
From the Editor:
What Da Wybe Is? We hope this issue finds you relaxed, inspired, and fully in your holiday mood.

If Pine Yard Rush 2026 proved anything, it’s that Grand Bahama’s Junkanoo is no longer just about who wins but about who defines the moment.
Yes, Super Star Rockers walked away with the overall crown, but the real story lived between the beats: in the choreography, the costumes, the banners, the way the street held its breath during a perfect step down. This was Junkanoo as art, and competition.
The tension was already written before the first whistle blew. Platinum Knights, six-time champions, came in carrying a chip on their shoulder. Swingers, last year’s winners, arrived with something to prove. Classic Dancers and New Generation brought tradition and innovation into the same lane. And the Superstar Rockers showed up ready to take everything.
Across the special categories, the night told a richer story. The Super Star Rockers dominated the fundamentals taking first in Step Down, Music, Execution of Theme, Banner, and Overall Performance, proving their win was built on precision, not just hype. But Platinum Knights reminded everyone why they’re royalty, sweeping Best Costume and Free Dancer, delivering visuals that felt closer to couture.
Then there was Swingers, who quietly won where it mattered most: Best Choreography and Best Showtime Performance (the soul of Junkanoo) a reminder that last year’s champions still know how to move a crowd. New Generation, though finishing fifth overall, stunned in Execution of Theme, Banners, and Showtime, making it clear that the future is already knocking.
Pine Yard Rush 2026 wasn’t just competitive it was cinematic. Grand Bahama didn’t witness a parade. It witnessed a cultural showcase where youth, artistry, and ambition collided.
And that’s the real win.


The Kid LAROI’s latest album feels like a turning point rather than just another release. Instead of chasing the urgency of his earlier breakout moments, he slows things down and lets emotion lead the way. The project carries the weight of reflection, shaped by heartbreak, distance, and the kind of self-questioning that comes when life changes faster than you’re ready for. Throughout the album, LAROI sounds more grounded and self-aware, openly acknowledging his flaws, mistakes, and emotional blind spots rather than masking them with confidence or bravado. That honesty gives the record a sense of intimacy, as if listeners are being allowed into thoughts that weren’t meant to be polished or perfected.
Lyrically, the album stays focused on love, loss, and memory, but it approaches those themes with more restraint than before. There’s less dramatics and more quiet acceptance, with songs that feel like late-night conversations rather than emotional outbursts. LAROI’s voice carries a new level of control, moving smoothly between vulnerability and resolve, and his delivery often feels conversational, which makes the emotions land harder. The production complements this shift, leaning into softer melodies, atmospheric beats, and subtle instrumentation that never overpowers the storytelling. Instead of demanding attention, the music invites it.
What stands out most is how cohesive the album feels. Even as it moves between pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences, the emotional tone remains consistent, giving the project a sense of continuity from start to finish. It feels less like a collection of singles and more like a personal narrative unfolding in real time. While some tracks are more understated than what fans might expect from LAROI’s past chart-topping hits, that restraint works in the album’s favor, allowing moments of vulnerability to shine without distraction.
The Weigh-in
What time do you actually wake up on holiday?


The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Mario along with his bother and their friends ventures into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom based on the popular video game. Power ups into theaters this April.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
In the 32nd century, young cadets train to become Starfleet officers as they deal with friendships, rivalries, and romance, all while facing a mysterious threat to both their Academy and the recovering Federation. Beams on to Paramount + this January 15th.
The Mandalorian & Grogu
As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for against the now fallen Empire, they enlist the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu. We will see if This is The Way in theaters May 22nd.
Paradise - Season 2
In the second season Xavier searches for Teri out in the world and learns how people survived the three years since The Day as the survivors inside the bunker deals with the current regime. The post-apocalyptic drama returns to Hulu & Disney + on February 23rd.
Avengers: Doomsday
The Marvel Cinematic Universe faces its most iconic villain who may be the downfall of the superheroes belonging to different timelines and dimensions across reality. The greatest threat to the multi-verse makes their move in theaters December 18th.

Quote of the Week



Bahamian superstar Jazz Chisholm Jr. solidified his throne in the Big Apple, agreeing to a massive $10.2 million deal with the New York Yankees for the 2026 season. After a legendary 2025 where he became the first Bahamian and only the third Yankee ever to join the elite 30/30 club (31 homers, 31 steals). Whether he’s walking the red carpet at his "Tunnel Fits & Kicks" fashion gala or bringing The Bahamas to Yankee Stadium, he’s proving that Bahamian excellence is the world’s loudest brand. As he eyes an even bigger "40/40" goal this year, one thing is certain: the pinstripes have never looked this vibrant.
Beneath the Surface with Chavez Young
@wybe.bs From the Bahamas to the brink of something great… Chavez Young @Chavez Young gets honest in Beneath the Surface.


If you found yourself navigating the neon-soaked hum of Sandy Port this past weekend, you likely noticed that the air around Bon Vivants felt a little more electric than usual. It wasn't just the typical Friday rush; it was the official launch of the Caribbean Cocktail Tour, a high-octane mixology takeover that proved Nassau’s bar scene isn't just growing; it’s leading
The evening felt less like a standard bar crawl and more like a high-fashion runway for the senses. Bon Vivants founders Kyle Jones and Niko Imbert welcomed the visionary teams from Grand Cayman’s Library by the Sea and Puerto Rico’s legendary La Factoría. These aren't merely establishments; they are the vanguards of the North America’s 50 Best Bars list, and their presence in Nassau signaled a new era for the Bahamian "Orange Economy."
The visiting mixologists brought more than just talent; they brought "secret stashes" and rare botanical distillates, creating a flavor profile that felt both deeply rooted in the islands and entirely futuristic.
The air was thick with the scent of charred citrus and artisanal rums as the bartenders performed with rhythmic precision.
As the night matured, the message was undeniable: The Bahamas has officially shed its "beach-bar" stereotype. By serving as the launchpad for a tour that moves next to Grand Cayman and Puerto Rico, Bon Vivants has solidified Nassau’s position as a global capital of craft. This was a night of shared brilliance, proving that when the region’s best minds collaborate, the results are intoxicating.





