International Buzz
Miami Carnival Around the Corner, SOCAVIVOR Takes The Lead.
Socavivor, the ultimate destination carnival series, is set to take Miami Carnival by storm this Columbus Weekend with six massive events over five unforgettable days. From October 8th to October 13th, carnival lovers from across the globe will immerse themselves in the vibrant energy, music, and culture that only Socavivor can deliver.
Known as “Di Ultimate Carnival Adventure”, Socavivor has built its reputation on curating unmatched experiences that capture the spirit of Caribbean carnival—bringing together the best in soca, dancehall, and reggae, while uniting cultures under one rhythm. This year, there’s a new way to experience it all with an exclusive Socavivor armband granting access to all six events. Organisers say the single armband allows access to sunrise breakfast parties, late night cultural celebrations and non stop vibes.
The festivities kick off on Wednesday, October 8th, with Bon Ami at District, setting the tone for a weekend of non-stop celebration. On Thursday, October 9th, the energy soars with Lyrikal’s Happy Place – a joyful night with one of soca’s most loved performers, joined by friends in Soca, for a feel-good celebration of island music and culture.
On Friday, October 10th, a double dose of excitement is set to be delivered. The day begins with the Big Bad Breakfast Party at The Deck, hosted by Caribbean power couple Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons serving up high-energy performances amid a festive breakfast atmosphere. On that night, partygoers will celebrate unity and cultural pride at International Flag Night at Mad House, waving flags from across the globe for a vibrant display of unity through music and dance.
On Sunday, October 12th, Jabba Strikes Back takes over District with an all-black attire event blending dancehall, reggae, and soca, powered by a lineup of renowned DJs at ROOFTOP 4.40.
The weekend wraps on Monday, October 13th with Renaissance: Last Lap! Miami at Blue Martini Brickell, a high-energy finale playing the best hits from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s—keeping the carnival vibe alive until the very last note.
For tickets are more info, check out www.socavivor.com. For the event schedule, go to page 2.
Caribbean Buzz
TONIGHT! BET Features the Caribbean Music Awards at 8PM. DJ AG, Caribbean Superstars and More Will Be Spotlighted.
The Caribbean will be on full display internationally, later tonight – this as the Caribbean Music Awards airs on US television network, BET at 8pm. The Caribbean Music Awards took place at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York on August 28th, marking its third year.
Caribbean celebrities on full display, the event’s red carpet experience saw various media outlets interact with entertainers and socialites from various islands. A special highlight of the evening was the U.S. debut of Tottenham-born DJ AG, known for transforming the streets of London and other UK cities into vibrant musical venues. He brought his culturally rich open-format DJ sets to Brooklyn in celebration of the awards, with a special activation powered by Amazon Music.
From August 29th to September 1st, DJ AG traveled around New York City and illuminated various inner-city neighborhoods across four boroughs. His DJ sets brought the community together seamlessly, creating a vibrant atmosphere without issue.
This initiative coincided with the West Indian Labor Day Parade, one of the biggest celebrations for Caribbean people, which attracts between 1 and 3 million attendees in Brooklyn, New York, annually. Among the notable artistes who participated in this DJ AG’s activation were Machel Montano, Alison Hinds, Lady Lava, Konshens, Scar Lip, I-Octane, Kevin Lyttle, Armanii, Edwin Yearwood, Beniton, Nigy Boy, London Hill, Faith Calendar, Lady G, Lady Ann, Trilla G, Ravyon,Lead Pipe, Hood Celebrity, Wayne Wonder, Mr. Easy, Rome Streetz, Saddis, and Renee Neufville of Zhane.
Expressing his excitement about the overall experience at the Caribbean Music Awards, DJ AG said, “It’s my first time streaming on a red carpet, so to make that debut at the Caribbean Music Awards was truly special. Caribbean music has shaped so much of my identity, and to champion it on a stage this big is an incredible honour. I was excited to bring a touch of London energy to the streets of New York and truly grateful to the awards for inviting me to be part of this moment and to celebrate a culture that continues to inspire the world.”
Alongside the electrifying DJ AG, the red carpet dazzled with renowned figures, including the host for the night, Majah Hype, as well as honorees Busta Rhymes, Sizzla, Austin ‘Superblue’ Lyons, Kerwin Du Bois, and Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers. Previously announced performers, who also made their presence known, were Ding Dong, Full Blown, Lady Lava, Lila Iké, Maureen and Romain Virgo. Present nominees included Amanda Reifer, Anika Berry, Armanii, Buju Banton, D’Yani, Dexta Daps,Konshens, Nailah Blackman, Patrice Roberts, Rajah Wild, Ras-I, Skinny Fabulous, Spice and others.
Special guests featured Elephant Man, DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz, Alison Hinds,Mya, Jessie Woo, Naomi Cowan, Nicolas Nuvan, Serani, Shaneil Muir, DJ Puffy, Donnell Rawlings, London Hill, Ayetian, and more, including Chelly Bissainthe from Love Island USA (Season 7), who served as the official co-host for Billboard’s live stream of the Caribbean Music Awards Red Carpet.
Caribbean Buzz
Caribbean Music Awards to Celebrate The Unmatched Caribbean Vibe in New York, This Thursday.
The annual Caribbean Music Awards is set to unfold this Thursday from 8pm at Kings Theatre, in New York. Hosted by Caribbean Elite Group, the event is quickly becoming an anticipated celebration of Caribbean greatness, annually.
This year, Jamaican dancehall artiste, Bounty Killer will receive the Lifetime Achievement award at the Caribbean Music Awards. Busta Rhymes will also be honored with the Elite Icon award, recognizing his cultural influence, having blended his Jamaican roots with mainstream HipHop. Additionally, Trinidad and Tobago’s Austin ‘Superblue’ Lyons will be presented with Calypso Honors for his impact on the Soca music genre. On the production side of things, T&T’s Kerwin DuBois will also receive a special producer’s honor for his work over the years.
With a list of nominees that exceed 150 Caribbean creatives, The Caribbean Music Awards will once again recognize artists, producers and industry professionals who’ve significantly contributed to the growing Caribbean music landscape. Some 40 categories, multiple genres of music from the around the region, will highlight the tremendous work of Caribbean creatives over the past year.
This year, new categories include, Caribbean R&B and Zess-Steam Artiste of the Year, International DJ of the Year (Female), Reggae Collaboration of the Year, and Reggae, Gospel, and Caribbean Fusion Song of the Year. In the popular ‘People’s Choice’ category, artistes nominated include T&T’s Yung Bredda, Lady Lava, Kes The Band, Skillibeng, Shenseea, Skeng and Vybz Kartel.
