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 From Talk To Transformation – The Cross Continental Forum Was Only The Beginning

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News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Thurs. July 24, 2025: The Cross Continental Forum 2025 was more than a gathering – it was is a blueprint in motion. At the core of the forum was one undeniable truth: the future of global storytelling is being rewritten by the Global South.

The Cross Continental Forum founder, Frances Anne Solomon, in red at l, with film producers and sponsors at CCF 2025 in Bridgetown, Barbados.

“There’s a depth and richness in our storytelling that often gets overlooked in traditional spaces. I’m excited to see what solutions emerge to help us produce these stories in ways that truly reflect the beauty, complexity, and brilliance already in the room,” commented Melanie Hoyes, Director of Inclusion at the British Film Institute.

In mid-June producers, funders, storytellers, and cultural strategists from across the world met for several days in Barbados to not only discuss problems but find solutions to produce culturally relevant films by creatives who tend to be overlooked by the Global North (who generally decides who gets to tell their stories and how). 

What Comes Next

Producers, funders, storytellers, and cultural strategists from across the world met for several days in Barbados in June at The Cross Continental Forum 2025 from The Caribbean Tales.

CCF 2025 served as a real-time lab for creative problem-solving, cultural equity, and economic strategy. With over 30 producers directly participating and hundreds more reached through public events and screenings, the forum sparked new partnerships, reshaped how stories are valued, and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.

Key developments already in progress:

The CCF Manifesto
A unified declaration of intent and action – documenting concrete next steps from producers, partners, and collaborators, and signaling a collective commitment to move decisively from conversation to co-production.

Cross-Continental Collaborations
New cross-border alliances are taking shape from Lagos to Kingston to Port of Spain – grounded in equity, creative ownership, and cultural authenticity.

Financing & Policy Shifts
Funding strategies and policy shifts are already taking shape across public and private sectors, ignited by the ideas and commitments forged at the forum.

Stay Connected

This was the second staging of the forum, and the movement continues to grow.

If you’re a funder, commissioning body, or industry ally committed to equity-driven storytelling – we invite you to connect. Equity-driven storytelling needs bold partners. Join us as we shape a creative ecosystem where the Global South leads, owns and tells its stories on its own terms.

Visit the official site to explore more and express your interest or follow @crosscontintentalforum on Instagram or email ccf@creatorsofcolour.com 

This isn’t the end – it’s the shift.

Curtains Close on Reggae Sumfest 2025 – See All the Top Performances Here

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By News Americas ET EDITOR

News Americas, MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Mon. July 21, 2025: The curtains have officially closed on Reggae Sumfest 2025, but the memories will echo for years to come. From reggae royalty to rising stars, Jamaica’s biggest music festival lit up Montego Bay with unforgettable performances. From Tarrus Riley’s family tribute to I Wayne’s fiery set and Toni Braxton’s R&B nostalgia, this year’s show proved once again why Sumfest remains the Greatest Reggae Show on Earth.

R&B singer Toni Braxton performed at Reggae Sumfest 2025 on July 19, 2025.

Didn’t catch it live? See some of the top performances here.

Tribute to Dennis Brown and Gregory Issacs

While international R&B star Toni Braxton was the marquee name on the lineup, it was Jamaica’s own musical royalty who truly owned the stage. The performances by Fantan Mojah, Bugle, Pressure Buss Pipe, I Wayne, Tarrus Riley, Lila Iké, and Protoje were the heartbeat of the festival – showcasing the unmatched depth of Caribbean talent.

A 12-Year-Old Steals the Show
Veteran Fantan Mojah opened the night with a short yet powerful set, introducing 12-year-old singer Emma, whose original song “God Is Real” stunned the audience into roaring applause. Her voice, message, and stage presence were a revelation and one of the weekend’s most talked-about moments.

Vybz Kartel

Vybz Kartel was crowned the King of Dancehall and then performed

Roots and Conscious Vibes
Pressure Buss Pipe followed with hits like Love and Affection and Be Free, setting a deeply spiritual tone. Then came I Wayne, whose razor-sharp lyrics and conscious delivery lit up Catherine Hall. With songs like Book of Life, Touch Her Softly, and Bleacher, he delivered what many are calling the festival’s best performance — even if his set was cut short.

Time constraints would become a theme of the evening, with several acts like Bugle, Lila Iké, and Protoje trimming their sets. Bugle gave a heartfelt dedication to his late mother during Pearly Gates, while Lila Iké used her first solo Sumfest appearance to dazzle in iridescent fashion, blending hits like Solitude and Second Chance with a personal message about her recent arrest: “Dem couldn’t stop this.”

Lila Ike performs

Protoje followed as mentor and star in his own right, performing crowd favorites like Blood Money and Kingston Be Wise.

Toni Braxton Tries, But Locals Triumph
While fans were eager to see Toni Braxton, technical issues marred her set. Songs like Unbreak My Heart and Breathe Again showcased her vocal power, but her connection with the Jamaican audience felt delayed — picking up only near the end of her set.

Tarrus Riley’s Royal Finale
It was up to “Singy Singy” Tarrus Riley to close out the festival – and he delivered in full. With hits like She’s Royal, Gimme Likkle One Drop, and Superman, Riley reminded fans why he’s one of Jamaica’s most beloved acts. He brought out his children, Tsehai “Pepsi” Riley and Mekiem Riley, in a moving family tribute capped by a sweet rendition of Human Nature.

Riley also paid homage to legends Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Cocoa Tea, and his own late father Jimmy Riley, bringing emotional depth to the final act.

As the curtain fell on Reggae Sumfest 2025, one message rang clear: no matter who headlines, Jamaica’s own are the soul of this stage.

It’s New Music Friday! Here Are 4 New Caribbean Tracks You Need To Hear

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By NAN ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 18, 2025: It’s New Music Friday, and the Caribbean’s musical heartbeat is pulsing louder than ever. This week’s lineup of fresh releases features a mix of island soul, reggae roots, and creative collaborations that spotlight just how expansive Caribbean talent really is. From chart-toppers to underground favorites, here are four new tracks that deserve a place on your weekend playlist.

Lila Iké & Masicka — “Romantic”

Two of Jamaica’s most exciting artists team up again for “Romantic”, a sultry, nostalgic nod to the iconic “Romantic Call” by Patra. Lila Iké, known for her soulful reggae delivery, blends seamlessly with Masicka, one of dancehall’s lyrical kings, to give us a genre-blending track that feels both classic and fresh.

“Romantic” marks the second collaboration between the pair — following their hit “Triumph” — and is the fourth single off Lila’s highly anticipated debut album Treasure Self Love, out August 22 via Ineffable Records, Protoje’s In.Digg.Nation Collective, and Lila’s Wurl Iké Records.

Lila, who’s performed on NPR Tiny Desk and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, has earned accolades from Rolling Stone, Vogue, The New York Times, and more. With recent tours in Japan and Europe, she continues to represent modern reggae on a global scale.

Watch/Listen HERE

Irie Souljah — “I Know Dem”

Irie Souljah, the Spanish-born, Jamaica-based reggae artist, drops “I Know Dem”, the final single before his new album World Citizen drops on August 1. Known for his spiritual, roots-heavy reggae, Irie’s newest track delivers a message of resilience and authenticity — in both lyrics and tone.

His upcoming album includes features from Kabaka Pyramid and Alborosie, and follows the success of his 2023 project All About Love, which featured Anthony B, Chronic Law, and Iya Terra. A seasoned stage performer, Irie Souljah has played alongside Chronixx, Cocoa Tea, and Damian Marley.

Currently on tour across Germany, Denmark, Spain, and Italy, Souljah is proof that reggae’s reach is global — and powerful.

Listen and view now

Nailah Blackman — “Busy Body” and “Desert Flower”

Trinidadian powerhouse Nailah Blackman is back with “Busy Body” and “Desert Flower.” Busy Body is a bold, genre-blending anthem that brings her signature mix of sass, soul, and soca-infused flair. This track is everything fans love about Nailah: vibrant, high-energy, and impossible not to dance to.

Written by Nailah, Anson Pro, Felicia Jones, and Michael Coleman, the song was produced by Anson Pro with additional production from Jakey Krumm. It was mixed by Grammy-winning engineer Leslie Brathwaite and mastered by Johann Seaton, giving it a polished, radio-ready feel while still pulsing with island energy.

The official music video, directed with Nailah’s usual bold visuals and expressive style, enhances the track’s celebration of freedom and individuality — themes that run through much of her recent work. Busy Body is fun, flirty, and full of rhythm, showing Nailah’s continued growth as both a performer and storyteller.

Watch: Busy Body Official Video

“Desert Flower”

On “Desert Flower” Blackman surprises fans with an introspective, guitar-laced track that leans more acoustic soul than her usual Carnival bangers. It’s a lyrical, vulnerable moment — a sonic shift that showcases her artistic range.

Nailah wrote and co-produced the song with Anson Pro, also playing lead guitar. The track was mixed by Anson Pro and mastered by Madmen Productions, with a visually stunning music video co-directed by Nailah and Precise Lee Film.

Known for fusing soca with R&B, pop, and reggae, “Desert Flower” continues Nailah’s path as one of the Caribbean’s most versatile new-generation artists. It’s raw, reflective, and refreshingly different.

Watch: Desert Flower Official Video

Bad Bunny’s Record-Breaking Residency Set To Inject Over US 200M Into Puerto Rico’s Economy

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By NAN ET Editor

News Americas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Weds. July 16, 2025: The beat dropped. The lights came up. And with it, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny launched what’s already being called the largest economic stimulus in the island’s cultural history.

Bad Bunny performs onstage during Night One of Bad Bunny: “No Me Quiero Ir De Aqui” Residencia En El Choli at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot on July 11, 2025 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

His sold-out, 30-show residency, titled “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí”, opened this week at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico and is expected to bring more than 600,000 visitors to San Juan between July and September — pumping an estimated $200 million into the local economy.

It marks Puerto Rico’s first-ever concert residency, and tickets sold out in under four hours, confirming Bad Bunny’s unrivaled global draw and the residency’s once-in-a-generation scale.

Bad Bunny performs onstage during Night One of Bad Bunny: “No Me Quiero Ir De Aqui” Residencia En El Choli at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot on July 11, 2025 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

A Cultural & Economic Earthquake
The numbers are staggering. Over 35,000 hotel nights have already been booked, and short-term rentals are up 1,150% compared to last year, according to tourism officials. The concerts could boost tourism-related jobs by 3% and are forecasted to increase the island’s GDP by 0.15% – a critical lift for a territory still navigating financial uncertainty and post-pandemic recovery.

“This residency isn’t just about music. It’s about what Puerto Rico represents to the world – resilience, rhythm, and reinvention,” said one economist at the University of Puerto Rico. “Bad Bunny is single-handedly fueling an economic mini-boom.”

JetBlue Takes Fans Along for the Ride
JetBlue, the island’s largest airline, isn’t just watching from the tarmac. As official sponsor of the residency, the airline has launched a national sweepstakes to fly five lucky fans to the show.

Winners will get roundtrip tickets to San Juan and access to one of the August 29 or 30 performances. On-site, JetBlue is hosting exclusive fan activations and promising “surprises throughout the summer,” reinforcing its 20-year commitment to Puerto Rico’s growth.

“Partnering with Bad Bunny’s residency, which embodies the pride and global influence of the Boricua spirit, is an extension of our commitment to this island,” said JetBlue President Marty St. George.

More Than a Concert — A National Moment
The residency has already transformed parts of San Juan into a festival zone. Merch lines stretch around corners, Uber wait times are surging, and nearby restaurants and local vendors are reporting record sales.

“This is our Coachella,” said Carolina native and event volunteer Julissa Mateo. “But better – because it’s ours.”

Fans are flying in from the mainland U.S., Europe, and Latin America, many for the first time. For some, it’s a pilgrimage. For others, it’s a party. But for Puerto Rico, it’s validation: that culture, when rooted in authenticity and amplified by global talent, can move markets — and reshape economies.

No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí — And Why Would He?
For the island that birthed him, Bad Bunny is no longer just an artist. He’s an economic engine, cultural ambassador, and symbol of a new era where Puerto Rico exports more than just goods — it exports influence.

The residency runs through September 30 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.
Enter JetBlue’s sweepstakes at jetblue.com/boardingpasssweeps
Projected $200 +M impact | 600K+ attendees | GDP boost: +0.15%

Johnny Osbourne, Tarrus Riley Join Forces On New Reggae Revival Anthem

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By News Americas ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. July 14, 2025: Make a joyful noise! Reggae royalty bridges generations as legendary vocalist Johnny Osbourne and modern roots icon Tarrus Riley unite for a soul-stirring new cut: “We Need Love”. Dropping August 1, 2025, via VP Records, the single breathes new life into a deep cut from Osbourne’s seminal 1979 album Truth & Rights — transforming it into a powerful anthem for the present.

Johnny Osborne is releasing a new song with Taurus Riley.

Originally recorded over the Otis Gayle interpretation of The Spinners’ “I’ll Be Around” riddim, the track is steeped in Studio One history. Backed by the legendary Sound Dimension, Gayle’s version — complete with Jackie Mittoo’s iconic organ lines — became a staple of Jamaica’s sound system scene and a foundation stone in Osbourne’s early solo career after returning from Canada.

Fast forward to 2025, and the timeless message of “We Need Love” is reignited through a bold, collaborative reworking with Tarrus Riley — an artist whose voice has defined the modern roots era. Together, the two vocalists bring spiritual uplift and rhythmic finesse to this righteous reggae revival, layering harmony, soul, and grit over a fresh mix that honors the original while blazing its own path.

The release is the first glimpse of Osbourne’s upcoming album, Universal Love Showcase, set to arrive August 29, 2025, marking a new chapter in the singer’s storied career.

Behind the boards, the project is powered by respected producer Frenchie of Maximum Sound, whose credits include work with Luciano, Anthony B, and other reggae luminaries. Gregory Morris adds a modern dub touch, while the legendary Dean Fraser lends saxophone and arrangement, culminating in a striking solo that nods to past versions of the riddim — including Chronixx’s “Majesty” from Roots & Chalice (2016).

Uplifting, spiritual, and unapologetically rooted, “We Need Love” is a handclapping, foot-stomping reminder of reggae’s timeless call for unity — a message that feels more urgent than ever.

Listen HERE first

“We Need Love” drops on all digital platforms August 1, 2025.

Trinidad’s Kes Music Featured In Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Destination Wedding

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, July 14, 2025: Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant soca sound is now streaming across the globe, thanks to a high-profile feature in Tyler Perry’s latest Netflix release, Madea’s Destination Wedding. The blockbuster comedy, which premiered on July 11, includes the infectious track “Love It” by Kes the Band, one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated musical groups.

FLASHBACK – Kes performing live on stage at Mann Center For Performing Arts on September 09, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images)

The feel-good inclusion has sparked a wave of regional pride, with Caribbean fans taking to social media to cheer the soundtrack credit — and to celebrate what many are calling “another huge win for Trinbago music culture.” Madea’s Destination Wedding marks a rare but welcome moment where Caribbean sound, style, and scenery all align in a major U.S. production.

The film, shot partially in the Bahamas, especially at the iconic Atlantis Paradise Island, features a tropical backdrop and a cast peppered with local talent. According to casting director Kevvanna Hall, more than 300 Bahamian actors and extras were hired for the film. Hall, who owns the casting company Rhythm in Motion, nearly passed on the opportunity.

“Honestly, I thought it was a scam,” she admitted. “But when I got the call from Tyler Perry Studios, I knew it was real.”

Tyler Perry attends a special screening of Madea’s Destination Wedding ATL at Regal Atlantic Station on July 10, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Netflix)

Caribbean Vibes, Global Stage
While the film has drawn mixed reviews online — with some viewers criticizing its editing and storyline — Caribbean audiences have remained laser-focused on the positive: the music.

At the end of the movie, Kes is formally credited for his contribution, and fans were quick to note how seamlessly “Love It” complemented the film’s island setting. The track’s inclusion is more than a nod to Trinidad’s musical prowess; it places Kes among a growing list of Caribbean artists whose sound is making waves in international cinema.

“Seeing Kes in the credits felt like a big deal,” said one viewer on X. “It’s about time our music gets this kind of recognition on global platforms.”

A Madea Movie with a Caribbean Twist
The film’s setting in the Bahamas offers a sunny, sea-splashed backdrop that’s relatively new for Perry’s long-running Madea series. Though much of the production was shot in just 11 days at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, the Caribbean essence was preserved thanks to location scenes and a soundtrack that leaned into island vibes.

And while the plot may not have earned glowing praise — reviews have ranged from “cute” to “cringeworthy” — the impact for Caribbean creatives is undeniable.

From casting to music to location, Madea’s Destination Wedding offers a rare showcase for regional talent in a genre and franchise that reaches millions.

Caribbean Creatives On the Rise
For Kes the Band, whose high-energy blend of soca, reggae, and soul has already earned them a global following, this latest achievement adds another milestone to their journey.

As soca continues to push beyond Carnival stages and into global consciousness, features like this help prove what Caribbean fans already know: our music is world-class — and it belongs everywhere.

“Love It” by Kes is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Madea’s Destination Wedding is now streaming on Netflix.

Baby Cham, Stephen Marley & Damian Marley Unite For Gritty Street Anthem “Hustling In My Blood”

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 11, 2025: Three titans of Jamaican music – Baby Cham, Stephen Marley, and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley—join forces on the explosive new single “Hustling In My Blood,” out today (July 11) via Lawless Army Music, Cham’s independent label.

The track marks the first single off Cham’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, Sherlock, dropping July 25th.

Produced by the UK hitmakers The FaNaTiX, whose credits span Vybz Kartel, Giggs, Stylo G, and Nicki Minaj, the track is an unapologetic anthem of resilience, ambition, and survival. It’s a raw, triumphant celebration of hustle culture – woven deeply into Jamaican identity.

“This song is an anthem! A true hustler’s anthem,” Cham says. “It reminds people that you can make it through anything. You just can’t give up.”

Three Powerhouses, One Message

On “Hustling In My Blood,” Cham and Jr. Gong go bar-for-bar over militant drums and haunting horns, while Stephen Marley delivers a soaring, soulful chorus:
“Hustling ina mi blood, guh for it ina di mud,
Tru the fire and the flood, listen to my every wud,
Whoa, we the strongest of the strongest,
Whoa, we will be here the longest.”

Watch the Video Now

Directed by Jay Lenz (Finesse2tymes, Plies), the official music video, shot on location in Miami, brings the record to life with gritty urban visuals and powerful performances from all three artists. It’s already gaining buzz across reggae and hip-hop circles.

Watch “Hustling In My Blood” on Baby Cham’s YouTube now.

A Veteran With New Fire

Cham, who burst onto the international scene with hits like “Ghetto Story” feat. Alicia Keys, “Vitamin S,” and “Joyride,” continues to evolve as one of dancehall’s most versatile lyricists and cultural storytellers.

Still collaborating with his longtime mentor Dave Kelly, Cham has kept his finger on the pulse of both street and global music culture. From working with Foxy Brown to Usain Bolt, Cham remains a force – consistently fusing dancehall DNA with crossover appeal.

Sherlock, due July 25, promises to be a bold chapter in Cham’s ongoing legacy.

Carl Meeks’ Digital Dancehall Classic “Weh Dem Fah” Gets First-Ever Digital Reissue

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. July 10, 2025: VP Records’ reissue arm 17 North Parade is set to drop a digital-era dancehall gem this summer with the first-ever digital release of Carl Meeks’ “Weh Dem Fah.” The Hugh “Redman” James-produced track – and full album – will arrive on July 18th, remastered from the original studio tapes for streaming and digital platforms. You can, however, listen to it here first.

Originally released as a 12″ single in 1987, “Weh Dem Fah” quickly became a standout in Meeks’ catalog, capturing the energy of Jamaica’s then-emerging digital dancehall movement. Recorded at Gussie Clarke’s Anchor Studio, the track features production by Steely & Clevie, whose Yamaha CS-01, DX-100 synths, and Oberheim DX drum machine defined the futuristic sound of the era.

The reissue marks a key moment in VP’s ongoing high-definition archive series, spotlighting foundational dancehall and roots releases from the late 1970s through the digital revolution of the late ’80s.

“Weh Dem Fah” was a breakout moment for Meeks, who first gained national attention in 1983 after finishing runner-up at Jamaica’s Tastee Talent Competition, performing Johnny Osbourne’s “Ice Cream Love.” That performance caught the attention of Yellowman, who brought Meeks into the sound system scene—opening the door to future studio work with Redman.

In an archival interview, Meeks recalled the studio session that launched his career: “Redman heard me sing and said, ‘Yeah, I’m going to have studio time at Gussie studio with Souljie—be there.’ That’s how ‘Weh Dem Fah’ happened.”

Following the success of the single, Redman and Meeks returned to the studio to complete a nine-track album, enlisting Steely & Clevie to provide riddims. The 1988 LP was accompanied by cover art from Wilfred Limonious, one of Jamaica’s most iconic visual artists.

While the album circulated on vinyl and cassette in its original release, this will be the first time the full project is available digitally, complete with an instrumental and extended version of the title track.

“Weh Dem Fah” will be available globally on July 18 via VP Records / 17 North Parade. LISTEN TO IT HERE

The Mighty Sparrow Is 90

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BY NAN ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. July 9, 2025: Calypso’s crown jewel, The Mighty Sparrow, turns 90 today, and many Caribbean nationals around the world are pausing to honor the man who transformed a regional tradition into a global force.

Trinidadian Calypso monarch the Mighty Sparrow, performing at the Lincoln Center Out of Doors ‘Caribbean Cultural Center: 30 Years of Carnival’ concert in Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park, New York, New York, on August 13, 2006. He turned 90 on July 9, 2025. (Photo by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images)

Born Slinger Francisco in Grand Roy, Grenada, on July 9, 1935, and raised in Trinidad from the age of one, the man known to millions as The Mighty Sparrow has defined Caribbean music, commentary, and charisma for more than seven decades. His title as the “Calypso King of the World” isn’t just honorary – it’s earned.

With unmatched lyrical sharpness, vocal prowess, and cultural impact, Sparrow’s music captured the Caribbean’s heartbeat through Carnival hits, political critiques, and unapologetically bold storytelling. Today, he stands among the rare few whose voices have shaped not just songs, but national consciousness.

“No one has documented the Caribbean condition with as much wit, skill, and courage as Sparrow,” said fellow calypsonian and historian Chalkdust (Dr. Hollis Liverpool). “His calypsoes are historical records.”

The Voice of a Region

FLASHBACK – Calypso singer and songwriter Mighty Sparrow at London Airport, March 15th 1962. (Photo by George Stroud/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Sparrow’s breakout came in 1956, when his legendary hit “Jean and Dinah” won him the Calypso Monarch crown and instantly rewrote the genre’s rulebook. From there, his rise was meteoric. He headlined calypso tents, dropped album after album, and wrote hundreds of songs that blended humor with razor-sharp political and social critique.

His discography includes classics like “Congo Man,” “Melda,” “Sparrow Dead,” “Slave,” and “Education” – tracks that tackled everything from colonialism to morality, with a wit and boldness that became Sparrow’s calling card.

Tributes from Across the Diaspora

On his 90th birthday, tributes are pouring in from around the globe – from fellow artists to heads of state to fans who grew up dancing to his music.

David Rudder called him “the reason many of us picked up a microphone.”
Calypso Rose praised him as “a brother in music” who pushed her to be better.
Machel Montano wrote: “We stand on Sparrow’s shoulders… His music is forever.”

Despite health challenges and no longer performing, Sparrow’s spirit remains strong. His last major live performance, “Live at 85!” at Joe’s Pub in New York, was a sold-out celebration of legacy. These days, he splits his time between New York and Trinidad, still sharp in interviews and full of stories from the golden era of calypso.

A Global Calypso Ambassador

Sparrow’s contributions stretch far beyond music. He has been a vocal champion of Caribbean unity, Black pride, and working-class struggles—often when it was risky to do so. He’s received countless awards, including the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) and the Chaconia Gold Medal, as well as international honors from the U.K. and Caribbean diaspora groups.

His influence extends across generations of artists—from soca to reggae to hip hop—who cite his lyrical storytelling and stage command as foundational.

The Bird Still Flies

As he turns 90, The Mighty Sparrow may no longer rule the stage, but his legacy is alive and roaring in the DNA of Caribbean culture. His voice, wit, and vision continue to shape how the world hears, understands, and dances to the Caribbean.

And as the calypso tents prepare for next Carnival season, his music will surely echo – louder than ever. Happy 90th to the Birdie. Long live the King.

Unreleased John Holt Track “We Nah Leave” Drops July 11

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. July 9, 2025: To celebrate what would have been Jamaican reggae legend John Holt’s 78th birthday, VP Records’ classic imprint 17 North Parade is giving fans a gift: an unreleased, Henry “Junjo” Lawes-produced track titled “We Nah Leave.” And yes—you can hear it here first.

John Holt performing in the UK. (Photo by James Emmett/Redferns)

Set to drop July 11, 2025, the heavyweight roots anthem was originally recorded in 1981 and is now being released in full high-definition glory. The track has been lifted direct from the original Reel To Reel 1/4” 15 IPS master tape—delivered to Greensleeves Records more than four decades ago but never officially put into production. Mastering engineer Billy Polo has reworked the track, ensuring it now hits as hard and clear as it was meant to.

Though versions of the song previously circulated on Randy’s Jah Guidance label in Jamaica and New York—and even under the title “Not Leaving” on Holt’s own imprint—this marks the first-ever official digital release of the original mix, complete with instrumental and extended versions available across all major platforms.

“We Nah Leave” was crafted by the same sonic dream team that built “Police In Helicopter,” one of reggae’s most iconic protest tracks. Backing Holt is the legendary Roots Radics band, captured in full force at Channel One Studios in Western Kingston. With Style Scott’s militant drums and Flabba Holt’s heavy, hypnotic bass, the track is pure rebel soul—a true sufferah’s anthem for those who know the weight of struggle and the fire of resistance.

And Holt’s vocal? Vintage and defiant – like a man refusing to be moved.

John Kenneth Holt, OD, was a legendary Jamaican reggae singer who rose to prominence as a member of The Paragons before launching a successful solo career that helped shape the sound of lovers rock and roots reggae.

Born in the Greenwich Farm district of Kingston, Jamaica, Holt was immersed in music from an early age. His mother, Amy, worked as a nurse, while young John quickly showed signs of remarkable vocal talent. By the age of 12, he had become a familiar face on the island’s talent show circuit, regularly competing in the popular Vere Johns Opportunity Hour contests held at local theatres. Holt won 28 competitions, many of which were broadcast live on Radio Jamaica, setting the stage for a career that would span more than five decades. Holt died in October 2014. He was just 67.

“We Nah Leave” drops July 11 on all digital platforms via VP Records. LISTEN TO IT HERE FIRST