The Caribbean’s rich history and vibrant culture continue to inspire and impact the world over. Let’s face it, Caribbean-blooded folk excel in whatever field they enter.

Jamaica

Shaggy

It’s been 18 years since the release of It Wasn’t Me and the reggae singer is still delighting audiences. With the launch of his 44/876 collaborative album with rock superstar Sting (it debuted at number nine on the UK Albums Chart) and subsequent tour, Mr Boombastic continues to wave the Jamaican flag internationally and make The Rock proud.

UNESCO Awards Reggae Protected Status

CNN noted that reggae music “seems as ubiquitous to the beaches of Southeast Asia and dorm rooms of Boston as it does to its Jamaican homeland”. No one can deny the global impact of the sound of Jamaica and now it’s protected by the United Nation’s cultural and scientific agency.

Antoinette Robertson in Dear White People

The second season of the popular Netflix series Dear White People dropped in May. Fans of the show couldn’t wait to see what fresh antics Colandrea ‘Coco’ Conners, played by Robertson, would get up to and boy, she didn’t disappoint! Robertson plays a outspoken, brilliant, but flawed character with such conviction that this role is sure to land her many more.

Tracks & Records UK

The first overseas location of Tracks & Records opened in London on Wednesday, November 14. Many turned out to support the World’s Fastest Man including the World’s Sexiest Man Idris Elba. The occasion marked the beginning of the overseas expansion of the casual-dining chain.

Dalton Harris

Hooray! After weeks of displaying serious vocal chops, Dalton Harris won season 15 of X Factor UK. We had no doubt that he would come out on top and his fans eagerly anticipate a full studio album.

Reggae Girlz

What a moment for the nation when the Reggae Girlz qualified for the World Cup! That day, October 17, will forever have significance for the Jamaica women’s national football team. We can’t wait to see them sing the National Anthem at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France next June.

Barbados

Mia Mottley is Barbados’ First Female PM

With a landslide victory, Mia Mottley and the Barbados Labour Party took hold of the country’s power. Mottley, Barbados’ eighth prime minister, is the first woman to hold the power of the island and its approximately 284,000 inhabitants. Mottley’s success signalled a change in local Bajan politics and we reckon that this will positively impact those who live in the developing world.

Rihanna

What a year RiRi has had! From co-starring in Ocean’s 8 to closing New York Fashion Week to hosting another successful Diamond Ball to continually selling out of the darkest shades of her Fenty Beauty line, her many moves result in many asking: “How does she do it?” With her numerous business ventures, some may forget that she’s a pop superstar. But not Style Observer (SO), we’re still waiting on that reggae album!

Grenada

Lewis Hamilton

Racing star Lewis Hamilton didn’t get his speed from his bus driver grandfather who is known as Slowcoach in his fishing village of Grand Roy, Grenada. Hamilton is the best-paid driver in the history of Formula One, having signed a two-year deal with Mercedes worth up to £40 million and clinched his fifth World Championship title, to boot!

Amanda Seales

Bronx-raised island girl Seales is known for her work as a stand-up comedienne, singer, disc jockey and actress. Her recurring role as Tiffany on HBO’s Insecure and hosting the touring comedy game show Smart, Funny & Black has made Seales a household name with black millennials. In January she launched a podcast Small Doses with Amanda Seales to acclaim, and a one-hour HBO stand-up special was just announced for 2019.

Trinidad & Tobago

Caribbean Airlines Renews Its Fleet

Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) has taken “a quantum leap forward” and will upgrade its fleet to the Boeing 737 Max 8 jets. The new aircraft will offer increased efficiency, savings on fuel and maintenance and allow the airline to service new markets. CAL will join the Boeing 737 Max 8 airline family that has Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, Icelandair, United Airlines and Virgin Australia as members. Talk about the big leagues!

Meiling Esau at Buckingham Palace

Meiling Esau was, too, a part of the Commonwealth Exchange fashion showcase in February. The minimalist fashion designer was honoured to represent the twin-island republic at the first-ever event of its kind at Buckingham Palace.

Bahamas

Theodore Elyett meets Fashion Royalty

During the Commonwealth Exchange fashion showcase at Buckingham Palace the celebrated Bahamian fashion designer had the opportunity to meet and chat with supermodel Naomi Campbell and British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful. This was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime moment!

Caricom

Black Panther’s Caribbean Cast

SO would be remiss if we didn’t mention the talented contributions of Caribbean-born actors to Black Panther. The blockbuster released in theatres on February 16 grossed over US $1.3bn at box offices worldwide. Tobagonian Winston Duke plays M’Baku; Guyanese Letitia Wright plays Shuri; Grenadian Sydelle Noel plays one of the members of the fearless Dora Milaje; and daughter of reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, Nabiyah Be, plays supervillain Killmonger’s lover Linda.