The Caribbean has produced many talented individuals who have gone on to make a name for themselves in various fields. From music to sports to politics, there are many women of Caribbean heritage or descent who have made significant contributions to society. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous and influential women from the Caribbean.
Rihanna - Singer and businesswoman from Barbados
Robyn Rihanna Fenty, better known as Rihanna, is one of the most successful musicians of all time. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna began her music career in 2005 with the release of her debut album, "Music of the Sun." Since then, she has released eight more albums, sold over 250 million records worldwide, and won nine Grammy Awards. Rihanna is not only a successful musician but also a successful entrepreneur. She has launched several business ventures, including Fenty Beauty, a makeup line that promotes inclusivity and diversity.
Naomi Campbell - Supermodel and actress from Jamaica
Naomi Campbell is one of the most iconic supermodels of all time. Born in Streatham, London, to a Jamaican mother, Campbell began modeling at the age of 15. She quickly rose to fame and became one of the most sought-after models in the world. In addition to her successful modeling career, Campbell has also appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Empire," and "American Horror Story: Hotel."
Grace Jones - Singer, actress, and model from Jamaica
Grace Jones is a Jamaican-born singer, actress, and model who has had a significant impact on the music and fashion industry. Jones began her music career in the 1970s and quickly gained a following with her unique style and sound. She has released 10 studio albums, and her music has influenced many artists, including Lady Gaga and Rihanna. Jones has also appeared in several films, including "Conan the Destroyer" and "A View to a Kill."
Kamala Harris - Vice President of the United States, with Jamaican heritage
Kamala Harris made history in 2020 when she became the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to be elected Vice President of the United States. Harris was born in Oakland, California, to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother. Before entering politics, Harris served as a prosecutor and Attorney General of California. She has been a strong advocate for civil rights, women's rights, and criminal justice reform.
Nicki Minaj - Rapper and singer from Trinidad and Tobago
Nicki Minaj is a Trinidadian-born rapper, singer, and songwriter who has achieved tremendous success in the music industry. She began her music career in 2007 and has released four studio albums, sold over 100 million records worldwide, and won numerous awards. Minaj is known for her unique style, outspoken personality, and empowering lyrics.
Cardi B - Rapper and actress with Trinidadian and Dominican heritage
Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, known professionally as Cardi B, is a rapper, singer, and actress with Trinidadian and Dominican heritage. She began her music career in 2015 and rose to fame in 2017 with the release of her hit single "Bodak Yellow." Since then, Cardi B has released two studio albums, won a Grammy Award, and has become known for her outspoken and unapologetic personality.
Janelle Monáe - Singer and actress with roots in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago
Janelle Monáe is a singer, actress, and producer with roots in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. She has released several critically acclaimed albums and has acted in several films, including the award-winning movie "Moonlight." Monáe is also known for her activism, particularly in support of the LGBTQ+ community
Maryse Condé - author and scholar from Guadeloupean
Maryse is known for her novels, essays, and plays. She has won numerous awards, including the Alternative Nobel Prize in Literature in 2018. Condé's work often explores themes of race, gender, and colonialism.
Sheryl Lee Ralph - actress and singer of Jamaican descent
She was born on December 30, 1956, in Waterbury, Connecticut, but grew up in Mandeville, Jamaica. She later moved to New York City to pursue a career in entertainment.
Ralph is best known for her role as Deena Jones in the original Broadway production of the musical "Dreamgirls," for which she was nominated for a Tony Award. She went on to star in several television shows and films, including "Moesha," "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit," and "Ray."
She currently plays Barbara Howard on ABC's mockumentary sitcom Abbott Elementary, for which she won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, making her the first Black woman to do so in 35 years.
Trina - rapper and songwriter of Bahamian and Dominican descent
The Miami rapper’s mother is from the Bahamas while her father is from the Dominican Republic.
Trina is a rapper and songwriter of Bahamian and Dominican Republic. descent. She has released several albums and has collaborated with several other famous musicians, including Ludacris, Nicki Minaj, and Rick Ross.
Kerry Washington - actress of Jamaican descent
She is best known for her role as Olivia Pope on the hit TV show "Scandal," for which she earned several Emmy nominations. Washington has also appeared in several films, including "Ray," "Django Unchained," and "Confirmation."
Alicia Keys - singer, songwriter, and actress of Jamaican descent
She has sold over 65 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards. Keys has also acted in several films, including "Smokin' Aces" and "The Nanny Diaries."
Estelle - singer, songwriter, and actress of Grenadian descent
Estelle is best known for her hit single "American Boy," which won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Estelle has also acted in several films, including "Ballerina" and "Empire."
Jada Pinkett Smith - actress and singer of Bahamian and Jamaican descent
Her father is of African-American descent and her mother is of Afro-Caribbean ancestry from Barbados and Jamaica. Jada has appeared in several films, including "The Nutty Professor," "Set It Off," and "Girls Trip." Pinkett Smith is also the host of the popular talk show "Red Table Talk."
Garcelle Beauvais - actress and model of Haitian descent
Garcelle has appeared in several films, including "Wild Wild West," "Spider-Man: Homecoming," and "Coming 2 America." Beauvais has also appeared in several TV shows, including "The Jamie Foxx Show" and "NYPD Blue.
Lorraine Toussaint - actress of Trinidadian descent
She has appeared in several films, including "Selma," "Fast and Furious 7," and "The Glorias." Toussaint has also appeared in several TV shows, including "Orange Is the New Black" and "The Fosters."
Tatyana Ali - actress and singer of Afro-Panamanian and Trinidadian descent
Tatyana is best known for her role as Ashley Banks on the TV show "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Ali has also released several albums and has appeared in several films, including "Jawbreaker" and "The List."
Amanda Seales - actress, comedian, and TV personality of Grenadian descent
Amanda has appeared in several TV shows, including "Insecure" and "Black-ish." Seales is also the host of the game show "Smart Funny & Black."
Selita Ebanks - model born in The Cayman Islands and of Jamaican descent
Selita Ebanks was born in the Cayman Islands to a Jamaican father and a Caymanian mother. She has modeled for several high-profile fashion brands, including Victoria's Secret, and has also acted in several films, including "The Perfect Match" and "All-Star Weekend."
Grace Byers - actress, singer, and author of The Caymanian descent
Grace Byers is an actress, singer, and author of Caymanian descent. She was Grace was born in Butler, Pennsylvania July 26, 1984, and raised in the Cayman Islands from infancy. She is best known for her role as Anika Calhoun on the hit TV show "Empire." Byers has also appeared in several other TV shows, including "The Gifted" and "The Good Wife" and currently starring as Quinn Joseph in the Amazon comedy series, "Harlem."
In 2016, Byers married her "Empire" co-star, Trai Byers, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son, in 2020.
These are just a few examples of the many talented and accomplished women of Caribbean descent or heritage who have made an impact on the world. Their achievements serve as an inspiration and a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the Caribbean region.
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