Caribbean Entertainment Report – West Indian Day Carnival Turns 50 But Buzz Muted

Jessie Waddell founded the West Indian carnival in Harlem.

By NAN ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Aug. 25, 2017: In a matter of 9 days, the West Indian American Day Carnival will officially turn 50 but so far the celebration has been largely muted.

There has been no year-long build up and buzz; no economic impact study released; no social issues call to action; no major media promotion.

Carnival organizers hosted ‘Eat Caribbean’ back in June and this year’s carnival was only launched officially on August 17th ahead of the Labor Day weekend of activities that runs yearly on Labor Day Weekend –August 31st to September 4th.

NYC Mayor Bill deBlasio and his family dance at the 2014 West Indian American Day Carnival prior to his election in November 2014.

On its website, a single graphic speaks to the 50th anniversary while a single note is buried in the black fine print that promotes the week-long event.

But regardless, officials say the 50th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival Week is happening and it will get underway on Thursday, Aug. 31st with Reggae Unda Di Stars. On Friday, September 1st, WIADCA, which presents the annual Carnival, will host its annual Summer Jam: Stay In School Concert & Youth Fest and in the evening at 8 p.m. the popular Brass Fest concert  is set to feature Soca Ambassadors D’All Stars featuring Blaxx, 2017 Party Monarch King Ricardo Drue (Antigua), Teddyson John (St. Lucia), Lyrikal (Trinidad), Farmer Nappy (Trinidad), 2017 Road March King, Problem Child (St. Vincent), Lavaman (Grenada), and 2017 Road March King MX Prime of Ultimate Rejects (Trinidad) in one huge outdoor party!

The West Indian American Day Carnival in Brooklyn,draws over millions of Caribbean nationals to Brooklyn each September.

On Saturday, September 2nd its time for the Junior Carnival followed by the annual Panorama 2017 showcase in the evening.

On Sunday, September 3rd the Dimanche Gras finale includes Calypso Ambassadors – The Calypso King of the World, The Mighty Sparrow, Queen Calypso Rose, King David Rudder, Swallow (Antigua), Ras Iley (Barbados) and Dane Gulston steel pan virtuoso along with the King & Queen of the Bands costume presentations.

On Monday, September 4th,  the event will culminate with the Caribbean Carnival Parade on the Eastern Parkway from 11am – 6 pm.

A scene from ‘To Be A Renegade’ which will be shown on Friday, September 22nd from 8:30 p.m., at MovieTowne Port Of Spain.

PAN IN FOCUS

The steel pan, the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century, will be in the focus at this year’s trinidad+tobago film festival.

Three documentaries about steelbands will make their debut at the festival, which takes place from September 19 – 26 at MovieTowne Port of Spain, San Fernando and Tobago, as well as the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine.

James O’Connor’s film To Be A Renegade, captures the story of the BP Renegades through an examination of the violent beginnings of pan, the era of change, and its present state as a positive influence on communities, with steelbands now travelling abroad as international ambassadors. To Be A Renegade on Friday, September 22nd from 8:30 p.m., at MovieTowne Port Of Spain.

Birdsong, by Vibert Medford, follows Mia Gormandy – the first woman to be appointed arranger for the Birdsong Steel Orchestra, during one night of steelband practice as she prepares the panside for the 2017 Panorama competition. And To Be An All Star, captures the extraordinary energy of one of the big moments of carnival 2017, when the Massy Trinidad All Stars won the Big Band Panorama finals. Both Birdsong and To Be An All Star will screen on Sunday September 24th, as part of Feature T+T, the  ttff’s day-long celebration of local films at MovieTowne Port of Spain, San Fernando and Tobago. For further information visit: ttfilmfestival.com

Busta Rhymes heading back to Jamaican roots.

Jamaican roots Hip-Hop star Busta Rhymes seems to be heading back to roots with his upcoming single “Girlfriend.” The track is set to feature Canadian rapper Tory Lanez, as well as Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel and will officially drop today, Friday, August 25th. “Girlfriend” marks Busta Rhymes’ first release since signing a deal with Epic Records.

Nicki Minaj Strips Down For MAC

Trinidad & Tobago-born rapper Nicki Minaj recently stripped down for her new MAC ad.

Trinidad & Tobago-born rapper Nicki Minaj recently stripped down for her new MAC ad. The rapper gave fans an eyeful in a flesh-colored bodysuit that put her eye-popping cleavage on display to showcase two nude lip colors for the brand – Nicki’s Nude and The Pinkprint.

Rihanna’s Dollar Campaign Program

Rihanna with a Lauren Austin/Aura original at Crop Over 2017. (Instagram image)

Bajan star Rihanna has launched a new Dollar Campaign program for global education to help support education in Malawi through her Foundation.

Every dollar donated to Rihanna’s “$1 Campaign” will give each donor the opportunity to win a trip to New York City to attend her upcoming Diamond Ball on September 14th, which will feature performances from Kendrick Lamar and Calvin Harris.

The news comes amidst reports that the star reportedly just purchased a new home in a gated neighborhood in the West Hollywood area above the Sunset Strip in Hollywood for a whopping $6.8 million dollars.

The 7,000 square feet mansion reportedly has six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a movie theatre, fully equipped gym, billiards room, & more. There’s also a guest house & pool, to go along with a massive yard.