News Americas, BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS, August 11, 2025: The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) and the Mellon Foundation today announced a key initiative of their groundbreaking partnership – The Ripple Effect – to elevate the Caribbean arts ecosystem.

The Ripple Effect exhibition, curated by Fresh Milk Barbados, is now open to the public at Caribbean Brushstrokes in Bridgetown through August 30. (Credit: Dondré Trotman)

The initiative represents a bold goal of building a future where artistry thrives not in isolation but as a shared, collective force. By empowering Barbadian artists through direct funding and support, CLF and the Mellon Foundation foster community-driven creative solutions and ensure broad access to art across Barbados and the wider Caribbean region. The partnership provides monetary support for cultural organizations like Fresh Milk Barbados, Operation Triple Threat, and Pinelands Creative Workshop to serve as regional arts hubs, while creating sustainable pathways to economic stability for artists and arts-focused organizations through specialized fellowships that allow artists to develop and market their work locally.

The Ripple Effect is marked by the public opening of a new exhibition in Bridgetown, Barbados. The exhibition, curated by Fresh Milk Barbados, is now open to the public and running through August 30 at Caribbean Brushstrokes in Bridgetown. It features works by various Barbadian artists, including CLF fellows Simone Asia, Russell Watson, Anna Gibson, and Ronald Williams. These artists are creating works that interact with CLF’s core pillars, spanning climate solutions to health access to women’s entrepreneurship and more, and intersecting these themes with authentic Caribbean cultural expression. The exhibition highlights how Caribbean voices are pioneering artistic innovation as a pathway to bolster economic development, drive career opportunities, and amplify cultural expression while creating avenues for Barbadian artists from diverse communities to showcase their talents locally, regionally, and globally.

“Thirteen years after CLF’s founding, our partnership with the Mellon Foundation represents a full-circle moment – amplifying the voices and talents that have always been part of our organization’s DNA, starting right here in Barbados,” said Jessie Schutt-Aine, Executive Director of the Clara Lionel Foundation. “What visitors will experience in this exhibition is the incredible artistry that has always existed here, now with the institutional backing to reach an international stage. This partnership honors CLF’s beginnings while leveraging our years of proven community-led impact across the Caribbean and beyond.”

“This partnership beautifully represents Mellon’s philosophy of cultural investment,”said Justin Garrett Moore, Program Director of the Mellon Foundation. “We’re recognizing Barbadian artists as essential voices in addressing the challenges that affect us all. These creators have been developing innovative, community-rooted solutions for generations, and our goal is to amplify their work to ensure it reaches the global stage it deserves.”

Building on CLF’s 13 years of experience delivering multi-year support to community-led innovators across five core impact areas, the CLF-Mellon partnership ensures local artists and cultural organizations have the support to build a self-sustaining creative ecosystem. The initiative supports Barbadian artists and creatives who push boundaries and reshape the meaning of Caribbean art, while ensuring all Barbadians can access and experience art regardless of their socioeconomic background. Organizations, artists, and community leaders now have the resources needed to imagine innovative climate solutions through art.

To learn more about the partnership between CLF and the Mellon Foundation and their ongoing efforts in the Caribbean, please visit claralionelfoundation.org.

About The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF)

Founded in 2012 by Robyn Rihanna Fenty, the Clara Lionel Foundation builds thriving & resilient communities across the Caribbean, Africa, and US South by equipping community innovators to lead change from within. Taking a community-led and -centered approach, we create impact through five inter-connected pillars – climate solutions, women’s entrepreneurship, arts & culture, health access & equity, and future generations.

About The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities. Since 1969, the Foundation has been guided by its core belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding. The Foundation believes that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity, and that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence, and freedom that can be found there. Through our grants, we seek to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive.

By ET EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Aug. 6, 2025: Reggae fans, get ready to drop the needle on something legendary. Barrington Levy’s Sweet Reggae Music 2.0 is finally getting the full vinyl treatment, with a release date set for August 22. The project is now available for pre-order, with advance downloads of select tracks also up for grabs.

Cut loud and proud on 100% black vinyl, this curated collection blends much sought-after sound system anthems with some of Levy’s most beloved dancehall hits—including “Teach the Youth,” “Mini Bus,” and “Mary Long Tongue.” For crate diggers and longtime fans alike, Sweet Reggae Music 2.0 marks the only LP appearance of cult favorites like “Whom Shall I Be Afraid Of,” “Praise His Name,” and “Pon Your Toe.”

This is not just a reissue – it’s a celebration of a golden age in Jamaican music where Barrington Levy reigned as the undisputed lord of the dancehall. His voice, unmistakable in tone and power, helped shape the sonic identity of 1980s and ‘90s reggae and dancehall culture. These songs are the backbone of that legacy.

About the Artist
Barrington Ainsworth Levy is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall icon known for his distinctive vocals and commanding stage presence. Born in Clarendon, Jamaica in 1964, Levy began his musical journey in the late 1970s as one half of the Mighty Multitude – a short-lived duo he formed with his cousin. But it was his solo breakout at just 14 years old with the single “A Long Time Since We Don’t Have No Love” that marked the start of a career destined for greatness.

Over the decades, Levy’s catalog has become essential listening for fans of conscious reggae and raw dancehall alike. Tracks like “Under Mi Sensi,” “Here I Come,” and “Murderer” are timeless staples in DJ sets around the world. Sweet Reggae Music 2.0 continues this legacy, bringing deep cuts and global anthems together for a new generation of vinyl lovers.

Whether you’re a longtime soundman or a new listener discovering Barrington Levy’s magic, this release is one to own.

LISTEN HERE EXCLUSIVELY

By Dr. Isaac Newton

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Aug. 4, 2025: There are moments in the life of a nation when it does not simply honor its artists but enshrines them. Antigua and Barbuda has now done exactly that.

In honor of 40 years of renowned Soca band Burning Flames, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially renamed Potters Main Road to The Burning Flames Highway. It is said that all four members of the band will be given a national award along with diplomatic passports.

With the stroke of a Cabinet decision, Potters Main Road has been renamed The Burning Flames Highway. It is no longer just a path of passage; it is now a living monument to a sound that carried a people, a rhythm that redefined identity, and a fire that refused to die.

I was raised in Potters Village, where music was more than background noise. It was our pulse, our poetry, our prayer. The sound of soca and calypso floated across fences, spilled through wooden windows, and made even the stillest moments feel alive. Among us were four local sons whose talent would one day shake the Caribbean and echo across oceans. They were called Burning Flames.

I must confess, with reverent honesty, that my own spiritual convictions have often placed me at odds with certain expressions of Carnival. Some aspects have stirred tensions between sacred values and cultural expression. Yet even within that conflict, I could never ignore the creative brilliance, the sonic mastery, and the deep cultural meaning embedded in the music of Burning Flames.

What they offered was more than entertainment. It was a liberation movement disguised as melody. It was celebration steeped in struggle. It was joy seasoned with survival.

From Workey Workey to Stiley Tight, from Island Girl to Swinging Engine and Janet, their music lit fires in the soul. They transformed porches into dance floors and village squares into arenas of expression. Their sound became the soundtrack of emancipation, where movement and meaning collided in perfect rhythm.

The official recognition they have now received is more than deserved. It is redemptive. Diplomatic passports, national honors, and the naming of a national road are not merely symbolic acts. They are affirmations of cultural dignity. They are acknowledgments that rhythm can be a form of resistance and that melody can memorialize memory.

This is both a triumph for Burning Flames and a victory for the village. It is evidence that greatness can rise from humble soil and that the ordinary can give birth to the extraordinary. It is a reminder that Potters Village did not simply nurture musicians. It raised architects of national joy.

To the sons of sound who carried our hopes in every note and turned rhythm into revolution, I offer not only congratulations but profound gratitude.

Your music made us dance with purpose
Your legacy makes us proud with reason
And your fire still burns across the landscape of our hearts

Long live the music
Long live the memory
Long live the Flames

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Isaac Newton is a global strategist, thought leader, and theologian of transformation. A native of Potters Village, he has studied at Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia University. As a professor, policy analyst, and advisor to leaders across continents, Dr. Newton brings together spiritual wisdom and intellectual brilliance to inspire meaningful change and honor the deep roots of cultural legacy.

By News Americas ET EDITOR

NEWS AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NY, July 29, 2025: Jamaican-born, Lovers rock and reggae legend, Beres Hammond, is hitting the road once again this summer to bring his signature soul-stirring vocals to audiences across the U.S. with his Forever Giving Thanks Tour 2025.

Presented by Harmony House, the tour kicks off on August 13th in Boston and winds its way through New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. It will offer fans a chance to experience the timeless voice behind reggae staples like “Rockaway,” “What One Dance Can Do,” and “Putting Up Resistance.”

Beres Hammond Announces 2025 U.S. Tour With Marcia Griffiths, Cham, Kes & More.

But Hammond won’t be going it alone. Select dates will feature Marcia Griffiths, Cham, Kes the Band, Tarrus Riley, and saxophonist Dean Fraser & The Blak Soil Band – adding even more firepower to what promises to be a summer celebration of classic Caribbean music and culture.

A Tour Steeped in Legacy

Known as one of the most prolific voices in reggae, Hammond’s catalog spans decades, touching on romance, resilience, and Rastafarian roots. The Forever Giving Thanks Tour is both a nod to his enduring fan base and a gift to a new generation of listeners.

“This tour is about giving thanks for the journey, the love from the fans, and the power of reggae music to unite,” Hammond said in a recent statement. “We’re going to bring the full vibes – sweet, conscious, and uplifting.”

Star Power Meets Soul

In Newark (August 16) and Brooklyn (August 17), fans will be treated to performances from the Queen of Reggae herself, Marcia Griffiths, and dancehall titan Cham, adding generational range to the already rich line-up.

Down south in Georgia (August 24), the energy amplifies as Kes the Band, Tarrus Riley, and Dean Fraser join the stage for what’s expected to be one of the tour’s most dynamic nights.

Forever Giving Thanks Tour 2025 Dates

08/13 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur Theatre

08/16 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center (with Marcia Griffiths & Cham)

08/17 – Brooklyn, NY – Amphitheatre at Coney Island Boardwalk (with Marcia Griffiths & Cham)

08/19 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount

08/21 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva

08/23 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium

08/24 – Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena (with Kes the Band, Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser & The Blak Soil Band)

08/29 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live

08/30 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center

08/31 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center

Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster and venue box offices. Fans are encouraged to secure seats early – this one’s poised to sell out quickly.

The Vibe Never Gets Old

Whether it’s his unmistakable tone or heartfelt lyrics, Beres Hammond continues to be the gold standard for reggae crooners. And if this tour proves anything, it’s that his message of love, gratitude, and musical excellence still resonates loud and clear.

By News Americas ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 25, 2025: It’s Friday – and that means it’s time to refresh your playlist with the latest new music from the Caribbean. Whether you’re vibing to reggae, grooving to soca, or in the mood for genre-bending innovation, this week’s new music releases are a celebration of Caribbean sound and soul.

Reggae Meets Africa: Selector A & VP Records Drop ‘Reggae Loves Africa, Vol. 2’

Out now via VP Records, this 10-track compilation is a soulful homage to Nelson Mandela’s legacy, curated by Japanese-born reggae producer Selector A. Featuring legends like Buju Banton, Sizzla, Luciano, and Culture, the album bridges reggae and African consciousness. It’s conscious music with a global message – and a beat you can feel.
Stream it here

Soca Universe 2025 Has Landed – And It’s Massive

Machel Montano’s Monk Music delivers again with the release of Soca Universe 2025, the definitive soundtrack to this year’s Carnival season. From “The Greatest Bend Over” by Yung Bredda & Full Blown to the Afro-Soca anthem “Fling It Up” featuring Davido, this 30+ track compilation is jam-packed with anthems from Patrice Roberts, Voice, Kes, Fay-Ann Lyons, Lyrikal, and more.
Stream it here

Jimmy October Returns With “BAM BAM”

Trinidad’s genre-fusing wordsmith Jimmy October is back with his latest single “BAM BAM”—a percussive, sun-soaked fusion of soca, dancehall, reggae, and afrobeats. Produced by Brooklyn Decent and released via Ineffable Records, it’s a feel-good groove perfect for your weekend vibes.
Listen now

Yeza & Rorystonelove Shake the Roots with ‘Star Of The East’

Conscious reggae gets a fiery new chapter with Yeza’s debut album Star Of The East, produced by dub legend Rorystonelove. From viral hit “Organic” to gritty bangers like “Preacher Man”, this is a no-skips record redefining what rebel music sounds like today.
Stream now

Mr. Easy Drops ‘Caribbean Ting’

Dancehall veteran Mr. Easy switches lanes and embraces his soca side with the release of “Caribbean Ting,” part of the Soca Jam EP. The result? A vibrant fusion of island energy and classic grooves that pays homage to calypso legends.
Listen here

Da’ville Makes Emotional Comeback with “Sunshine Days”

After a 13-year hiatus, reggae-pop sensation Da’ville is back with “Sunshine Days” – a personal anthem of healing, love, and gratitude. Distributed by AMP Music and featuring a feel-good visual by BlingBlang, it marks a soulful new chapter for the artist behind hits like “Always On My Mind.”
Watch & Stream

Rayvon & Sugar Bear Keep It Light with “She Just Wanna Party”

Need a party jam? Rayvon and Sugar Bear team up for “She Just Wanna Party,” a breezy summer banger that lives up to its name. Produced by DJ Mac and released via GTC Entertainment, it’s made for the beach, the club – or wherever you’re turning up.
Stream now

This Week’s Caribbean Heat Recap Playlist:

“The Greatest Bend Over” – Yung Bredda & Full Blown

“Sunshine Days” – Da’ville

“Organic” – Yeza

“Fling It Up” – Machel Montano ft. Davido

“BAM BAM” – Jimmy October

“Caribbean Ting” – Mr. Easy

“She Just Wanna Party” – Rayvon & Sugar Bear

Whether you’re on the road, at the beach, or just catching a vibe, these new tracks are a must-add to your playlist. Stay locked to News Americas for the latest from the Caribbean music scene every New Music Friday.