The second annual TropicalFete Countdown of the Top 100 International Caribbean Songs of 2011 (last year’s chart topper was “Hold You” by Gyptian) will be held on Dec. 17.
The event organized by TropicalFete will be held at 310 Lounge, located at 310 Bowery, in Manhattan.
TropicalFete Countdown is a signature, gala event for a cause. In 2010, TropicalFete Countdown was dedicated (or as Caribbean people say, “Livicated” ) to the people and culture of Haiti, in light of the historic earthquake that devastated the island. This year, the topic is the power of the arts, which will be demonstrated by fashion, comedy, and music. The newly crowned Miss Caribbean U.S., Ms. Paula Leake, will be hosting the event, with director Omari Ozwald Peterson.
Some of the top songs for the night will be performed on steel drums, by world-renowned steel pan percussionist Ricardo Greenaway. Specializing in contemporary jazz and world music, Ricardo has toured extensively throughout the world as a featured solo performer. In addition, he has appeared on NBC’s Third Watch and ABC’s World News Polka. Ricardo’s goal is to continue soaring to new musical heights as an accomplished panist. Ricardo Greenaway is set to expand and redefine the limits of the musical voice of the steel pan in popular genres. Stellar performances are also expected from artists Trinity, Traci Marie and others.
TropicalFete’s Award of Excellence will be given to Ms. Patricia Meschino, a journalist who specializes in writing about Caribbean music and culture. Patricia is the Caribbean correspondent for Billboard Magazine.
Her additional work credits include being the music editor of Air Jamaica’s In-flight magazine, SkyWritings, and the culture editor of Jamrock Magazine. Additionally, she contributes to Bobmarley.com, Riddim magazine, The Associated Press, The Village Voice, Vibe Magazine, The Source, The Miami New Times, Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine, Sandals Lifestyle Magazine, Red Bulletin (Holland) and Songlines (UK).
She contributed the music section to a National Geographic book, entitled “Great Caribbean Family Vacations,” and was a featured commentator in the 2009 BET special “The Top 20 Greatest Moments in Reggae.”
TropicalFete Countdown: Top 100 International Caribbean Songs for the Year is a ranking of recorded music, according to popularity. Popularity is determined by air play, music sales, club play and online hits. The chart is not limited to one specific genre. Therefore, Reggae, R&B, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Zouk, Kompa, Soca, Reggaeton, Salsa, Calypso, etc., will be accounted for.
Weekly charts were calculated throughout the year, to determine a summary of the top 100. Charts have become an increasingly important way to measure the commercial success of individual songs.
TropicalFete’s Top 100 is a chart that reflects the songs people acquire. It showcases the diversity and creativity of Caribbean people around the world, and their impact on the global audience.
