​We’re sliding into the last half of October, and if you’ve been thinking about getting out and enjoying yourself — this is your sign! The city (and beyond) is packed with music, food, and culture to close out the month right.
​
October 17: Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton bring the soul to Atlanta for a powerful live show that kicks off the weekend right.
October 18: The flavor takes over — Smorgasburg Atlanta hits downtown, the Atlanta Mimosa Festival pours up bubbly energy, and Taste of Chamblee celebrates food and community.
October 21: ATL celebrates legacy with The Saviors of the South: The Dungeon Family Screening, while Miami Fashion Week kicks off in Miami (Oct 21–26) spotlighting top designers and trends.
October 22–26: South Beach Seafood Festival brings the heat and coastal bites to Miami Beach.
October 24: Praise In The Park fills the air with joy and gospel sounds in Atlanta.
October 25: The city stays lit with One Music Fest weekend, plus BET Presents We Got You Sis hosted by LeToya Luckett — a celebration of sisterhood, empowerment, and culture.
October 26: Keep the weekend vibes rolling with Bamba Sunday in ATL — the ultimate Afrobeat day party — and more One Music Fest performances.
October 27–31: Round out the month at AfroTech Conference in Austin, Texas — where culture meets innovation and Black excellence takes the stage.
​
There’s no better time to explore, connect, and celebrate — October’s still outside, so make the most of it!

​The music world stands still today as we mourn the passing of one of soul’s most gifted and mysterious geniuses — D’Angelo. The Grammy-winning artist, born Michael Eugene Archer, passed away at age 51 after a private battle with cancer. His family called him “the shining star of our family,” and for millions of fans, his light will never fade.

A Voice That Redefined Soul

When Brown Sugar hit in 1995, D’Angelo’s sound felt like a time capsule cracked open. His smoky tone, gospel roots, and jazz-tinged arrangements reintroduced emotional depth to R&B at a time when the genre was driven by gloss and groove. The album didn’t just deliver hits like “Lady” and “Brown Sugar” — it signaled the birth of the neo-soul movement, carving space for artists such as Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and Jill Scott.

He sang with a spiritual ache, layering every lyric with warmth and vulnerability. His voice made listeners feel, not just hear, the message — an intimacy that transcended speakers and eras.

Voodoo & Vulnerability

With Voodoo (2000), D’Angelo became something larger than a singer — he became a cultural moment. The project blended funk, jazz, and hip-hop into a hypnotic spiritual experience. Then came the “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” video, forever cementing his legacy. For some, it was sensual perfection; for D’Angelo, it became a burden. Fame’s spotlight grew too bright, and soon, the artist who had made the world slow down chose silence over spectacle.

The Return of a Messenger

After years of retreat, D’Angelo returned in 2014 with Black Messiah — not just an album, but a statement. Released amid protests and social unrest, it was a reflection of the times, fusing funk and revolution, faith and fire. It proved that art could still be both healing and political, both deeply personal and profoundly collective.

“Black Messiah is about all of us,” he said. “It’s about the world we live in.” That message still rings true.

A Legacy Beyond the Music

D’Angelo’s artistry wasn’t about quantity — just three studio albums, but each one timeless. His influence can be heard in the DNA of today’s R&B innovators: from Frank Ocean’s introspection to H.E.R.’s warmth to Anderson .Paak’s groove. His music built bridges between generations, reminding us that soul evolves but never dies.

He was proof that mystery could coexist with mastery — that an artist could disappear for years and still return with something the world didn’t know it needed.

The Final Note

As we play his records now, the melodies feel heavier — each note a reminder of what he gave us and what we’ve lost. But D’Angelo’s essence remains in the rhythm of everyday life: in a late-night jam session, a candle-lit playlist, or the echo of a live horn cutting through a smoky room.

From Brown Sugar to Black Messiah, D’Angelo’s music wasn’t just sound — it was salvation. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will keep vibrating in the pulse of every soul that dares to feel deeply.

“We are the music,” he once said. “It lives in us.”

Today, we honor that truth — and the man who made us believe it.
Rest in power, D’Angelo.

David Banner’s conversation at AfriCon Global was a masterclass in connecting the dots between culture and commerce. He began by reflecting on hip hop’s origins—how something created from the unknown became a trillion-dollar global industry within 50 years. That story, he said, is proof that African creativity is limitless. The challenge, however, is turning creativity into long-term infrastructure and ownership.

Banner spoke honestly about the exploitation that still exists in African markets, where outside companies take resources, refine them abroad, and sell them back at inflated prices. This isn’t just about minerals or tourism, he noted—it’s the same cycle in music and media, where artists generate global hits but see little of the wealth. His solution? Minority participation, trust-building, and reinvestment in local systems.

He stressed the importance of investing in our youth early, supporting their passions before the world validates them. Without that investment, he warned, young innovators will take their talents elsewhere. Banner challenged parents, leaders, and the diaspora to see beyond immediate profits and recognize the generational power of cultural investment.

What stood out most was his insistence on trust. “The internet has closed the gap,” he said, “but now we must build relationships that keep it closed.” For Banner, bridging Africa and the diaspora isn’t just about ideas—it’s about sustainable systems that empower both sides of the ocean.

As someone who has been deeply rooted in hip hop and culture, how do you see music as a bridge between Africa and the diaspora?

Yeah, music is a great language for us to have. It's a way to share experience. Um, and for us to be able to, you know, relate to each other. Obviously, music is a very powerful Source, so we have to be a little bit responsible with it, but it's a great form of expression, and it's a way to share without having, and they said they always go through what each other went.

What advice would you give to the next generation about staying rooted in heritage while also being innovative globally?

We have to stay rooted inheritance. Stay rooted to something bigger than yourself. Then what will happen? Is, is the subculture becomes pop culture, so everything that we are?

It allows us to create we are the resource. We're the oil. So now we got to build the machine, right? But if you, if you lose your roots, you lose your your difference, right? You lose your IP, right? Because we're bringing ourselves to whatever opportunities and create.

August came alive with visuals that showcased both legends and rising stars. DJ Khaled teamed up with Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Mavado, RoryStoneLove & Kaylan for “You Remind Me”, an explosive collaboration that blended Hip-Hop and Dancehall energy with undeniable star power. On the Soca-Dancehall wave, Wendi’s “Say Ah” delivered pure summer heat, while Nailah Blackman’s “Busy Body” brought vibrant carnival flavor straight to the screen. Teyana Taylor’s “Escape Room” pushed boundaries with a cinematic edge, while Yung Bredda and Full Blown teamed up for “The Greatest Bend Over (Take It Easy)”, a playful party anthem. To top it off, Chlöe x MOLIY gave us a fresh remix of “Take It Easy” that added R&B finesse with Afrobeats flair.

This September, Atlanta transforms into the cultural capital of the Diaspora as AFRICON 2025 arrives at the Omni Hotel, September 18–20. Presented by Amplify Africa and in partnership with Fidelity Bank, AFRICON isn’t just a conference—it’s a global movement connecting Africa and its Diaspora through culture, creativity, commerce, and community.
​
With more than 3,000 attendees, 200+ exhibitors, and a lineup of powerhouse voices including Wale, Jackie Asamoah, Azie Tesfai, Diarrha Ndiaye, and Tuma Basa, the conference’s Culture Track promises to deliver thought-provoking panels and unforgettable experiences. From music showcases and fashion runways to film competitions and business pitch sessions, AFRICON is a place where ideas spark, cultures connect, and innovation thrives.

About Naomi Raine

Naomi Raine is a worship leader, GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning artist, and member of the renowned collective Maverick City Music. She is widely recognized for her contributions to worship hits like “Jireh,” “Promises,” and “Kingdom.” Naomi’s solo projects continue to resonate with global audiences, offering authentic worship experiences rooted in truth, vulnerability, and faith.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- CeCe Winans; More Than This; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
- Jason Nelson; You Belong: Live in Durham; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records
- Kenny Lewis & One Voice; The Healing Project; PureSound Muzik Group
- Pastor Mike Jr.; I Got Away EP; Rock City Media Group
- Tamela Mann; Live Breathe Fight; TillyMann

SONG OF THE YEAR
- Amen; Michael McClure Jr., Adia Andrews, Terrell Anthony Pettus, Andrea Crouch, & David "DLo"
Outing; Pastor Mike Jr.; Rock City Media Group
- Clap My Way; Fred Jerkins III, Alvin Garrett, & Micah Lee; Micah Lee; Darkchild Gospel/ MicahLeeMusic
- I Prayed For You (said a prayer); Major Johnson Finley, Brunes Charles, & Jeshua Williams; MAJOR.;
NowThatsMAJOR / MNRK
- That's My King; Taylor Agan, Kellie Gamble, Lloyd Nicks, & Jess Russ; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs
Gospel/Fair Trade Services
- Yahweh ft. Melvin Crispell III; Danni Baylor, Jason Nelson, Jerome Baylor, & Johnnie Huntley Steele III;
Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Chandler Moore; Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles; TRIBL
- Deitrick Haddon; One Night In California; DH Visions
- Doc McKenzie; Run On; Blockbuster Records/Milbert McKenzie Music Group
- Jason Nelson; You Belong: Live in Durham; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records
- Pastor Mike Jr.; I Got Away EP; Rock City Media Group

ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- ADIA; On the Way; Rock City Media Group
- CeCe Winans; More Than This; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
- Dorinda Clark-Cole; Determined; Malaco Records
- Karen Clark-Sheard; Still Karen; Motown Gospel
- Lisa Page Brooks; The Grateful Chant; FlowNeeNee Music

DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Deitrick Haddon ft. Damita & Tasha Page-Lockhart; Hold On 2 Your Faith; ManHaddon Ministries /
Tyscot Records
- FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten and Marcus Cole); Time Capsule - The Trilogy; 3Brothers/Dare
Records
- Ted & Sheri; You've Been So Faithful (Groove); Ted & Sheri LLC / Black Smoke Music Worldwide
- The Group Fire; About Last Night; Jet Records North/East

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- ADIA; On the Way; Rock City Media Group
- Bobbi Lane; Unmatched Grace; Blockbuster Records/ Taylor Music Group
- Josh Bracy and Power Anointed; Favor; Josh Bracy Muzic
- Micah Lee; Clap My Way; Darkchild Gospel/ MicahLeeMusic
- Montrae Tisdale and The Friends Chorale; The Faith Journey; Tisdale Nation Entertainment

​ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- I Got Away EP; Pastor Mike Jr.; Rock City Media Group
- Live Breathe Fight; Tamela Mann; TillyMann
- More Than This; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
- The Healing Project; Kenny Lewis & One Voice; PureSound Muzik Group
- You Belong: Live in Durham; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records

CHOIR OF THE YEAR
- Bishop S.Y. Younger; Bishop S.Y. Younger Presents Worship in Brazil; Ramp Records (exclusively
distributed by Haus Records)
- Chicago Mass Choir; Greater Is Coming; New Haven Records
- Ricky Dillard; When I Think; Motown Gospel
- The Mississippi Mass Choir; We Still Believe; Malaco Records

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
- Dana Sorey; Jason Nelson; You Belong: Live in Durham; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records
- Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Marcus Cole, Paul Wright III and Ray Hammond; FK&M (Fred
Hammond, Keith Staten and Marcus Cole); Time Capsule - The Trilogy; 3Brothers/Dare Records
- J. Drew Sheard; Karen Clark-Sheard; Still Karen; Motown Gospel
- Michael McClure Jr., & David "DLo" Outing II; Pastor Mike Jr.; I Got Away EP; Rock City Media Group
- Stan Jones, Jerry Mannery, Jerry Smith, & David R. Curry Jr.; The Mississippi Mass Choir; We Still
Believe; Malaco Records

CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Deitrick Haddon ft. Damita & Tasha Page-Lockhart; Hold On 2 Your Faith; ManHaddon Ministries /
Tyscot Records
- Red Hands; The Three (EP); Black Suit Music / Anderson Music Group / TAMLA Records
- Ted & Sheri; You've Been So Faithful (Groove); Ted & Sheri LLC / Black Smoke Music Worldwide
- The Group Fire; About Last Night; Jet Records North/East

TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Brandon Camphor & One Way; Hymn Medley; Tomii Entertainment
- Men Of Prayze; Live: In The Red; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
- The Flint Cavaliers; The Fellowship (Psalms 133:1); The Flint Music Group
- Tim Woodson & The Heirs of Harmony; Try Me; Blackberry/Marxan Records

CONTEMPORARY MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Jason Nelson; You Belong: Live in Durham; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records
- Micah Lee; Clap My Way; Darkchild Gospel/ MicahLeeMusic
- Pastor Mike Jr.; I Got Away EP; Rock City Media Group
- Vincent Bohanan; VBSOV Summer Jam; Independent

TRADITIONAL MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Bishop Calvin Norton; Hold Me Beyond Rear View EP; Blockbuster Records
- Brent Jones; Live Your Best Life; JDI Entertainment
- Earnest Pugh; Worthy Is The Lamb; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- Kenny Lewis; The Healing Project; PureSound Muzik Group

CONTEMPORARY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- ADIA; On the Way; Rock City Media Group
- Bobbi Lane; Unmatched Grace; Blockbuster Records/ Taylor Music Group
- CeCe Winans; More Than This; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
- DOE; Heart Of A Human; RCA Inspiration / Provident Entertainment
- Keyla Richardson; Home; Uncle G Records

TRADITIONAL FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Dorinda Clark-Cole; Determined; Malaco Records
- Lasha Knox; Right There; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- Lisa Page Brooks; The Grateful Chant; FlowNeeNee Music
- Terri McConnell; He'll Get Me Through This; Royal T Records

CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles; Chandler Moore; TRIBL
- Live Breathe Fight; Tamela Mann; TillyMann
- Still Karen; Karen Clark-Sheard; Motown Gospel
- You Belong: Live in Durham; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records

​TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Determined; Dorinda Clark-Cole; Malaco Records
- Live in Detroit, Pt 1; The Victorius Army ATL Feat. Vincent Bohanan; Independent
- The Healing Project; Kenny Lewis & One Voice; PureSound Muzik Group
- We Still Believe; The Mississippi Mass Choir; Malaco RecordsURBAN SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
- Amen; Pastor Mike Jr.; Rock City Media Group
- Clap My Way; Micah Lee; Darkchild Gospel/ MicahLeeMusic
- I Prayed For You (said a prayer); MAJOR.; NowThatsMAJOR / MNRK
- Without You ft. Zacardi Cortez; Jevon Dewand and The Trap Starz; Black Smoke Records

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
- Amen; Pastor Mike Jr., Tony “Mr.YNOT” Minifield, Drae Rudolph & Kevin “Krispy” Key/Moon Men; Rock
City Media Group
- Deserve To Win; David Mann; TillyMann
- For My Good; Jekalyn Carr; Waynorth Music
- Never Be The Same; Deitrick Haddon & Terrance Church; DH Visions

TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR
- Chicago Mass Choir; Greater Is Coming; New Haven Records
- Christopher L. Ervin & Abraham's Descendants; Recover; CervinMusiq
- Ricky Dillard; When I Think; Motown Gospel
- The Mississippi Mass Choir; We Still Believe; Malaco Records

CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR
- Alphaeus Anderson Presents The USC Upstate Gospel Choir; Already Done; Music2ChangeU
- Charles Butler & Trinity; Live In Washington DC; Red Alliance Media
- Johnny Sanders Featuring Faith on Full; Christmas Everyday; Third Century Development Corp/Johnny
Sanders Presents, LLC
- Vincent Bohanan & SOV; VBSOV Summer Jam; Independent

TRADITIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Bishop Calvin Norton; Hold Me Beyond Rear View EP; Blockbuster Records
- Dorinda Clark-Cole; Determined; Malaco Records
- Earnest Pugh; Worthy Is The Lamb; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- The Mississippi Mass Choir; We Still Believe; Malaco Records

SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Bishop S.Y. Younger Presents Worship in Brazil; Bishop S.Y. Younger; Ramp Records (exclusively
distributed by Haus Records)
- Joyful, Joyful: A Christmas Album; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
- Red & Green; Jonathan McReynolds; Life Room Label, Motown Gospel
- The Gift Deluxe Edition; The Group Fire; Jet Records North/East
- We Still Believe; The Mississippi Mass Choir; Malaco Records

RAP/HIP HOP GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Canton Jones and CAJO Records Presents The Free Life Experience; The Free Life Experience; CAJO
Records
- Let Go Let God: The EP; 1K Phew; Reach Records
- Meet Me in Miami; Otis Kemp; Revive 5.0 Entertainment
- Without You: There Would Be No Me; Jevon Dewand and The Trap Starz; Black Smoke Records

​YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR
- AMG Kidz x Boston Arts Academy; The Kidz At North Station; Anderson Music Group / TAMLA Records
- Brent Jones presents The Fire; Brent Jones presents The Fire; JDI Entertainment
- Janessa Smith; Sounds Of Joy; Inspired Recording
- Nina Symmone & Noah Alexander; God's Way; The Big Moment / Anderson Music GroupQUARTET OF THE YEAR
- Blest By Four; Only Believe The EP; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
- Men Of Prayze; Live: In The Red; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
- The Flint Cavaliers; The Fellowship (Psalms 133:1); The Flint Music Group
- Tim Woodson & The Heirs of Harmony; Try Me; Blackberry/Marxan Records

RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR
- Covered Vol. 1; Brianna Dowd & Melvin Crispell III; RCA Inspiration, Provident Label Group LLC
- Meet Me in Miami; Blair Monique; Revive 5.0 Entertainment
- Red & Green; Jonathan McReynolds & Trent Nicholson; Life Room Label, Motown Gospel
- Still Karen; Justin Foster; Motown Gospel

PRAISE AND WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles; Chandler Moore; TRIBL
- More Than This; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
- One; Jordan G. Welch; JordiG Music
- You Belong: Live in Durham; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records

PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR
- Light in a Dark Place; Bobbi Lane; Blockbuster Records/ Taylor Music Group
- Overflow ft. Todd Dulaney; Transformation Worship; Represent Records, Re: Think Music
- That's My King; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
- Yahweh ft. Melvin Crispell III; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records

RAP/HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR
- Amen; Pastor Mike Jr.; Rock City Media Group
- Blessings; Otis Kemp; Revive 5.0 Entertainment
- Fa REAL... Fa Real; Jevon Dewand and The Trap Starz; Black Smoke Records
- Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah ft. Lisa Page Brooks; Dante' Pride; iAmDantePrideMuzik

TOP MARKET OF THE YEAR
- WBBP 1480 AM, Memphis, TN
- WBGX 1570 kHz, Chicago, IL
- WFTB FM 104.1, Nashville, TN
- WGRB 1390AM, Chicago, IL
- WPZS 100.9, Charlotte, NC

MEDIUM MARKET OF THE YEAR
- WAGR 102.5 FM, Lexington, MS
- WEUP Worship 94.5, Huntsville, AL
- WJNI 106.3FM, Charleston, SC
- WXHL 89.1 FM, Wilmington, DE

​SMALL MARKET OF THE YEAR
- WBZF-FM 98.5, Florence-Myrtle Beach, SC
- WHLH 95.5, Jackson, MS
- WKTT 97.5 FM, Salisbury, MD
- WTSK – Praise 93.3/ 790 AM, Tuscaloosa, AL

INTERNET STATION OF THE YEAR
- Black Gospel Radio, https://BlackGospelRadio.net
- GODRadio1.com, https://godradio1.com
- Hands Up Radio WHUR, https://handsupradio.org/
- Power of Worship Radio, https://powerofworship.net

SYNDICATED GOSPEL RADIO SHOW OF THE YEAR
- Early Morning Praise Party with Sherry Mackey; Sherry Mackey
- Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell; Erica Campbell with Griff & Cheryl Jackson
- The Big Redd Radio Show; Big Redd
- The Tracy Morgan Show; Tracy Morgan

​GOSPEL ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR
- Destiny Diggs; WXHL – Reach Gospel Radio/ Say So Radio Show with Destiny
- Melissa Wade; WNNL, The Light 103.9/ Melissa Wade in the Midday
- Micha "ML6" Logan; WEUP, 103.1 FM/The Midday Shift
- Sherry Mackey; WHAL, 95.7 Hallelujah FM/ Early Morning Praise Party with Sherry Mackey

The countdown is ON, and so is our exclusive ticket giveaway to one of the hottest events of the season — the 2025 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival! Taking place September 11–14 in the bustling Historic Fourth Ward Park, AFWF is more than just a foodie paradise — it's a full sensory celebration of Southern culture, cuisine, and community.
​
Now celebrating its 14th year, the festival continues to grow in scope and creativity, with a powerful theme for 2025: “States of Motion.” This theme celebrates the movement of people, food, and traditions through time and across borders—uniting generations, cultures, and regions through the universal language of food.

Here’s what you can expect if you win:

• Immersive walk-around tasting experiences featuring the best bites from 60+ top chefs, mixologists, and culinary creators.
• Live culinary storytelling at the Publix Culinary Stage, where you’ll get an inside look at the artistry and roots of Southern cooking.
• Curated dining events and collaborations, from elegant multi-course meals to bold food pairings with rising culinary stars.
• A joyful gathering of fellow food lovers, creators, and trendsetters.

Best of all, your attendance supports great causes — including Children of Conservation, which provides meals and education to youth in Africa, and Event Zero Foundation, helping move the event industry toward more sustainable and socially responsible practices.

Whether you’re coming for the wine, the bites, the culture—or all three—you don’t want to miss this.  Trending With Ms Tre is excited to give one lucky reader a chance to join the flavor-filled fun. Keep an eye out for our official giveaway announcement and enter for your chance to WIN!

On July 10, 1973, The Bahamas proudly raised its black, aquamarine, and gold flag for the very first time, stepping into freedom as an independent nation. This year, 2025 marks the 52nd Anniversary of Independence, a celebration of history, resilience, and the unique spirit that makes The Bahamas a cultural gem of the Caribbean.

A Legacy of Music & Culture

Independence is always alive with sound, from the heartbeat of Junkanoo drums to the voices of Bahamian legends. The late Ronnie Butler, known as the “Godfather of Bahamian Music,” gave the nation anthems like Burma Road, while the world-famous Baha Men put The Bahamas on the global map with their hit Who Let the Dogs Out.

Today’s generation carries the torch with pride. Wendi dazzles with her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence, while Julien Believe infuses Bahamian music with pop energy, creating hits like The Caribbean Slide that get the diaspora moving. On the turntables, DJ Ovadose keeps the vibe alive, spinning Junkanoo, dancehall, soca, and international beats that keep Independence parties going all night. Together, they embody the rhythm of a nation.

Flavors of Independence

Food is at the heart of every Bahamian celebration. From street stalls to fine dining, Independence brings the nation together around the table. Expect conch fritters, cracked lobster, peas n’ rice, fried plantains, guava duff, and sky juice—all staples of the Independence feast.

Arawak Cay (Fish Fry) is the go-to for authentic conch salad, fried snapper, and lively crowds.

Goldie’s Conch House and Twin Brothers serve up some of Nassau’s most loved comfort food.

For elevated dining, Graycliff Restaurant, Sapodilla Estate, and Dune by Jean-Georges bring world-class flair to Bahamian flavors.

Top Places to Visit in Nassau for Independence

Beyond food and music, Nassau comes alive with celebrations and historic pride. Here are some must-visit spots during Independence:

• Junkanoo Beach – A lively spot to swim, dance, and join in the holiday festivities.
• Queen’s Staircase (66 Steps) – A historic landmark symbolizing strength and resilience, reflecting the spirit of independence.
• Fort Charlotte & Fort Fincastle – Iconic forts offering a glimpse into colonial history and breathtaking views of Nassau Harbor.
• Graycliff Hotel & Estate – Luxury, fine dining, and cultural treasures like its cigar and chocolate factories.
• John Watling’s Distillery – A heritage-rich estate serving authentic Bahamian rum and cocktails.
• Nassau Straw Market – A vibrant market with handmade crafts, straw bags, and cultural keepsakes.
• National Art Gallery of The Bahamas – A hub for Bahamian creativity, showcasing the works of past and contemporary artists.

52 Years of Pride

As fireworks light the Nassau sky on July 10th, Bahamians reflect on 52 years of freedom while embracing the future with pride. Independence is more than a holiday—it’s a reminder of history, a showcase of culture, and a promise that Bahamian music, food, and spirit will continue to inspire the world.

"Aligning Code to Design Intern", led by Figma's own Jake Albaugh and Marcel Weekes. The conversation gave attendees a front-row seat to the evolving landscape where engineering, design, and AI intersect—painting a powerful picture of the future of software development.

Jake Albaugh, Developer Advocate at Figma, and Marcel Weekes, Figma's VP of Product Engineering, brought both humor and depth to a discussion that felt both personal and visionary. For Jake, it was his first time at RenderATL, and his excitement matched the energy of the crowd. 

Together, they pulled back the curtain on how Figma is not just a design tool but a platform redefining the relationship between developers and designers. Marcel broke down the split between platform and product engineering within Figma, explaining how product engineers are at the forefront of building what users interact with—including their newest innovations like Dev Mode and FigJam AI tools.

AI and the New Era of Engineering
The pair did not shy away from the hot topic: AI. They addressed the industry's excitement and anxiety head-on, discussing how AI represents one of the biggest shifts in tech—perhaps as monumental as the internet itself. But rather than taking a doomsday approach, both speakers emphasized AI as a tool for augmentation, not replacement. “Design is how you think about people,” Marcel noted, reiterating that human empathy and problem-solving will always be essential.
​
They emphasized that while AI may reduce the "activation energy" required to write code, what remains constant is the need for empathy, understanding of user problems, and intentional design. Marcel reminded attendees that we’re entering a time where the real value isn’t in writing boilerplate code—but in solving meaningful problems with human-centered solutions.

From Auto-Formatting to AI Orchestration
A highlight of the session was Jake’s relatable reflection on the transition from hand-coding every detail to embracing tools like Prettier, which format code automatically. What initially felt like a loss of identity became a revelation: the less time spent on tedious tasks, the more space there is for impactful work.

Now, the conversation has moved beyond auto-formatting to agentic coding—a practice where developers orchestrate AI agents to handle parts of their workflow. This emerging skillset, they said, will define great developers going forward: those who can break down problems, instruct AI agents, and tie the results together cohesively.

Exploring with Figma's New Tools
Marcel and Jake showcased Figma’s latest innovations, like Figma Make, a powerful new prototyping tool that bridges the gap between idea and production. They emphasized that this isn’t about skipping design steps—it’s about exploring problem spaces visually and collaboratively, before writing a single line of production code.

They also shared real-life examples of designers using tools like Figma Make to pre-visualize UX flows—prioritizing user intent and iterative learning. “Designers can now test and refine ideas faster, helping teams build the right product before writing the final code,” Jake explained.

Introducing MCP: Connecting Design and Code
One of the most buzzworthy takeaways was Figma's Model Context Protocol (MCP) server—a groundbreaking way for design data to inform and enhance AI-powered coding tools. Jake broke down how MCP bridges Figma with tools like Copilot and Cursor, enabling AI to deliver more accurate code with higher design fidelity.

“The goal,” Marcel added, “is to ensure what’s designed is what gets built.” From accessibility to visual consistency, MCP aims to close the gap between intention and implementation—something developers, designers, and product managers can all appreciate.

​Real Advice for a New Generation of Builders
Closing out the session, Marcel offered grounded advice to developers navigating this new AI-infused landscape: “Use the tools. Push their limits. Be curious.” He emphasized that AI fluency is becoming a valuable skill, and that the next wave of talent—AI natives—have a unique opportunity to shape this era.
Whether you're a seasoned engineer, a student, or a curious creative, the takeaway was clear: stay grounded in user needs, embrace emerging tools, and lean into the collaborative spirit that events like RenderATL foster.

TWMT TAKEAWAY:
Jake and Marcel didn’t just share Figma’s roadmap—they helped reframe how we think about building in a post-AI world. At a time when automation is on the rise, this session reminded us that the most valuable code isn’t the fastest—it’s the most human. Design still matters. Empathy still leads. And in this new era, collaboration isn’t just encouraged—it’s essential.