分类： entertainment

In a significant cultural partnership, Trinidad and Tobago’s celebrated chutney soca artist Imran “GI” Beharry has been appointed as the official brand ambassador for the House of Angostura. The three-time Chutney Soca Monarch, who recently joined the National Carnival Commission, formalized this collaboration through a signing ceremony on December 16 at the company’s Laventille headquarters.

The House of Angostura announced the partnership on December 17, characterizing the union as bringing together “two powerful symbols of TT’s creative and cultural identity.” The company highlighted GI’s dynamic stage presence, authentic storytelling capabilities, and profound connection to Caribbean culture as qualities aligning perfectly with their brand values.

Acting CEO Ian Forbes emphasized the strategic alignment, stating: “Our brands are deeply rooted in culture, heritage and authenticity. GI represents the modern expression of Caribbean creativity – bold, confident and grounded in who we are as a people.” This collaboration forms part of Angostura’s broader initiative to engage cultural leaders who authentically embody the brand’s spirit while promoting premium rum culture through contemporary channels.

Beharry, known for his hit “My One Only,” expressed enthusiasm about representing the historic brand: “The House of Angostura represents legacy, pride and TT excellence on a global stage. This partnership feels natural because it reflects who we are and how far our culture can travel.”

The artist will represent Angostura across selected brand engagements, consumer experiences, and cultural events, serving as a bridge between the company’s premium spirits and the vibrant Caribbean music scene. This partnership underscores Angostura’s ongoing commitment to supporting local talent and cultural expression while elevating brand experiences at the intersection of music, culture, and premium spirits.

Victoria Square in Port of Spain transforms into a vibrant battleground on December 20 as 31 elite small conventional steel orchestras compete for advancement in Trinidad and Tobago’s National Panorama competition. This preliminary showdown will determine which bands proceed to the grand finals scheduled for January 10, 2026, at Skinner Park in San Fernando.

The musical festivities commence at 4 PM with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra, culminating with Nu Stars Steel Orchestra’s closing performance. Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore characterized the 2026 Panorama opening as an electrifying demonstration of vibrancy and precision, describing small conventional bands as “the true engine of the steelpan movement.”

Following rigorous regional adjudication between December 5-13, Southern Stars Steel Orchestra (D’South Band) emerged as the preliminary frontrunner with 272 points. Their arrangement of the late Merchant’s 1982 calypso “Let Us Build A Nation Together,” orchestrated by Duvone Stewart, secured a three-point advantage over joint second-place finishers Fascinators Pan Symphony and Uptown Fascinators Steel Orchestra.

The defending 2025 co-champions face heightened competition this season. T&TEC New East Side Dimension tied for fourth position with Fusion Steel Orchestra and Defence Force Steel Orchestra at 269 points, while Golden Hands Steel Orchestra shared seventh place with Tunapuna Tipica and Arima Golden Symphony at 265 points.

Despite these preliminary results, both champion arrangers have issued determined warnings to competitors. Tobago’s Kersh Ramsey of T&TEC New East Side Dimension declared: “We’re looking for a clear path to victory. Having won back-to-back in 2024 and 2025, we are going for the hat-trick in 2026.” His San Fernando counterpart, Vanessa Headley-Brewster of Golden Hands, remains equally resolved to retain their title despite time penalty setbacks.

The competition unfolds against broader cultural significance, with Ramsey-Moore highlighting that Panorama has already engaged over 3,000 steelpan musicians across 94 bands, affirming Trinidad and Tobago’s status as the undisputed Mecca of the steelpan.

St. Lucian musician Lashley ‘Motto’ Winter is positioning groovy soca as the Caribbean’s most viable export for achieving sustained international recognition. For the upcoming 2026 Carnival season, the established singer, songwriter, and producer has crafted the ‘SLS (Soca Love Story)’ riddim, a production deeply inspired by the musical traditions of Laventille’s rhythmic sections and Trinidad’s tassa culture.

Winter’s artistic perspective is shaped by his St. Lucian heritage, French Antillean influences, and extensive experience within Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival scene. He argues that while the region produces multiple soca subgenres—from St. Lucia’s Dennery Segment to Dominica’s bouyon—the melodic and accessible nature of groovy soca holds the greatest potential for worldwide appeal. He notes its rhythmic similarities to already-globalized genres like Afrobeats and reggaeton, suggesting this familiarity could ease its acceptance by international audiences.

The artist points to the successful crossover attempts of icons like Machel Montano and recent collaborations, such as Yung Bredda’s work with Chloe Bailey, as critical steps toward mainstream acceptance. Motto’s own strategy involves strategic partnerships with American artists; his recent single ‘Ego’ featuring Sean Kingston exemplifies this targeted approach to gaining exposure in the lucrative U.S. and European markets.

However, Winter emphasizes that authenticity is paramount. His goal is not to abandon soca for pop but to intelligently introduce the genre’s core sound to new listeners through established international platforms. Based in Miami, he is actively working to position himself within the American music industry while staying true to his Caribbean roots.

Looking ahead to Carnival 2026, Motto expressed hope for a successful season and urged a swift resolution to the ongoing impasse between the government and promoters’ association, noting that such stability is crucial for the international perception and commercial viability of the event.

Internationally acclaimed soca artist Denise Belfon has unveiled her latest musical offering, “Fix You Good,” marking the commencement of the Carnival 2026 season. The track, released globally on December 12 across all digital platforms, presents a compelling narrative about normalizing emotional support for men during challenging times.

Produced through a collaborative effort between Belfon and Grammy-winning Jamaican producer Rohan Rankine, the song is built upon Journey Music’s Dash Out Riddim—a innovative fusion that blends traditional soca rhythms with contemporary dancehall influences. This musical foundation creates a unique space for both assertive confidence and vulnerable emotional expression.

The composition serves as a powerful rallying cry encouraging women to provide reassurance and steadfast support to the deserving men in their lives—including fathers, husbands, sons, and partners. Belfon’s lyrical approach masterfully balances tender vulnerability with her characteristic saucy energy, addressing themes of emotional support, recognition, and mutual care in relationships.

Now residing in New York, Belfon acknowledges that geographical distance has provided her with broader perspective on relational dynamics and the silent pressures individuals face. “Sometimes being away from a space helps you see things clearer,” the artist reflected. “You realize how much people carry, especially men striving to do right every day.”

The release emerges as a timely social commentary challenging conventional gender norms by acknowledging that men frequently bear significant emotional burdens while maintaining outward composure. Belfon emphasizes that the song originates from a place of genuine understanding about the pressures of providing and supporting families without adequate emotional recognition.

“Fix You Good” represents the initial offering in what promises to be an active Carnival season for the veteran performer, known for previous hits including “Saucy Baby,” “Wining Queen,” and “Work.” The track establishes a thoughtful counterpoint to traditional carnival themes by prioritizing emotional connectivity alongside celebratory expression.