Photos: Bennett Ranglin/BET/Getty Images for BET (view all photos here)
In case you missed it, last friday BET’s 105 & Park had a Caribbean Celebration in honor of New York’s Carnival Weekend, better known as the West Indian Day Parade. Although the parade was on Labor Day Monday, the festivities kicked off the week prior, leading up to the parade. The special included masquraders, audience members came with their flags to represent and performances by well known dancehall artistes Mr. Vegas, Beenie Man and Wayne Wonder. I thought it was cool of BET to have the special dedicated to Caribbean music , especially for the younger generations coming up to see. The exposure is great for the culture, but I wished they divulged more about Carnival and not just the dancehall tunes we all know and love. It would have been great to see soca or kompa artistes as well too, to really get into various aspects of Carnival culture. Nonetheless, it was a great opportunity for these artistes in the urban mainstream audience and I commend BET for allowing us to represent.
Mr. Vegas Interview
Beenie Man’s Interview
Wayne Wonder’s Interview
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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