The Vybz Kartel concert promised an electrifying night of dancehall, and for the most part, it delivered. Fans packed the venue, immersing themselves in the pulsing rhythms and gritty lyrics that have made Kartel a legend. With back-to-back hits blasting through the speakers, the crowd erupted into cheers, their energy peaking as performers channeled the essence of dancehall’s most polarizing figure.

Then, a shift. Bahamian artist Julian Believe took the stage, and the charged atmosphere dimmed. The audience fell silent. Video clips of the moment spread across social media within hours, sparking debate over what had gone wrong.

Some pointed to a mismatch of sound and setting. Julian Believe, known for his pop and Junkanoo fusion, seemed out of place in an event celebrating raw, street-heavy dancehall. Even the most seasoned performers can struggle when the crowd isn’t primed for their style.

Others suggested the issue wasn’t just genre but artist selection. Online reactions revealed fans questioning the promoters’ lineup choices, arguing that another Bahamian act might have fared better. The audience’s stillness, some argued, wasn’t about supporting local talent, it was about expectations.

Social media reactions ranged from amusement to critique. Some blamed concertgoers for failing to embrace diversity, while others held that the performance disrupted the night’s momentum. Comments like “Last night Jah Hem needed to be on stage, NOT Julien” and “I blame the hosts, people didn’t want see him at a dancehall concert” reflected the divided opinions.

Yet, as the night progressed and dancehall beats resumed, so did the energy. The moment, though awkward, reignited a broader conversation: Do Bahamian artists struggle for local acceptance, or was this simply a case of a mismatched booking? Either way, it was a viral moment that won’t be forgotten soon.

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The second annual Star Films Awards Gala lit up Margaritaville Resort, celebrating the best in Bahamian film and television. Event creator Kerel Pinder was welcomed to the stage by hosts C. Jillian Gray and Stephan "Mullerz International" Lightbourne, setting the tone for an evening of talent, creativity, and well-earned recognition.

The People’s Choice Award for TV Series went to Bonded, while the People’s Choice Award for Short Film went to In Sickness & In Death, which went on to sweep almost all the categories it was nominated in, including:

The stage play Brunch competed uncontested, leading to a clean sweep in all its nominated categories. Some standout moments included Rashad Ferguson winning Best Actor in a TV Comedy and a three-way tie for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series, which saw three of the six nominees take the stage to accept their joint award. Candice Johnson won best Actress in a TV Series for the tv series Bonded.

Remarks were given by Felicia Pride (writer for Grey’s Anatomy, Queen Sugar, and Bel-Air) and Mohammed Kasim Reed (former Mayor of Atlanta), both encouraging local creatives to keep producing and improving their work.

A full list of winners can be seen on Star Films’ Facebook page and @Starfilm242 on Instagram.

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Berkshire Farms has come a long way since my first visit in April 2023! Not only have they expanded by adding chickens and goats, but they’ve also launched their very own Farmers’ Market, happening every 2nd and 3rd Saturday of the month.

This market is a hidden gem where you can shop from local vendors like HD Farms and Passion Way Farms, as well as CRRA, which specializes in authentic handmade products, think beautiful jewelry, flavorful jams, fragrant essential oils, and fresh tea leaves.

Of course, a farmers’ market wouldn’t be complete without fresh fruits and veggies, and you’ll find plenty of that here. But what really makes Berkshire Farms stand out? The farm tour! For a small fee, you can explore the farm, check out the pig and chicken habitats, and see firsthand how well these animals are raised. Trust me, these animals are living their best lives.

Now, let’s talk food, because if you know me, you know that’s my top priority! Laure’s Kitchen is a must-visit, serving up authentic oriental cuisine that had me coming back for more. I kicked things off with their pork and chicken spring rolls, which were crispy, flavorful, and straight-up addictive. But the real star of the day? The lobster and crab rangoons—golden, crunchy pockets of pure joy.

I also grabbed some sweet and sour chicken with fried rice to take home, and let me tell you, it was next-level delicious. The balance of tangy and savory flavors was chef’s kiss. And don’t even get me started on the Singapore noodles—as soon as the aroma of the spices hit me, I was so tempted to turn back and grab a plate (but, you know, I had to practice some self-control).

All in all, Berkshire Farms may be one of the smaller farmers’ markets, but it’s got BIG vibes and even bigger flavors. I had an absolute blast and highly recommend checking it out. Whether you’re here for the fresh produce, the farm experience, or the bomb food, it’s definitely worth the visit!

The World Athletics Relays Return to The Bahamas

The World Athletics Relays will return to The Bahamas for the fifth time in April 2028. Set for April 22-23, 2028, at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau, the event has solidified its place as a key fixture in the global athletics calendar. The World Relays first came to the Bahamas in 2014, and the country has since hosted the event more times than any other country. As the competition continues to grow in importance, The Bahamas remains a central hub for international track and field, bringing athletes and fans together on a global stage.

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The Untold Potential of Bahamian Film

With the recent filming of Madea's Destination Wedding in The Bahamas, it’s clear that Hollywood recognizes the beauty and potential of our islands. But it raises an interesting question, why aren’t we seeing more Bahamian stories on screen? Why do our local filmmakers, talented as they are, still struggle to find the platform they deserve?

When we think about Bahamian films, where do they go? How often do we get to experience our own stories in a way that feels authentic to us? Aside from a few films at international festivals or a handful on YouTube, there’s no clear space for Bahamian content to thrive consistently.

Take Bahama Rock, for example, an animated series that brings Bahamian culture to life in a fresh way. It shows that there’s an appetite for local stories. But what if we had more opportunities like this? Could we see more projects emerge if Bahamian filmmakers had access to the right tools, resources, and support?

And what about the actors, animators, and screenwriters in the Bahamas? How can they grow their careers without enough local productions to sustain them? With the richness of Bahamian theater and arts, why hasn’t it translated into a more established film industry? Is it simply a matter of opportunity?

The talent is here. The stories are here. What should we do to find the right opportunities to make it all come together?