By NAN ET EDITOR

News Americas, LOS ANGELES, CA, Weds. Jan. 14, 2026: When Teyana Taylor accepted the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress on Jan. 11, 2026, she joined a very short and historic list. She became only the second Black actor of Caribbean heritage to win a Golden Globe, following the late Bahamian-roots film legend, Sidney Poitier. She also joined an elite group – just 1 of 17 Black actors overall to win a Golden Globe.

US actress Teyana Taylor, who also has Caribbean roots, poses in the press room with the Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture award for “One Battle After Another” during the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 11, 2026. (Photo by Etienne Laurent / AFP via Getty Images)

More than six decades after Poitier broke barriers in Hollywood, Taylor’s win marks a new chapter in Caribbean diaspora representation, connecting generations of Black excellence across film, culture, and geography. Yet, it’s a milestone that largely flew under the radar.

Born in Harlem to a Trinidadian father and an African American mother, Taylor has long embodied a layered cultural identity. While she was raised primarily by her mother in New York City, she has consistently acknowledged both sides of her heritage – an American upbringing shaped by Caribbean lineage, resilience, and influence.

A Caribbean Thread In A Harlem Story

Taylor’s father, Tito Smith, is Trinidadian, connecting her directly to the Caribbean and its diaspora that has shaped New York City for generations. Though she was raised by her mother, Nikki Taylor, in Harlem, that Caribbean lineage has always been part of her personal narrative, even if it has not been foregrounded in mainstream coverage.

In an industry where Caribbean identity is often flattened or overlooked, Taylor’s win stands out as a reminder that Caribbean influence extends far beyond music genres like reggae, soca, or dancehall – it is woven deeply into Black American cultural achievement across film, fashion, and performance.

The Woman Behind the Win

US singer actress Teyana Taylor’s roots extend to the Caribbean. Here she attends the Time100 Next gala at Chelsea Piers in New York City on October 30, 2025. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Much of Taylor’s grounding, she says, comes from her mother, who has served not only as her parent but also as her manager and stylist throughout her career. A former supermodel and television presenter, Taylor raised her daughter as a single mother in Harlem, fostering both creative freedom and discipline.

That mother-daughter partnership has been central to Teyana Taylor’s evolution from teenage dancer to award-winning actress. It is also a story that resonates strongly within Caribbean and diaspora households, where matriarchal strength often plays a defining role in shaping generational success.

From Music Prodigy to Film Powerhouse

Taylor’s rise has never followed a straight line. She entered the industry early – choreographing Beyoncé’s “Ring the Alarm” at just 15, dancing in Jay-Z’s “Blue Magic,” and later becoming a creative force within Kanye West’s artistic universe. Yet, for years, she was undervalued as a singer and boxed into narrow expectations.

Her pivot into film proved transformative.

Her breakout performance in ,A Thousand and One, earned critical acclaim, but it was her role as Perfidia in Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another,’ that redefined her public perception. Critics praised her portrayal for its emotional depth, vulnerability, and quiet intensity – qualities that stood in stark contrast to Hollywood’s usual framing of Black women as either hyper-strong or one-dimensional.

At the Golden Globes, Taylor used her acceptance speech to underscore that shift. “To my brown sisters and little brown girls watching tonight,” she said, “our softness is not a liability. Our depth is not too much. Our light does not need permission to shine.”

A Win Bigger Than One Actress

Taylor’s Golden Globe places her alongside a small, powerful group of Black winners that includes Poitier as well as Donald Glover, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Denzel Washington, Regina King, Morgan Freeman, Mahershala Ali, Whoopi Goldberg, Jamie Foxx, Octavia Spencer, Eddie Murphy, Chadwick Boseman, Sterling K. Brown, Oprah Winfrey and Ryan Coogler.

What makes Taylor’s moment distinct is how it quietly expands that lineage to explicitly include the Caribbean diaspora – a community whose cultural contributions to global Black identity are immense, yet often uncredited in mainstream awards narratives. Her win also arrives at a time when Caribbean-descended artists are increasingly crossing boundaries between music, film, fashion and directing, refusing to be confined to a single lane.

Representation That Doesn’t Ask Permission

Teyana Taylor has never framed herself as a symbol – but symbolism followed her anyway. As a Harlem-born artist with Trinidadian roots, raised by a fiercely independent Black woman, Taylor represents a form of diaspora success that doesn’t rely on erasure or assimilation. Her Golden Globe is not just a personal triumph; it is a marker of visibility for Caribbean-descended talent operating at the highest levels of global entertainment.

In a room where history is often slow to change, her win quietly widened it. And for the Caribbean diaspora watching – from New York to Port of Spain to beyond – it was a reminder that sometimes, representation arrives not with a spotlight, but with a moment that makes history simply by existing.

RELATED: Many African Americans May Have Caribbean Roots, Says U.S. Archivist

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 9, 2026: As the countdown to Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago intensifies and the 2026 season begins to take shape, Caribbean artists in the soca genre are rolling out fresh releases aimed at fetes, airwaves, and global playlists. But several reggae singer have also dropped new tunes this week. From veteran icons to next-generation voices, here’s a look at the New Caribbean Music that has dropped this week.

SOCA

Check out Certified Sampson and more new soca and reggae music this week.

Certified Sampson & Sekon Sta – “EUPHORIA” (Soca 2026)

Certified Sampson teams up with producer Sekon Sta on “EUPHORIA,” a high-energy Soca 2026 release built for the heart of Carnival season. The track blends driving rhythms with celebratory melodies, capturing the euphoria of fete culture while delivering a polished, modern soca sound.

Written by Nesta Boxill and produced by Sekon Sta, EUPHORIA is released under Sekon Sta Production, under exclusive license to Diaspora Sound, and positions itself as an early contender for Carnival 2026 playlists.

Check it out HERE

Machel Montano & Super Blue – “Carnival Birthday” (Soca 2026)

Two generations of soca royalty collide as Machel Montano teams up with Super Blue for “Carnival Birthday,” a high-energy celebration built for road march season. Produced by Kernal Roberts, Azikiwe Kellar, and Montano himself, the track blends classic Carnival spirit with modern polish, sampling Lil Kerry’s “Bury All” for added nostalgia.

STREAM NOW

Lyrikal x Rebel Muzik x Kyle Peters – “Heart In It (Today)”

Trinidad and Tobago soca standout Lyrikal returns with “Heart In It (Today),” a high-tempo Soca 2026 release driven by live instrumentation and an infectious Carnival-ready groove. Clocking in at 160 BPM, the track blends raw energy with musical finesse, reinforcing Lyrikal’s reputation for performance-forward soca built for the road and the stage.

Written by Devon “Lyrikal” Martin, Kyle Peters, Anderson Bedasi, and Iba Fitzgerald, the song is produced by Kyle Peters and Rebel Muzik, with additional production by Lunatix Productions. Live guitars are handled by Peters, while background vocals from Cleavon Childs (Grenada) and Keoné Osbourne (Trinidad) add depth and texture. The track is mixed and mastered by Precision Productions, delivering a crisp, high-impact sound designed for peak Carnival moments.

Voice -“Cyah Behave” (Soca)

STREAM NOW: https://voice.ffm.to/cyahbehave

Voice delivers a sharp, rhythm-driven soca cut with “Cyah Behave,” produced by Mega Mick, Dwayne Mendes, and Lunatix Productions. The track balances playful bravado with polished musicianship, anchored by live percussion and crisp mixing from Precision Productions.

Major Lazer – “GOAT” (Bouyon Mixes) feat. America Foster & Bunji Garlin

Major Lazer returns with bouyon-heavy remix packs of “GOAT,” blending Dominican bouyon, power soca, and big-room EDM. Featuring Bunji Garlin and rising artist America Foster, the track is engineered for peak Carnival moments, with remix production by Precision Productions and Dadamanufakture.

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MadLypso – “Panorama” (feat. Kes, Patrice Roberts & more)

MadLypso assembles a who’s-who of soca stars for “Panorama,” a collaborative anthem featuring Kes, Patrice Roberts, Kerwin Du Bois, Lady Lava, Jimmy October, Mical Teja, Lyrikal, and more. Produced and written by MadLypso, the track captures the collective energy of modern soca culture. Listen below.

Erphaan Alves — “SWAY” (Soca)

Produced by Supa and mastered by Brooklyn Decent, “SWAY” showcases Erphaan Alves’ melodic approach to soca, blending smooth vocals with contemporary Caribbean production.

Listen Now

Reggae Releases

Various Artists -“Remember Those Days Riddim” (Super Haze Records / Nah Lef Ya Muzik)

The “Remember Those Days Riddim” brings together Sizzla Kalonji, Vershon, Reemus K, Fire Chaz, and Norrie G. Produced between Japan and Jamaica, the project blends conscious lyrics, family connections, and uplifting themes rooted in reggae tradition.

LISTEN

Inner Circle – “Stay Strong”

Inner Circle delivers a powerful anthem of resilience with “Stay Strong,” released in support of Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa. The track doubles as the theme song for the Stay Strong Jamaica Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert. Check it out now.

Intence – VOYAGE (Album)

Jamaican dancehall artist Intence launches his debut album VOYAGE via VP Records. The 16-track project reflects his upbringing in Papine, Kingston, and includes collaborations with Tarrus Riley, Jah Cure, and Bad Boy Timz. The release continues Intence’s New Year’s Day tradition and follows his 2025 EP Sólo Chicas.

LISTEN NOW

Bottom Line

With Carnival 2026 on the horizon, Caribbean music is moving fast – and loud. From soca road anthems to conscious reggae and genre-blending global releases, this week’s drops underscore the region’s continued influence on the world’s soundscape.

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. Dec. 28, 2025: A controversial petition circulating on Change.org is calling for the deportation of Trinidad-Born Rapper Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj.

FLASHBACK – Erika Kirk interviews surprise guest Nicki Minaj on the final day of Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference at the Phoenix Convention Center on December 21, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Minaj spoke about her frustrations with California Governor Gavin Newsom, and about why she has embraced the conservative movement. (Photo by Caylo Seals/Getty Images)

The petition has sparked debate online, drawing more than 45,000 signatures as of press time today. The petition, created by an individual identified only as “Pedonika Minaj,” urges U.S. authorities to deport the artist back to her homeland, citing what the petitioner characterizes as ongoing online harassment, controversial public behavior and concerns related to Minaj’s personal associations.

While the petition makes sweeping claims about Minaj’s conduct and mental state, no medical or legal authority has substantiated those assertions. Immigration experts note that U.S. deportation proceedings are governed by federal law and require clear statutory grounds – such as criminal convictions or immigration violations – not online petitions or public opinion.

Still, the campaign’s rapid growth highlights the increasingly blurred line between celebrity culture, social media disputes and immigration rhetoric.

Celebrity, Speech, And Immigration As A Talking Point

The petition alleges that Minaj’s social media activity has targeted other public figures and private individuals, framing the issue as one of public safety and accountability. Minaj, who was born in Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and who became a U.S. citizen years ago, has not publicly responded to the petition.

Legal analysts point out that U.S. citizens cannot be deported, regardless of public controversy, and that calls for deportation – particularly when directed at immigrants or naturalized citizens – often reflect broader societal tensions rather than enforceable legal pathways.

“This kind of petition says more about online outrage culture than immigration law,” one immigration attorney told News Americas Now, noting that deportation is frequently misused as a rhetorical threat in digital disputes.

A Familiar Pattern In Online Culture

The petition also reignites discussion about how immigrant and diaspora figures are disproportionately targeted in calls for removal or exile during public controversies – especially when race, nationality, or accent become part of the narrative.

Advocates warn that normalizing deportation as a response to objectionable speech or behavior risks reinforcing harmful stereotypes and undermining due process.

What Happens Next

Despite its growing number of signatures, the petition carries no legal authority. Change.org petitions are designed to signal public sentiment, not to initiate government action.

For now, the campaign stands as another example of how social media conflicts can escalate into broader political and cultural flashpoints—particularly when immigration status, celebrity influence, and public accountability collide.

BACKLASH

The backlash against Minaj, who is married to comes as the rapper appeared at Turning Point USA’s four-day AmericaFest 2026 summit.

On the final day of the conservative conference, the rapper, 43, joined Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, to speak about her newfound admiration for President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Her remarks led to significant fan backlash, and as of Wednesday last week, her Instagram account now reads: “Sorry, this page isn’t available.” A number of followers, however, pointed out that the “Beez in the Trap” artist had previously quit Instagram, doing so in October. Minaj’s X account remains active.

It came on the heels of her publicly backing President Donald Trump’s allegations that Christians face persecution in Nigeria.

“In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted,” Minaj said at an event organized by the US at the UN, adding: “Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart… simply because of how they pray.”

Analysts say that jihadists and other armed groups have waged campaigns of violence that affect all communities in the West African nation, regardless of background or belief.

Minaj has been open about coming to the United States as an undocumented child. In an emotional social media post in 2018, she called out the separation of families at the border during Trump’s first administration.

“I came to this country as an illegal immigrant. I can’t imagine the horror of being in a strange place & having my parents stripped away from me at the age of 5,” she reportedly wrote in the caption of a photo showing young children separated from their parents at the border being detained.

“This is so scary to me. Please stop this,” she wrote. “Can you try to imagine the terror & panic these kids feel right now? Not knowing if their parents are dead or alive, if they’ll ever see them again.”

By Madelyn Herrera

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Dec. 22, 2025: When Lylo Gold released her debut album ‘Lylo Land,’ she entered the industry at a moment when Black and Caribbean artists were still being boxed into genres that often reflect race more than sound. The London-based artist, who has Jamaican and African roots, is using the project to challenge how her music is categorized and heard.

Caribbean roots artist Lylo Gold

Breaking Genre Boundaries

As an artist with a Caribbean background, she feels like her music is at risk of being put into a box where she can only delve into one sound. She doesn’t want to be defined by one label or genre just because of her roots.

When I asked her if her sound was influenced by her background, she answered: “Whether or not it’s R&B or it’s reggae or it’s hip-hop, it doesn’t really matter because the essence and the spirit of the music is you.”

“Wherever I am, my Black heritage, my African heritage, my Caribbean heritage and all the people that came before me will always exist in everything I do. From the way that I sing, to the way that I write, to the way that I look at the world,” Gold added.

Black music has evolved in hundreds of ways over centuries. It has always been about blending, bending, and reinventing sound to reflect lived experience and history. From ska and lover’s rock to soul, funk and hip-hop, Caribbean and African diasporic artists have shaped nearly every major genre of modern music.

Gold refuses to accept a label assigned to her because she is Black. Her stance is part of a much longer story in which Black artists have pushed modern music forward in countless ways.

“It’s weird that you need to know when the artist is Black instead of simply acknowledging that the music is Black,” she says. “I think that’s the issue I have with the way African Caribbean music is portrayed.”

For Gold, the problem lies in how Black and African Caribbean music is often pigeonholed into being Afrobeat or reggae, when in truth, all of it belongs to a broader Black musical heritage.

When I asked her why she thinks this is an issue in the music industry, her response was clear: “The categorization of our music is really lazy.”

The mislabeling of Black artists might seem minor in the grand scheme, but that is exactly the problem. Lylo explains, “It’s just a way of limiting the culture to whatever people are comfortable with. And people are comfortable with Black artists making R&B.”

Questions around categorization resurfaced publicly following Beyoncé’s historic wins for Cowboy Carter in 2025. Shortly afterward, the Recording Academy announced changes to its country album categories, introducing distinctions such as Best Contemporary Country Album and Best Traditional Country Album. While the Academy did not explicitly link the decision to Beyoncé’s success, the timing sparked widespread debate within the industry about who is allowed to occupy certain genres and how boundaries are enforced.

Reflecting on that moment, Gold points to a familiar pattern. She notes that when Black artists reach levels of commercial or critical success traditionally dominated by white artists, the standards often shift. “Every time Black people enter that realm,” she says, “it feels like the goalpost moves.”

Lylo’s perspective is informed by years of academic study and deep engagement with music history. During her university years, where she specialized in music, she began to recognize how deeply Caribbean and African cultures are embedded across global genres. From Korean pop and Japanese pop to reggaeton and hip-hop, many contemporary sounds trace their roots back to Jamaican and African musical traditions.

She points to artists like Jimi Hendrix and Big Mama Thornton who have shaped rock and roll. Because music has blended so much today with genres like trap and soul mixing freely, Gold believes that categorizing music is no longer as important as it once was.

Lylo Land And Her Legacy

Lylo Gold is not just critiquing the past and present, she’s creating with her own voice. Her latest release Lylo Land tells a story of heartbreak, healing and self-love. The songs on this album are a blend of influences from across genres, tied together by a distinctive story and theme.

“I was obsessed with how the songs flow and tell a story. It’s about acceptance, growth, and choosing to love again,” she says.

Her music also carries a sense of spirituality, as she believes we are all touched by music in some way. “Everything matters,” she says. “Sometimes I write songs I think are cringe, but I trust that authenticity and vulnerability, because it touches people.”

Her song ‘With You’ celebrates choosing someone and choosing love, which feels refreshing in a landscape where many artists focus on toxic relationships. “It’s so nice to delve into the idea of love. And I think Black girls need to delve into it. So much of our music is toxic love,” she says.

Beyond romantic love, Gold also turns inward. In her song ‘Found Love,’ she explores self-love, a message she hopes resonates with all women, but especially with Black women, as a Black woman herself.

She says, “I am allowed to be a person like everybody else instead of it always being, ‘she’s a strong Black woman.’

I am strong when I need to be strong and I am also lovable when I need to be lovable and soft and emotional and all these other things. Why are we only allowed to have three characteristics?”

Gold allows her fans to feel and resonate with her music however they want. She says, “My job as an artist isn’t to police or decide what people should feel.”

That sense of freedom is at the heart of everything she is creating. She is not just redefining Caribbean sound, she is expanding it, pushing it forward and refusing to let the industry decide where she belongs.

Future Projects

Now that her album Lylo Land is out, she is focused on her next big project beyond the music scene. She is also involved with Hype and Genius, a social enterprise focused on providing resources for emerging creators.

The organization runs programs and music camps and after securing new funding, it plans to invest one hundred thousand pounds into sixty UK artists over the next two years. The aim is to offer paid opportunities, community employment and industry-led masterclasses for artists who often lack access to these spaces.

And when asked about her future in music, Gold says, “I want to make a reggae project. I want to make R&B projects. I want to continue to write all of the things that I do, because all of those exist within who I am. And I just think there is no limit.”

As she moves into this next phase, her focus remains on exploring the full range of her sound and the cultural influences that shape it. Where that leads her is still unfolding, but she is clear on one thing: the music she wants to make will not be confined to the categories the industry has relied on for decades.

Check out her music HERE