News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. September 13, 2024: Acclaimed Caribbean-born jazz artist Marie-Claire Giraud has been named the winner in the Jazz category at the prestigious 2024 InterContinental Music Awards, (ICMA).

Caribbean-born jazz singer Marie-Claire Giraud

These global awards celebrate outstanding musical talent across diverse genres, recognizing artists from all over the world.

Marie-Claire, originally from Dominica and raised in the Bronx, expressed her excitement at receiving this recognition. “Winning ‘Best of America Jazz’ for my original song Chasin’ Rainbows is incredible because it means more people will hear my song, which is all about positivity and never giving up on your dreams,” she said.

The 2024 ICMA competition attracted submissions from over 55 countries, highlighting the rich diversity of musical talent across the globe. A total of 116 winners were selected across genres such as Flamenco, Reggae, New Age, Asian Pop, and Jazz, with entries divided into geographic regions to spotlight talent from Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East.

“We celebrated not just individual melodies, but a harmonious global symphony where artists from different cultures, time zones, and backgrounds shared their voices and stories,” said Shahed Mohseni, Founder and Executive Director of ICMA.

Judges for the awards included top professionals from Hollywood’s music, entertainment, film, and media industries. They evaluated entries based on originality, composition, production quality, and overall message. Winners, including Marie-Claire, will receive prizes such as scholarships, mentoring sessions, promotional support, and official ICMA awards.

Marie-Claire is currently working on her upcoming jazz album Caravan with Plaid Dog Recording, set for release in late October 2024. A seasoned performer, she regularly appears with renowned pianists Jon Davis and Matt Baker at the Scarlet Jazz Lounge in New York City. Her previous performances include her acclaimed one-woman show The Great American Songbook at the Movies and headlining at Maui’s Jazz Maui Sunset Jazz Series.

Beyond her jazz career, Marie-Claire has graced iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, the Barclays Center, and Madison Square Garden. She has also performed at international festivals such as the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and Cartagena Jazz Festival.

A recipient of several accolades, including the NYC Caribbean Heritage Award and recognition from the NAACP for her career achievements and community service, Marie-Claire continues to inspire through her music and advocacy.

For more updates on her upcoming performances, visit her official website at marie-clairegiraud.com.

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Sept. 4, 2024: A GoFundMe fundraiser to help with the long-term care and rehabilitation of Jamaican-born gospel dancehall artiste, Lieutenant Stitchie, has so far raised over $5,000 of its $100,000 goal.

A GoFundMe fundraiser to help with the long-term care and rehabilitation of gospel dancehall artiste Lieutenant Stitchie has so far raised over $5,000 of its $100,000 goal.

The fundraiser was launched by his wife Sophia Laing, who lives in Port Saint Lucie, Forida. Stichie, born Cleveland Laing, 58, suffered a severe brain haemorrhage that has left him unresponsive.

“We are reaching out to you during this incredibly challenging time. Our beloved Cleve “Lt. Stitchie” Laing, a husband, father, and friend, has recently suffered a severe brain haemorrhage that has left him unresponsive,” Mrs. Laing stated. “We urgently need you to join us to provide the help needed in a long-term care facility, where he can receive rehabilitation care. Your donation will make a difference by bringing hope to Lt. Stitchie and his family during this difficult time. Your generosity and prayers mean the world to us. We are very grateful for your support to help cover the costs of his transfer, medical care, and living expenses in the long-term care home. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference and bring hope to Cleve and his family during this difficult journey. Please consider contributing to this campaign and sharing it with others who may also be able to help. Your generosity and prayers mean the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for your support.”

Stitchie, also known as The Governor, has been having health issues since at least 2023. He was assisted on to a stage last October and appeared to lose his bearings which raised questions about his wellbeing.

The Spanish Town, Jamaica singer is known for hits like “Great Ambition,” “Rude Boy, “To God Be The Glory,” “Ghetto Soldier ,” “Serious Message” and “Warrior.” In 2012, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Cornerstone Christian University in Orlando, Florida, in recognition of his contribution to gospel reggae music. He was officially inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame in January 2016, by The Jamaica GHF president and Founder Bishop Dr. J.O Baker in Kingston, Jamaica. In 2014 his autobiography, The Power of Determination, was published.

In 2021, he was honoured in the National Honours and Awards on Jamaica’s 59th Anniversary of Independence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL IN NEW YORK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Catch it here