International Buzz
Tenille Clarke’s Industry 360 Makes Valuable International Connection.
On Wednesday 2nd October 2024, the Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience brought island glamour to the streets of New York. This year, the dinner event was hosted at the Continent Brooklyn by Industry 360, a social impact organization focused on the advancement of Caribbean culture on the global stage, in an historic partnership with CultureCon, helmed by its parent company The Creative Collective NYC (TheCCNYC).
In celebration of Caribbean excellence, the glamourous affair featured attendees from across the region who are of Caribbean descent, or allies to the Caribbean community. The event also featured a Caribbean-inspired fine-dining experience curated by Chef Scotley Inniss, with cocktail pairings courtesy award-winning Caribbean spirits Ten To One Rum and a live performance from Grenada-born vocalist Jeverson. With representation from across the Caribbean, the networking soirée featured entertainment by DJ Danglez and DJ Kayla G from Guyana, with cocktails courtesy Jim Beam. Specially invited guests included the CEO and Founder of CultureCon, Imani Ellis; popular Bahamian-Nigerian movement lawyer, writer and creator Olayemi Olurin; Billboard Magazine Music Journalist Kyle-Brandon Denis; Apple Music’s Nadeska Alexis; Emmy Award-winning storyteller and on-air travel expert Oneika Raymond and Grenadian-born celebrity publicist, Dr. Yvette Noel-Schure. As part of the programme this year at the Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience, Industry 360 also honoured Grenadian womenswear fashion designer Felisha ‘Fe’ Noel with the Cultural Legacy award, for her seismic impact on and invaluable contributions to Caribbean Culture.
Founder of Industry 360, Tenille Clarke, explains that the partnership between Industry 360 and CultureCon is a significant milestone for the Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience this year – the first Caribbean-oriented event of its kind to be hosted and recognized during CultureCon Week. “Black spaces deserve to be celebrated in all of its diverse range – and that includes the beauty and dynamism of the Caribbean diaspora,” Clarke said. “For Caribbean culture to be included and celebrated in such a meaningful and intentional way within the CulureCon ecosystem – during year two of our event no less – is a testament to the shared values of this partnership between Industry 360 and CultureCon. It proves the power of Caribbean creativity as we showcase our limitless potential to the world.”
In her welcome greetings to event guests, CultureCon Founder, Imani Ellis noted that working alongside Clarke and relying on the award-winning Trinbagonian publicist’s insight has given Ellis ‘amazing foresight into tapping into the diaspora’. “The Creative Collective is the largest community in the United States for Black creatives (…) and we’re making sure that we’re building strong ties across the diaspora. This is the beginning of an ongoing partnership with Industry 360, and we’ll have more details to share soon,” revealed Ellis.
At the Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience, Tenille Clarke also announced an exciting new Creative Arts Residency partnership between Industry 360 and Little Caribbean NYC and I Am Caribbeing, both founded by Shelley Worrell. Little Caribbean NYC is home to the largest and most diverse Caribbean-American-LatinX community outside of the West Indies. The multi-disciplined residency, which will take place in 2025, will work to usher in the next generation of Caribbean creative talent with a 6 to 8-week mentorship opportunity based in New York. Further details on the residency will be available towards the end of 2024.
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.
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.
