On Saturday, July 11th, 2026, the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) continued its 50th anniversary year celebration with the presentation of AfriCarnaval: A Tribute to Calypso Rose at Lincoln Center’s “Summer for the City”.

A celebration of the Carnival traditions of Brazil and Trinidad & Tobago, AfriCarnaval featured a performance by 86-year-old Calypso Rose, and a surprise appearance by The King of Soca, Machel Montano, who showed up to honor his beloved ‘Mama Rose’, much to the delight of the raucous crowd.

This concert was a dream come true for Melody Capote, Executive Director of CCCADI, who recalls hosting both Calypso Rose and a 9-year-old Machel Montano at the annual Carnival in New York program CCCADI presented throughout the 1980’s and 90’s, many of them at Lincoln Center.

“Bringing Calypso Rose and Machel Montano together again, on the Lincoln Center stage to receive such love and recognition from the community was absolutely incredible. What a thrill and an honor to pay tribute to the legendary Calypso Rose with Machel Montano shining his light on her!" , shared Melody Capote.

The full-circle evening also featured performances by Silvana Magda & Viva Brazil, Something Positive, DJ Sabine Blaizin, and 2J & Friends, all ofwhom have been present throughout CCCADI’s 50 year history.

Silvana Magda & Viva Brazil brought Rio de Janeiro and Bahía to the audience, and connected the Carnival traditions of Brazil and Trinidad beautifully with an Afro-Brazilian reimagining of the 1984 classic “Tiny Winey” by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.

Something Positive, led by Michael Manswell, brought out numerous Trinidad Carnival characters to interact with the crowd, including Jab Jab and a Mockojumbie.

The magical journey of our 50th Anniversary Year celebration continues to surprise us. If Saturday reminded you why institutions like CCCADI matter, we invite you to be a part of our next 50 years. Join our 50 for 50 Campaign and help sustain this work for generations to come.

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