2011 was certainly an eventful year for Caribbean entertainment news. There were shocking arrests, violence at some Caribbean events but this was also balanced by great accomplishments such as Melanie Amaro winning the very first X-Factor and Morgan Heritage performing at the United Nations. Here are my top picks for Top Ten Moments in Caribbean entertainment. If I’ve left off something you believe should have been included, let me hear from you! Here we go…
1. Buju Banton Wins First Ever Grammy and one month later, Buju is Convicted for Drug Conspiracy and later Sentenced to 10 Years This by far was the most shocking Caribbean celebrity news for the entire year. Following Januarys historical Buju & Friends benefit concert and his first ever Grammy, Buju was convicted on drug conspiracy charges. Buju currently sits in a Miami, Florida prison serving a 10 year term. Earlier this month, an appeal was filed in Georgias 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Lets pray that Bujus appeal goes much better than his trial. FREEE UP BUJU ME SEY!!!
2. Virgin Islander Melanie Amaro Wins X-Factor Many didnt know that Tortola-born Melanie Amaro was from the Caribbean until the fateful night when she became very emotional and couldnt help breaking out in her native V.I. twang. “Not lots of people come out of the Caribbean to become big stars. I’m so humbled and so gracious and so thankful to be where I am that it just came out. I could not help myself.” I believe this was the moment that Melanie won over America. Amaro, Simon Cowells muse, went on to become the first ever winner of the popular T.V. Contest The X-Factor to the tune of $5MM!!!
3. .Vybz Kartel Charged with Murder, Conspiracy to Murder and Possession of an Illegal Firearm As if Vybz Kartels murder charges werent shocking enough, it was unbelievable when the Portmore Empire leader was subsequently charged with more murder charges. Vybz Kartel remains in police custody despite recent amusing false rumors to the contrary. This story is (unfortunately) still developing. From the looks of things, Kartel will not experience Summertime in Kingston anytime soon.
4. Rihanna Sets Record with 11th Number 1 Single The Bajan pop star becomes one of only three women to achieve this feat. The other two females with more #1 singles are Mariah Carey (18) and Madonna (12). Unfortunately, even record-setting accomplishments didnt stop an idiot Dutch editor from publishing an article which called Rihanna a N—- Bitch Also, honorable mention to Rihanna for playing mas at Barbados Cropover carnival. Rihanna brought lots of media attention to the Caribbean tradition of Carnival despite some negative media from some culturally uninformed journalists
5. Nicki Minaj First Female on Forbes ‘Hip Hop Cash King’ List Nicki Minaj had a great year! Not only was she named a Billboard Rising Star’ for 2011 but she also became the first female to find her way onto the Forbes 2011 Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings List with an impressive $6.5 million in earnings. Surprisingly, Minaj beat out Rick Ross, 50 Cent and tied with Swizz Beatz oh gush bwoy!!
6. Jamaican Rapper Heavy D Dies at Age 44 the sudden death of Heavy D was met with utter shock all across the rap, hip hop and reggae scenes. Heavy Ds autopsy results were released this week. According to the L.A. Coroners report the famous rapper died from a blood clot in his lung. He had deep leg-vein thrombosis and arterial sclerotic cardiovascular disease
7. Trinbagonian Anya Ayoung-Chee Wins ‘Project Runway’ Anya Ayoung-Chee stayed true to her Caribbean roots in her Fashion Week debut. Her Caribbean infused designs helped her to win Season 9 of Project Runway.
8. Denroy Morgan Arrested on Ganga Charges the father of the Royal Family of Reggae Morgan Heritage was arrested with allegedly a brick of weed in the Bronx, NYC. In a year already filled with shocking arrests, this was certainly yet another one!
9. Morgan Heritage Performs at the United Nations Featuring five offspring of reggae veteran Denroy Morgan, Morgan Heritage comprises of vocalist/keyboardist Una, vocalist Peter (“Jahpetes“), keyboardist/vocalist Roy (“Gramps“), rhythm guarist Nakhamyah (“Lukes“), and vocalist/MC/percussionist Memmalatel (“Mr. Mojo“). This concert allowed the band to continue their mission ofspreading roots reggae music to all ends of the globe andunitingpeople through music. Kudos to Morgan Heritage!!!
10. The Mighty Sparrow Honored By the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) s The 2011 NABOB Annual Communications Award Dinner was hosted by ‘The View’ co-host Sherri Shepherd. The honorees were The Mighty Sparrow, Dr. Bobby Jones, Soledad OBrien and Buddy Guy. Sparrow also received 2011 awards at Trinidad Carnival (from Machel Montano) and at the South Jersey Caribbean Festival.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
- Alison Hinds didnt perform at Miami Carnival but we got to see her when Matt Lauer visited her in Barbados! It was amusing to watch the Soca Queen, Teaching Matt Lauer to ‘Wuk Up’ on the Today Show
- Shaggy Performs on ‘The Today Show’ – VIDEO
- Rita Marley Sues Bob Marley’s Half Brother Over Copyright Issues
- Romain Virgo Becomes First Reggae Artist at Country Music Awards
