For UK-born content creator Alex Cassidy, what began as a casual documentation of his Tobago home construction project has evolved into a profound cultural mission. The 24-year-old musician, who now divides his time equally between Tobago and the United Kingdom, has unexpectedly become a social media sensation with his heartfelt celebrations of Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant culture.
Cassidy’s connection to the twin-island nation runs deeper than typical tourist appreciation. Since age seven, he has been visiting through his Trinidadian stepfather’s family connections, gradually developing what he describes as a ‘gradual awakening’ of affection for the culture. His childhood experiences—from community harvest festivals to roadside interactions where neighbors called him by his local nickname ‘What ah ting’—forged an enduring bond that now informs his content.
As a professionally trained pianist from England’s Platform One creative college, Cassidy performs both as a classical pianist and steelpan artist at weddings and private events. His musical background unexpectedly converged with content creation in March 2024 when a video showcasing his modest £3,000 Tobago board house captivated audiences. Surprisingly, the viral response came primarily from Trinidadians abroad hungry for cultural connection.
Cassidy’s content organically expanded to encompass Trinidad and Tobago’s culinary traditions, linguistic quirks, Carnival celebrations, and the art of ‘liming.’ His videos highlight aspects he finds particularly enchanting: the remarkable openness of communities, the practice of cooking communal pots at riversides or beaches, and the distinctive accent he considers ‘one of the world’s most unique blends’ of East Indian, African, and European influences.
The content creator acknowledges Trinidad and Tobago’s international reputation challenges but emphasizes his personal safety and positive experiences through exercising ‘common sense.’ He believes the nation remains critically underappreciated globally compared to Caribbean neighbors like Barbados or Jamaica, despite being the birthplace of calypso, limbo, and the steelpan.
With over 136,000 TikTok followers and 91,000 Instagram supporters, Cassidy’s mission has demonstrated tangible impact. He recently met a visitor who chose Tobago specifically based on his videos. While juggling dual-country life, Cassidy ultimately aspires to full-time Tobago residence, joking about his acquired ability to ‘steups,’ appreciation for Puncheon rum, and quest for a Trini wife.
During this holiday season spent in Tobago, Cassidy extends poignant advice to homesick nationals abroad: embrace traditional celebrations while managing the ‘tabanca’ of missing paradise. His content ultimately seeks to capture the profound warmth and hospitality that, as he experienced when a roti shop owner invited him to learn buss-up-shut preparation, transcends ordinary cultural exchange.