Island Girls are Crazy! Ask Chris Brown
Earlier this summer I took a trip to New York and had a chance encounter with a gentleman by the name of J.R. at a Manhattan nightclub and it went as follows: J.R. approaches …....
Caribbean
Recognizing contributions of African and Caribbean immigrants
The African and Caribbean Business Council (ACBC) will honor the achievement of outstanding members for their innovation, excellence, leadership and entrepreneurial skills in its 2nd Winter Awards Dinner on Friday, November 11, 2011. The...
Survival Rate for Breast Cancer A Matter of Economics in Africa & the Caribbean?
“Data obtained from the International Agency for research on Cancer shows that compared to Developed countries African women do not have a higher rate of Breast Cancer Incidence but have an alarming higher mortality...
Before Rihanna there was Grace Jones
International pop Barbadian born superstar Rihanna was recently bestowed the coveted title of “the sexiest woman alive” by Esquire magazine. Known for her catchy tunes and fashion forward style and edge, Rihanna has managed...
“Le Mozart Noir” (The BLACK Mozart): Do You Know Chevalier de Saint-George?
The arts have always played an important role in the history and culture of African descendants. While many people today often limit the scope of Art within the African Diaspora to hip hop, rap,...
Child Rape: “After 12 ah lunch?”
Growing up as a child growing up in a village in the small Caribbean island of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, I was often prohibited from wondering the streets or socialising with other people outside...
Untold history behind Bangles (Manillas): “Slave Trade Money” to the must have Accessory
For many parents with newborn children in the Caribbean, it is an expected gift. Thus, shopping for a toddler’s christening or first birthday is not a difficult task. While one appreciates the gesture of...
In Search of Orijin: Rastafarians in Shashamane
Psalms 68:31 proclaims that ‘Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.’ This biblical reference to the land of Ethiopia has been one of the main premises...
The Orijin of Lovers Rock Riddimz: Feel Good
One of South London’s biggest exports has been lover’s rock riddimz. While it was orijinally created to fit within the more conservative London reggae scene, lovers rock has become a staple of reggae music...
From African Talking Drum to the Caribbean Steelpan
Its commonplace on almost every Caribbean cruise; older men dressed in tropical shirts, hitting the sticks they hold in their hands against the corners of the shinny hollowed silver ‘bowls.’ To a large extent,...
Are Africans and Caribbean Descendants Morally Superior?
A few months ago I had the gall to suggest that porn should be legalized in Africa and the Caribbean. My suggestion was in response to a recent publication that showed that the porn...
Decoding the Sou-Sou Money [AKA Partna, box-hand] in Africa & the Diaspora
I remember watching one of the judge shows (I can’t recall which one) and the case involved two ladies; one of whom had defaulted on her contribution to the sou-sou hand. While I was...
Jamaica: A Breeding Ground for Islamic Extremism?
Rampant poverty, unemployed youths, drugs, state wide corruption and gang violence are just some of the social ills that can lead to people searching for alternatives. One such alternative, as recently exposed by document...
Anansi Stories: From West Africa to the Caribbean
Most North American children learn moral lessons through cartoons and story books, however, in the Caribbean, we learn these lessons through folktales passed on to us by our elders. As a child growing up, I...
Why are we so Willing to Leave our Homelands Behind?
I remember how special I felt when at the age of 12, I was told that I will be moving to Toronto, Canada. I was one of the lucky few who had the opportunity...
my Orijin | Bob Marley
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the the 20th Century’s most influential musician, Robert Nesta Marley AKA Bob Marley’s death. Bob Marley passed away on May 11th, 1981. Bob Marley’s songs continue to inspire...
IRAWMA Celebrates its 30th Year: Damian Marley, Gyptian, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj,Pitt Bull….
The International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) will celebrate its 30th year on May 28th, 2011 at the National Academy of the Performing Arts in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Founded by entrepreneur, publisher...
Decoding Beyonce’s controversial photoshoot “Blackface”
“Far from the glamorous Sasha Fierce, the beauty posed for the magazine with amazing fashion designers clothes, but also in a dress created by her mother. A return to her African roots,...
