It’s no secret that celebrities like Rihanna and Nicki Minaj are Bajan and Trinidadian (respectfully), but did you know that many of your favorite celebrities are also of Caribbean heritage? There are plenty of actors, musicians and athletes who we can fill this list with, but here are some who may surprise you.
01
Tia Tamera Mowry Peoples Choice 316
Twin sisters Tia and Tamera Mowry may be known for their biracial background, but did you know they are also of Caribbean heritage? The two —as well their actor brother Tahj and college football star brother Tavior— are of Bahamian descent.
02
Naomi Campbell
Though most notably known as being from South London, many may not know that famed model and actress Naomi Campbell is also of Afro-Jamaican descent. Her mother, who was a professional dancer, was born in Jamaica.
03
Sidney Poitier
Legendary actor and director Sidney Poitier was born in Miami to Bahamian parents. Shortly after his premature birth, the family moved back to the Bahamas, where the actor lived until he was 15-years-old.
04
Romany Malco in ‘Almost Christmas’
Another celebrity who holds a Caribbean background is actor, Romany Malco. The ‘Think Like A Man’ alum is Trinidadian.
05
Lenny Kravitz
Though it’s well known that musician and actor Lenny Kravitz was born to a Black mother and a white father, many are not aware that he is also of Caribbean descent. His mother, actress Roxie Roker (‘The Jeffersons’), was half Bahamian.
06
Clone of Laz Alonso
If knowing that Laz Alonso’s full first name is Lazaro made you assume he had a Caribbean background, you were absolutely right. The acting vet was born to Afro-Cuban parents.
07
Maxwell
Born Gerald Maxwell Rivera, the gorgeous singer is the offspring of a Haitian mother and Puerto Rican father.
08
Melanie Fiona
Wonder why Canadian singer Melanie Fiona infuses reggae sounds into most of her songs? It’s most likely because she is Guyanese.
09
Trina
If you’ve wondered where rapper Trina gets her curvy body from, you can attribute it to her Caribbean heritage. The ‘Love & Hip Hop: Miami’ star’s father is from the Dominican Republic, while her mother is from The Bahamas.
10
Nia Long
Famed actress Nia Long is another celebrity who is of Caribbean descent. ‘Love Jones’ alum’s grandmother was from Grenada and she also has roots in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.
