Alton Ellis still rocking despite illness
Despite his ongoing battle with myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cell which is an important part of the immune system that produces antibodies to help fight infection and disease, veteran singer Alton Ellis is still set on rocking as many stage shows as he can.
Travel: Jeep thrills
It’s billed as the honeymoon capital of the Caribbean, but a growing band of visitors is eschewing the beaches and falling in love with Aruba’s dramatic desert interior
The pair of them sit idle under the intense morning sun. Clinging to a large, dusty rock, they seem to be enjoying their sunbathing. Unfazed by our presence, the couple remain still, allowing their greyish skin to sizzle. Evidently it’s not only the tourists who partake in a little bronzing in Aruba; even the reptiles are at it. In fact, they’re known for it.
Jamelody chooses reggae over soca
Trinidad is known mostly for soca music, but this is not the route along which Jamelody wanted to make his musical trod. Instead, it is reggae.
I spy Caribbean’s top hideout
Spy thriller writer Ian Fleming chose his fictional hero’s name after reading Birds Of The West Indies by James Bond. And both 007 and the author of the wildlife book would have felt at home in the Antiguan jungle.
Island sounds return to desert for music festival
Songs can both soothe and singe the soul — in a single stride.
“Life has always been a struggle; Distrust, fear and obstacles; Many are called, but few are chosen; Why can’t we all be merciful?”
Now set the words against the gently percussive rhythm and exotic melodic flavor of Jamaica.
Stacious: Shoes, Sex and Secrets
In a Splash exclusive, the dancehall fire-starter talks about breaking off an engagement and why she’ll be around for a long time to come - and breaks her silence on the pesky rumours about her relationship with some guy named Mavado
Roger Steffens and Peter Simon’s ‘Reggae Scrapbook’
“We’re more than a beach. We’re a country.” So a Jamaica Tourist Board ad campaign stated in the 1970s, as tourism became the bread and butter of the Caribbean and Bob Marley secured international fame. Promoting the radical notion that there was - gasp! - culture in resortland proved a smart strategy; today Jamaica is to the Caribbean as Starbucks is to coffee: the brand name that inspires fervent fidelity and chronic visits. To cite the current Jamaica Tourist Board motto, which has “cult” written all over it, “Once you go, you know.”
The return of De Ashanti, again!
He is often described as “the people’s king”. Troubled Calypsonian Herman “Ashanti” has had a bond with Calypso lovers here, built on a rock of mixed emotions. Even those in competing camps, cannot deny his inimitable voice, his ability to connect with his audience in song and punctuate each line with just the right passion at the right time.
