What is straw work but the ever-weaving and vibrantly golden tapestry of Bahamian culture and creativity manifest.

This past week, 79 Bahamians made their own additions to that tapestry as they hand-crafted straw bags over the course of two days through the Grand Bahama Port Authority initiative Crafters Academy. From July 17 to 18, the academy hosted free Crafting Couture classes where attendees personalized straw-plait bases with appliqués, clasps, and beads.

Crafters Academy Founder Fatima Zahra Kaboub and Creative Director Lisa Codella shared that the classes aimed to provide a safe, communal space for creative exploration. Since launching in March, the academy has hosted coconut bowl crafting and coaster painting workshops.

Design guidance came from Freeport Fashion Week Rip The Runway winners Dominic “The Pastry Boy” Russell and Edilzabeth Newball of Bella Vissi, veteran fashion designer Anthea Bullard of Hardour Collection alongside Vernetta Frith, and Roganna Wilchcombe of Strawtacular Designs, the 2017 recipients of the Handicraft Cacique Award.

The craft’s roots trace back to enslaved West Africans brought by British Loyalists and the Red Bay Black Seminoles of Andros in the 1780s which has allowed Bahamians to create crafts from housewares to luxury goods and even form enterprises such The Plait Lady and the Harl Taylor Bag.

“Straw work is so intertwined with the Bahamian identity. It’s something that Bahamians have been doing for hundreds of years,” Fatima said.

“But it’s something we do less and less, especially in cities like Nassau and Freeport,” Fatima added, noting untapped opportunities for Grand Bahamian especially with the recent opening of Celebration Key, which is currently on the itinerary the Carnival Elation, Freedom, Glory, Conquest, and Sunrise, ships that all boast a 2,980 guest capacity.

“We want to encourage people to tell their own perspectives, their own stories, through the crafts,” Lisa said. “In every sphere, we want people to have the audacity to envision, to try, and push through.”

Attendees echoed that spirit. Eloise Harris was awed by the possibilities straw offers: “I’d love to continue learning… maybe even venture into doing décor.” Natasha Bowe reflected, “We need more of this… there’s no outlet for it.”

To follow future events, join the Crafters Academy Facebook group.

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Independence might be over but the rhythm of the 242 never stops. The Bahamas is Our Wybe is the ultimate Bahamian playlist, from classics that built the culture to fresh tracks shaping the future. Keep celebrating our sound all month long.

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This movie does not have a tagline. When interns at a struggling marine sanctuary form a bond with a skittish dolphin, they are inspired to work towards stopping the sanctuary from shutting down. With the help of their new friends, co-workers and members of the community they race against time and a land developer to live stream a show to save the sanctuary.

Dolphin Summer is a family friendly movie that presents a coming of age story in a tropical locale with a very modern take on the kids save the youth center genre but this time it's a marine sanctuary. Robin Conly does a solid job directing as the audience feels transported to the particular environment. The script by Conly, Derek Lee Nixon & Isaac Rodriguez gets this subgenre of family film right by touching on the required archetypes while infusing it with contemporary touchstones. The cast knows the assignment with Kyleigh Nikkels & Luke Campanella being sound audience surrogates to introduce the viewer to the locals of Abaco Island Marine Sanctuary with native talent on display like Charles LaRoda, Aulenna Robinson & Remardo Russell among others. The music by Edith Mudge helps set the tone as the narrative unfolds and it is a true delight to hear Bottom of the Sea & Chasing Daylight by Nova Chez on the soundtrack. Cinematographer Patrik Kral is able to capture the natural beauty of Grand Bahama island so well that the area feels like a character in the story along with the dolphins. This movie was originally called Saving Bimini, so please do not confuse it with the 2018 Scholastic book by Catherine Hapka of the same name. I rate this a rating of 3 out of 5.

Rated 3 out of 5

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W.A.V.E.- The Future of Entertainment?

Tackling the message of “the village” and the power of creating dope spaces, W.A.V.E, which stands for “Woke with Ambition, Vision, and Energy,” made serious waves this past weekend with the launch of their new empowerment initiative. The goal? To inspire young minds to stay progressive, support local art, and spark real conversations about community building through networking, good vibes, and authentic talks. Founder Alexandria Reckley sees this as “a safe space to talk about what's happening in our country,” and she envisions the future of this initiative “through collaborations and just having the conversation that will helps bring attention to our interests.” Her hope is that people will get that W.A.V.E. is all about “taking charge of your own life through understanding what’s available and adding value to table - period.”

The theme, “The Echoes of A New Era,” took us to Cafe Coco, with the event set up in their cozy courtyard. Their recent rebrand and chill cocktail menu made it the perfect spot, adding a touch of intimacy and vibe to the whole event. At the heart of it all, featured artist Agajuan, who took center stage to debut parts of his upcoming album, “Village Van Gogh.” This project highlights his diverse musical style and unique energy as a performer. Inspired by legends like Andre 3000 and Eddie Minnis, Agajuan leaned into the love and richness of his village, encouraging everyone to “seek and embrace love in their communities,” which totally lines up with W.A.V.E.’s motto of “empowerment.” He was joined by Kezia Noreiga, who matched his energy perfectly and brought that free-spirited vibe, plus Shadira Nottage, who kicked off the event with some powerful spoken words about bravery and strength.

The event was totally packed with good energy, from Q&As and meet-the-team moments to a fun teambuilding activity where attendees shared what they’d like more of in their “village.” There was also a networking segment that helped everyone connect and keep it real. Attendees left with goodie bags, including a sample CD of Agajuan’s album and sunflower seeds, with the message to “plant and grow.”

W.A.V.E. is straight-up the summer vibe, and we’re already hyped for the next one.

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Why DJ Ovadose’s Appointment Matters More Than You Think

DJ Ovadose’s official recognition as a Cultural Ambassador isn’t just another moment for Bahamian entertainment it’s a cultural shift. It signals something deeper: that the Bahamas is starting to take its creatives seriously.

For decades, local talent has served as a key export of Bahamian identity — hyping the vibes, telling the stories, and giving the world a taste of our rhythm and soul. But while international stages have welcomed our DJs, artists, and creatives, the acknowledgment at home has often lagged behind.

That’s what makes DJ Ovadose’s recent appointment so significant.

This isn’t a guy who waited to be crowned. He put in the work, built his brand, and represented the 242 unapologetically, long before any title made it official. His rise from spinning tracks as a kid to becoming a household name during the pandemic wasn't luck. It was consistency, connection, and culture in motion.

Now, with a national title attached to his name, the door opens for more creatives to step into the spotlight and be respected for it. Not just entertainers, but cultural leaders.

The Bahamas is evolving. It’s a place where DJs can be diplomats, where vibes can be viewed as value. And this isn’t just about one man. It’s about setting the stage for the next generation to see culture as currency and know that the world is finally watching us the way we’ve always watched ourselves.

This isn’t just a win for DJ Ovadose.

It’s a win for every creative in the country.