Event buzz (Jan/Feb 2024)
Essential info about what’s happening across the region in January and February — including myriad carnival celebrations
Issue 180 (January/February 2024)
The latest issue of Caribbean Beat (#180) is all new for January/February 2024! Inside, meet our cover girl — Trini singer and songwriter Nadia Batson — along with Caribbean food influencer Natasha Laggan, and the Trinidadian-British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir (who plays the title role in the anticipated Bob Marley: One Love). Explore the history of reggae music on film; the magic of panyards in the weeks before T&T Carnival; and the varied pre-Lenten mas traditions across the region. Get inspired by travel features on regional destinations, and dive inside exciting diaspora festivals, events, and bucket list experiences. Catch up on regional books and music … and so much more. Pick up a copy on your next Caribbean Airlines flight, via print or digital subscriptions, or read online here!
The blue holes of Andros | Wish you were here
Postcards from the Caribbean’s most extraordinary places
Life Between Islands | Art buzz
A Tate Britain exhibition — that aims to feature the new identities, communities and cultural varieties shaped by the Caribbean diaspora in Britain — moves to the Art Gallery of Toronto through 1 April
Music buzz | Reviews (Jan/Feb 2024)
This month’s listening picks from the Caribbean — featuring reviews by Nigel Campbell of new music by Chris St Hilaire; Asa Bantan & Kalash; Ava Hutchinson; and Sheriff & Erphaan Alves
Book buzz | Reviews (Jan/Feb 2024)
This month’s reading picks from the Caribbean, with reviews by Shivanee Ramlochan of Growing up Woodbrook by Dylan Kerrigan; Loverbar by Lizbette Ocasio-Russe; The Blue, Beautiful World by Karen Lord; and All Made of Longing by Ruth Osman Rose
The barfi queen | Cookup
Natasha Laggan — once described as the “Caribbean’s top food influencer” — has been making mouths water through her Trini Cooking with Natasha brand. Shelly-Ann Inniss learns more
Kingsley Ben-Adir: relishing the challenge | Snapshot
Fresh off roles in Barbie and Marvel’s Secret Invasion, Trinidadian-British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir takes on the title role in the Bob Marley: One Love biopic. Caroline Taylor reports
Reel & come again | Backstory
As a new biopic of Bob Marley hits screens worldwide, Jonathan Ali explores the rich cinematic history of reggae music and culture through six iconic films
Nadia Batson: “I know who I am now” | Own words
Singer and songwriter Nadia Batson on the magic of Carnival 2019; the devastation she masked through Carnival 2023; and the joy of finding her voice, and finally feeling seen — as told to Caroline Taylor
Beyond iron & steel | Personal tour
Nigel Campbell meditates on the power of music and community in Trinidad’s panyards, especially in the electric lead-up to Panorama — the biggest steelband showcase in the world
Making the Caribbean with mas | Panorama
Carnivals abound across the region at this time of year. Marvin George explores both their differences and their common threads
As nature intended | Escape
Across the Caribbean, there are awe-inspiring reserves that allow natural ecosystems to thrive. Whether hiking, diving, wildlife watching, or just sitting quietly allowing nature to bring you back in to balance, here are five escapes for your bucket list
St Maarten’s SXM | Prepare for landing
There’s nothing like the anticipation of preparing to land in your favourite destinations
For the ancestors | On this day
Some 100 years after becoming the world’s first free Black republic, Haiti remained without a national anthem. James Ferguson looks at the creation of “La Dessalinienne”
For seven generations to come | Green
The Caribbean has a plastic pollution problem. But, reports Karen McDonald Gayle, community groups have been leading the way to ensure we can continue to enjoy our beautiful bodies of water
“January girls are the best” | Parting shot
Meet the unforgettable Myrl Parker of Scarborough, Tobago
Gros Islet, St Lucia | Neighbourhood
No longer a sleepy fishing village, this community near St Lucia’s northern tip has become the island’s tourism centre, thanks to its proximity to Rodney Bay
Bridgetown, Barbados | Layover
As one of the Caribbean’s most popular tourist destinations, Barbados is also a major hub for international flights to the region. Our guide to exploring the island when time is tight
