The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals has announced the performance line-up for the 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village.

72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village

The Village will be headlined by Caribbean superstars Shaggy, Patrice Roberts, Sizzla Kalonji, Kes, and Machel Montano, who will kick off the six-night free Village concerts on Monday, April 29.

“The anticipation around this year’s St. Thomas Carnival is at an all-time high, and the Village night performers reflect the continued influence and growth of our territory’s three carnivals,” exclaims USVI Department of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte.

Center Stage

Adam O, Rudy Live, Temisha, Karnage, Blind Earz, VIO International, and Spectrum Band are among the performers who will take center stage to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Every year, our goal is to pay homage to the vast Virgin Islands and Caribbean culture that is at the cornerstone of these annual celebrations for natives and visitors alike,” added USVI Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull.

Haitian kompa band VAYB and Dominican salsa orchestra Chiquito Team Band will provide a cross-cultural immersion of sound, highlighting the diverse musical interests of Virgin Islands residents.

First-time performers

Rounding out the village are a few first-time performers in the territory, including TeeJay, Jada Kingdom, and Kollision Band, and returning favorites Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah, and Grandmasters.

Kids Night Out Village Night

This year, the Division of Festivals will host its first Kids Night Out Village Night, with activities including the Toddlers Derby, Best Dressed Doll, and performances by TMK and OTB.

More information on 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village

For up-to-date information about the 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival, visit https://www.instagram.com/usvifestivals/.

Marlena Shaw, the singer behind  “California Soul” and “Woman of the Ghetto”, has died.

Marlena Shaw has passed away

Shaw’s daughter announced her passing on Facebook.

“It’s with a very heavy heart for myself and my family I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist Marlena Shaw has passed away,” Marla Bradshaw, her daughter, said. “She went listening to some of her favorite songs.”

Bradshaw did not specify the cause of death but said her mother’s passing was “peaceful”.

She was 81.

Music career

Marlena Shaw was a legendary musician who influenced music in the jazz, soul, disco and R&B genres.

She rose to notoriety  the 1960s after she was noticed by the Chess Records label. She sang her most recognizable single “California Soul” with the label before switching to a more jazz-focused label.

Shaw’s music transcended across many generations and has been featured and sampled in popular media, TV commercials and other songs.

Her lyrics often communicated the strength of the Black American community and Black women at a time when there was racial divide in the country and its politics.

In her career, Shaw put out 17 albums.

Rapper Chad Watson has released the official music video for his single “Though I Lie”.

Directed by Chad himself, the Los Angeles native strolls through various scenery in the area, while telling listeners though he may lie, he’s only human.

Watson was featured on Unheard Voices in 2022 and is continuing to make waves with his music.

Check out Though I Lie below: