分类: Entertainment

  • KariSoca Returns with 11 Regional Contenders, Four from Antigua

    KariSoca Returns with 11 Regional Contenders, Four from Antigua

    The second edition of KariSoca, the Caribbean’s regional Soca Monarch competition, is set to light up Carnival City ARG on July 29 with performances from 11 energetic contenders, including four local favourites.

    Building on the momentum of last year’s debut—which crowned Dominica’s Wayne “Mr Benji” Benjamin as the inaugural champion—this year’s competition promises a larger stage and heightened rivalry.

    Antigua will be represented by four strong acts: 2024 Soca Monarch Queen Empress, Bless Eye, Zamoni, and reigning Monarch King Young Vice. They will compete against seven challengers from across the region, including Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad, Montserrat, St Kitts, Dominica, and the US Virgin Islands.

    The night will also feature eight guest performances, with headline acts GBM Nutron of Trinidad and Edwin Yearwood of Barbados. Antigua’s own stars Tizzy, Claudette, Menace, and Venom X are also on the lineup, along with a surprise guest performer.

    Organisers say this year’s KariSoca will deliver high energy and regional flair, cementing its place as a highlight of the carnival calendar.

  • Carnival’s Ultimate Cooler Fete Returns at the INET Party Monarch Semi-finalist Competition Set for July 18th at Carnival City

    Carnival’s Ultimate Cooler Fete Returns at the INET Party Monarch Semi-finalist Competition Set for July 18th at Carnival City

    The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC), in collaboration with INET, proudly presents the **INET Party Monarch Semi-finalist Competition**, the ultimate cooler fete of the Carnival season, on Friday, **18 July 2025 at 8:00 PM** at **Carnival City**. Admission is just **$20.00**.

    Each artiste will have five (5) minutes to perform in both categories, Groovy or Jumpy category, competing head-to-head for a coveted spot in the Finals. Eight Jumpy artists will advance to join the reigning Monarch King Young Vice to vie for the crown. Nine Groovy artists will battle it out at the finals on Sunday, 3 August 2025, at 8:00 PM, with a grand prize of $50,000 in each category.

    The order of the Semi-Finals was drawn on Tuesday, 15th July, 2025, at the INET Market Street Store, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown of epic proportions. Adding to the excitement and VIBES, Young Bredda will make a special guest appearance during the semi-finals.

    **GROOVY CATEGORY: JUMPY CATEGORY:**

    **1. Lyrics Man – TryMe 1. Menace XL – Carnival Fever**

    **2. Young Lyric – A Plus Whine 2. Zamoni – Just Like Dat**

    **3. Kimmy – Bumpa Academy 3. Tian Winter – Antigua Mas**

    **4. Peetron – Work Fu Um 4. Lyrical Reds – Shell Dung**

    **5. Naycha Kid – Happy 5. DJ Who – Mash Up Road**

    **6. Natural Rampler – Wild Meat 6. Kid Fresh – De Man**

    **7. Queen Thalia – Big Wave 7. Queen Thalia – Time Has Come**

    **8. Richie – My Love 8. Vicious – Bruk Drown**

    **9. Destiny – Me Nar Tek Dat 9. Raiine – Dey Think A Mad**

    **10. Raiine – D’Sweetnees 10. Sammie C – Flags Up**

    **11. Tian Winter – Grateful 11. Mr. Shy Guy – I Challenge You**

    **12. Dior – Guilty 12. Island Prince – Why You Leaving**

    **13. Empress – Cape 13. Richie – Ovatun**

    **14. Tammy – Old Fire Stick 14. Kimmy – Wild Out**

    **15. Kid Fresh – Spread Out 15. Dior – Tennie Wennie**

    As a **cooler fete**, patrons are encouraged to bring their coolers stocked with drinks, without ice, as all ice must be purchased at the venue. However, **no glass or breakable bottles** will be permitted inside the venue. The ABFC will be enforcing a **zero-tolerance policy** on glass containers throughout the entire Carnival season to ensure the safety of all attendees.

    The ABFC reminds all patrons and vendors that the **Long Bay Lager Beer** and **Oasis Water** are the **exclusive beer and water brands** for Antigua Carnival 2025. No other beer and water brands will be allowed into the venue. Any vendors and patrons found in violation of this policy will be **removed from the grounds.**

    _This year’s Semi-Finals promises to be among the most exciting yet. The energy and VIBES are building as we approach one of the biggest events on our Carnival calendar. Following the record-breaking attendance at the Quarterfinals, we ask all patrons to support our exclusive partners, respect our zero-tolerance policies, and celebrate the spirit of Antigua Carnival safely. “_** _Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson, Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission_** _“_

    _“The INET Party Monarch Semi-Finals is not just a competition, it’s a cultural celebration of our musical identity and the excellent talent that defines Antigua Carnival. We invite everyone to come out, bring your coolers, VIBES in the music, and most importantly, drink responsibly and follow the guidelines as we continue to elevate our festival.”_** _Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries_** _The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission reminds all patrons to drink responsibly, keeping it safe, festive, and full of VIBE! Stay connected with Antigua Carnival on all our social media platforms for the latest updates. Grab your tickets at outlets_

  • 5 Days of Awesome Festival: “ARISE” August 1–5, 2025

    5 Days of Awesome Festival: “ARISE” August 1–5, 2025

    St. John’s, Antigua – This Emancipation weekend, a clarion call goes out to the nation and beyond. 5 Days of Awesome Festival returns with a thunderous roar under the theme ARISE, from August 1st to 5th, 2025 at the Lower Ottos Basketball Court, 7PM nightly—except for the Go For Bold Summit, which takes place Saturday morning from 10AM–12PM online.

    This is not just another gospel concert. It is not a lineup—it is a movement. A sound. A summons. A gathering of voices and visionaries echoing one message: It’s time to ARISE.

    # What to Expect: Five Days. One Purpose. Unstoppable Energy. Friday, August 1 – Word On Fire: Launch night ignites with powerhouses like Mike The Chaplain (USA), Apostle David R. Williams (Jamaica) and Guest Psalmist Carolyn Philip (Antigua). Expect a prophetic release that will impact your life in a real way. Chains broken, sickness healed, souls set free and hearts uplifted, as we experience true liberty. Hosted by Pastor Kevin St. Hill

    # Saturday, August 2 – Go For Bold Summit (Online, 10AM–12PM): A 2-hour summit for forward-thinkers, entrepreneurs, and nation builders. Featuring Dr. Apostle Stanshaw Cornelius (Antigua), Dr. Martin Christie (Jamaica/USA), Dr. Apostle Lovella Mogere (St. Croix/USA), Vernon A. Springer (Antigua), and Elzeva Cuffy (St. Kitts)—this is where legacy meets strategy.

    # Sunday, August 3 – Music, Inspiration & Culture: A fusion of local brilliance and regional soul. Hosted by Dr. Apostle Stanshaw Cornelius who will be the Keynote Speaker, with special performances from Cassada Gardens Fellowship and Mike The Chaplain, this night blends sound, identity, and purpose.

    # Monday, August 4 – Praise Out Loud: This nation belongs to the only Sovereign God and eveything that has breath should praise him. Praise Out Loud will feature Junior Rumble (Jamaica), Elijah Johnson, DiscypIe and Peetron out of Antigua. An evening of unapologetic praise with power and rhythm.

    # Tuesday, August 5 – Favour Fest: A triumphant close with Mike the Chaplain (USA), 3 Pac Banton, Marc Ministry (Bahamas), Lois Powell, Evangelist Sandy Lopez and more. It’s not just music—it’s prophetic release and kingdom celebration. Hosted by Glenroy Maxim.

    # Why ARISE? Because we are not here to entertain—we are here to awaken. Because culture must not only reflect us—it must elevate us. Because legacy is not inherited—it’s intentionally built. 5 Days of Awesome emerges as a spiritual and creative force in the region. This year’s theme, ARISE, is a national invitation to step out of delay, fear, and limitation —and step into divine timing, collective power, and unapologetic boldness.

    # Ticket Info Tickets are available from authorized ticket agents and So Arise Music International. In addition, tickets can be purchased online via the official website: soarisemusic.com/5daysofawesome Admission is $35 EC per event. Children 12 and under enter free. You can also purchase 3 Day Passes for $85 EC or 5 Day Passes for $115 EC.

    # A Stage for Kingdom Creativity So Arise Music International—home to International Multi-Award Winning So Arise Radio, TV, The Reading Public Magazine, and the Antigua Barbuda Global Music & Media Awards—5 Days of Awesome Festival is designed to inspire, empower, and shift atmospheres. Every speaker, every song, every moment is intentional—crafted to speak to hearts, families, leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and those ready to rise beyond survival into divine significance.

  • Antigua and Jamaica Shine Globally: Lisa Grace Harris and DJ SkinnyRich to Electrify Ghana and Spain with Historic Performances

    Antigua and Jamaica Shine Globally: Lisa Grace Harris and DJ SkinnyRich to Electrify Ghana and Spain with Historic Performances

    Two Caribbean powerhouses, flying the Jamaican and Antiguan own DJ SkinnyRich (Dr. Christopher Rowe), 30-time award-winning gospel sensation Lisa Grace Harris (Dr. Melesha Sinclair Harris), are set to blaze international stages this August in a groundbreaking celebration of music, unity, and purpose.

    The duo will first make a powerful impact in Ghana on August 2, 2025, as they take center stage at the prestigious Ghat Hall in Accra. This highly anticipated concert is part of a larger awards ceremony, cultural showcase promoting unity through music and diverse artistic expression.

    Following this historic performance, DJ SkinnyRich will journey to Benicàssim, Spain, to perform a featured two-hour juggling set at the Rototom Sunsplash Festival on August 22, 2025 — one of Europe’s most celebrated reggae and cultural events, known for its message of peace, justice, and inclusivity.

    Adding to the significance of their international influence, both Lisa Grace Harris and DJ SkinnyRich will be honored with the Ghana Merit International Honors Class Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognizing their exceptional contributions to music, cultural diplomacy, and humanitarian impact.

    These achievements reflect their active involvement in Harmony for Humanity, a global initiative that harnesses music, wellness, and advocacy to bridge communities across continents. As cultural ambassadors, both artists have lent their platforms to advance peace, mental health, education, and youth empowerment across the Caribbean and Africa.

    Lisa Grace Harris continues to inspire with her soulful worship and community outreach, while DJ SkinnyRich fuses music with mission, using sound to connect hearts and cultures from Jamaica, Antigua, Europe, Asia and Africa.

    This August marks a defining moment in their artistic journey — not just as performers, but as transformational voices for a better world.

    Follow Their Journey:

    Instagram: @iamlisaharris| @djskinnyrich

    #HarmonyForHumanity #CaribbeanToTheWorld #GhanaMeritAwards2025

  • RESULTS: Party Monarch Quarterfinals Run-Off

    RESULTS: Party Monarch Quarterfinals Run-Off

    𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 Antigua and Barbuda 𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗧 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝘂𝗻-𝗢𝗳𝗳

    Congratulations, next stop: July 18th, 2025, at Carnival City, 8 PM sharp! The road to the finals continues for the Crown, 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗔 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗘 the best is yet to come!

  • Run-Off Round Added to Soca Monarch Competition After Quarterfinal Controversy

    Run-Off Round Added to Soca Monarch Competition After Quarterfinal Controversy

    A special quarterfinal run-off for the INET Party Monarch competition will take place tonight at 7pm on Redcliffe Street, just ahead of the Jam Session.

    Twelve artistes—six in each category—will compete for two remaining spots in the semifinals. The Groovy line-up includes Young Vice, Zamoni, Vicious, Sazzy Sazelle, Sammie C, and Natural Rampler. In the Jumpy category: Johnny Come Lately, Blade, Kid Fresh, Ebony T, Buttaz, and Naycha Kid.

    The run-off follows public outcry over two artistes being fast-tracked to the semifinals despite missing the official quarterfinals earlier this month at Jack Idle due to overseas commitments. Their advancement sparked concern among fellow competitors and fans.

    In response, the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) met with the National Soca Fraternity on 4 July. The Fraternity proposed a resolution: the two controversial qualifiers and the next five highest-ranking artistes from each category (places 16–20) would compete again in a judged live performance round.

    The compromise was accepted by the Minister of Festivals, Daryll Matthew, and the ABFC, with support from all parties involved.

  • VIDEO: Kid Fresh Responses to Soca Monarch Quarterfinals Controversy

    VIDEO: Kid Fresh Responses to Soca Monarch Quarterfinals Controversy

    Kid Fresh responds to the Antigua and Barbuda Soca Monarch Quarterfinals controversy in this insightful video.

  • VIDEO: Kid Fresh Responds to Soca Monarch Quarterfinals Controversy

    VIDEO: Kid Fresh Responds to Soca Monarch Quarterfinals Controversy

    Kid Fresh has responded to the controversy surrounding the Soca Monarch Quarterfinals in a video statement. The artist addressed the issues that arose during the competition, providing his perspective on the matter. The video has sparked discussions among fans and followers of the Soca music scene.

  • DJ Khaled arrives in Antigua to red carpet welcome

    DJ Khaled arrives in Antigua to red carpet welcome

    DJ Khaled, The Grammy-winning producer shared clips from the family getaway on his social media channels, giving his millions of followers a glimpse of Antigua’s crystal-clear waters, lush hillsides, and luxury accommodations. But it was a short video, captioned humorously “It’s not An-tee-gwah, it’s An-tee-guh”, that has sparked local buzz and endeared Khaled even more to his Caribbean fans.

  • RESULTS: Congratulations to the 2025 Calypso Monarch Semi-Finalists!

    RESULTS: Congratulations to the 2025 Calypso Monarch Semi-Finalists!

    🎉 Congratulations to the 2025 Calypso Monarch Semi-Finalists! 🎶👏

    Next stop: July 17th, 2025, at Carnival City, 8 PM sharp! 🕗🎤

    The road to the finals continues for the 👑. Calypso is a VIBE, the best is yet to come! 🌟🎉