Ebuzz News
Autistic Golf Star, Carter Bonas Represents His Caribbean Ancestry Well, Showing Resilience Every Step of the Way.
There is exceptional beauty and resilience in Autism. Thirteen-year-old Carter Bonas has taught this to many, and he’s far from finished. Born to a Tobagonian father and Jamaican mother, the young golfer, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, is intentionally proving that life gives back to us, exactly what we put in.
Carter will be visiting Montego Bay, Jamaica in October to host a golf tournament on the island. Proceeds from the event will be donated to a school in the area that lacks proper plumbing infrastructure. This is what he does, and he hopes to do the same in Trinidad and Tobago, soon.
Diagnosed with ASD at the age of one, Carter’s journey has been tremendously inspiring. His mother, Dr. Thelma Tennie explains that Carter is high-functioning and is capable of doing pretty much everything a child without autism can. She does however admit that he is sometimes socially awkward and, in the past, had been bullied at school. As a result, at home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Carter is now enrolled in online school, which still allows him to interact with teachers and other classmates while being educated. “He is a straight A student. He does very well in school,” she shared, noting however that his entrepreneurial spirit has led to him questioning the need for school, considering all that he has already accomplished.
From being named Sports Illustrated’s ‘Sports Kid of the Year’ in 2022, to being invited to speak to employees at major companies like 3M and DOW, this young boy of Caribbean ancestry is blazing a trail many would never have imagined he could. It all started at the age of nine when Carter was introduced to the game of golf. “He immediately loved it because of the natural elements,” said his mother. She highlighted that Carter had very little appreciation for contact sports and further to that, he did not like being yelled at. Golf was the last-ditch effort by his family to find him an activity that he could enjoy; And enjoy he did!
The COVID19 pandemic led to major social adjustments in 2020. Tennie said her son became anxious and questioned his future, should anything happen to his family. “He wanted to start a business that would allow him to be able to take care of himself,” she said. “During the pandemic he started a golf line. He sells golf clothes and accessories,” she explained, adding that the material used for the clothing was created to facilitate Carter’s skin sensitivity. “It’s a soft, pajama-type material and the line was debuted at the PGA show as a new product then.”
Since launching Spectrum Golf, Carter Bonas has had a whirlwind adventure. Pro golfer, Ernie Els, whose son is also autistic, learnt of Carter’s ambitious strides and subsequently invited him to walk with him, at his events. Carter Bonas’ name and story soon made it to news channels and sport media outlets around the US. He got the opportunity to meet basketball star, Steph Curry in 2022 when Sports Illustrated named him Sports Kid of the year and beyond that, UPS subsequently coined Bonas their ‘Unstoppable CEO.’ He was flown out to the Golf Masters by the company- an experience that while exhilarating for the young athlete, would be inspiring to children with autism, much like Carter.
On April 25th, Carter Bonas Day was commemorated in Lauderhill, and on that day, Carter hosted the First Annual Autism Awareness Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Coral Springs. He is also working on his autobiography, detailing his journey thus far.
Proud of his Caribbean ancestry, the young, autistic athlete shows off his heritage whenever he can, sharing both the T&T and Jamaican flags on his golf bag. “Carter wanted to write his book to inspire other people to never give up on whatever they are passionate about,” said his mom. Both she and Carter’s father, Bolvin Bonas, are extremely proud of their son. “Carter is very determined, brave and outspoken, said the elder Bonas who hails from Argyle, Tobago. “He is a lot of fun to be around, and he has a great head on his shoulders,” he added.
As April, the month that highlights Autism comes to a close, the Bonas family is encouraging parents of both autistic children and children without the health challenge, to hone into whatever they see, makes their child happy, and encourage that. “See what their passions are and what they’re good at. Get a good team behind you, share your story and don’t be afraid to foster your child’s strengths,” said Tennie.
Ebuzz News
Kymani Marley Set to Release Anticipated New Album, on August 28th. Latest Single, “A Little Bit,” Delves Deep.
Ky-Mani Marley returns with “A Little Bit (I’m Okay),” the fourth and final single ahead of his highly anticipated new album, Love and Energy, which is slated for an August 28th release, and available to pre-save now on all digital platforms via his Konfrontation Muziklabel in partnership with New York-based DubShot Records.
Written by Ky-Mani, his daughter Imani Marley, and longtime collaborator Shaquel Leon, “A Little Bit (I’m Okay)” turns a deeply personal chapter in Marley’s life into an honest reflection on mistakes, uncertainty, resilience and ultimately, acceptance. Rather than pretending everything is perfect, Ky-Mani lands somewhere more real: life can take you down roads you never expected, force you to question yourself and leave you carrying lessons you never asked for — and you can still come through it able to say, I’m okay.
“A Little Bit (I’m Okay)” became a crowd favorite during the European leg of Ky-Mani’s recent Love and Energy summer tour. A live video for the song, which premiered on his YouTube channel, captures an intimate performance filmed at the Toulouse Rio Loco Festival in France this past June, alongside behind-the-scenes footage from the road.
Built around a classic one-drop reggae rhythm and the distinctive cry of pedal steel guitar from musician Tal Morris, the track was produced by Ky-Mani Marley, Anthony Smith, and Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown. Ky-Mani opens the song with a vulnerable look at the roads that shaped him. “I’ve been walking roads with no clear signs, trying to read between the wrong and the right lines. I took some turns I didn’t plan, just trying to figure out who I am– made some mistakes I can’t erase, but that’s alright.”
For Marley, the message is not about having life completely figured out. It is about making peace with the journey. “‘A Little Bit (I’m Okay)’ came from a real place in my life,” he said, adding, “I was going through some things, questioning things, looking at choices I made and roads I had taken. Sometimes life doesn’t go the way you planned, and you don’t always have all the answers. But you learn, you grow and you keep moving. For me, being able to say ‘I’m okay’ doesn’t mean everything is perfect – it means I’ve made peace with where I’ve been and I’m grateful for where I am. That feeling runs through Love and Energy. This album is probably one of the most honest reflections of where I am today,”
That sentiment sits at the heart of Love and Energy, a 14-song collection accompanied by two spoken-word reflections, marking Ky-Mani’s first solo studio album in more than a decade. Throughout the project, Marley explores the experiences, relationships, struggles and growth that have shaped both the artiste and the man he is today, while staying rooted in the reggae foundation that has defined his musical journey.
Caribbean Buzz
Times Square, New York, The Place to Be for Caribbean Culture on August 30th.
On August 30th, a major Caribbean event is popping off in the heart of New York. Tropicalfete Inc. is at it again, delivering its 5th annual Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival in Times Square, New York. That’s big deal!
The free, family-friendly event will transform the place that’s often dubbed, the Crossroads of the World, into a vibrant showcase of Caribbean music, dance, and artistic expression. On August 30th, it kicks off at 1pm along Broadway, between W46th and W47th streets. TropicalFete says those coming out are encouraged to wear carnival costumes, wave their national flags, and “celebrate the rich diversity of Caribbean culture.”
The event will be hosted by Vibes Man Redman and Katherine Charles, and will feature an exciting lineup of acclaimed performers, headlined by legendary Billboard chart-topping soca artiste, Rupee.
Rupee made history in late 2004 as the first Barbadian-born artiste, and one of just two soca acts, to reach the Billboard Hot 100 with his global hit, “Tempted to Touch,”which was later Certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Rupee’s catalogue of soca anthems also includes “Jump,” which has won Road March titles (the song judged to be most popular) at Caribbean carnivals in Boston, Brooklyn, Miami, Toronto, and at Barbados’ Cropover.
The artiste will be honored at the Tropicalfete Pop-Up Carnival by city and state officials for his contributions to Caribbean culture through music and his courageous advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness. During the event, Rupee will receive a Mayoral Certificate of Recognition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office. He will also be awarded a Proclamation on behalf of the New York City Council. Additionally, New York State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Roxanne Persaud will present him with a State Proclamation, while Assembly Member Brian Cunningham will recognize him with a New York State Assembly Proclamation.
Tropicalfete’s Pop-Up Carnival’s non-stop entertainment schedule will also include a performance by Mapy, “The Violin Queen.” Born on Réunion Island, raised in Paris and now based in Brooklyn, Mapy delivers electrifying performances that blend classical violin with Caribbean rhythms and hip-hop beats. Her impressive resume includes performances at the Grammy Awards, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the St. Kitts Music Festival.
Carnival masquerade traditions from all over the Caribbean representing traditional, folkloric, ole (satirical), and pretty mas will also be highlighted.
Tropicalfete Steel Pan Ensemble comes to light up Times Square with an unforgettable set of high-energy. The ensemble will be joining forces with Soca superstar Rupee performing together with one of his songs Give Thanks which is a special treat for the audience. Tropicalfete Stilting Unit and Mas will also be bringing the color, movement, culture, and excitement of Carnival to the heart of New York City.
Attendees can also look forward to a high-energy soca fitness workout with Mandy and a performance by the dynamic rythem Section – Riddim Explosion. DJ Patrick and DJ Eric will provide the recorded musical selections.
The Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival has become one of Tropicalfete’s signature cultural events, attracting thousands of residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts each year. Through music, dance, and interactive performances, the event celebrates Caribbean heritage while promoting education and community engagement.
“Tropicalfete’s Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival continues to unite communities by bringing the energy, creativity, and traditions of the Caribbean directly into the heart of New York City,” said Alton Aimable, Executive Director of Tropicalfete. “As we celebrate our fifth year, we invite everyone to experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of Carnival while embracing the diversity that makes our city so unique.
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