Antigua and Barbuda appoints dancehall artist Masicka as cultural ambassador for youth development
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the appointment of Jamaican dancehall artist Masicka as a cultural ambassador, as part of a broader push to expand the country’s creative industries and youth development initiatives.
Director of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the decision during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing, outlining a proposal brought forward by Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene.
According to Merchant, the initiative is intended to strengthen youth engagement, support artistic development and deepen cultural ties within the region.
“The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda approved a proposal… for the appointment of internationally recognized Jamaican recording artist Masicka… as cultural ambassador for youth talent development and creative industries collaboration,” Merchant said.
He added that the programme forms part of a national strategy aimed at expanding the creative sector, enhancing cultural diplomacy and building opportunities for young people.
As part of the initiative, three young Antiguan and Barbudan artists will be selected to participate in a Jamaica-based exchange programme. The training is expected to include studio sessions, songwriting development, vocal coaching, performance preparation and exposure to music producers and record labels.
Participants will also gain insight into touring and the business side of the music industry, including entrepreneurship training, Merchant said.
The programme will also introduce a national youth music intervention and mentorship initiative, alongside a series of youth-focused creative empowerment forums led by Masicka, designed to encourage dialogue and engagement.
Masicka, born Javaun Nicholas Fearon in Portmore, Jamaica, is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in modern dancehall. Known for his lyrical style and storytelling, he has built an international following through projects such as 438 and Generation of Kings, both of which performed strongly on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
Officials say the next steps will include selecting the three local artists for the exchange programme and rolling out the mentorship and forum components, with ongoing monitoring of the initiative’s impact on youth development and the creative economy.
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Chupzzz
We know this is all about securing the Jamaican population vote here along with the amnesty. If Antiguans do not get their heads in the right place and recognize what is happening, we will not only remain second and third class citizens but our collective asses will eat grass soon from now. Just remember you were WARNED
You guys really on some BS.
Is best you say plain out,
SOMEBODY WARR EAT A PIECE A FOOD!
You can’t make these things up…Jokers running this country. So what he gets a diplomatic passport? Well the words of Bold Face resonates with plenty so give him a posthumous ambassadorship.
I really hope that my taxpaying EC Dollar isn’t paying for this utter waste of money? And if so, why not use one of the many talented Antiguan artists for example like our own ‘Tizzy’?
We are not Jamaicans!
And before the Jamaicans jump down my throat; just ask yourself with hand on heart would you accept an Antiguan as your “Cultural Ambassador?”
No way no how! Each year it seems, that our culture is being eroded more and more by this money grabbing, immigrant “vote” snatching ABLP government.
Mek dem carryon, as the popular saying across the Pond goes – FAFO… 🤬
Really? I never heard of this artist, so I dropped a few of his tracks from YouTube on my ear drums, and it’s as white as snow in salmon where the Gaston Browne led ABLP Administration is directing the Culture!
His lyrics are about guns, sexual abuse of women, stacking money by whatever means, as he feels proud and privileged to be living in a land of sin.
It’s no wonder the Antiguan culture is now following the same paths in more ways than one. Of course not all Antiguans are falling or fascinated by this garbage but even garbage serves a purpose when it’s recycled.
This should be the topic been preach on from every pulpit in the churches if they really care about the directions which these politicians are taking the youths as they promote garbage culture.
@ Brix.. you never got the notice that Tizzy is already one of our cultural ambassadors? What about Tian? The latter has been one since 2013
I don’t get why the government align itself with a violent and vulgar lyricist.
Let the young Antiguan artists prove themselves. There’s YouTube and AI to help them. No need to not be unsuccessful.
And why do they have to “learn” about touring if they aren’t booked?
Whoever @tenman, I was only making the point that I preferred an Antiguan artist … and congratulations to Tizzy as well 👏🏾
More Antiguans please…
Wholeheartedly understand this initiative but I can not support this move.. there Is no need for Him to be named as a cultural ambassador on behalf of Antigua…. Why don’t you sit down with Drastic who is now based in Canada and tours the world. How about Caution the reggae guy…Pretty sure there had to be another way to set up such a programme. For the person listing Tizzy .. she was already named a cultural ambassador if I recall correctly.
I’m against this move. It makes zero sense and is insulting to the pioneering artisans/musicians in Antiguas and Barbudas shores.
Slap in the face
How can u hate a nation so much but still embrace their culture and food? Big set of hypocrites!!. Most of the noise is pure envy and badmind towards Jamaicans and our major accomplishments. Dancehall artists draw the biggest crowds in Antigua. Yet u bash Jamaicans every opportunity u get. Embrace your Caribbean brothers and sisters and stop being so hateful.
U all quick to kiss the *** of the Syrians and Chinese. But hate Jamaicans. What a shame!
Who better to represent Antigua’s culture than an Antiguan? Appointing a Jamaican as Antigua’s Cultural Ambassador is not just questionable—it is an insult to our people, a betrayal of our sovereignty, and a direct blow to our national dignity.
For too long, the ALP administration has shown blatant disregard for the heritage and identity of original Antiguan nationals. Under their leadership, our folklore and cultural traditions have been neglected and pushed to the brink of disappearance. This is unacceptable.
Antiguans must stand up, mobilize, and send a clear and united message: our culture is not for sale, not for substitution, and not for political convenience. Our identity matters. Our heritage matters. Our voices matter.
If we truly care about preserving what it means to be Antiguan, then we must act decisively and vote the ALP out. It is time to reclaim our culture, our pride, and our future. 🇦🇬🔥
I watched the ALP government invite the Santo Domingo ambassador to help sanitize the Spanish people in Antigua to help diffuse the murder if Chantel, and the case is mysteriously sabotage, the Jamaican community is now been appeased for votes because the antigua passport is not been accepted for visa like the Jamaican and Guyanese passport now because of Gaston treachery against the sovereignty of Antigua and Barbuda. So they seeking the votes because they don’t want to see jail.
This is yet another indication of how our authorities undermìne, frustrate and erode the efforts of its own citizens. I do not think that you would ever find an Antiguan or Barbudan or any other nationality be so honored in Jamaica above their own citizens. I could think of more than ten able and capable Antiguans and Barbudans that could perform that role. Treasure and honour our nationals first! Even in our homeland we have to compete for prominence above others
IS THIS A JOKE? IF SO,IT WOULD BE THE JOKE OF THE DECADE.GIVE ME A DAMN BREAK.
These. People really hate Antiguans.
This is hatred……
Everybody in Cabinet cannot be that Dunce.
@Rudeboy4life just so you know not every Antigua embrace your psychological crap. Your food is laced with sugar and the spices which you use to season your food are authentic to the entire Caribbean. Ain’t a damn thing special about Jamaican cuisine except the hype. So dun de fuckery right dey so, so.
The most important thing about the Jam Dung Culture is it’s arrogant, clannish, aggressive and vindictive. Why the fuck do you think the murder rate is so fucking high in Jamaica?
Trust me not every Antigua fraid fu buck up R U rasshole.
Seriously? 😳 It’s not April 1st as yet so, somebody’s got to joking.
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