分类： entertainment

In a heartfelt celebration of musical heritage and enduring friendship, veteran performer Selvon “Mistah Shak” Noel and steelpan virtuoso Darril “Harp” Edwards are set to reunite on December 7th for a special Christmas brunch event that promises to revive the authentic spirit of Trinidad and Tobago’s holiday traditions.

The KaiSoca-Parang Meets Steelpan Christmas Brunch, commencing at 10 AM at Atherly’s By the Park in San Fernando, represents more than mere performance—it symbolizes a cultural homecoming. For Shak, this collaboration carries profound personal significance, serving as both a tribute to decades of friendship and support for Edwards’ recent return to Trinidad after 18 years in Arkansas.

Edwards, an original member of the NLCB Fonclaire Steel Orchestra during the legendary Ken “Professor” Philmore’s Pan By Storm era, brings global experience as an internationally touring soloist. His homecoming provided the perfect catalyst for reconnecting with Trinidad’s music community and honoring those who shaped his career.

The choice of venue holds special historical resonance. Both artists regularly performed at the original Atherly’s as members of Hi-Styles band, with co-owner Paula Atherly having been instrumental in launching their international touring careers. “Paula was the one who put us on the path to do those tours,” Shak fondly recalls, noting their maintained friendship through the years.

Against Trinidad’s current economic challenges, organizers have deliberately kept the event accessible. “We really wanted to keep it at a price where as many people as possible could have access,” Shak emphasized, highlighting their commitment to community inclusivity.

The musical program will feature Edwards’ masterful steelpan repertoire alongside Shak’s unique fusion of calypso, soca, and parang—a blend that has earned him the moniker “Rasta Parrendero.” DJ Base 2 will complement the live performances with classic holiday spins, while Shak plans to delve into Trinidad’s musical archives with renditions of traditional Christmas calypsos from legends like Kitchener and Relator.

The event’s underlying theme centers on nostalgic reconnection with non-material Christmas traditions. “We’re trying to reintroduce that organic feeling we as Trinbagonians connect with Christmas,” Shak explains. “There’s a spirit, a vibe, a way we lime that transcends religious celebration.”

Audiences can anticipate Shak’s newest parang release, “It Right Dey,” which embodies the show’s message of returning to meaningful traditions that define Trinidad’s unique Christmas experience. While known for incorporating social commentary into his parang music—addressing topics from political encounters to cultural barriers—Shak now focuses on the season’s essence: “Good food, good company, music and memories.”

This gathering represents a cultural reawakening—not merely a concert or brunch, but a reaffirmation of identity and celebration through the authentic spirit of Trinidadian Christmas.

Trinidad and Tobago-based artist Zebulun (born Marcus McIntosh) has announced groundbreaking partnerships that position him for international music stardom. The singer recently secured a multi-project distribution agreement with Jay-Z’s ROC Nation alongside an exclusive streaming arrangement with emerging platform Coda Music.

The strategic alliance encompasses three full-length albums, five singles, and five music videos through ROC Nation Distribution, ensuring global reach for his forthcoming work. Simultaneously, Zebulun becomes the first Caribbean artist to join Coda Music’s streaming platform, which boasts a catalog of over 130 million tracks and emphasizes human-curated content over algorithm-driven recommendations.

This dual partnership represents a significant milestone for Caribbean music representation. “These powerful partnerships took place from Trinidad and Tobago,” Zebulun emphasized. “It was important for me to see things through from our shores to show the youth here that they can make it too.”

The artist’s company, Bella Music, co-founded with a close associate, now plans to leverage this success to promote other Trinidadian talents globally. His recently released single, produced by Jamaican dancehall specialist Wizical (known for work with Skillibeng), is already available across major platforms including Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music.

Zebulun has outlined ambitious promotional campaigns across North America, the United Kingdom, and Africa commencing March 2026. Despite international ambitions, the artist remains committed to his roots, promising to hold his album release party in Trinidad. “I’m building legacy,” he stated, “and I’m doing it in my own lane.”

As the Christmas season envelops the Caribbean, vibrant tray vans overflow with fresh sorrel blossoms awaiting preparation, while abundant ginger roots stand ready for transformation into traditional beverages. This festive period traditionally involves crafting homemade wines from local ingredients like sorrel, ginger, and tropical fruits. However, these culinary endeavors often result in leftover ingredients that inspire creative culinary innovation.

Beyond the conventional drinks, these seasonal flavors can be reinvented through various gourmet applications. The ginger-orange-sorrel relish presents a sophisticated condiment combining sorrel petals with citrus, spices, and fresh ginger, boiled to perfection for preservation. For main courses, sorrel glaze elevates short ribs with a complex sweet-spicy profile incorporating pepper jelly, balsamic vinegar, and warm spices.

Mixology enthusiasts can explore sorrel-based cocktails including a elegant spritzer combining sweetened sorrel with Prosecco and lime, or reinvented mojitos blending mint, rum, and sorrel with soda water. The traditional ginger beer preparation method involves natural fermentation of grated ginger with cloves and lime in sun-warmed bottles.

Seafood offerings feature prominently with gingery grilled kingfish fillets marinated in sesame oil, soy sauce, and aromatics, served alongside fresh tomato salsa incorporating cilantro, hot pepper, and lime. These culinary innovations demonstrate how traditional Christmas ingredients can be transformed into contemporary gourmet experiences while honoring Caribbean culinary heritage.

San Fernando’s Creative Arts Centre will resonate with festive melodies on December 13th as Joshua Hinds, a 23-year-old musician and law student from Marabella, presents his inaugural Christmas spectacle – “This Christmas Night!” The 7 pm event promises an eclectic musical journey through classic Christmas hymns, soca parang, and R&B arrangements.

Beyond seasonal entertainment, the concert serves a dual purpose: funding Hinds’ legal education at Hugh Wooding Law School while fulfilling his artistic aspirations. “This show represents both financial necessity and creative fulfillment,” Hinds revealed. “After years envisioning my own headline performance, the timing and reasons have perfectly aligned.”

Hinds’ musical foundation was laid during childhood through classical piano training initiated by his excellence-driven mother. His artistic perspective transformed under the mentorship of late music educator Sharon Francis from Holy Faith Convent in Penal. Concurrently, The Oratory Foundation nurtured his theatrical abilities under Deborah Jean-Baptiste Samuel’s guidance, while parental encouragement led him to calypso competitions and music festivals.

The multi-talented performer credits his choral experiences at St Benedict’s College and Presentation College Mixed Choir for igniting his passion for vocal harmony. Musical icons Michael Jackson and gospel tenor David Phelps significantly influenced his artistic development.

Hinds’ dedication culminated in 2021 when he achieved top Caribbean ranking in CAPE performing arts (music) – a breakthrough moment that demonstrated his potential through relentless effort. His accolades include multiple Music Festival titles, though performing before 4,000 attendees at a Los Angeles worship conference remains his most memorable experience.

His legal career inspiration came from witnessing mentor Deborah Jean-Baptiste Samuel successfully balance artistic pursuits with legal practice. Law studies have conversely enhanced his musical discipline, teaching him strategic time management and adaptive problem-solving.

The concert’s title reflects theological contemplation about Christ’s birth significance. The production features collaborative performances with family members, including a duet with his 13-year-old sister Renee and vocal contributions from brother Caleb and father Deryck, creating the distinctive harmony only familial bonds can produce.

With tickets priced at $150, Hinds aims to raise approximately $60,000 for law school tuition while inspiring young dreamers to overcome obstacles through determination. Future aspirations include establishing annual Christmas productions and eventually founding a music school, alongside pursuing entertainment law.

Despite hectic preparations, Hinds embraces the creative process, inviting audiences to experience seasonal joy and remember the holiday’s spiritual meaning through his musical offering.

In a vibrant cultural fusion, Japanese performers Aaayah (Ayako Hirayama) and Ann G (Angella Giustini) have unveiled their collaborative single “Wasabi Wine,” creating a musical bridge between Japanese identity and Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival traditions. The energetic dance composition merges Japanese and English lyrics, with the duo embracing the moniker “Japanese Spice Girls” while characterizing their sound as “hot and spicy like wasabi.

The track represents more than musical entertainment—it serves as a declaration of cultural participation and self-assurance. “This song embodies confidence, joy and cultural pride,” explained Ann G. “It demonstrates that Japanese women are not merely observers of Carnival culture, but genuine participants who feel the rhythm, understand the freedom and celebrate soca in our unique manner.”

Aaayah revealed the project originated from their desire to express femininity in its purest form: “We aimed to showcase our strength and passion for soca while remaining authentic to our Japanese heritage. Wasabi Wine is fun, fearless and unapologetically Japanese.”

The production features Japanese producer Imachi’s hybrid sound engineering, providing authentic fete credibility, with mixing and mastering handled by Trinidadian producer Luke Samerson of Lujoe & The Gifted. The accompanying music video, directed by Hotta Vybz, captures the dynamic energy of dancers Iyona, Nanako and Nathania, supported by fashion direction from Mayu of Fetable and hair/makeup artistry by Haruka Ishida.

This musical initiative reflects broader cultural exchanges between Japan and the Caribbean. Annually growing numbers of Japanese visitors immerse themselves in Trinidad’s Carnival activities—participating in mas bands, performing in steelband competitions, DJing fetes and gracing live stages. Ann G, recognized as Japan’s carnival ambassador, has spent over a decade building cultural connections through performances, event hosting and her Soca Magic platform.

Meanwhile, Aaayah continues establishing her presence as a Tokyo-based dancehall and soca fusion artist, having performed at major events including Expo 2025 Osaka and Japan Soca Weekend. Her collaborations with Jamaican artists and video productions in Kingston have further strengthened musical ties between Japan and the Caribbean region.

The single is now available across all major digital streaming platforms.

The University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus will host a special seasonal performance titled “Last Christmas: J9’s Legacy” on December 6th, marking the farewell concert for longtime ensemble director Dr. Jeannine Remy. The event will commence at 6 PM at the RBL Building on campus.

This year’s production signifies the culmination of Dr. Remy’s influential tenure, during which she has mentored and shaped multiple generations of student musicians. The performance promises to deliver a vibrant musical experience that blends innovation with tradition through creative arrangements and original compositions.

The program will feature diverse musical selections ranging from contemporary film music including “Show Yourself” from Frozen 2 to traditional holiday favorites such as “Carol of the Bells” and the perennial classic “Sleigh Ride.” The evening aims to create an atmosphere of rhythmic energy, nostalgic reflection, and festive celebration.

Adding cultural depth to the performance, The UWI Arts African Drumology group will present a powerful rhythmic component that introduces an authentic African musical dimension to the holiday celebration.

For additional information regarding the event, interested parties may contact marissa.brooks@uwi.edu or kylah.ramsoobhag@uwi.edu.