Caribbean Buzz
Kelly Shane, Busy Signal Deliver Love Ballad Remake that’s Worth The Hype.
Kelly Shane, daughter of acclaimed Jamaican singer-songwriter Tanya Stephens, has stepped out with her first single, an updated take on the soul classic “Ain’t That Loving You,” featuring dancehall icon Busy Signal.
Kelly’s effortlessly sweet delivery is offset by Busy’s raspy wordplay and ad libs as they rock over a steady bouncing one drop riddim, courtesy producer Tad A. Dawkins Jnr. “Ain’t That Loving You (ft. Busy Signal)” is available from Tad’s Record on all streaming platforms and visuals are on YouTube.
The video was directed by Thaddeus Deluxe Studio and filmed at various locations in Jamaica. It show Kelly and Busy Signal anticipating an evening date at a rum bar, where they get cozy and showcase the a bit of chemistry that’s expressed through the music.
On the song’s significance, Kelly said “For one, I grew up with my grandmother, and as the owner of the radio and the house, her favorite music was mostly played. Alton Ellis and the entire British-Jamaican music movement was a big part of the soundtrack of my life. It became more personal for me when I recorded it though, as I (at the time) was seeing someone that was very hesitant to love again, so it felt like I was speaking my own words, trying to convince them to take a chance on me. Busy’s verse also summed up how they were feeling too so when I heard it I cried A LOT. Felt very real to me.”
As for the collaboration with Busy Signal, Kelly said, “To be very honest, I didn’t think he would do it. This is my first song and it felt like I was really asking him to take a chance on me. I loved him even more when we shot the video. In true first video fashion, we were all over the place and late and up and down but he was so patient and kind with me. He spent most of the time giving me encouraging words and it felt very warm and genuine. He’s such a genuine human being. I’m so grateful for him.”
“Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)” was originally released as a recording by soul singer Johnnie Taylor in 1967, but subsequent reggae versions by legendary Jamaican artists like Alton Ellis, Dennis Brown, and Beres Hammond — who Kelly Shane cites as a major influence — have since led the song to become etched in the genre’s book of standards.
From the continent of Africa through the sounds of Fela Kuti and Steve Monite to the Caribbean’s Bunji Garlin to the USA’s Joni Mitchell, who Kelly hails as her biggest influence, this unassuming student of evocative expression is ready to share all she has learned with lovers of good music across the globe.
The young singer-songwriter, who only recently made her vocal debut on the ballad “So Damaged” from her mom Tanya Stephens’ critically-acclaimed Some Kinda Madness album, said “up next is my original music so stay tuned.“
Caribbean Buzz
Kerlz Goes Independent Ahead of T&T’s C2K26.
Trinidad and Tobago female soca artiste, Kerlz is going solo. The entertainer has announced her departure from the A Team Band, via media release. A 13-year-journey with the band’s front-line has been dubbed, ‘an amazing run’ by the entertainer who says she is grateful for the experience and the foundation built over the years.
Having recently unleashed a new single called, ‘Medicine’ on D’ Guitarman Riddim alongside fellow soca artistes, Ding Dong and Salty, Kerlz, whose real name is Kerlene Joseph, says she is excited to enter this new chapter. “I extend my deepest and most sincere thanks to the A Team Band for the incredible opportunity and the platform they provided me over the past 13 years,” she said, adding, “The journey has been formative and I will always cherish the music we created and the stages we shared together. I wish the entire A Team family nothing but the very best in all their future endeavours.”
Memories made and cherished, the singer now has her heart set on maximizing the potential of her recent release, which is already gaining ground as the 2026 season comes into focus. With a powerful voice and a dynamic stage presence, Kerlz says she is ready to captivate audiences as a solo performer.
Caribbean Buzz
Young, Coryn Clarke Hosts ‘Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival,’ This Sunday.
Children’s literature takes center stage in St.Kitts this Sunday, young, Caribbean author, Coryn Anaya Clarke hosts the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival.
This landmark event, created by the young author and literacy advocate, will gather children, families, educators, and authors under the theme: “The Power of Us: Stories by Us, For Us.”The festival is proudly supported by First Federal Co-operative Credit Union as its official title sponsor. This partnership underscores the institution’s commitment to youth empowerment, community development, and literacy.
Executive Leader Member Services, Mrs. Sonja Fyfield-Hazel, shared her enthusiasm for the festival, saying, “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mandate to empower youth by showing them that true financial wealth is built on consistent habits formed from an early age. Our goal is to encourage children to develop smart money practices that lay the foundation for lifelong success. A festival that brings together children and parents in a fun yet educational environment creates the ideal launchpad for raising financially confident, and successful individuals.”
This year’s festival will feature dynamic voices from across the Caribbean, including celebrated Guyanese-Canadian author Yolanda T. Marshall and Grenadian author Alyssa Bierzynski.“Earlier this year, I set a goal for myself to share my book, Good Boy Milo, with children across the region,” said Bierzynski. “I am truly excited that it is happening and to be part of the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival. Book festivals, like this one, are celebrations of storytelling and play an important role in promoting literacy and encouraging a love of books and reading among children, especially in this digital era. This will also be my first visit to St. Kitts, so I am looking forward to meeting all the young, and young at heart, readers,” she added.
Marshall, whose work has been recognized internationally for its cultural richness and authentic storytelling, noted the importance of amplifying diverse narratives. “I’m so excited to be reading, hearing stories from other authors, meeting everyone, and most of all performing alongside Coryn at the Chronicles of Coryn: Children’s Book Festival. We will dance, sing, play Soca, and have a literary fete. Be prepared to hear my stories like C is for Carnival. Bring your rags, bring your flags, and get ready to wave,” she said enthusiastically.
The one-day celebration will feature live readings and author meet-and-greets with Coryn, Yolanda, Alyssa, and other guest authors, in addition to cultural performances and interactive displays showcasing the vibrancy of the Caribbean. There will also be book signings, giveaways, and family activities designed to make reading fun and engaging.
Fresh off her success at CARIFESTA XV in Barbados, the young prodigy is now counting down to the first staging of her event in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Her standout participation at the regional cultural showcase not only highlighted her growing talent as an author but also positioned her as a vibrant ambassador for Saint Kitts and Nevis. With her storytelling, charm and natural confidence, Coryn captivated audiences.
“Stories have a special kind of magic, they can make you dream, laugh, and even see yourself in new ways. I’m super excited to share that magic at the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival and to show other children in Saint Kitts and Nevis that their voices and stories matter too. Having our guest authors from Guyana and Grenada is BIG deal, I hope all of you come on out to hear everything they have to say. It’ll be fun, I promise!” said the youngster.
