Top Entertainment Stories 2024
January
Despite medical complications, one of Grenada’s top calypsonians and cultural figures, Valentine “Val” Adams, is still hitting the stage.
Adams was one of the main acts, primarily singing Christmas Carols, during the 40th Anniversary Gala celebration last Month of the Brooklyn-based Vincentian-American Independent National Charities, Inc. (VINCI) at El Caribe Country Club on Strickland Avenue in Brooklyn.
“Although, like everything else, there were minor obstacles along the way, including a stroke which I experienced in 2017, I have continued to provide our communities and countries alike with beautiful, enjoyable music,” Adams, a three-time Grenada Independence and Calypso Monarch in New York, told Caribbean Life over the weekend.
“I’m still going through therapy and medical treatment, especially for constant pain on my left hip,” added the four-time Calypso Monarch finalist in Grenada, and twice second runner-up, with hits like “Take a Bow,” “Rise Up” and “Bumsy.” “I still perform as I see fit, by God’s grace.”
Adams, who was also twice Soca Monarch finalist in Grenada and founder of the House of Fire Calypso Tent in New York, said he introduced one of Grenada’s traditional mass, “Shortknee,” to the West Indian-American Labor Day Carnival in Brooklyn.
He said his mas band, “500 Strong,” has been named Band of the Year, in the small band category, for three consecutive years, 2013-2015, in the West Indian-American Day Carnival Parade on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway.
February
Internationally acclaimed dancehall icon Sean Paul has unveiled a vibrant music video for his latest single, “Greatest,” which is featured on the trailblazing Dutty Money Riddim.
Ronnie Thomlinson, the Brooklyn-based Jamaican entertainment publicist, told Caribbean Life on Thursday that the video, directed by innovative director Ruption, is “a visual feast that perfectly complements the infectious energy of the track, with dynamic visuals and pulsating rhythms.”
Produced by Rvssian, renowned producer and owner of Head Concussion Records, Tomlinson, the chief executive officer of the New York-based Destine Media, said, “‘ Greatest’ is a standout track on the Dutty Money Riddim, showcasing Sean Paul’s signature blend of dancehall and reggae-infused melodies.
“With its irresistible beats and catchy hooks, the song has already garnered widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike,” she said.
“The accompanying music video, shot in Jamaica with vibrant backdrops and captivating dance moves, captures the essence of the Caribbean spirit while showcasing Sean Paul’s magnetic presence and engaging delivery,” she added. “It is a testament to the dancehall icon’s unparalleled [nk1] creativity and artistic vision.”
Sean Paul said, “Working on this video was an incredible experience.
“I wanted to create something visually stunning that would capture the song’s essence and bring it to life in a vibrant and dynamic way,” she said. “I’m happy with the final result and hope fans enjoy it.”
March
Trinidadian-born Canadian singer, songwriter, and entertainer, Anslem Douglas sang the praises and serenaded 13 phenomenal women Saturday evening during the 10th Annual Phenomenal Woman Awards at the Queens Museum of Art.
Brooklyn resident Douglas brought the house down with his original and signature masterpieces, “Too Sweet,” “Ohh Ahh,” and “Who Let The Dogs Out,” during the gala affair organized by the Far Rockaway, Queens-based La “V” en Rose Productions.
Haitian-born Rose Guerrier, founder and president of La “V“ en Rose Productions, shared the role of Master/Mistress of Ceremonies with her cousin, attorney Jacques M. Leandre.
“In my 34-plus-years on stage, performing from Antigua to Zimbabwe, I still find the most pleasure in performing to a well-dressed seated audience,“ Douglas told Caribbean Life exclusively afterwards. “On Saturday, the 16th of March, at the Queens Museum, that was perfection. The venue, the occasion, and the audience, dressed to the nines, placed me in a Heaven on earth.
“The 10th anniversary of Phenomenal Woman Awards was an amazing event, as we all came out to pay homage to the women in our community who have done and continue to do amazing things,“ he added.
“I felt very privileged to be one of the performers to shower them with praise and serenade them with a few of my songs,“ Douglas continued. “Thank you, Rose (Guerrier) and your committee, for blessing me with the opportunity to perform to such an elegant audience and community-oriented awardees.“
April
His father, Gentle Benjamin, said two-time Grenadian GRAMMY award-winning jazz musician Casey Benjamin died on March 30 in Maryland. Casey was 45.
Grenadian-born Gentle Benjamin – the producer of the defunct, long-running, New York-based Caribbean TV cultural program Culture Share – said Casey, also known as
“Stutzmcgee“ was a first-generation New Yorker whose mother was Panamanian-born Julieta Benjamin.
Benjamin told Caribbean Life on Tuesday that Casey died from pulmonary thromboembolism and that he had received his GRAMMYs with the band Robert Glasper Experiment in 2013 and 2015.
Benjamin said Casey began showing an interest in jazz at age 4, playing the saxophone at age 8, and performing at age 12.
Growing up in legendary Jamaica, Queens, home of “Jamaica funk,” “Casey was taken under the wings and mentored by renowned musicians such as Weldon Irvine, Denzell Miller, Bernard Wright, Donald Blackman, and Bill Jacobs,“ Benjamin said.
From there, he said, Casey attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and the Performing Arts.
Benjamin said Casey received first place as a presidential scholar in the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts as a student. President Bill Clinton presented this award to him at the White House.
Benjamin said Casey’s attendance at the New School University/Mannes Jazz Program “allowed him to forge a working relationship with his mentors and professors,” some of whom included Joe Chambers, Reggie Workman, Vincent Herring, Buster Williams, and the late Betty Carter.
At 14, Benjamin said, “Casey had the opportunity to play“ with the late Grover Washington on WNBC TV-NY and was selected on two occasions to perform and record two CDs in Los Angeles with the GRAMMYS “all American High School GRAMMY Band.“
Nigy Boy performing in Guyana. Photo by Paul Andrew Abram
May
Visually impaired, Queens-based dancehall singer Nigy Boy continues his meteoric rise to global superstardom, having achieved what some say may be a first for a dancehall artist.
Last week, Caribbean-American Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman invited Nigy Boy, 23, whose real name is Nigel Hector, to be a special guest on “Queens Day“ in Albany during a New York State Assembly session.
Hyndman announced in her presentation that the singer has been working for her as an office intern.
“He’s been my intern, and he hails from Springfield Gardens, Queens,“ she said. “So, while we have him here, I’d like to introduce him.
“He’s a reggae superstar, and, most weekends, he could be in Guyana, Jamaica, Bahamas,“ she added.
In a historic move, Nigy Boy was welcomed to the floor by House Speaker Carl Heastie, whose grandfather hailed from the Bahamas, who thanked Nigy Boy for his “contribution to music and arts.“
“Continue your great work, and know you’re always welcome here,“ Heastie urged.
In addition to pursuing his musical dreams, Nigy Boy is a student at the State University of New York (SUNY) in Long Island, majoring in political science and history. He is expected to graduate with a bachelor’s degree later this month.
In 2021, Nigy Boy garnered the attention of R&B superstar Chris Brown, who hailed his talent in an Instagram post that changed his career trajectory and inspired him to keep singing.
Earlier this year, Rvssian – who has produced hits for superstars Travis Scott, Post Malone, Cardi B, 21 Savage, Davido, Byron Messia, Shenseea, Vybz Kartel, Sean Paul, and Charly Black – added Nigy to his popular “Dutty Money“ riddim.
Nigy Boy has since released singles “Judgement“ and “Nomad.”
He recently performed alongside African Giant Burna Boy at a sold-out event in Georgetown, Guyana, where he teased a soon-to-be-released duet with an unnamed overseas-based 11-year-old female artiste.
Nigy Boy said the song will be released in a few weeks after the video is completed.
June
Hip-hop reggae artist Edley Shine has officially solidified a new distribution partnership with industry powerhouse Symphonic, dropping his first explosive project, “Life’s Journey.”
On Thursday, entertainment publicist Flair Lindsey of Acclaim PR told Caribbean Life that the collaboration between Shine’s Shinealous Records and Symphonic marks “a significant milestone in the esteemed artist’s career.”
“It opens up a variety of opportunities for his label that you just don’t get as an Indie,“ she said.
Shine said he had “dedicated meetings with numerous departments at Symphonic“ and that “their responsiveness is welcoming and new to me, as I have been an independent label owner for 20 years.
“And up until now, no distribution company has ever given me their internal resources out the gate,“ he said.
With the buzzin’, reggae-fueled “Life’s Journey“ now available across digital and streaming platforms, Lindsey said the first effort between Shine’s Shinealous Records and Symphonic is “blazing a musical trail.”
Produced by the talented Sawfie Alliance, Lindsey said “Life’s Journey“ features additional production from GRAMMY-nominated Roe Summerz, known for his work with artists like Beenie Man, Tommy Lee, Ding Dong, and Dustin (Skooly) Marshall.
“This infectious track is the first installment in a riddim series, with the full compilation set to be unveiled in the Summer of 2024,“ Lindsey said.
July
Following what has been described as a “resounding success“ of two sold-out shows over the weekend, with over 36,000 concert goers at the prestigious UBS arena in Long Island, Buju Banton, the legendary GRAMMY award-winning reggae artist, on Monday announced his inaugural Arena Tour, “The Overcomer.”
“Rightfully titled, ‘The Overcomer’ tour will feature billboard chart-topping special guest artist Fridayy,“ Ronnie Tomlinson, the Brooklyn-based, Jamaican-born entertainment publicist, told Caribbean Life.
Known for his exceptional musical abilities, Fridayy, a Haitian American singer, songwriter, and record producer, “has made waves in the music industry“ with his “When It Comes To You,” “Stand By Me,” “Without You,” and his triple Grammy-nominated song “God Did“ by Dj Khaled, featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, and John Legend, said Tomlinson, the chief executive officer of the New York-based Destine Media.
She said Buju Banton, backed by Shiloh Band, “captivated fans with a thrilling 90-minute performance over the weekend that showcased his unmatched talent and energy, cementing his status as the first reggae artist to achieve such record-breaking ticket sales in two days.“
Buju Banton’s manager, Joseph Budafuco, expressed “great pride“ in the artiste’s accomplishments and the “monumental nature of his first-ever Arena Tour.“
He underscored the significance of Buju Banton’s return to touring the United States after a 15-year hiatus, emphasizing the anticipation and excitement surrounding this momentous tour.
Tomlinson said Buju Banton’s “hottest reggae concert ticket“ is produced by Black-owned AG Touring in association with Gargamel Music, XO Management, Mammoth, and Eventim.
The historical run kicks off on Aug. 24 in Fort Lauderdale, FL, at the Amerant Bank Arena. It will then make stops across the US, including Tampa, Washington, D.C., Boston, Atlanta, Houston, and Inglewood, CA, before heading to Brooklyn’s Barclay Center.
Haitian-American Marie Driven.Photo courtesy Marie Driven
August
Prominent Haitian-American entertainment publicist Marie Driven says “Behavior,” produced by FloXFilms, is a film about a middle-class Haitian-American family living in Canarsie, Brooklyn. It premiered at the Sheepshead Bay Movie Theater on July 12 and provides a “compelling exploration of mental health issues and the pressures young people face in urban America.“
“Set against the backdrop of cultural tensions between Haitian and Dominican (Republic) communities, ‘Behavior‘ delves into the intricate relationships and personal struggles of its young protagonists, portrayed by Daniel Jean and Jodell Lewis,“ Driven, the managing director of the Brooklyn-based Playbook MG, an entertainment publicity company, told Caribbean Life after she and supporters gathered to celebrate the private movie screening of “Behavior,” directed by Haitian-American filmmaker Wanly Florexile.
Driven said the theater was “packed with community members, other actors and influencers.“
In “Behavior,” she said Kelvin Hammond, playing the character CJ, “shows signs of severe anger issues from a young age, including destroying a stuffed animal given to him by his father.”
Driven said Jodell Lewis, who plays CJ’s father, “recognizes the cries for help but opts against therapy, fearing it might jeopardize his application to the police force.”
Meanwhile, Driven said CJ’s mother advocates for seeking professional help for their son.
“As CJ grows older and finally begins therapy, his sessions reveal worsening conditions,“ said Driven, stating that “Behavior‘ highlights the significant impact of mental health on children’s lives and how many parents overlook the signs, often unaware that they might be contributing to the problem.
“The film emphasizes the importance of acknowledging mental health issues and seeking professional help to prevent harm to both children and their families,“ she added.
Aminique Kirnon, an educator, who stars in “Behavior“ as “Marie,” a mother to a teenage son, “CJ“ (Kelvin Hammond), told Caribbean Life that the Haitian-American family is “unsure of how to best support their child, who appears to be struggling with a mental illness.”
She said “Behavior“ focuses on the stigma attached to mental health, peer pressure, and socio-economic inequalities.
Jamaican Hillary Williams portrays “Queen of the Best” for Big Boys Productions. Photo by Nelson A. King
September
In picture-perfect weather, millions of spectators and thousands of masqueraders and revelers on Monday converged on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway for the 57th Annual West Indian American Day Carnival Parade.
The New York Caribbean Carnival Week, which started on Thursday, culminated on Monday, Labor Day, a public holiday in the United States, with the grand parade of masqueraders, with large and small costumes, displaying the culture of the Caribbean, along a 3 ½-mile route on Eastern Parkway, a major thoroughfare, starting at Buffalo Avenue and ending at Grand Army Plaza and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.
The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), organizer of the gigantic carnival, said over 3 million spectators, largely behind police barricades, were expected to view and celebrate 57 years of Caribbean culture, cuisine, programs, contribution, mas, steel band music and much more.
But the New York Police Department (NYPD) said at least five people were shot and wounded almost toward the parade’s end at Classon Avenue and Eastern Parkway in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn.
“This was not random; this was an intentional act,“ said Chief of Patrol John Chell, stating that the suspected gunman apparently stood on the concrete divider on Eastern Parkway and fired multiple shots into the crowd of nearby spectators.
The NYPD identified the victims, listed as in stable condition, only as a 69-year-old woman who was shot in the back right shoulder; a 64-year-old man who was shot in the right arm; a 36-year-old man who was shot in the head; a 25-year-old man who was shot in the abdomen; and a 16-year-old male who was shot in the left arm.
The NYPD said the gunman, believed to be in his 20s, fled the scene on foot and is still at large.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Hannah Alissa Richardson.Photo by Nir Arieli
October
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), New York City Center’s principal dance company and America’s cultural ambassador to the world, returns to the New York City Center stage for its annual, five-week holiday engagement.
AAADT said on Monday that the Dec. 4 – Jan. 5 engagement celebrates “Legacy in Motion.”
Featuring the world premieres of Sacred Songs by Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing, Finding Free by Hope Boykin, Many Angels by Lar Lubovitch, and Al-Andalus Blues by Jamar Roberts, the season also includes the 25th anniversary staging of Ronald K. Brown’s rapturous blockbuster Grace and a new production of Elisa Monte’s mesmerizing Treading.
AAADT said live music will be presented at select performances of Finding Free, Sacred Songs, and Alvin Ailey’s soul-stirring masterpiece Revelations.
“This season we celebrate the lineage and legacy of Mr. Ailey, highlighting his acclaimed works as well as new ballets by choreographers for whom he paved the way,“ Rushing said. “As I look at the repertory for our season, I am reminded that dance is both a reflection of our past and a guide to our future.
“We are excited to welcome audiences this holiday season to be inspired by Ailey’s extraordinary artistry and rich story as it continues to be written,“ he added.
AAADT said performances kick off with a one-night-only Opening Night Gala honoring legendary dance educator Jody Gottfried Arnhold.
The special program will showcase the 25th anniversary production of Ronald K. Brown’s spellbinding Grace with a special live music performance by Tony® and GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr.
Set to Duke Ellington’s classic “Come Sunday,“ Peven Everett’s hit “Gabriel,“ and the irresistible pulse of Fela Kuti’s Afro-Pop, Grace depicts individuals on a journey to the promised land, expanding from a single angel-like figure in white to the fireball intensity of 12 powerful dancers.
Here, the secular and sacred meet in a tour-de-force connecting African and American dance.
AAADT said the evening will conclude with Ailey’s indelible Revelations, accompanied by a live choir.
Legendary reggaeton artist Ivy Queen. Photo courtesy Carnegie Hall
November
Carnegie Hall said on Tuesday that legendary reggaeton superstar Ivy Queen will make her Carnegie Hall debut in the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage on Nov. 20.
Named Billboard’s Women in Music Icon in 2023, Ivy Queen first emerged on the music scene in the 1990s with “a powerful ethos of empowerment and self-determination,“ Carnegie Hall said.
“The output of this pioneering singer, rapper, songwriter, and actress spans not only reggaeton but also salsa, bachata, hip hop, and more,“ it said.
Carnegie Hall said the one-night-only event is part of Nuestros sonidos — a season-long Carnegie Hall festival “shining a light on Latin culture in the US.”
This Nov. 20 performance will mark the first time a reggaeton artist has headlined a concert at Carnegie Hall.
Carnegie Hall said Nuestros sonidos events throughout the Carnegie Hall season highlight the game-changing contributions and constant evolution of Latin music from the 1930s to today, with a special focus on genres that have developed and thrived in the US, including vital contributions from the Caribbean.
Carnegie Hall said concerts throughout the 2024–2025 season will feature musical styles ranging from salsa, bachata, and Latin jazz to reggaeton, hip-hop, classical, and much more.
Carnegie Hall said that, over a career spanning over two decades, she is celebrated for her empowering songs that address themes of resilience, love, and social issues, setting a high standard in the reggaeton and Latin music industry.
It said her iconic hits, such as “Quiero Bailar,“ continue to resonate across generations, solidifying her influence on Latin music globally.
“Ivy Queen’s dedication to her craft and her trailblazing presence have earned her numerous accolades, including Billboard Latin Music’s Icon Award in 2023, and the respect of fans and peers alike, making her one of the most revered figures in Latin music history,“ Carnegie Hall said.
Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson with Family Life Academy Charter School II students. Photo courtesy Office of the Bronx Borough President/Josh Mock
December
On Wednesday, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined Principal of the Family Life Academy Charter School II Valerie Marchionno, Assistant Principal Marilea Alberto, and Music Director Nicholas Diaz in debuting her first-ever Winter Holiday Concert, “Tis the Season.“
The two-hour event occurred in the Rotunda of Bronx Borough Hall, 851 Grand Concourse.
Gibson, the daughter of a Trinidadian-immigrant father, told Caribbean Life that over 300 parents, relatives, and caregivers gathered to hear more than 200 Kindergarten through 5th Grade students enrolled at the Mott Haven school sing holiday hits.
They included “Joy to the World,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Holidays,” “Light of Kwanzaa,” “Ready,” and “Steady Go Now!“ “Mele Kalikimaka,” and others.
“It was a true joy to celebrate the holidays with over 200 students from Family Life Academy Charter School II at our first-ever Winter Holiday Concert, held in the Rotunda of Bronx Borough Hall,“ Gibson said.
“Through their performances of beloved songs, these students brought the light, hope, and wonder that this season brings to so many of us,“ she added, extending “heartfelt thanks“ to Principal Marchionno, Assistant Principal Alberto, Music Director Diaz, “and the more than 300 parents, relatives, and caretakers who helped make this event a tremendous success.
“Wishing everyone a safe, joyful Kwanzaa, Christmas, Chanukah, and Three Kings Day,“ Gibson continued.
