Caribbean American Arts Review aka CAAR

10/14/2021

Not to be missed...

Not to be missed...

09/24/2021

WE DID 'PLAY AH SAFE MAS': despite the restrictions Labor Day Celebrations happened

Brooklyn, NYC; Sept. 2021 — In case you missed it, despite the existing COVID-19 restrictions/concerns and the official NYC decision to not have regular Labor Day festivities this year, the West Indian American Day Carnival Association did plan and have permitted activities to mark our annual Labor Day Carnival in Brooklyn, a tradition of 55 years.

Attached are a few photos and notes about the toned-down, but well-attended Caribbean cultural heritage activities that were held over Labor Day weekend.

Gerry Hopkins, the managing editor of Caribbean American Arts Review (CAAR), salutes the leaders of WIADCA and all of our mas band and steel band leaders and players, along with our community leaders — who year-after-year do their part in ensuring the preservation and development of Caribbean-American heritage in the Diaspora.

To view a full report with more photos of this year's Labor Day activities, you may check out this link:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wiadcacarnival/albums/with/72157719893355658

09/05/2021

Rain or Shine, COVID-19 or 20 — the culture must be kept alive, and WIADCA is doing so!
Major Drum Salute to WIADCA: 54 Years of Fostering Caribbean Culture

I, Gerry Hopkins, Candidate for NYC Council in the 40th District, hereby says THANK YOU TO WIADCA for its continued efforts in planning and ensuring the celebration and preservation of Caribbean culture here in the Diaspora.

Let's celebrate and keep our culture alive!

Happy & Safe Labor Day Weekend to Everyone!💥

– Gerry Hopkins JD
Community Organizer & Supporter of Culture
Candidate for NYC Council 40th District
Brooklyn, NYC

#Repost @scorchmag with @make_repost
・・・
Our culture could never be cancelled....
Come experience a CARNIVAL themed event that's JUS LIKE MAS
.
Home of BROOKLYN'S CARNIVAL :
200 Eastern Parkway
Behind the BROOKLYN MUSEUM on Labor Day Monday morning ‼️
.
TICKETS : www.IslandETicket.com
.
JUST LIKE MAS
Monday Wear or Costumes
.
MAS will never Die

.
The Ultimate Labor Day Monday ‼️
.
🚚🔊Road Experience🔊🚚
.
Presented by

WIADCA X SCORCH X THC X Sunny Side Up X CareFreeNation X Blackstar Denzil
.
Date: Labor Day Monday
Time: 11am - 6pm

You come dressed in:
Costumes & Monday wear
👙💃🎭

We provide:
The Road 🛣
Music Trucks 🚚
International Djs 🎧
Live Performances 🎤

So, it can be JUS’ LIKE MAS 🎭

Powered by:
@newyorkcarnival
@scorchmag
@thc_promotions
@iam_jasonj_thc
@sunnysidecrew
@CareFreeNation
@blackstardenzil

09/05/2021

Rain or Shine, COVID-19 or 20 — the culture must be kept alive, and WIADCA is doing so! Major Drum Salute to WIADCA: 54 Years of Fostering Caribbean Culture

I, Gerry Hopkins, Candidate for NYC Council in the 40th District, hereby says THANK YOU TO WIADCA for its continued efforts in planning and ensuring the celebration and preservation of Caribbean culture here in the Diaspora.

Let's celebrate and keep our culture alive!

Happy & Safe Labor Day Weekend to Everyone!💥

– Gerry Hopkins JD
Community Organizer & Supporter of Culture
Candidate for NYC Council 40th District
Brooklyn, NYC

THANK YOU NY CARNIVAL 2021 SPONSORS AND PARTNERS! Without all of you we would not be able to offer these programs and events year round. Much love and let’s celebrate #NYCarnival together.
@conedison @moulinrougebway #gileadsciences @wemoveny @nynurses @healthfirstny @digiceljamaica @digiceltrinbago @nyculture @nypd @nycmayorsoffice @bkreliefkitchen @copousa @brooklynmuseum @lasante_health @pix11news @caribbeanlifenews @radiosoleil @bricbrooklyn @allansbakery @iamcharliesrecords @emblemhealth

#nycarnival #newyorkcarnival #lovenycarnival #caribbean #caribbeancarnival #caribbeanlife #steelpan #panology #panorama #rebirth

09/05/2021

2021 WIADCA International Youthfest

Rain or Shine, COVID-19 or 20 — the culture must be kept alive, and WIADCA is doing so.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=7--KBRU_ydk&feature=share

We do not own the rights to the music being played. All songs being used for promotional use only. No Copyright Infringement intended.

09/04/2021

PREE DAY NYC- THE JOUVERT EDITION- THE JAB WE AINT TURNING DOWN!!

PREE DAY NYC | THE J'OUVERT EDITION

Not to be missed... SUN., SEPT. 5, 2021 | 1PM - 10PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pree-day-nyc-the-jouvert-edition-the-jab-we-aint-turning-down-tickets-161324117779?aff=ebdssbeac

⁣⁣If you’re missing the AUTHENTIC GRENADIAN JAB JAB…. this is your chance to experience the real Grenadian Jouvert with Tallpree & Friends.

09/04/2021

PARTY BAD MR.LEGZ & FRIENDZ

Not to be missed... | SAT., SEPT. 12, 2021

www.partybad2021.eventbrite.com

Come fete and feel the vibe with Mr.legz and friendz, nothing but togetherness and safety with all cultures ......DE PARTY BAD!!!!!!!!

09/01/2021

The Origins of La Diablesse

"The Origins of La Diablesse", a Moon Peak Production, a mimi film written, produced, edited, by my daughter, Cherayna Rullow, aka Chey Buttah" for her college senior project. This was orinigally meant to be a stage play, but due to the COVID pandemic, when schools were suddenly shut down, she had to come up with an alternative way to present her project. Words cannot express her disappointment, after spending the last year and a half working on this play, including casting, stage design, lighting costuming etc. Now she could not do the stage play as she had planned. She could have taken the easy route, as most of her classmates did, doing a condensed presentation of their project on zoom, and be done with it, but not my child. She felt it would have done an injustice to her script. So, just like her mom, she chose the hard way, and decided to do a film, which is something she's never done before. She spent weeks adapting the play to film, which presented one challenge after another, from auditioning the cast virtually, to rehearsing, trying to find a hoof 😊, to painting half of her face, to her first director quiting on her and hsvibg to find another one, to scheduling filming time on campus with the cast with strict COVID protocols in place, to getting the props to and from campus, to learning to edit the film herself and put in all the credits and sound, to many sleepless nights......Whew!!! All of this in the height of the pandemic, and also trying to complete her other finals. At one point she broke down crying in my arms, feeling so overwhelmed, that she had taken on too much. I lovingly reassured her that she could do this, and that she would be so proud of herself when it was all done. It was truly a labor of love, and she couldn't be more proud of herself right now. Her faculty was completely blown away and gave raving reviews, earning her one of the coveted awards at graduation. I am so proud her hard work, and the fact that she wanted to pay homage to our Grenadian culture, as well as the details she incorporated. For instance, using Gouyave as the location and using her grandfather "Florry Duncan" songs "Morning Time"as background music, as well as excerpts from Richardo Keens Douglas storytelling about La Diablesse in the end. I know more now about the La Diablesse story than I did before because of her. This was very low budget, and the audio could have been a little clearer in some areas, which could have been fixed if she had more time. But all I can say is watch what she does in the future when she has real funding and the right kind of resources and support. You go Cherayna Rullow!! The sky is the limit and your mom is always here to support and cheer you on 🎉🎊❤🥰

A senior project final by Cherayna Rullow on a well known Caribbean folklore/myth of La Diablesse (The Devil Woman). It is an homage to the storytelling prac...

08/31/2021

The Cookie Jar: Power. Pain. Pleasure.

A CAAR REVIEW NOTE

Regarding Asheida Charles' New Book: The Cookie Jar: Power. Pain. Pleasure

By Gerry Hopkins, JD

The Cookie Jar: Power. Pain. Pleasure, has all of the trappings and elements of a best seller. I have already purchased and read my copy. Having done so, I am only going to now simply say this: folks, go get your own copy because I ain’t revealing any of the details here at this point in time. In a month or two, I will really unpack and share a whole lot of details after most folks would have had an opportunity to read the book as well.

However, may it be sufficient for now to say that Asheida Charles' book reveals a whole lot about life's realities through the lenses of the characters we encounter, as we experience their aspirations, explorations, joys, sadness, humour, disappointments and achievements in a world that's fraught with hypocrisy, injustice and some blessings here and there.

This book is loaded with heavy thoughts, real experiences, a plethora of teaching moments and scenarios that allow for useful, insightful reflections.

While a good deal of the details in the book are raw and not about happy moments in the lives of the characters we get to meet, the entire book is so beautifully written that many readers like myself, may simply not want to put it down until it’s all read — from the "Introduction" to the "About the Author" piece at the end.

My take: this is a very satisfying read for anyone with an appetite for intellectual honesty, who can appreciate someone who is obviously an attentive student of intellectual pursuits and of the experiences of ordinary folks, who live real, not fake lives.

Charles is equally substantive and articulate in her also published research-based scholarly writings (a relevant master’s thesis and four very telling papers), as she is in her prose which paints a picture of sorts — never abstract, always real. Certainly, she is the kind of author that would have readers asking for more of her written work.

BOOK LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Cookie-Jar-Power-Pain-Pleasure-ebook/dp/B09D1D39J2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1630361645&refinements=p_27%3AAsheida&s=books&sr=1-1

###

GERRY HOPKINS, inter alia, is the Managing Editor of Caribbean American Arts Review (CAAR) — a platform which identifies, discusses, preserves and showcases the music, dance, theatre, poetry, fine arts, books, modeling, fashion and films of Caribbean Americans.
LINK to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caribbeanamericanartsreview/

The Cookie Jar: Power. Pain. Pleasure.

08/07/2021

Not to be missed..

For Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com

07/14/2021

Not to be missed...

Not to be missed...

06/23/2021

06/23/2021

Ok. WATCH THIS NOW — the Video Promo that INFORMS you of, and INVITES you to, the Release and Premiere Screening of Dionne Blaize's Afrobeat dance single — "KUCHIDONGO"

DATE: SUN., JUNE 27th, 6PM.ESTvia multiple online platforms...shared in the attached promo.

06/21/2021

Blaka Dan - Honey Comb (Official Audio)

Another big tune from Blaka Dan — built on an infectious arrangement of music, plus telling lyrics which affirm the fact that he is a bonafide soca ambassador.

Gerry Hopkins JD
Managing Editor
Caribbean American Arts Review | CAAR

https://youtu.be/JCH-3_Ofzfc

Produced By Peck JonezzWritten By Wrenroy OgisteDrums By Keane Jules Guitar By Jeavid "Wiggy" Neckles Bass By Chervon "PeckLin" Thomas Mixed By Xpert Produc...

05/19/2021

ANSLEM DOUGLAS | INSPECTOR | MANDELLA LINKZ
Background Vocals: Cheryl Vincent & Wynsome Slocombe
Dancer: Cherayna Rullow aka Chey
Host: Harriet Jeremiah aka Pet
@ Ridealong Live's Virtual Mother's Day Concert | Captured Behind the Scenes Moments

Video Clips by Gerry Hopkins |
HCG Communications

05/19/2021

@ Ridealong Live's Virtual Mother's Day Concert 2021 | Captured Behind the Scenes Moments

Still Photography by Gerry Hopkins |
HCG Communications

05/18/2021

Caribbean American Arts Review (CAAR) commends Grenadian rising star in reggae, Ahkeem aka A#keem, on his #5 place in the Upsetta International's Reggae Top 10.

Iba Mahr got the #1 spot with World in Problem, while Beres & Popcaan came in at #2 with God is Love.

Big tings a'gwan!

Blessings.

— Gerry Hopkins JD
Managing Editor & Consultant
Caribbean American Arts Review | CAAR

Caribbean American Arts Review (CAAR) commends Grenadian rising star in reggae, Ahkeem aka A#keem, on his #5 place in the Upsetta International's Reggae Top 10.

Iba Mahr got the #1 spot with World in Problem, while Beres & Popcaan came in at #2 with God is Love.

Big tings a'gwan!

Blessings.

— Gerry Hopkins JD
Managing Editor & Consultant
Caribbean American Arts Review | CAAR

05/10/2021

Salute to Mothers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aGc8O-Gd7Q

05/09/2021

Ridealong Mothers Day Concert

Ridealong Mothers Day Concert

04/25/2021

Spice Island Youthquake 40th Anniversary Opening Mass

https://www.facebook.com/spiceislandyouthquake/videos/739473143365197/

04/01/2021

GRENADIAN SINGER JEVERSON BLAZING NEW PATHS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVEyuoxxrmc

from CARIBUPDATE's Rhythm & Buzz

03/30/2021

DESERVED CONGRATULATIONS to ROMAIN VIRGO!
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🎼
✊🏾✌🏿🙏🏾

Thank you for all the love and support over the years. This was not just a Debut to me it meant years of trying my best to make quality music through some of the toughest times. It’s pretty early days... I know there’s so much more to come if I just continue to put in the work. I just want you all to know that I appreciate you and I take nothing at all for granted. The work continues.. 😊

03/15/2021

Vintage Richardo Keens-Douglas — a Caribbea-born storyteller, author, playwright, actor, director, costume designer

03/05/2021

Beres Hammond's Virtual Concert With Buju, Marcia Griffiths & Popcaan: Here's What Happened – DancehallMag

Beres reigns supremely as king of balladic reggae — and proved it remarkably at last Sunday's virtual concert.

Additionally, Buju, Marcia Griffiths and Popcorn performed in equal splendor at the said concert.

However, the headliner, Beres, took the cake and wore the crown, in my view.

Jamaican balladeer Beres Hammond negotiated a memorable reentry into the stage show arena with the Love From A Distance virtual concert.

03/03/2021

Reggae Icon Bunny Wailer -- Founding Member of the Wailers -- Dead at 73

Caribbean American Arts Review (CAAR) extends deepest condolences to the relatives and the fans of the unforgettable artiste and musician, Bunny Wailer, who was one of the original Wailers.

Wailer’s manager, Maxine Stowe, confirmed his death

03/03/2021

U-Roy, Influential Reggae Artist, Dies at 78

Caribbean American Arts Review (CAAR) extends deepest condolences to the relatives and the fans of the master of toasting and godfather of dancehall, rap and hip hop, U-Roy aka Ewart Beckford.

Kingston, Jamaica born-and-bred vocalist Ewart Beckford, better known as the reggae artist U-Roy, died on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at his home in Jamaica. He was 78 years old. An influential singer of ge…

02/23/2021

Big Respect to Dollarman | Big Tune: This World

02/19/2021

Road to Stage with Yuma!

No Carnival in 2021,But the Celebration Cyah Done |
Three Ladies of Soca | One Big Hot Show | Road to Stage with YUMA

02/12/2021

Change The World Music Video by Sabi Pitt

NEW RELEASE — telling message; heart-warming music

Song: CHANGE THE WORLD
Artiste: SABI PITT
Songwriters: Sabi Pitt | Eddie Bullen | Selwyn Pitt
Co-Producers: Sabi Pitt & Eddie Bullen

Caribbean American Arts Review (CAAR) commends the artistry, songwriting, compositional and arrangement skills of Grenadian-American artiste, musician, producer and educator, Sabi Pitt.

Sabi refreshingly delivers Change the World in a distinct voice and with an uplifting message, interwoven in his unique cross-over style of Urban Pop with Caribbean influences.

This multi-talented music man, has a Master's Degree in Music/Music Education from New York University.

Gerry Hopkin JD
Managing Editor
Caribbean American Arts Review | CAAR

https://youtu.be/78bnCa4Wx4M

The world is in turmoil. The siege of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, political instability, child-abuse, poverty and other social ills abound. There ...

01/28/2021

AFTERWORK NETWORKING WEDNESDAYS (ANW) in Brooklyn

AFTERWORK NETWORKING WEDNESDAYS (ANW) in Brooklyn

01/08/2021

Miss Coco- Fever (2021)🇬🇩

Miss Coco's Fever is High, Sweet & Painless

This tune, "Fever," by Miss Coco, would soon be viral.

Her vocals are bold and sweet, as she smoothly rides the beat of the sexy Safari Riddim, produced by Carey Fadajam Rawlins.

This groovy crossover Soca with a touch of Hip Hop, fully asserts Miss Coco's notion that she is the position queen.

Fever will soon be playing in lots of bedrooms; and later in every dancehall as soon as the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

And by the way, whether you already caught this fever or not, all are encouraged to regularly test for the CoronaVirus, wash your hands with soap, sanitize them often often, practice social distancing and eat healthy (lots of Zinc and Vitamin C and D3), and hot peppermint, orange peel, garlic and honey beverages without milk, especially.

- Gerry Hopkin JD
Managing Editor
Caribbean American Arts Review (CAAR)
347-350-4285 | [email protected]

https://youtu.be/RWhiaK0Sr-E

Artist: Miss CocoSong Title: FeverProduced by: Carey Fadajam RawlinsMixed and Master by: Carey FadajamRecorded at: Mount Agnes StudioBack Up Vocals: Sabrina ...