Hey everyone! This is your official Caribbean tour guide and expert, “Zestoile Rivett”, bringing something hot and tropical to SwagHer Magazine!
The SwagHer community is full of educated, entrepreneurial, and inspiring people. They are open to new things and willing to explore the fullness of life. This section of SwagHer will send you on a journey, uncovering hidden jewels and treasure of the Caribbean islands – providing insight, cultural connection and more! Every week, we will discover a new island and all that makes that island, RICH!
I personally follow a lot of stars who are from Trinidad and Tobago. It makes me proud to know that people can leave home and become big, in today’s world…making home “proud”.
Winston Duke – Actor Winston Duke is a certified islander, born in beautiful Tobago. Moving to New York City at the age of 9 years old, this Caribbean inspiration grew up to be a very prestigious actor; acting alongside Academy Award winning actors and actresses. Known for his phenomenal appearances in “Black Panther”, Jordan Peele’s “Us”, and “Avengers: Infinity War”, Duke has made Tobago very proud with his many accomplishments and dynamic example to young Caribbean actors. The film, “Nine Days”, is a film that Duke starred in.
Alfonso Ribeiro – A reputable actor known for his roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Silver Spoons, In The House and the host of America’s Funniest Home Video, Catch 21. Alphonso Ribeiro was born in the Bronx, New York. However, both of his parents were born in Trinidad. Alfonso’s fondest memory of his childhood was going to Trinidad for summer vacation.
Nicki Minaj – One of the baddest Hip Hop stars in the game, Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj, was born in St James, Trinidad. This talented rapper, singer, and songwriter, moved to the United States with her family to Queens, New York, at the young age of 5 years old. She has added her “Caribbean flava” to a few songs and is a regular participant of Caribbean Carnival in different locations.
Heather Headley – A phenomenal singer, songwriter, and actress, Heather Headley is also from Trinidad. Born in Barataria, San Juan, Trinidad, Headley took the morals instilled from her childhood and elevated in the arts. She has worked with top-flight producers from the team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Sherp Crawford.
Known for her single “In my Mind”, and the famous love song “If it wasn’t for Your Love”, Heather made waves in the music industry. Also a talented actress, she shined in roles on Broadway. She became an acclaimed actress in “The Lion King” playing Aida and Nala. She is also known for her role in Color Purple on Broadway as well.
Article Written By: Zestoile Rivett | Born and raised in Trinidad, as Laverne Wong-Shing, this new writer love talking about her culture and heritage. Laverne loves adventure, traveling to exotic lands, and speaking with the locals. A Mother of three, a handsome boy’s grandmother, and an older sister to three brothers. Her dream is to publish travel guides and become a designer of Carnival costumes for one of the biggest Mas bands in Trinidad and Tobago.
