Posts in category Entertainment

When it comes to comedy shows in Montreal’s Black community, one promoter stands out: Widma Jean Jacques, better known as Big Will. Since his college days in the late 1990s, Big Will has been producing entertainment events focused on delivering high quality shows at affordable prices, ensuring audiences of all backgrounds can enjoy top notch performances. In recent years, he has shifted his focus to comedy, organizing dozens of shows that bring communities together through laughter. Working alongside his business partner Cliff, Big Will continues that mission with the upcoming Funny By Nature 9th anniversary showcase. Celebrating nearly a decade …

Island Scoop!! Your One-Stop Source for Soca News | Carnival 2026 The Trinidad & Tobago Carnival season may be shorter this year, with Carnival Monday and Tuesday falling on February 16th and 17th, but the energy is already heating up, especially in the Chutney Soca scene. After years of fans saying Chutney Soca was fading, 2026 is proving there’s still plenty of life in the genre. Reigning champion Machel Montano has officially announced that he will return to defend his Chutney Soca Monarch crown at the Grand Finals on Sunday, February 8th, 2026 at Skinner Park, San Fernando. Semi-Final Round …

  The play ‘Harlem of the North’ is an original Black theatre production. It tells the story of a Black family who moves from the U.S. to Montreal in the 1920s, exploring themes of love and loss, with the background of the Harlem Renaissance and jazz. “I wanted to share the feelings I have from my Black experience over here in Montreal,” playwright, director, and songwriter Frangelica Cajuste told the CONTACT. “Here we have the jazz festival every year—but this history, it could be even further explained and even further told with more. Pieces of theatre or film, TV, or …

So, hear what!! I finally experienced the Tobago Carnival for myself, and it was nothing short of amazing. I’ve attended Trinidad Carnival countless times, but Tobago offered something refreshingly different. A celebration that felt intimate, secure and grounded. Yes! We know that Tobago Carnival is still a newcomer on the Caribbean Carnival scene, having been held annually since 2022. In just a few short years, it has already established itself as a distinct celebration, giving the island a chance to showcase its unique traditions and creativity. Here’s the dates for the independent Tobago Carnival through 2027, taking place each year …

Fall is here and the echoes of summer festivals and late night gatherings fade, what remains are the images that kept those moments alive. From packed festival’s, BBQ to buzzing night events, much of what f illed our social media feeds came through the eyes of photographers. They are the storytellers behind the lens, the ones who transform temporary smiles, celebrations and vibrant nights into lasting memories. This fall, I would like to spotlight three who helped define how Montreal remembers this summer. Murddock, PsynDragon, and Brian Kotler of MTL Glamour Shots. I’ve had the chance to work with Murddock, …

Montrealers turned out in full force on July 26th for Jamaica Day at Martin Luther King (Kent) Park, widely regarded by organizers as the largest edition to date. Headliner Papa Michigan best known as half of Michigan & Smiley gave his fans his classic hits on Saturday, then met fans at a packed community gathering on Sunday. Born Anthony Fairclough in Kingston, Jamaica, Michigan helped invent a new language for reggae at the turn of the 1980s. As Michigan & Smiley, he and partner General Smiley were among the first dual toasters, popularizing a crisp call-and-response style that bridged singing and DJ chatting and …

This year’s Carimas celebration brought out the energy, colour, and culture of our community, but it also exposed some deeper issues we need to address. As members of the Caribbean community, we carry a rich culture, deep roots, and vibrant pride. Yet too often, we find ourselves tearing each other down instead of lifting each other up. When we argue publicly, disrespect one another online, or feud over positions and events, it doesn’t stay within our walls, the outside world watches. And for those looking in, especially in a multicultural city like Montreal, it reinforces harmful stereotypes and weakens our …

Montreal, July 1st, 2025 Canada Day in Montreal took on a special meaning this year as two of the city’s top promoters, NiteLife Ent and Production Sounds came together to present Island Twist, a celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and legacy. In the heart of the festivities, International DJ and crowd favourite Riggo Suave, also known as The Stage God, was officially honoured for his impact on Montreal’s Caribbean entertainment scene. A plaque was presented by Production Sounds in front of a packed audience of supporters, fellow DJs, and fans. Riggo Suave, based in New York, has been Djing across …

Kiddies Carnival also known as Petit Carimas in Montreal is around the corner. This year Petit Carimas will be held on Saturday 28th June, 2025 at Martin Luther King Park starting at noon. This is a vibrantcultural event that plays a crucial role in introducing the next generation to the traditions and artistry of Carnival, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride. It serves as a platform for children to learn about Carnival, engage in creative expression, and develop valuable skills like teamwork and cooperation. Here’s a list of the Petit Carimas band leaders for 2025. Rendez vous.mas, Westcan …

Montreal’s summer festival season is set to sizzle as Kes the Band—Trinidad and Tobago’s musical powerhouse takes the Rogers Stage at the Montreal International Jazz Festival on Friday, July 4 at 11:00 PM. Known for their explosive live performances and anthemic hits like Wotless, Savannah Grass, Tuesday on the Rocks, and Liki Tiki, the band is expected to deliver a high-energy set that will light up downtown Montreal with the vibrant pulse of Caribbean Soca. A fan favourite among local soca music enthusiasts and Caribbean diaspora communities across Canada, Kes the Band has spent nearly two decades blending genres and …