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Michelle A. Henry is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s leading contemporary cultural voices — a calypsonian, vocalist, saxophonist, and cultural practitioner —whose career spans more than two decades. Singing since age six, Henry told Caribbean Life on Jan. 5 that she formed an early, lasting relationship with the performing arts, viewing it as purpose: Music that tells people's stories and documents social, political, and moral realities. As a child, Henry […]

Reggae icon Beres Hammond will headline the 2026 Love and Harmony Cruise, joining an all-star roster. Organizers announced Tuesday, Jan. 6, that Hammond — whose catalog of love songs and anthems spans generations—will headline alongside dancehall powerhouse Busy Signal, bringing unmatched energy and hit performances to the high seas. Brooklyn-based, Jamaican-born entertainment publicist Ronnie Tomlinson announced that the cruise — celebrated for reggae, dancehall, gospel, and Caribbean culture — has […]

Georgetown, Guyana-born singer Nesta Nelson, known to fans as “Hot Gyal” Nesta, is stepping confidently into the new year with a new dancehall single on a “Ride,” continuing her momentum from previous releases. Released on Jan. 1, “Ride” was produced by dancehall producer Damion “Jkeez” Hewitt of Jkeez Recording Studio. This collaboration, according to Jamaican-born, New York-based entertainment promoter Anthony “ER Guru” Turner, marks a notable development in her career. […]

Grenadian-born gospel artist and minister Ijeal Joseph has released a new single, “Perfect.” “This song, ‘Perfect’, was born from a very real moment in my journey,” Joseph, a Brooklyn resident, told Caribbean Life on Monday, Jan. 5. “It came during Inspiration & Light, a 31-day daily devotional journey I intentionally stepped into. “It wasn’t about posting perfectly worded thoughts or presenting myself as spiritually polished; it was about showing up […]

On Jan. 16, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Elvis Francois, will be releasing his new EP, "Realignment," from which the first single, “I’ll Be” has been released. According to a press release published on Oct. 17, 2025 by Shore Fire Media, “From the soulful inspiration conjured up on opening track ‘Good Morning’, to the mournful classic Motown vibe of ‘Where Do I Go’, to the ethereal pop of ‘Prepared To Die’, to […]

A Change.org petition calling for the deportation of 43-year-old Trinidad-born rapper Onika Tanya Maraj, known as Nicki Minaj, has reached more than 120,000 supporters. Initiated last year by liberal game-changing activists at  Change.org, their numbers surged to disproportionate proportions with a plea to immigration authorities to "review Nicki Minaj's residency status in the United States and consider deporting her back to Trinidad & Tobago." Justification for the online action focused […]

The Brooklyn-based Everybody’s magazine has selected Trinidad and Tobago Soca superstar and calypsonian Machel Montano as its Person of the Year 2025, highlighting his influence and exceptional impact. Herman Hall, the Grenadian-born publisher of Everybody’s magazine, told Caribbean Life on Monday, Dec. 29, that other nominees received many votes. These included Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor-elect; Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley (Everybody’s Person of the Year 2021); Trinidad & […]

As the official funeral service for reggae icon Jimmy Cliff takes place this week in Kingston, Jamaica, at the National Indoor Sports Center, Louis “Louie” Grant, executive vice president and executive producer at Irie Jam Media, says that Cliff’s passing is “the end of an era.” The Government of Jamaica has given Cliff an official funeral to honor his immense contribution to Jamaica’s culture and entertainment. Grant told Caribbean Life […]

The Brooklyn-based Tropicalfete, Inc., presented “The Finale: A Cultural Gift for the Community” on Sunday, Dec. 21, at the BMS Playhouse Theatre in Brooklyn. “The free, family-friendly event brought together residents, artists, educators, and cultural leaders for an afternoon of music, dance, theater, remembrance, and celebration,” Alton Aimable, the St. Lucian-born founder and president of Tropicalfete, Inc., told Caribbean Life. He said the event was hosted by artist and educator […]

The year unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of Caribbean culture, music, community leadership, and diaspora engagement, particularly centered in New York City and extending across the Caribbean and international stages. From grassroots cultural recognition to global musical triumphs, each month highlighted resilience, creativity, and the enduring influence of Caribbean people and traditions. January began with a strong emphasis on community recognition and cultural preservation. The Brooklyn-based Grenadian American Ex-Teachers’ Association […]