The lights dimmed, the music swelled, and Freeport Fashion Week 2025 took center stage, this time, bigger and more electrifying than ever. The event, a growing staple in Grand Bahama’s creative scene, brought together models, designers, and industry insiders for a showcase that blended artistry with ambition.

“This year, we had a better display of talent,” said Colette Parker, Stage and Model Manager for Freeport Fashion Week. The difference? An open casting call. “Last year, we couldn’t hold one, but this time we invited models from all over Grand Bahama. The result? A lineup of some of the island’s best.” Designers, too, seized the moment. “They saw the stage last year and came back with stronger concepts. There was more thought, more precision, everyone wanted to show up and show out.”

For Onesha Leathen, who walked for designer Anarii Deangelo, the details made the difference. “The sheer fabric stood out to me. It complemented my skin tone beautifully,” she shared. Her advice to aspiring models? “Just do it. Overthinking keeps you from getting started.” As for nerves on the runway? “I never focus on the crowd. Looking beyond them keeps me grounded.”

Tanisha Pyfrom, founder of Rip the Runway Fashion Show and committee member for Freeport Fashion Week, echoed the sentiments of growth. “This year has gotten bigger and better. It’s honestly epic. The outfits have gotten even better, the crowd is hyped, and the music is on point.”

Pyfrom’s own journey began with a dream. “I was always too shy to take that first step, but once I did, it all came together.” Her fashion show, Rip the Runway, has helped countless designers expand their portfolios and boost their businesses. “Every designer that has left my stage has seen their business boom. I’m incredibly proud of that,” she said.

For many designers, Freeport Fashion Week has been a pivotal moment in their careers. Dominic Russell, also known as The Pastry Boy, made his debut at the event this year. “Freeport Fashion Week is an incredible platform for us as Bahamian designers,” Russell said. “It lets us express our art on an international stage. I think Freeport truly is the fashion capital of the Bahamas.”

Nathan Hield, a designer who made a striking statement with his use of red, sees Freeport Fashion Week as a launching pad for creative expression. “I want people to feel comfortable embracing their individuality,” he said. His advice for young designers? “Ditch the trends. Find your personal style and own it.” Looking ahead, Hield plans to push boundaries with fabric manipulation, hinting at an upcoming collection featuring experimental bleaching techniques.

Beyond the glamour, Freeport Fashion Week is shaping into a critical platform for Bahamian creatives. “This is an international level production,” Parker emphasized. “It’s not just about fashion, it’s about giving Bahamian talent the exposure they deserve.” And if this year was any indication, Freeport’s fashion future is only getting brighter.

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Lady Gaga’s Mayhem is a high-energy mix of dance, rock, and electronic music. While I wouldn’t call myself a huge fan, I can appreciate the album’s bold sound and strong production. The opener, Disease, is intense and dramatic, setting the tone for the rest of the Album. Perfect Celebrity stands out and Garden of Eden feels like a throwback to early 2010s club music.

There are some interesting collaborations, like Killah with French DJ Gesaffelstein, which has a gritty edge, and Die With a Smile featuring Bruno Mars, which blends pop and soul.

Even as someone who doesn’t follow her closely, I can see that Mayhem is a well-crafted album. It’s not my style, but it’s definitely an entertaining listen.

One of the taglines for this sequel: A Little Bear Goes a Long Way. A bear and his human family travel to his birthplace to visit a relative—who mysteriously goes missing just before they arrive. Their journey turns into an adventure through the rainforest as they follow the trail of her last known whereabouts, uncovering a possible connection to a legendary treasure.

Paddington in Peru is a charming addition to the film series, offering fun world-building while expanding its lighthearted lore. Douglas Wilson’s feature film debut is a solid effort that maintains the whimsical tone of the previous films, though it lacks the emotional depth Paul King brought as director. The screenplay by Mark Burton, Jon Foster, and James Lamont, based on a story by King, Burton, and Simon Farnaby, is a breezy romp that places the beloved characters in a vibrant new setting. The cast is amusing, with Antonio Banderas and Olivia Colman as welcome additions, while Emily Mortimer does an adequate job stepping into the role of Mary Brown, previously played by Sally Hawkins. The journey and destination deliver an entertaining escapade, hitting all the right storybook tropes. I give this film a 3.5 out of 5.

P.S.
In a mid-credit scene, Paddington and his bear relatives, fresh from their adventure in El Dorado, visit Phoenix Buchanan in prison. There, he hopes to cast them in his production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Rated 3.5 out of 5

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The Nassau Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival at Atlantis was next-level this weekend, serving up a mix of celeb chef magic, insane flavors, and nonstop vibes. If you missed it, major FLOP, because this was the spot to be for foodies and party lovers alike. Picture this: Bobby Flay, Kardea Brown, José Andrés, Michael Symon, and other culinary GOATs cooking up masterpieces right in front of you. From wine tastings to hands-on experiences with the pros, every event was a feast for both the taste buds and the senses.

The energy? Unmatched. “Taste of Paradise” with Bobby Flay had us indulging in gourmet bliss, while “Jerk Jam” with JJ Johnson and Kardea Brown turned up the heat, especially with Shaggy making an appearance. And let’s not forget “Tacos & Tequila”, where Michael Symon served up the ultimate food-and-drink combo, with Baha Men keeping the vibes immaculate. But it wasn’t just about the international stars; the festival made sure to spotlight Bahamian culinary legends like Julie Lightbourne from Sip Sip and Kenneth McKenzie from McKenzie’s Fresh Conch, bringing authentic island flavor to the table.

And the best part? It wasn’t just about eating and drinking. Every ticket helped support the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, working to protect marine life and habitats in the Bahamas. Between the fire eats, top-tier drinks, celeb chef moments, and live music, this festival understood the assignment. Best believe we’re clearing our schedules for next year's event because this was one for the books.

Grand Bahama Schools Shine at Junior Junkanoo 2025

The streets of Freeport came alive as Grand Bahama’s young talents took center stage at Junior Junkanoo 2025. Schools from across the island poured their hearts into electrifying performances, bringing a burst of color, sound, and energy to the annual showcase. From the intricate costumes to the powerful beats of the drums, students demonstrated their dedication to preserving Bahamian culture. Among the standout performances were Walter Parker Primary, Bartlett Hill Primary, and Eight Mile Rock High, each delivering stunning routines that had the crowd on their feet. Parents, teachers, and Junkanoo lovers cheered as the next generation carried on the beloved tradition with pride. As Grand Bahama’s young performers continue to raise the bar, it’s clear that the future of Junkanoo is in great hands.

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Why Local Artists Struggle to Fill Dancefloors

As Jamaican music continues to dominate the Bahamian nightlife scene, it highlights an underlying issue Bahamian music struggles to claim the same spotlight. Local artists face a tough challenge in getting their sounds to fill the dance floors, but this issue is not solely on the artists. It’s time for us to take a closer look at how we can support our own talent and help our music industry thrive.

For years, Jamaican music has gained international recognition, with reggae and dancehall becoming globally influential genres. But Bahamian music and artists remain underappreciated on the wider stage. One major factor in this is the lack of local support. While Jamaicans have successfully championed their own music, we often turn to international sounds for entertainment, neglecting our homegrown talent that could make a real mark on the world.

Supporting local artists isn't just about playing their songs on repeat; it's about creating spaces for them to grow, innovate, and refine their craft. From backing up and coming artists to attending local events, we have the power to cultivate an environment where the music industry can develop over time. The more locals support Bahamian talent, the more opportunities arise for these artists to collaborate, expand their reach, and push their music into new directions.

By embracing our artists, we can contribute to the refinement of our music industry. Much like how Jamaican music has become a global force, Bahamian music can also evolve and shine if we rally behind our artists. It’s time to break away from the trend of only following international hits and start celebrating the diverse talents that make Bahamian music unique. Here's a challenge for you: discover 5 up and coming Bahamian artists and dive into their music, you might just find your new favorite song!