds of concertgoers back to the event for the first time since 2021. The festival, known for its international jazz acts, made a triumphant return, albeit with significant modifications and stringent security measures, all within the backdrop of the city’s dire security situation.

Festival organizer Milena Sandler speaks during the international jazz festival (Papjazz) in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 27, 2024. (Photo by RICHARD PIERRIN/AFP via Getty Images)

The 2022 edition of the festival had been postponed due to security concerns, leading to its relocation to the northern city of Cap-Haitien in the preceding year. Port-au-Prince, the country’s capital, had been grappling with alarming levels of gang control, with reports suggesting that these criminal groups held sway over as much as 80 percent of the area, according to the United Nations.

Haitian musician Cisco performs during the international jazz festival (Papjazz) in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 27, 2024. (Photo by RICHARD PIERRIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Milena Sandler, one of the festival’s organizers, expressed the sentiment of defiance, stating, “This is the festival of resistance to everything that’s happening, our way of saying that we believe — and want to move forward.” She added optimistically, “The city is not dead despite everything.”

Haitian musician Erol Josué performs during the international jazz festival (Papjazz) in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 27, 2024. (Photo by RICHARD PIERRIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas, had been embroiled in turmoil for years, with the rise of armed gangs contributing to widespread violence, economic turmoil, and a crumbling public health system. A recent report by the United Nations revealed a disheartening surge in homicides and kidnappings in the country.

In response to the ongoing security challenges, the 2024 PAPJAZZ festival was significantly scaled down, lasting for just four days instead of the usual eight. Concerts were held exclusively in a relatively secure residential neighborhood. Stages were set up outside the Karibe Hotel, a location that also houses UN offices. Security was ensured by a combination of volunteers and national police officers.

Haitian musician Jah Nesta performs during the international jazz festival (Papjazz) in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 27, 2024. (Photo by RICHARD PIERRIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite the challenging circumstances, the audience, primarily consisting of expatriates and middle-class Haitians, enthusiastically danced and sang each night. Local “Rara” carnival music filled the gaps between performances, adding a unique Haitian flavor to the event.

Esmeralda Milce, a spectator with a background in marketing, commented, “Despite the challenges, the festival bears witness to an impressive resilience. It’s a celebration of Haitian cultural richness.” Milce expressed her excitement about seeing Haitian artist Beethova Obas, whom she hadn’t seen perform in over a decade. “People are in a festive spirit,” she added.

The festival featured a diverse lineup of performers, including foreign artists like Cameroon-born American Richard Bona and Frenchman Ludovic Louis, as well as Haitian musicians from within the country and the diaspora.

According to the Haiti Jazz Foundation, which organized the event, PAPJAZZ saw between 550 and 850 guests attending each evening from Thursday to Saturday, Jan. 27th. Meanwhile, emerging musicians performed at free “after-show” concerts held in three restaurants in the Petion-Ville neighborhood, attracting significant crowds.

Notably, the free concerts that would typically take place in public squares and universities were excluded from this year’s festival, reflecting the organizers’ determination to navigate the challenging security environment while still celebrating the vibrant spirit of Haitian jazz and culture.

Will Bob Marley’s Biopic Ignite The Box Office?

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 26, 2024: Paramount’s upcoming musical biopic, “Bob Marley: One Love,” is poised to inject life into the somewhat lackluster 2024 box office, which is currently trailing last year’s numbers by 9%.

(L-R) Brian Robbins, James Norton, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Mike Ireland, Robert Teitel, Reinaldo Marcus Green and Jeremy Kleiner attend the Premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” at the Carib 5 Theatre on January 23, 2024 in Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Starring Trinidadian roots and British-born actor Kingsley Ben-Adir, the film is expected to dominate the six-day holiday frame from February 14th to 19th, encompassing Valentine’s Day through President’s Day, with an anticipated box office haul ranging from $27 million to $33 million. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the movie portrays the life of the iconic reggae musician, Bob Marley, who passed away at the age of 36 due to cancer. Actress Lashana Lynch takes on the role of Marley’s wife, Rita, in the film.

(L-R) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Andrew Holness, Juliet Holness and Olivia Grange attend the Premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” at the Carib 5 Theatre on January 23, 2024 in Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Paramount recently held the first global screening of “Bob Marley: One Love,” in Kingston, Jamaica, the hometown of the legendary musician. The event was celebrated with the Marley family, the film’s stars, and local fans. Rita Marley received a standing ovation at the Carib 5 Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 23rd.

In a surprising turn of events, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made an unexpected appearance at the premiere held at the Carib Theatre in Kingston. During the event, Meghan and Harry engaged in conversations with fellow attendees on the red carpet, including Ziggy Marley, son of Bob Marley. The couple also took photos with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Brian Robbins, the president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, along with his wife Tracy James.

Jamaican Actor Wins Broadway World Award

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 18, 2024: Jamaican-born actor and playwright, David Heron has taken home the 2023 Broadway World Rhode Island Award for Best Supporting Performer, triumphing over nearly 30 other nominees with his portrayal of Caliban in Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

David Heron as Caliban in The Tempest. Photo Credit- Bridget Huss

The critically acclaimed production took place from July to August 2023 in Wilcox Park, Westerly, as part of the annual Shakespeare in The Park Festival presented by The Colonial Theatre of Rhode Island.

Winners of the 2023 awards were announced on Broadwayworld.com on January 17th, following a month-long online public vote, with participants from Rhode Island, the USA, and globally.

Heron, also known for his work on the new HBO series, ‘Get Millie Black,’ as a Jamaican dialogue coach, stood out in a crowded field of 29 actors, earning the top honor.

The Tempest, in addition to Heron’s award, also secured the Best Costume Design accolade for Jaysen Engel. The production received a total of seventeen nominations, covering categories such as Best Play, Best Director (Marion Markham), Best Acting Ensemble, and Best Choreography, among others.

Heron expressed his gratitude for the win, emphasizing the role of director Marion Markham in addressing the play’s racial and colonial themes, making the role more acceptable.

He actively campaigned for votes during the one-month voting period, leveraging his networks, including his alma maters, corporate connections, family, and friends, as well as the entertainment community in Jamaica and the USA.

The global support he received resulted in a remarkable win that touched people across the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and Africa. Heron’s victory has been met with overwhelming joy, and he acknowledges the collective effort that made it possible.

Heron’s career spans appearances in various productions, both on and off-Broadway, regionally, and internationally. He has not only acted but also written plays like Love and Marriage, New York City, and Against His Will.

The Broadway World Awards are prestigious regional theatrical honors presented annually by Broadwayworld.com, a leading entertainment industry website covering theatre worldwide.

The 2023 Broadway World Rhode Island Awards showcased the Stadium Theatre as the biggest winner, earning fifteen of the eighteen awards, including Best Play (A Christmas Carol), Best Musical (Newsies), and Best Theatre For Young Audiences (Peter Pan).

For the full list of winners, please visit link to the Broadway World Rhode Island Awards.

Jamaica’s Renowned Dance Ensemble Returns To NYC

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Jan. 8, 2024: L’ACADCO, Jamaica’s Leading Contemporary Dance Company, makes a much-anticipated comeback to New York City with a gala performance on January 11th.

This marks their first appearance in the city in two decades. The event, featuring a special performance at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, will be under the patronage of the Consul General of Jamaica to New York, Alsion Roach-Wilson and aims to celebrate Dr. Una S.T. Clarke’s contributions, aligning with the theme: Building Bridges Through The Arts.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the New-York-based Jamaican charity Children of Jamaica Outreach, (COJO) Inc. Tickets are available at touchstonelink.com/lacadco.

The event will highlight the exceptional talent and agility of L’Acadco’s dancers, offering both long-time supporters and newcomers a mesmerizing experience. The performance will feature contemporary pieces and traditional Caribbean dance forms, choreographed by Jessica Shaw, Orville McFarlane, and L’Antoinette Stines, the company’s Artistic Director. Notably, Dr. Stines’ acclaimed works, Satta and Honfour, will be part of the evening’s repertoire.

It will be further enhanced by the presence of special guest Amma D. McKen, a renowned Yoruba Orisha Singer and Priestess of Yemonja. A Brooklyn native, McKen has been immersed in Yoruba sacred music since the age of 14 and holds the prestigious title of Akpon. She has the distinction of being the first African American woman to produce a musical recording of these traditional songs, “Alaako Oso: Owner of the Songs is Eloquent.”

L’Acadco’s roots trace back to 1978 when Dr. L’Antoinette Stines founded Miami’s first Black dance company. After returning to Jamaica in 1982, Dr. Stines and her company have become influential ambassadors of Jamaican and Caribbean culture. Dr. Stines developed L’Antech, a unique Caribbean dance technique, blending Classical Ballet with Jamaican and Caribbean dance styles. This innovative approach has been integral to L’Acadco’s expression of the region’s vibrant culture and heritage.

Celebrated as Jamaica’s leading contemporary dance company, L’ACADCO’s members hail from across the Caribbean, including Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Bermuda, Cuba, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago. Since its inception, the company has stood as a dynamic representative and advocate of Caribbean culture and dance. For more information, visit lacadco.com.

Soca Artist Ricardo Drue’s Funeral Set for January 9th

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Jan. 3, 2023: The funeral for renowned soca artist Ricardo Drue is scheduled for January 9th. Nicola Barriteau, Drue’s mother, announced the arrangements in a statement yesterday.

The ceremony will begin at 1 pm at the Holy Family Cathedral in Antigua, Drue’s birthplace.

Ricardo Drue is no more.

In her first public statement since Drue’s unexpected passing last month, Barriteau expressed gratitude for the public’s support and love towards her family during this challenging time.

“There are no words at this time to express the overwhelming love and support given as the family continues to process and come to terms with the passing of our beloved son Ricardo Robert Barriteau Drue,” she said.

She acknowledged the difficulty of this period, stating, “We are thankful for the respect shown during this extremely difficult time. Whilst we all wish the hands of time could be rewound, the harshest reality of life is unfortunately death and as much as the family would give anything to have him with us in the physical, the ultimate acknowledgement is the Almighty is in full control.”

Drue, known for hits like “Vagabond” and “Toxic Love,” passed away on December 12th, 2023, at the age of 38. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Top Honor For Guyanese Born Yoruba Singer Legend And Founding Member

Reported By Allison Skeete

Special To News Americas

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Dec. 19, 2023: Guyana-born Yoruba Singers Legend And Founding Member Eze Rockcliffe were among the 10  honorees of the 2023 Sunshine Awards, held recently at the Robert Treat Hotel Newark, NJ on October 14th.

Rockcliffe became the 16th Guyanese honored for his dedication and contributions to Afro-Guyanese musical genre, as nominated by Carl Fraser.  The legendary Rockcliffe expressed  his gratitude with a short live performance to the delight if the crowd. 

Guyana-born Yoruba Singers Legend And Founding Member Eze Rockcliffe were among the 10  honorees of the 2023 Sunshine Awards, held recently at the Robert Treat Hotel Newark, NJ on October 14th. (Photo by Stephen Reid)

Fraser himself is dedicated to preserving and teaching the authentic music sounds of Afro-Guyanese such as Lumbay and Kwe-Kwe.

Rockcliffe attended the Awards with his nieces, whom he calls his “daughters,” and was also joined by singer Lady Ira, Lumbay and Kwe Kwe performance artist Fraser along with Members of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York The legendary Yoruba Singers stalwart enjoyed the accolades of the night which was highlighted in a short performance at the awards celebration.

The Yoruba Singers were founded in 1971 by Rockcliffe along with his brother Ken, and 13 others in Georgetown, Guyana. The Yoruba Singers was birthed in a time of critical social change in Guyana with intent to bolster Afro-Guyanese identity and pride, championing the African cultural presence in Guyana post-independence, and building the cultural bridge between African descendants in Guyana and Black people around the world.

Today, he is the longest serving member who still entertains regularly internationally.

The Sunshine Awards was founded in June, 1989 by Gilman Figaro and held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York to enhance the concept of “unity in diversity.” Figaro said was encouraged by his uncle, a musician, to start the event. His uncle, he said, advised him that this was an assignment to provide an opportunity for growth and success while giving back and honoring the roots of many transplanted and now making a life in the US.

The structure of the Awards has become a part of the University of the West Indies curriculum for students pursuing their Masters in Carnival Studies of Masquerade, Costumes, Calypso and other related studies of the Arts and Education.  They research the nominees for the awards under the guidance of Professor Dr. Hollis Liverpool, co-founder of the Sunshine Awards Hall of Fame and the calypsonian also known as “Chalkdust,” who is a member of the Board of Governors of the University of Trinidad and Tobago.

Since its inception, the Sunshine Awards strives to keep its commitment of diversity having honored Artistes, performers; Educators; Cultural supporters; Dancers and more from Africa, the Caribbean, the US and more.  It is now in its 34th year.

Also honored with Rockcliffe were artists  Natu Camara from Guinea, Gerado Contino from Cuba; Rimli Roy of India; Alvin Daniell, Ron Reid and Calypsonian Nadia Batson all of Trinidad and Tobago.  Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Jazz Clarinetest, Doreen J. Ketchens of the United States.

Sixteen Guyanese national to date have been recognized by the Sunshine Awards. They include:

Lance Gibbs in Sports 2016

Dheeraj Gayaram – Indian Culture Dancer   2014

Malcolm Corrica – Hall of Fame Performing Artist 2012

Rudy Bishop – Contribution to Steelband Music 2011

Dave Martins – Hall of Fame; of The Tradewinds 2010

Dr. Ulric Gibson, Professor 2009

CCH Pounder, Actress 2008

Hugh Sam, Composer Arranger –2007

Keith Maxwell Proctor Musician –2006

Cyril Shaw, Promoter –          Friend of the Arts 2005 

Habeeb Khan, Comedian – 2005

Moses Josiah, Musician – 2004

Sybil Chester, Friend of the Arts 2000

Celia Samaroo – Chutney Artist – 1999 and,

Dennis DeSouza –Contribution to Caribbean Music  1998.