Articles

The British East India Company: A monopolistic force that shaped the modern global economy

The British East India Company, once the largest corporation in history, has profoundly impacted the modern global economy. This influential trade organisation, which operated for over two centuries, …

Reduce your risk of getting diabetes

More than 2 million people in the UK have diabetes, and people from some cultures, including African Caribbean communities, have a higher risk than the rest of the population. Diabetes occurs when …

Rihanna told off for touching up lap dancers

If you’ve seen Rihanna in concert (or in a music video), it’s clear the singer enjoys fondling her own lady parts. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But it’s …

The History of Reggae: A journey through music, culture, and unity

‍Reggae, a genre originating in Jamaica, has become a global phenomenon recognised by UNESCO as a cultural institution. Its roots can be traced back to the social upheaval in post-war Jamaica, and it …

Vybz Kartel launches a line of skin bleaching products for men

Fans of Vybz Kartel were shocked and outraged earlier this year when the Jamaican dancehall artist appeared several shades lighter than his normal brown complexion and exclaimed: “This is my new …

Invisible women: Black women struggle to be heard

When riots broke out in London on August 6, Charmaine Scott watched as a diverse group of people took hold of her hometown, smashing glass windows and setting buildings and automobiles ablaze. Amid …

British Library publishes CD of Caribbean and black British poetry to mark Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, the British Library released a new 2-CD set, Caribbean Roots, featuring some of the most significant Caribbean and black British poets of the past several …

The Royal African Company: England’s colonial commerce and the transatlantic slave trade

The Royal African Company (RAC), founded in 1672 under a royal charter by King Charles II of England, played a pivotal role in shaping England’s involvement in the Atlantic slave trade and its …

Nobody Canna Cross It – Clifton Brown goes viral

In June 2011, Jamaica experienced some devastating rains. This is not unusual. What is unusual is that the misfortune faced by the people of St Andrew could inspire a viral video. A section of the …

The History of Rocksteady: Jamaica’s influential music genre

Rocksteady, a music genre that originated in Jamaica around 1966, played a significant role in shaping the sound of modern reggae music. This short-lived yet impactful genre evolved from its …

The Dutch East India Company: A colossus of trade and power

In the annals of maritime and colonial history, the Dutch East India Company, known as the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) in Dutch, casts a long and formidable shadow. Founded in 1602, the …

The history of Ska music

‍Ska music is a unique and influential genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s, laying the foundation for rocksteady and reggae music. With its catchy rhythms and upbeat melodies, Ska has …