In a significant celebration of cultural achievement, Spicemas Corporation (SMC) hosted a Special Welcome Ceremony on Friday to honor Grenadian musical ambassadors who excelled at Trinidad and Tobago’s prestigious 2026 Carnival. The event, held at the Maurice Bishop International Airport Administration Building, gathered dignitaries including Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade, cultural officials, and public supporters.
The ceremony spotlighted artists who elevated Grenada’s musical presence on one of the Caribbean’s most competitive carnival stages. Among those recognized were reigning 2025 Power Soca Monarch Lil Natty & Thunda; Jarvis “Muddy” Cuffie, whose hit single ‘Payroll’ reached number 85 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Songs of 2025 list; and Keron “Lil Kerry” Noel, who secured third place in the 2025 Soca Monarch competition with ‘Bury All.’ Additional acknowledgments went to V’ghn and Terra D Governor for their regionally popular track ‘Jab Decision,’ along with Dred Lion’s ‘Grease It’ and Tallpree and Smokie’s ‘Do For Do.’
Spicemas Chairman Kurt Ross hailed the occasion as “a moment of cultural pride,” emphasizing that the artists demonstrated exceptional discipline and authentic national representation. “You stepped onto one of the most competitive carnival stages in the Caribbean with confidence, discipline and unmistakable Grenadian identity,” Ross stated. He highlighted that their performances served as cultural diplomacy, promoting Grenada’s Spicemas carnival as a premier event rather than a secondary experience on the Caribbean calendar.
Ross framed carnival as both a cultural festival and a creative economy, noting that each performance abroad created potential audiences for Spicemas 2026. He urged converting this regional visibility into national and international momentum, calling for strengthened partnerships between artists and the corporation.
The honored artists expressed profound gratitude for the recognition. Muddy Cuffie described his Trinidad experience as overwhelmingly positive, citing strong Caribbean unity and support from promoters, DJs, and Grenadians abroad. Lil Kerry Noel and Lil Natty & Thunda echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the emotional impact of Trinidadian reception and their commitment to elevating Grenada’s music industry globally. All artists affirmed their dedication to strengthening Grenada’s cultural brand across the region and beyond.