News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Nov. 7, 2024: The Guyana Arthur Chung Conference Centre came alive on Saturday Nov. 2, 2024, as Guyanese nationally of all races, paid tribute to beloved cultural icon, Dave Martins, who passed away in August at age 90.

Guyanese musician, Dave Martins, of Dave Martin and the Tradewinds fame, is dead at 90. (Facebook image/Dave Martins)

The tribute event, titled ‘Dave Martins is We Own – A Musical and Visual Journey,’ was organized by the Guyana Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the Department of Public Affairs, Office of the Prime Minister. It celebrated the life and legacy of Martins, whose storytelling and music have inspired generations across the Caribbean and its Diasporas.

Guyana singer Dave Martins was cremated on August 20, 2024 after passing away on August 18, 2024.

Family, friends, admirers, and fans gathered to honor the legendary musician as local artists and the renowned Tradewinds Caribbean string band performed some of Martins’ iconic songs. The evening also featured a video journey through Martins’ life, tracing his path from his early days in Guyana to his rise as a prominent figure in Caribbean music and culture.

Guyana Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrond delivered a heartfelt tribute on behalf of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. “Dave wasn’t just a songwriter. He was a storyteller who made us laugh, remember, and take pride in who we are,” Minister Walrond said. She praised Martins for his ability to capture the spirit of Guyanese identity without anger or division, noting that his song “Not a Blade of Grass” embodied a fierce yet quiet pride in being Guyanese.

Through his music, Minister Walrond noted, Martins preserved the authentic spirit of the Caribbean, celebrating the unique character, strength, and beauty of its people. “This was his great gift to us,” she added, “a timeless reminder that no matter where life takes us, we carry the mark of being Guyanese and West Indian. Though he may no longer be with us, his legacy lives on to inspire, uplift, and unite.”

Members of Tradewinds offered their own reflections, honoring the musician who dedicated his life to Caribbean culture. The tribute ended with the crowd singing along to the iconic anthem “Is We Own,” capturing Martins’ enduring legacy of unity and joy.

Martins, who returned to Guyana after years in Canada, became famous for calypso hits like “Cricket in the Jungle,” “Civilization,” “It’s Traditional,” “Copycats,” “Guyana Coming Back,” “Wong Ping,” and “West Indian Alphabet.” In 2022, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Guyana. Martins passed away on August 19, 2024, leaving a legacy of music that will continue to transcend generations.

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Oct. 30, 2024: Two Caribbean American designers have made waves as top winners of the prestigious 2024 Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards, known as the Oscars of American fashion.

Sevdaliza and Raul Lopez, r., attend the 2024 CFDA Awards at American Museum of Natural History on October 28, 2024 in New York City. Lopez of Luar, a Dominican American designer, took home the Accessories Designer of the Year award for the second time. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Raul Lopez of Luar, a Dominican American designer, took home the Accessories Designer of the Year award for the second time, honored at the event held in the Museum of Natural History on October 28th. Lopez, who grew up in Brooklyn to Dominican immigrant parents, launched his label in 2011, creating edgy takes on classic American sportswear that have captivated a dedicated fanbase. His studio is adorned with racks of bold designs and his signature briefcase-inspired “It” bag, which has become a standout in the fashion world.

Jamaican designer Rachel Scott claimed the Women’s Wear Designer of the Year award at the 2024 CFDA Awards at American Museum of Natural History on October 28, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Jamaican-born Rachel Scott, founder of Diotima, claimed the Women’s Wear Designer of the Year award. Scott, who won CFDA’s Emerging Designer of the Year in 2023, founded Diotima in 2021 to bring together Caribbean artisanal traditions and urban haute couture. Diotima’s collections are crafted between Jamaica and New York, and Scott’s commitment to supporting Jamaican artisans shines through her designs, which emphasize craftsmanship and cultural storytelling.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Jamaican born designer Rachel Scott with her award as the Women’s Wear Designer of the Year and Cynthia Erivo at the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards held at the American Museum of Natural History on October 28, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Kristina Bumphrey/WWD via Getty Images)

The 2024 CFDA awards also featured a special tribute as the Board of Directors’ Tribute Award was renamed in honor of the late Isabel Toledo, an influential Cuban American designer celebrated for crafting Michelle Obama’s iconic 2009 inauguration look.

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Oct. 24, 2024: Jamaican dancehall superstar Mavado is back on the concert stage, recently delivering a thrilling performance at the National Stadium in Guyana for the Cricket Carnival Super Concert. Fans can watch the full performance on YouTube.

Born David Constantine Brooks, Mavado, also known as the “Gully Gad,” has built a successful career in dancehall music, accumulating a net worth of $4 million. Raised in the Cassava Piece community in Kingston, Jamaica, Mavado found inspiration in the music of dancehall legend Bounty Killer, who became his mentor and helped him navigate the music industry.

Mavado broke onto the scene in 2005 with his first hit single, “Real McKoy.” Over the years, he solidified his place in the global music scene with chart-topping hits and collaborations with high-profile artists, including Nicki Minaj, DJ Khaled, and Akon. In 2011, he signed with DJ Khaled’s We the Best Music Group, further elevating his career. Mavado’s album Gangsta for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks, released in 2007, remains one of his most celebrated works.

Beyond music, Mavado’s career has not been without controversy. In 2007, he was involved in a highly publicized incident with Jamaican police, which resulted in his temporary detainment. The singer was later banned from several Caribbean countries due to the violent and anti-gay lyrics in some of his songs. Despite these challenges, Mavado’s music continued to thrive, and his influence in the dancehall genre remained strong.

In addition to his music career, Mavado has ventured into acting, starring in Drake’s 2010 music video for “Find Your Love” and forming his own label, Mansion Records, in 2011. Over the years, he has released a string of popular singles, including “Progress,” which was featured on DJ Khaled’s Grammy-nominated Major Key album in 2016.

Mavado’s personal life has also faced challenges. In 2021, his teenage son, Dantay Brooks, was convicted of murder in Jamaica, a case that the singer decried as an example of corruption in the Jamaican legal system. Despite the difficulties, Mavado continues to produce new music and live performances. He recently dropped the ‘Raw Dancehall Mix 2024 – Strictly Mavado / Gully Gad Mixtape,’ available for streaming on SoundCloud.

Now residing in the U.S., Mavado remains a major figure in dancehall music, continuing to captivate audiences with his unique sound and performances.

News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. October 21, 2024: British Jamaican rapper, author, and activist Akala is making headlines alongside actress Angelina Jolie, 49, as the two were recently seen at the 68th BFI London Film Festival at The Royal Festival Hall. This sighting has fueled speculation about their relationship, following Akala’s appearance on Jolie’s Instagram just a month ago, hinting at a budding romance or is it just friendship?.

Akala seen here attending the “Maria” Headline Gala during the 68th BFI London Film Festival at The Royal Festival Hall on October 18, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/Getty Images for BFI)

Jolie and Akala first sparked romance rumors in August when they were seen leaving her hotel together during the Venice International Film Festival.

Angelina Jolie also attending the “Maria” Headline Gala during the 68th BFI London Film Festival at The Royal Festival Hall on October 18, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)

At the time, In Touch claimed the two had been dating for “more than a year” after Akala joined Angelina and her daughters Zahara, 19, and Shiloh, 18, at the Calabash Literary Festival in Jamaica in May last year.

The duo was also said to have enjoyed dinner together in Milan six months later, sparking further curiosity about their connection. 

However, according to TMZ, the pair are just good friends and Akala is reportedly in a relationship with Chanelle Newman, the co-founder and executive producer of his music and the Hip-hop Shakespeare Company.

Despite being in the middle of a legal dispute with her ex-husband Brad Pitt, Jolie radiated confidence in a striking black blazer paired with a plunging waistcoat, tailored trousers, and heeled boots. Her elegant ensemble, paired with minimal makeup and gold earrings, captured the spotlight. Akala, meanwhile, looked dapper in a turtleneck sweater worn under a double-breasted coat, dark jeans, and smart sneakers.

Here are 10 things to know about Akala, the British Jamaican talent linked to Jolie:

Full Name: Kingslee James McLean Daley, professionally known as Akala, was born on December 1, 1983, in Crawley, West Sussex.

Family Roots: Akala’s mother is Scottish, and his father is Jamaican. His sister is Grammy Award-winning artist Ms. Dynamite.

Pan-African Influence: Raised in Kentish Town, London, Akala credits the Caribbean Pan-African community for shaping his education and intellectual development.

Educational Advocacy: Akala, who skipped university, went on to receive honorary degrees from Oxford Brookes University and Brighton University for his educational work.

Musical Career: Akala’s debut album It’s Not a Rumour (2006) brought him widespread recognition, winning the MOBO Award for Best Hip-Hop Act.

Social Activism: A vocal advocate for racial equality, Akala’s work spans beyond music. His 2018 book Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire tackles themes of race, class, and inequality.

Shakespeare Connection: Akala founded The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company in 2009 to explore the cultural connections between Shakespeare’s works and modern-day hip-hop.

Global Performances: Akala has performed across the world, becoming the first hip-hop artist to headline a concert in Vietnam in 2007.

Romantic Speculation: The growing rumors about Akala and Jolie’s relationship began after his appearance on her Instagram, sparking interest in their dynamic.

Cultural Impact: Akala continues to influence not only the music industry but also literary and educational circles through his activism, writing, and public speaking.

As the two continue to make appearances together, the world is keeping an eye on this intriguing pairing.

Ironically, Madonna also made headlines recently for her apparent romance with a Jamaican 28-year-old man.