News Americas, New York, NY, June 1, 2024: The countdown is on to the exciting American premiere of Alwin Bully’s Caribbean drama “McBee,” produced and directed by Jamaican-born, Broadway World Award winner David Heron.

This one-night-only staged reading production is set to take place on Sunday, June 23, at 7 p.m. at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC), at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, Queens, NY, 11432. The event will begin with a complimentary Golden Krust Caribbean Cuisine Reception at 5:30 p.m.

‘McBee’ pays tribute to Bully, the late Dominica-born playwright and is part of New York’s annual CAHM festivities. Set on an unnamed Caribbean island in the recent past, ‘McBee’ follows the story of respected politicians Allan and Alice McBee. Upon encountering three mysterious Rastafarians who predict his rise to Prime Minister, Allan and his ambitious wife, Alice, embark on a path of power and deception, with consequences for themselves and their nation.

The talented ensemble for this eagerly anticipated event includes Luke Forbes (Amazon Prime’s “Harlem”), Denise Hunt (“How Stella Got Her Groove Back”), Miranda Melhado (Amazon Prime’s “Amityville Vampire”), Emilio Evans (Allblk TV’s “Makeup X Breakup”), three-time Actor Boy Award winner Karl O’Brian Williams, Yinka Adey, Actor Boy Award nominee Jerry Benzwick, two-time Audelco Award nominee Dianne Dixon, Gerard Joseph, Mitzie Pratt, and Oniros Film Award winner James Duke Walker.

Yinka Adey, Dianne Dixon, and Gerard Joseph portray the three Rastafarians who reveal the prophecy to McBee. Mitzie Pratt and James Duke Walker play politicians in the McBees’ circle, while Jerry Benzwick portrays Peter, the long-suffering and often hilarious butler to the McBee household.

Adey, who appears as Rastafarian Prince Ras, has performed in acclaimed productions such as “Imbroglio” and “The Black That I Am.” Dianne Dixon, who portrays Queen Ras, is a two-time Audelco Award nominee with notable stage and screen credits. Gerard Joseph, as Bredda D, marks his return to the New York stage, having appeared in productions like “The First Deep Breath” and “Blueprints to Freedom.”

Jerry Benzwick, playing Peter, has earned recognition for his performance in “Oroonoko” and has appeared in productions such as “God’s Way” and “Single Entry.” Mitzie Pratt, as Mabel Angus, has an impressive career in both stage and screen, including the Sundance-winning film “Nanny” and the drama series “Love My Roomie.” James Duke Walker, cast as Vere Duncan Jr., has performed at The Apollo Theatre and in staged readings of David Heron’s “Against His Will.”

The American premiere of “McBee” is presented in association with Kendel Instant Ginger Teas, The True Tribute Organization, IMC Media, and Results Promo and Marketing. Tickets are available at mcbeetheplay.eventbrite.com.

News Americas, LOS ANGELES, CA, Weds. May 29, 2024: Caribbean American rapper and singer Sean Kingston has waived his right to fight extradition in a California court and agreed to be turned over to authorities in Florida. Kingston, 34, and his mother, Janice Turner, are charged with committing over a million dollars worth of fraud.

Sean Kingston is now in a CA jail awaiting extradition to Florida. (Photo by Johnny Louis/Getty Images)

Kingston did not make a public court appearance but signed papers agreeing to skip extradition hearings, as confirmed by representatives from San Bernardino courts and the sheriff’s office. He remained in a Southern California jail on Tuesday night as Kisean Paul Anderson, inmate 2405370702 of SBCSD – West Valley Detention Center at 9500 Etiwanda Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA. But sheriff’s officials will coordinate with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to return him to Florida.

Kingston was arrested last Thursday, May 23rd, at Fort Irwin, an Army training base in California’s Mojave Desert, where he was performing. His mother, 61-year-old Janice Turner, was arrested the same day when a SWAT team raided Kingston’s rented mansion in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

They are charged with conducting an organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, identity theft, and related crimes. According to arrest warrants from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, they allegedly stole money, jewelry, a Cadillac Escalade, and furniture. The warrants specify thefts amounting to nearly $500,000 in jewelry, over $200,000 from Bank of America, $160,000 from the Escalade dealer, over $100,000 from First Republic Bank, and $86,000 from a custom bed maker.

Kingston was already on two years’ probation for trafficking stolen property. His mother previously pleaded guilty to bank fraud in 2006, serving nearly 1.5 years in prison for stealing over $160,000.

Robert Rosenblatt, an attorney for Kingston and Turner, stated they planned to waive extradition and looked forward to addressing the charges in a Florida court, confident of a successful resolution.

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. May 27, 2024: Caribbean born, Grammy-winning rapper Nicki Minaj says God and her lawyers will deal with the case, following her arrest in Amsterdam on May 25th, allegedly for having pre-rolled weed.

Caribbean born rapper Nicki Minaj at the 2024 Met Gala: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024 in New York City, days prior to her Amsterdam arrest. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

Authorities at Amsterdam airport detained Minaj, whose legal name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, according to her Instagram Live video.

“After sitting in a jail cell for 5-6 hours, my plane still didn’t take off for another 20 mins once I boarded,” Minaj said, after missing her Manchester, England, concert as part of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour.

Minaj shared her frustration, stating: “So they succeeded at their plan to not let me get on that stage tonight. I succeeded in getting to the root of it all by recording them & posting everything in real time. I have so much video evidence. You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. I’ll have the lawyers & GOD take it from here tho.”

The Manchester venue, Co-op Live, confirmed the cancellation and expressed disappointment.

In her Instagram Live, Minaj recorded her detainment, with a Dutch official stating she was being arrested for “carrying drugs.” The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee later released a statement, confirming the arrest of a 41-year-old American woman on suspicion of exporting soft drugs. After a fine, she was allowed to continue her journey.

Minaj initially refused to get into the police vehicle without a lawyer present, but eventually complied. She expressed concern about the delay affecting her show in Manchester. Minaj claimed the pre-rolls found belonged to her security and criticized the handling of her luggage.

*NewsAmericasNow.com

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 10, 2024: Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist Nadine Sutherland has unveiled a heartfelt acoustic rendition of her hit single “Queen” in time for Mother’s Day. The stripped-down version of the emotionally charged track aims to resonate with women worldwide, offering a raw and intimate perspective on the journeys they undertake throughout their lives.

Nadine Sutherland salutes Mothers this ‘Mother’s Day.’

Sutherland took to her Instagram page to introduce the acoustic version, emphasizing its importance for women to hear themselves in the song and connect with the narrative she shares. “Queen” in its acoustic form sees Sutherland unplugged and unfiltered, delving into the untold stories behind the crowns women wear.

“It’s a song I’ve poured my heart into,” Sutherland expressed. “It’s about women who have endured hardships on their path to success, who have faced setbacks but always risen again. Through it all, women are Queens. She is you, because we’ve shared so many similar journeys.”

Recorded and filmed at Anchor Studios, the acoustic rendition features Neil-Prince Halliburton on guitar and was engineered by Delroy “Fatta” Pottinger. Accompanying the release is an official music video, capturing the raw emotion and authenticity of the acoustic performance.

With a career spanning over three decades, Nadine Sutherland has solidified her place in the music industry with her powerful vocals and empowering messages. Her collaborations with renowned artists and her unwavering commitment to spreading positivity through music continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

For fans of Sutherland and enthusiasts of authentic, soul-stirring music, the acoustic version of “Queen” serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength inherent in every woman’s story. Listen HERE