The sonic world of composer Tania Léon was shaped by her childhood in Cuba — and by her willingness to reinvent herself, writes Caroline Taylor. Published in the September/October 2021 issue of Caribbean Beat You’re probably not going to find yourself humming the music of Cuba-born composer, conductor, and educator Tania León. That is, if …
Originally written for and published in Caribbean Beat Magazine (May/June 2015) It was sixty-five years ago that Cyrano de Bergerac was released, a film that would make Puerto Rican actor José Ferrer the first Caribbean person to win an Oscar (for best actor in a leading role, 1951). He also won a Golden Globe, and a Tony award for the Broadway …
Written and published in CariVele Magazine for their special issue commemorating the 50th anniversary of Trinidad & Tobago's independence “I am not afraid to sacrifice for my fellow man Prepare me now to dance this dance, spirit hold my hand… I could make de grade, I could make de grade, I eh ‘fraid…!” – Spirit Dancer Ella …
Originally written for and published in Caribbean Beat magazine in 2013 Much like its predecessors in print and broadcast media, the Internet has been derided for a host of apocalyptic shortcomings. But in between the Instagrammed lunches, public breakups and makeups, prosthelytising posts, and riveting rants, online social media have also proved useful for harnessing the very …
At the MEP website, we posted on this more than a month ago (see More Than Sorry: Helping Haiti Rebuild of September 16), but the United Nations is still pleading with organisations and individuals globally to urgently assist with donations that enable relief and recovery efforts in storm-battered, poverty-afflicted Haiti. I'm actually a little surprised …
Originally written as an Own Words piece for and published in Caribbean Beat magazine in 2008 Born on Christmas day/before morning fate or kismet/truth or just dumb luck I have walked long/hard roads to get here… today I am exactly the woman I have always wanted to be (Getting Lucky) I never grew up saying I wanted a public …
Continue reading Staceyann Chin: “I have walked long hard roads to get here” | Caribbean Beat
Originally written for and published in Caribbean Beat magazine in 2008 Focus pon me: that’s the title of one of the tracks Shontelle Layne wrote for her debut album. But really, it’s all about the music. It’s been a busy few years for Shontelle Layne. In between working towards a degree in entertainment law at the University …
Continue reading Shontelle Layne: focus pon me | Caribbean Beat
Originally written for and published in Caribbean Beat magazine in 2008 There never seemed any doubt about what path Jean-Ralph Thurin’s career would take. This past November, Thurin formally launched his bridal salon, Thurin Atelier [now Jean-Ralph Thurin LLC], presenting his Thurin Luxe 2008 collection to some of the most influential players in the fashion industry. …
Continue reading Jean-Ralph Thurin: high fashion from Haiti | Caribbean Beat
Caroline Taylor 