Antigua and Barbuda-based artist Peetron has released a powerful new single titled “Mom, I Love You,” just in time for Mother’s Day. The emotionally charged track, produced by Island Trap Records, is more than just a song — it’s a deeply personal gift to his mother, Kharol (Brenda Thomas), whom he lovingly refers to as his Queen and Lioness.

“This is officially my Mother’s Day gift to you, Mom,” Peetron shared in a heartfelt message on social media. “Surprise, Mummy — this one is for you!”

The single delivers a moving blend of masterful lyrics, passionate vocals, and an infectious rhythm that invites listeners to groove while reflecting on the unmatched love of a mother. It resonates not only as a tribute to Peetron’s own mother but as a universal anthem celebrating mothers everywhere.

In a time when meaningful music is more important than ever, “Mom, I Love You” stands out as a reminder of the power of gratitude, love, and the irreplaceable role of mothers in our lives.

Peetron also extended his wishes to moms around the world:
“Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mothers. This one’s for you too.”

Listen to "Mom I Love You"

Antigua, ~ Wednesday, May 7th at 8PM, the D’Executive Soca Tent took center stage at the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) parking lot, launched by DJ Merchy, Subcommittee Chair for the Party Monarch competition.
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Now in its fourth year, the tent continues to serve as a key platform for soca artists to introduce new music, energize their fanbase, and engage directly with the public in the lead-up to the summer season.

“This is more than just a performance stage—it’s a movement for the culture,” said DJ Merchy. “The tent gives artists room to grow, experiment, and connect with the people who matter most: the fans.”
The event is powered by the support of dedicated sponsors including the Festival Commission, Get Scented, and APUA Inet.

Soca enthusiasts are encouraged to show up and be part of a night filled with rhythm, creativity, and the vibrant pulse of Antiguan culture.

~Peetron Thomas (National Soca Fraternity Chairman)

Excitement is building across Antigua and Barbuda as ENOCH, the Season One winner of the Praise Break Gospel Quest, prepares to release brand-new gospel music.
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Following a powerful journey through the competition, 11 year old Enoch Thomas captured the hearts of audiences with his soul-stirring vocals, authentic faith, and commanding stage presence. Now, he’s ready to take the next step in his ministry through music—delivering a sound that promises to uplift, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.

The highly anticipated release is executively produced by Peetron Music and Island Trap Records, two powerhouse forces known for bridging faith, culture, and creativity through sound.

Organizers of Praise Break Gospel Quest have expressed their enthusiasm for what’s ahead, describing the upcoming release as “something unforgettable.”

“This is more than just music—it’s a movement of purpose, power, and praise,” one organizer shared. “ENOCH represents the spirit of what this platform was built to do: discover, elevate, and launch gospel talent rooted in truth and testimony.”

Further details will be revealed in the coming days.

Stay tuned—Antigua and Barbuda is about to experience a sound that shifts atmospheres.
~PMI Secretariat 

Nicholas Layne, a young Christian and emerging gospel artist, is using his birthday to give back in a big way. Today, he officially launched Living Intently for Everyone, an inspirational, gospel-driven youth project advocating for purposeful, faith-filled living.

Nicholas, now known by his artist name Timo Music, recently made waves as a Top 10 Finalist in the Praise Break Gospel Quest, where he also earned the Reggae Award Prize Package for his exceptional talent. He is also preparing to release his debut single under Peetron Music Label, following an exciting opportunity to sign with the label.

His new project, Living Intently for Everyone, is a values-based movement designed to inspire young people to live with intention and clarity, grounded in faith. With this initiative, Timo Music hopes to create a ripple effect of positive change, encouraging youth to walk with purpose and spiritual direction.
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Through his music and humanitarian work, Timo Music continues to use his platform to uplift and guide others, making an impact far beyond his own birthday celebration.

In an exciting development for music lovers and aspiring songwriters, Peetron Music is set to host a songwriting seminar that promises to elevate the local music scene. The event, scheduled for May 17, 2025, will feature an impressive lineup of industry professionals, including Future Kid, Dr. Apostle Stanshaw Cornelius, Uprising artist Nicholas Layne, and will be facilitated by Peetron Thomas. The seminar will be hosted by Julian Kentish and is set to take place at Sun City Restaurant & Bar, located at Anchoridge Inn, Anchoridge Road.

This seminar is part of the Work Fu Um Initiative, an ongoing effort to support and uplift the music community in Antigua and Barbuda. The event is aimed at helping budding songwriters hone their craft, providing them with valuable insights into the music industry and the songwriting process.
Peetron Music, known for its dedication to the growth of the local music scene, is excited to bring together such esteemed professionals for an afternoon of learning, networking, and inspiration. The seminar will cover various aspects of songwriting, from composition and lyric writing to the business side of music.

The event will run from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and is expected to attract songwriters, musicians, and music enthusiasts eager to learn from the experts. The registration fee for the event is set at $50, which includes tapas for attendees to enjoy during the seminar.
Participants will have the opportunity to interact with some of the best in the business, gaining practical tips and creative strategies that they can apply to their own songwriting journey. The seminar is expected to foster collaboration and inspire new talent to take their music to the next level.
Peetron Music invites all interested individuals to register early to secure their spot at this exciting event. Whether you’re an aspiring songwriter or simply passionate about the art of music, this seminar promises to be an unforgettable experience.
For more information or to register, visit the Peetron Music website or contact their team directly.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this game-changing event! Register today!

Top 10 Finalists Announced for the Inaugural Praise Break Gospel Quest Antigua & Barbuda
By Peetron Thomas

The Governing Committee and Judging Panel of the Praise Break Gospel Quest Antigua & Barbuda are proud to officially announce the Top 10 finalists for the very first edition of this groundbreaking gospel music competition.

Following an inspiring round of online submissions from across the nation, ten gifted voices have been selected to continue their journey in this uplifting musical quest. The Top 10 finalists (listed in no particular order) are:

• Reva Phillip
• Nicholas Layne
• Daniel Cox
• Lois Powell
• Elisha Johnson
• Jamaila Beazer (of Barbuda)
• Iralyta Fabian
• Alijah Richards
• Enoch Thomas
• Joshua Edwards

In addition to the Top 10, two wild card contestants will be added to the lineup. These names will be announced at a later date.

All finalists will gather today, Monday at 7:00 p.m. at Suncity (Anchorage Inn, Anchorage Road) for the official number picking and live session, marking the beginning of the final leg of the competition.
The Grand Finale is set for Saturday, 26th April 2025 at Suncity, beginning promptly at 7:30 p.m. The event promises a dynamic and spirit-filled experience, highlighting some of the nation’s brightest gospel talents.

Admission is free.

Patrons are kindly asked to bring along an offering and to show their support for the restaurant during the event.

Who will be crowned Antigua & Barbuda’s next Gospel Star?
Come and be part of this powerful moment in gospel music history.

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

Antigua & Barbuda Launches New Gospel Competition

The stage is set, and the search for Antigua and Barbuda’s next gospel star is officially
underway. The Praise Break Gospel Quest Antigua & Barbuda is calling all passionate gospel
singers to step up, sing out, and let the world hear their voices. With a grand prize package
valued at $10,000, this competition offers a life-changing opportunity for Christian vocalists 35
and under to showcase their talent and purpose through music.
Deadline Approaching – Register Now!

Aspiring contestants have until April 11, 2025, at 11 PM to submit their audition entries.
Registration is open via WhatsApp at 268-464-2803. This competition is more than just a
chance to perform—it’s a movement to reignite the gospel music scene in Antigua and Barbuda.
Rebuilding the Gospel Music Industry.

According to Event Coordinator Julien Kentish, gospel music in Antigua and Barbuda has seen
limited releases in recent years. He believes that Praise Break Gospel Quest will restore the
momentum and consistency within the gospel industry. “What we aim to accomplish is reaching
the world while building young artists to become gospel stars,” Kentish shared.

Marketing Coordinator Dr. Apostle Stanshaw Cornelius echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the
need for an initiative like this in the local gospel music scene. “This is a necessity for our gospel
music industry here in our little 268. We are going to accomplish big things with this vision,” she
stated. She urges all eligible Christian singers to take advantage of this opportunity, calling it “a
chance of a lifetime.”

With high stakes, an incredible prize package, and a mission to uplift gospel music in the
Caribbean, Praise Break Gospel Quest Antigua & Barbuda is set to be a transformative event
for both contestants and the industry.
For those ready to turn their passion into purpose, the time to act is now.

How to Register:
Registration & Audition Deadline: April 11, 2025, at 11 PM
WhatsApp 268-464-2803 to Sign Up

Students of the Harrison Centre are calling on the government to reinstate a dedicated school bus system for after-school transportation, highlighting the ongoing challenges they face in commuting home and, for some, getting to work.
While some public buses assist in transporting students, they say it is simply not enough. Many students report waiting up to three hours for transportation, causing frustration and making it harder to focus on their education and responsibilities.
“We’re trying to get a tertiary education, positioning ourselves for success, but the transportation struggle is holding us back,” one student shared. “Having a school bus system would make a huge difference. Right now, there’s a stigma attached to our school that needs to change, and reinstating the bus system would be a step in the right direction.”
Past issues with the school bus system have been acknowledged, but students believe that their institution has evolved and that a renewed transportation service would now serve those who are truly committed to their education. Additionally, there are concerns about general public buses discriminating against students, making an already difficult situation even worse.
Understanding that a full-day service may be challenging, students are specifically requesting after-school transportation support to ensure they can get home or to work in a reasonable time. They urge the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Transportation to collaborate in addressing this issue and providing a solution that meets their needs.
As their voices grow louder, students, parents, and supporters hope that government officials will take action and restore a school bus service that allows Harrison Centre students to focus on their studies and future goals without the burden of unreliable transportation.
~Students 

Toronto, Canada – Antigua and Barbuda’s Bridget Hanniford Joseph has made cinematic history by receiving international recognition at the prestigious Commffest Film Festival in Toronto, Canada. On September 22, 2024, her extraordinary short film It’s My Time Now earned her the MADA Award - Honourable Mention, marking a groundbreaking moment not only for her career but also for her homeland.
The film was screened during Antigua Day at the Church Performing Arts Lodge Crestroom Theatre, captivating audiences with its emotional depth, innovative direction, and powerful storytelling. Joseph’s work stood out among international entries, earning her one of the festival’s most esteemed awards. This historic win shines a spotlight on Antigua and Barbuda, showcasing the country’s cultural and artistic excellence on the global stage.
Already an ABGMA Award-winning filmmaker, Bridget Hanniford Joseph has long been known for her ability to tell stories that resonate deeply, blending authenticity and creativity in her work. Her latest film, It’s My Time Now, continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and artistic vision, solidifying her as one of the Caribbean’s most innovative directors.
Upon receiving the award in Canada, Joseph expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the recognition, saying, “This award is a dream come true—not just for me, but for Antigua and Barbuda. I hope this achievement inspires others, especially young filmmakers, to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Our stories matter, and I’m committed to helping foster a new generation of creatives.”

​Now back in Antigua, Joseph is eager to continue her journey, using her platform to encourage young people and aspiring filmmakers to keep pushing their boundaries and pursuing their passions. She is hopeful that her historic win will spark a wave of creativity across the nation, offering mentorship and support to those looking to break into the industry.

​As she moves forward, Bridget Hanniford Joseph’s work continues to elevate Antigua and Barbuda, giving the country well-deserved recognition on the world stage. Her award-winning film It’s My Time Now is not just a personal victory—it’s a landmark moment for Caribbean cinema. Joseph’s success is paving the way for future filmmakers, ensuring that the voices and stories of Antigua and Barbuda will be heard far and wide.

WORLD-RENOWNED LEGENDARY AWARD-WINNING RIAA CERTIFIED PLATINUM GOSPEL RECORDING ARTIST LILLIAN LILLY RECEIVES GRAMMY® AWARD CONSIDERATION FOR HER CHART-TOPPING SINGLE AT THE CENTER OF GRACE
ATLANTA, GA – World-renowned legendary award-winning and RIAA certified platinum Gospel recording artist Lillian Lilly can add another milestone to her list of accomplishments. She is being considered for a nomination in the 2025 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards for Best Gospel Performance/Song for her anticipated chart topping hit single, At the Center of Grace on Xpress Music Group written by James C. Birdsong, Jr. and Shonda English. This nomination goes to the artist and songwriters.
Produced by GRAMMY® Award nominated and RIAA  certified multi-platinum producer Avery Johnson, the single was released on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024, on various streaming platforms. The single is also available for ordering on CD via Xpress Music Group. 
The single is almost 20,000 streams on Spotify, various chart placements, radio airplay and positive reviews throughout the United States and abroad. Lilly recently filmed her first ever concept music video to At the Center of Grace on Sunday, April 28th, 2024, at Christ Tabernacle Church in Jackson, MS where Rev. Hosea J. Hines is the pastor with additional scenes as a storyline. The music video features the JSU Ensemble of Jackson State University. The official release date of the music video will be announced.
As the principal lead vocalist and charter member of the world-renowned award-winning Mississippi Mass Choir, Lilly received two GRAMMY® Award nominations with the choir in 1997 and 2000 for Best Gospel Album by a Choir or Chorus and Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album for the albums, I’ll See You in The Rapture and Emmanuel (God with Us). 
According to James C. Birdsong, Jr., President and CEO of Xpress Music Group, he states, "This Grammy award consideration is a major milestone for us, especially for Lillian. This is her first as a solo artist. We are grateful to God for this opportunity and the support of fans, radio announcers, media personalities and the Gospel music industry at large.” The voting process for the Grammys is only available to Recording Academy members. 

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