分类： entertainment

In an unprecedented turn of events at Skinner Park, San Fernando, Southern Steel Orchestra (D’South Band) from Siparia and Uptown Fascinators from Tobago were crowned joint champions of the National Panorama Small Conventional Band Finals on January 10th. The remarkable deadlock occurred after both ensembles achieved identical scores following an intense musical showdown that extended into the early hours of January 11th.

The competition witnessed both bands maintaining dominant positions throughout the preliminary and semi-final rounds. When official scores were announced around 2 am, the identical point totals triggered immediate celebrations as musicians from both groups stormed the stage in shared triumph. The announcement by event host Jemma Jordan created such enthusiastic responses that stage managers temporarily struggled to maintain protocol during the trophy presentation ceremony attended by Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore, Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin, and Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Narindra Roopnarine.

This represents the second consecutive year where the small band championship has been shared between ensembles from Trinidad and Tobago, demonstrating the remarkable parity in the national steelpan scene. Last year’s co-champions, Golden Hands and T&TEC East New Dimension, were unable to defend their title successfully.

Golden Hands secured third position with 278 points despite facing significant adversity when a vehicle crashed into their rehearsal facility just hours before the competition. Their performance of ‘All Aboard,’ arranged by Vanessa Headley-Brewster, featured nautical-themed costumes and guest vocalist Tony Prescott.

Tunapuna Tipicia Steel Orchestra claimed fourth place with 276 points, while T&TEC East Side Dimension and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra tied for fifth position with 275 points each. The competition overall featured six separate ties among the sixteen finalist bands, highlighting the exceptionally close nature of the musical contest.

Uptown Fascinators delivered a visually spectacular performance of ‘Crazy’s Band From Space’ arranged by Ojay Richards, complete with science fiction costumes and a spaceship prop from which Richards made his theatrical exit. Richards noted that many prognosticators had expected East Side Dimension to claim victory, but his ensemble’s performance firmly established them as championship contenders.

D’South Band, performing in the ninth position, generated powerful patriotic sentiment with their presentation of ‘Let Us Build a Nation Together’ arranged by Duvone Stewart. Their performance incorporated national imagery featuring the President, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and THA Chief Secretary, alongside historical references and a voice-over recording by the late Dr. Eric Williams. This evocative presentation prompted some audience members to prematurely declare victory during the performance.

Rikella Marshall, vice-captain of D’South Band, emphasized the special significance of their victory, noting this marked only their third appearance in the competition and their second year collaborating with arranger Stewart. She credited two months of intense preparation and personal sacrifices by band members, many of whom are students balancing academic commitments with musical excellence.

Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin, attending her first small band finals since assuming office, praised the energetic contributions of young performers and reaffirmed governmental support for preserving cultural traditions. Meanwhile, Pan Trinbago president Ramsey-Moore congratulated all participating bands while expressing disappointment regarding logistical challenges including inadequate stage dimensions that contributed to scheduling delays. She apologized to attendees while clarifying that these issues were beyond the organization’s direct control.

At 6 AM on January 12, while most of Trinidad and Tobago still slumbers, Virmala Balkaran will assume her position as the pioneering host of TTT Ltd’s groundbreaking morning program, ‘Trinidad and Tobago Today.’ The 34-year-old Chaguanas native will helm the two-hour broadcast that strategically follows the 6 AM news bulletin, incorporating subsequent 7 AM and 8 AM newscasts within its framework.

Balkaran characterizes her return to TTT as both a homecoming and a professional culmination. The program is meticulously designed to engage viewers during their morning routines—providing substantive content without the intensity of evening news formats. Through credible sources and analytical depth, the show will dissect current affairs affecting both the nation and global community, while later segments will transition toward lighter topics including birthday celebrations, Carnival culture, health, and wellness.

Her media journey began unexpectedly in 2013 following a disillusionment with politics. Although initially hesitant about media careers, a radio broadcasting course sparked her passion for human connection through broadcasting. Her breakthrough came unexpectedly in 2016 when she was thrust into anchoring coverage following the death of former Prime Minister Patrick Manning—an experience she describes as ‘destiny.’

After leaving CNMG (now TTT) in 2017, Balkaran spent eight transformative years at TT Radio Network’s Star 94.7 FM, where she developed autonomy and digital expertise. Recognizing the importance of formal credentials in a male-dominated industry, she pursued and obtained degrees in journalism and mass communication from Costaatt while simultaneously building her digital marketing consultancy.

Beyond broadcasting, Balkaran has established herself as a dedicated advocate, working with the Diabetes Association, serving as goodwill ambassador for Support Autism TT, and raising awareness about PCOS. She describes her philosophy as being ‘in the business of people,’ emphasizing that media influence should be leveraged for societal benefit.

The broadcaster attributes her success to her parents’ sacrifices and her conscious effort to overcome childhood shyness through debate and drama. As she prepares for this new chapter, Balkaran sees the morning show as the perfect synthesis of her journalistic training, advocacy work, and commitment to genuine human connection.

In a strategic move within the competitive soca music landscape, New York-based artist Leonce Taylor has unveiled two distinct tracks for the 2026 Carnival season—marking her first dual release strategy. The calculated gamble demonstrates Taylor’s evolving approach to navigating an industry where emerging artists must balance risk with opportunity.

Her groovy soca offering, ‘His Loss,’ emerged from an unexpected collaboration with acclaimed songwriter Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop following their meeting at the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards. Produced by Daddy O Productionz, Rugz Dirty Inc and Rhythym Productionz, the track delivers an empowering message for women overcoming breakups. Taylor describes the creative process as ‘mechanical’ and ‘effortless,’ with the song achieving steady radio play since its October release despite her geographic distance from Trinidad and Tobago’s core soca market.

Complementing this is her power soca entry ‘Ready Up,’ created through collaboration with producer Alexander Gooding of Lunatix Productions and songwriter Umi Marcano. This track represents a vocal breakthrough for Taylor, pushing her range into higher registers and drawing comparisons to legendary soca vocalist Destra Garcia for its tonal qualities.

Taylor’s artistic journey reflects both cultural preservation and professional determination. Migrating to the United States at age nine, she maintained strong connections to her Trinidadian musical roots despite growing up in a foreign environment. Her father, a music promoter who worked with renowned calypso bands, insisted she complete her education before pursuing music professionally—a condition she fulfilled by earning a psychology degree with minors in English and French.

Now balancing motherhood, a full-time job, and pastry chef credentials alongside her music career, Taylor acknowledges the significant sacrifices required—particularly for women in the industry. She faces extended annual tours across Trinidad, St Vincent, Grenada, Belize, and multiple U.S. states while managing familial responsibilities.

Yet the rewards justify the risks: a single performance can generate earnings equivalent to a week’s salary at her regular job. Beyond financial incentives, Taylor emphasizes the transcendent experience of connecting with audiences through music—the collective energy of raised hands and shared joy that makes the struggle worthwhile. Her dual release strategy represents both a personal gamble and professional evolution in an industry where relevance demands constant innovation.

As Carnival season approaches, Trinidad and Tobago’s longest-running talk show performance, Talk Tent, prepares to captivate audiences with its unique blend of cultural storytelling, comedy, and social commentary. Established in 1983 by visionary producer Paul Keens-Douglas, this iconic event has evolved from its humble beginnings in a canvas tent on Victoria Avenue to becoming an institutionalized post-Carnival tradition at Queen’s Hall Conference Centre.

The event’s foundation rests on bringing together distinguished ‘men of words’ – including midnight robbers, pierrot grenades, and black Indians – showcasing their verbal artistry during Carnival celebrations. Under the motto ‘Where Talk Is Art,’ the production maintains its commitment to quality family entertainment while emphasizing educational values through diverse oral traditions.

This year’s lineup features an impressive roster of Caribbean performers: spoken word poet Seth Sylvester, performance poet Miguel Browne, pierrot grenades specialists Felix Edinborough and Keomi Serrette, calypsonian Llewellyn ‘Short Pants’ Mac Intosh, along with Farida Chapman, Avion Crooks, MC David Bereaux, and founder Keens-Douglas himself as master storyteller.

The 2024 performances are scheduled for February 21-22 at Queen’s Hall Conference Centre in St. Ann’s. Tickets priced at $300 are available at multiple outlets including Crosby’s, RIK locations in Trincity and Gulf City, Domon’s Shoe Store in Long Circular Mall, Metropolitan Book Suppliers on Ariapita Avenue, and directly at Queen’s Hall. Attendees can also purchase exclusive show-priced books, CDs, and DVDs featuring the performing artists.

Organizers emphasize that Talk Tent’s continued success relies on community support from patrons who recognize its vital role in preserving authentic Caribbean cultural expressions. As the release notably states: ‘There are many talk shows but only one Talk Tent!’ For additional information, interested parties can contact 632-1647, 684-1629, 376-5699, or visit the official Facebook page.