Konsidering Kartel

I have a lot of thoughts about Adidja Palmer’s influence on the Caribbean. His charisma, musical legacy and the mess surrounding his failed concert in Trinidad.

But writing about Vybz Kartel has been personally rewarding. I received a Caribbean Broadcast Union Award for Excellence in Caribbean Art and Culture Reporting for my report on his intended Carnival Friday concert.

Funnily enough, that concert was ultimately rescheduled, then abandoned by the artist – not the promoter -hours before showtime. It introduced conversations about professionalism in the event industry, the use of foreign exchange in a country in which access has been severely limited.

But my article focused on the furor the initial date caused. The proposed hosting of a major dancehall artist in T&T- the home of Carnival: on Carnival Friday, the traditional date for Soca Monarch.

As a reporter who tries to insert quality cultural reporting into the mix, this was a personally validating award. A little encouragement to hold the fort and continue this work, even going deeper into this type of reporting.

Anyways just a quick update on what has been happening.