Organizers of Vale Vibe Cooler Fete made a pretty good decision in moving the fete from its former, Maracas Bay location, and instead opting for Drew Manor in Santa Cruz. On Tuesday, from 4pm, fete lovers were entering the venue, ready to party with good friends and once again, create memories that would take them through another year.
There’s something about a cooler fete that intensifies the revelry in the carnival atmosphere. It’s something you’ll hardly ever experience in an all-inclusive setting. The Vale Vibe cooler team has continuously prepped their followers for the jammin,’ and annually, the event engages fans of soca music and the carnival vibe from all over the world. This year was no different. Billed to perform were Iwer George, Viking Ding Dong and the dynamic duo of Fay Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin.
THE BOSS IN ACTION
Iwer mounted the stage first and as usual, his set gave those who’d come out to fete, just what they needed to get the adrenaline going. He explained that the organizers had asked him to do a bit of a retro set to balance the event’s entertainment to which he obliged. There was some grumbling about the feeling that Iwer’s set has never quite changed over the years however, despite that observation by some, many danced and followed instructions given by the boss. When he exited the stage after his performance time was up, the crowd called for him to return, and like clockwork, George brought his bottle of water, throwing it out into the crowd, with that well known blessing.
Viking Ding Dong was next. He too, brought good energy to the fete. His growing catalogue of impressive soca tunes proved enough to get the crowd singing along and dancing. The young entertainer and DJ is enjoying a successful Carnival 2023 season, doing it all the while with a big smile plastered across his face.
THE REVELRY INTENSIFIES
Vale Vibe Cooler fete revelers came out in their numbers on Tuesday. The event was sold out, according to reports and as Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons made their way to the stage, a capacity-filled Drew Manor seemed to have become even more saturated. Nobody seemed to mind though and so, with that, the Vikings added even more pressure.
Fay Ann, dressed simply in a pair of cut out jeans and t-shirt, which bore the word, Power, supported her husband as he made his way to the stage to kick things off with his Road March contender, ‘Hard Fete.’ The crowd immediately flew into a frenzy. Bunji’s strong, masculine presence dominated as he worked the stage and proved that he is a man of the ground. Fay would present next and together, the pair brought even more life to the event.
The fete lovers would be impressed with current and older hits from both artistes and the continuous exchange between the crowd and their soca superstars, proved satisfying for both. The venue’s layout offered an elevated view toward the back, allowing some who may have found it difficult to see the stage, to maybe find a space up top. From start to finish, Vale Vibe Cooler was in essence, a real vibe. There’s no question that many will be back next year for the energy of true Carnival enjoyment!
The Caribbean is mourning the loss of one of its greatest sporting icons following the death of Sir Garfield Sobers, the Barbadian cricket legend widely regarded as one of the finest players the game has ever known. He was 89.
Cricket West Indies confirmed Sir Garfield’s passing on Friday. According to reports, he died at his home in Barbados after a period of illness, just days before his 90th birthday.
Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, on July 28, 1936, Sir Garfield became one of the most influential figures in the history of West Indies cricket. His achievements on the field, coupled with the dignity and pride with which he represented the Caribbean, earned him admiration across generations and around the world. He was knighted in 1975 for his services to cricket and was later named a National Hero of Barbados, one of the country’s highest honours.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the Caribbean and the wider cricketing community. In a statement, Cricket West Indies said, “A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers.”
Fellow Bajan National hero, Rihanna shared her sentiments in a voice message.
Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow also honoured the Barbadian legend, saying, “Sir Garfield Sobers has completed his final innings, but his legacy will forever endure in the hearts of our region, and the story of the cricketing world.”
Sir Garfield’s influence extended far beyond the cricket field. Throughout his life, he became a symbol of Caribbean excellence, inspiring generations of athletes and earning respect as one of the region’s greatest ambassadors.
His passing marks the end of an extraordinary era, but his legacy will continue to live on in Barbados, throughout the Caribbean and wherever the game of cricket is played.
Grammy Award-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage returns with “Come Feel The Love,” an uplifting new single written and produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Stephen Marley.
Released on July 10th through Ghetto Youths International, the song serves as a vibrant musical invitation to experience Jamaica through its people, culture, landscapes, and unmistakable spirit. According to a media release the song celebrates the essence of Jamaica through authentic storytelling, using the universal language of reggae to capture the island’s warmth, resilience, beauty, and enduring sense of community.
Led by the unmistakable voices of Gramps Morgan and Mojo Morgan, the single paints vivid images of Jamaica’s natural beauty, from the iconic lignum vitae and soursop trees to Negril’s coastline, Lovers’ Leap, and the communities where generations have shaped one of the world’s most influential musical cultures.
Complementing the song is a visually stunning official music video produced by Filmaica and directed by Fernando Hevia. Filmed entirely on location throughout Jamaica, the visual showcases many of the island’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks. Gramps Morgan’s performance scenes were captured in Negril and at the iconic Lovers’ Leap in St. Elizabeth, both destinations referenced in the lyrics, bringing an added level of authenticity and emotional connection, while celebrating the beauty and diversity of Jamaica.
Built around the infectious refrain, “Come Feel The Love,” the record embodies Jamaica as more than a destination – it is a feeling rooted in family, music, community, and connection.
Celebrating Home.
“Come Feel The Love” marks Morgan Heritage’s first newly recorded release since the ascension of one of its founding members, Peetah Morgan, opening a new chapter for one of reggae’s most celebrated groups while honoring the legacy he helped build. The single reflects the band’s enduring commitment to carrying its message of unity, love, and cultural pride to audiences around the world.
“Jamaica has given us so much, our identity, our music, our culture, and our purpose,” said Gramps Morgan. “This song celebrates everything we love about home and invites the world to experience the same warmth and inspiration that continues to shape who we are.”
Mojo Morgan added, “Reggae has always connected people across cultures and generations. ‘Come Feel The Love’ reminds us that Jamaica’s greatest gift isn’t just its beauty, it’s the love, unity, and positive spirit that people feel the moment they arrive.”
The record seamlessly blends Morgan Heritage’s signature harmonies with Stephen Marley’s timeless production, creating a contemporary roots,reggae anthem that honors Jamaica’s traditions while introducing its story to a new generation of listeners.
As one of reggae’s most celebrated families, Morgan Heritage has spent decades carrying Jamaican music to audiences around the world, earning a Grammy Award and building a legacy of socially conscious, spiritually uplifting recordings. Their collaboration with Stephen Marley, one of reggae’s most accomplished artists and producers, brings together two of Jamaica’s most influential musical legacies in a powerful celebration of the island, its people, and its culture.
More than the release of a new single, “Come Feel The Love” represents the beginning of Morgan Heritage’s next chapter, one rooted in the same values that have defined the band for generations while embracing a renewed purpose. As they honor Peetah Morgan’s enduring legacy, the group continues its mission of celebrating Jamaica through music and spreading love, unity, hope, and positivity to audiences around the world.
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