Antigua and Barbuda will be proudly represented by Peetron and Enoch Thomas in the forthcoming International Calypso Fusion Project, organized by Touched by an Angel, a distinguished gospel promotion organization based in Jamaica and New York. The project is scheduled for release later this year.


Enoch Thomas, winner of the inaugural season of Praise Break Antigua & Barbuda, brings his exceptional vocal talent and dynamic stage presence to this prestigious collaboration. Joining him is Peetron, acclaimed Singer, Calypsonian, and Humanitarian, recognized for his dedication to advancing Antigua’s cultural and musical heritage.

​Both artists are committed to making Antigua and Barbuda exceptionally proud through their contributions to this project. Peetron expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity and anticipates the project’s success will significantly elevate Antigua’s musical presence on the international stage, particularly through the rich tradition of calypso.

This initiative represents a vibrant fusion of calypso and gospel music, showcasing the distinctive sound and talent of the Caribbean to a global audience. We encourage everyone to follow the journey of Peetron and Enoch Thomas as they bring the spirit and culture of Antigua and Barbuda to the world.
~PMI Secretariat 

​By J. M. Harrigan
July 9, 2025 | St. John’s, Antigua

In the midst of public uproar surrounding the 2025 Soca Monarch Quarterfinals, Tamisha “Tammy” Roberts, Secretary of the National Soca Fraternity (NSF), has stepped forward to clarify her role and set the record straight following statements made by artist Kid Fresh.

The controversy centers on the decision to have Kid Fresh privately judged due to travel constraints—an action many artists saw as unfair. Roberts, in a candid statement, explained that while she had spoken with Kid Fresh prior to the competition, she was never officially updated on any resolution and had no authority to make decisions independently.

“As the Secretary of the NSF, I facilitate communication on behalf of the board. No single person has the power to make executive decisions,” Roberts emphasized. “Anyone who understands how a board functions knows that.”

According to Roberts, after being informed by Kid Fresh about his situation, she immediately reached out—on a personal level—to key individuals including Denise Francis, Petley, Lisa, and Khan, to inquire if anything could be done.

“I said to him, ‘I will see what can be done.’ I followed up immediately. The last update I received was, ‘They’ll get back to me.’ No one ever did—neither them, nor Kid Fresh,” she explained. “That told me nothing was finalized.”

Roberts made it clear that her involvement was informal and not under her official NSF capacity. Ultimately, the Festivals Commission made a unilateral decision, failing to notify either the NSF board or Roberts herself.

Tensions peaked on Wednesday, July 2, when during the live show, the MC announced that Kid Fresh and Natural Rampler had been privately judged prior to the Quarterfinals. The move ignited strong backlash from fellow artists and industry insiders.

“From that moment, our phones started ringing,” Roberts recalled. “Artists were demanding answers, and rightly so. As a board, our priority is fairness and transparency for all 87 of our members.”

The NSF executive board, made up of 11 elected members, held an urgent meeting and then engaged in dialogue with the Commission, which resulted in a resolution and a subsequent press release from the Commission.

Roberts also expressed frustration that the NSF had not been consulted beforehand, stating they could have recommended a more inclusive alternative.

“Had we been informed early, we might have suggested that Kid Fresh perform his Jumpy song during the Groovy Quarterfinals on July 1st. He was present in person that night. He could have been slotted last after the Groovy performances,” she said, pointing to precedents like Krokus, who had been afforded similar accommodations for the past three years due to national duties.

Addressing public perception directly, Roberts reaffirmed her impartiality and dedication to fairness.

“I have no personal issues with any artist, including Kid Fresh. I did my best to look out for him. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again — my actions were in his best interest,” she said. “That was also stated publicly in the National Soca Fraternity group.”

Roberts concluded with a call for unity within the creative community.

“With such a large and passionate group of Soca contributors in Antigua and Barbuda, we must remain grounded in integrity, openness, and collective responsibility,” she said. “Love and light to everyone.”

The National Soca Fraternity wishes to formally address a matter of grave concern regarding the recently concluded Soca Monarch Quarterfinals preliminaries.

On the final night of the Quarterfinals, it was publicly announced from the stage by the MC that a decision had been made by the Festivals Commission to have two artists privately judged in an enclosed and undisclosed location, in front of a private panel of judges and a private audience. This decision was taken prior to the official judging of both Groovy and Jumpy Quarterfinals categories.

We are aware that in past years, requests from several artists to be adjudicated earlier — due to travel arrangements and other unavoidable circumstances — were declined on multiple occasions, ultimately resulting in those artists being unable to participate in their intended categories.

It is critical to note that performing in an enclosed, empty space is vastly different from performing on an open stage before a live audience, with the full technical setup including stage equipment, speakers, monitors, and crowd interaction. These differences directly impact the sound, energy, and overall performance experience, putting the artists who followed the established protocol at a significant and unfair disadvantage.

The National Soca Fraternity, along with other participating artists, was not notified or consulted about this decision prior to the private judging. Such a decision undermines the integrity of the competition, which is intended to provide a fair and level playing field for all contestants. It must be emphasized that other artists who arrived late or were unable to perform on the scheduled dates were disqualified, in strict adherence to the rules.

Prior to the competition, a number-picking process was conducted, and all artists were made aware of their designated performance dates. Any previous miscommunications regarding dates were addressed and resolved well in advance. Both artists in question were already aware of their unavailability for the scheduled dates but were still offered the opportunity to perform ahead of the preliminaries.

Following the announcement on July 2nd, the National Soca Fraternity immediately engaged the Festivals Commission and was redirected to the Judges Committee. Both bodies indicated that the decision was taken to account for prior miscommunication. Despite numerous efforts made between the evening of July 2nd and throughout July 3rd to express the deep concerns of the artist community, these efforts were dismissed. The response given was that, should the Fraternity not accept the decision, the results will remain unchanged.

The National Soca Fraternity made every effort to resolve this matter amicably and in good faith. However, this decision fails to respect and honor the artists who participated under the established rules and those who, in fairness, did not progress to the semifinals.

It is important to emphasize that this statement is in no way a personal attack on the two artists involved. We hold the highest respect for their talent, dedication, and contributions to the art form. Our concern lies solely with the manner in which this decision was made and executed and not the artists themselves.

We stand firmly against this unprecedented and unjust decision and call for immediate corrective action to uphold the fairness, integrity, and spirit of the Soca Monarch competition.

We remain committed to supporting and protecting the interests of all soca artists and will continue to advocate for a transparent and equitable process in all future events.

~National Soca Fraternity of Antigua & Barbuda ​

With Antigua Carnival 2025 fast approaching, all eyes (and ears) are on Kuttin Edge Band as they drop what many are already calling a potential Road March hit — the explosive uptempo soca track, “Block De Road.”

Known for their unmatched stage presence and high-energy performances, Kuttin Edge delivers a pure adrenaline rush with this jumpy anthem, perfectly tailored for the road. From the opening beat, “Block De Road” unleashes a call to fete, wave, jump, and take over the streets in true Carnival spirit.

“Antigua Carnival is not just a celebration — it’s a movement,” said a member of the band. “Block De Road is our way of capturing that unstoppable energy. It’s about owning the road, feeling the music, and uniting in vibes.”

Backed by powerful rhythms, infectious hooks, and an undeniable soca groove, “Block De Road” is quickly becoming a favorite among DJs, revelers, and masqueraders. Its early momentum suggests it could be one of the strongest contenders for Road March 2025 — the prestigious title awarded to the song that dominates the streets during the official Carnival parade.
As the Carnival season heats up, one thing is clear: Kuttin Edge Band didn’t come to play — they came to block de whole road.

 Watch “Block De Road” by Kuttin Edge Band

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.
​
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.
​
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 

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!

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

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.

​Calypsonians Divided: Controversy Erupts Over New Tent Process; Former President King Kaseeba Strikes Back with Private Tent

By: Vernon Jones 

St. John's, Antigua — The Calypso community in Antigua is embroiled in a heated debate as controversy rocks this year's Calypso tent process. Traditionally a bastion of live music, this year's events have taken a dramatic turn with the introduction of pre-recorded tracks, igniting fury among Calypsonians and enthusiasts alike.

The decision to abandon live bands in favor of canned music has divided the community, with many decrying it as a betrayal of Calypso's soul. The heart-pounding rhythms, spontaneous jams, and electrifying energy of live performances are now threatened, leaving Calypsonians feeling betrayed and disheartened.

Amidst the chaos, former Calypso Association president, King Kaseeba, has emerged as a rebel with a cause. Refusing to bow to the new order, he's defiantly launched his own private Calypso tent, complete with a powerhouse live band. This bold move has sent shockwaves through the community, challenging the authority of the established order and sparking a battle for the soul of Calypso.

King Kaseeba's private tent promises to be a sanctuary for those craving the authentic Calypso experience, untainted by the compromises of modernization. It's a rallying cry for tradition, a stand against the commodification of culture, and a declaration of independence in the face of adversity.

But the drama doesn't end there. As tensions reach a fever pitch, the official Calypso tent is set to kick off this Friday and Saturday at the highly anticipated Carnival New Tent City. It's a showdown between tradition and innovation, with the fate of Calypso hanging in the balance.

Will the community unite behind King Kaseeba's rebellion, or will the allure of the new tent city prove too enticing to resist? Only time will tell as Calypsonians brace themselves for a carnival season like no other, where passion, politics, and power collide in a symphony of drama and defiance.