分类： entertainment

In a vibrant celebration of Tobago’s cultural heritage, Jahiem Thomas, popularly known as Verrse, clinched the Soca Titans title for the second consecutive year. The event, held on October 22 at the historic Market Square in Scarborough, Tobago, saw Thomas deliver a mesmerizing performance that captivated the audience and judges alike. Dressed in a striking yellow suit and adorned with a replica crown, Thomas performed ‘Paradise,’ a song that pays homage to Tobago’s rich traditions. His performance earned him 415 points and the grand prize of $75,000. The competition, which featured ten talented artists, was a testament to the island’s thriving soca music scene. Among the notable participants were Kedane O’Connor, who secured second place with ‘Shake It,’ and Tam Tam (Bernardo Thompson), who took third with ‘Lean.’ The event also highlighted the contributions of female artists, with Nikia Scott’s ‘Carnival Is A Woman’ earning her the fourth spot. The night was filled with lively performances, cultural tributes, and a strong sense of community, underscoring the importance of soca music in showcasing Tobago’s artistic talent to the world.

RS/RR Productions is thrilled to announce the final two performances of their acclaimed comedy, *Yuh Doh Leave Fowl to Watch Corn!*, taking place on October 25 and 26 at the Central Bank auditorium in Port of Spain. This uproarious production, which has captivated audiences with its blend of chaos and humor, promises an evening of non-stop laughter and mischief. The play, directed by Debra Boucaud Mason and Richard Ragoobarsingh, features a stellar cast including comedy veterans Richard Ragoobarsingh, Leslie Ann Lavine, Zo Mari Tanker, Kala Neehall, Benita Wilson, and Andrew Friday. The story unfolds as a seemingly ordinary day descends into hilarious pandemonium, with women waking up in the wrong beds, men protesting their innocence, and a maid who can’t keep a secret. As the Trinidadian proverb warns, *Yuh Doh Leave Fowl to Watch Corn!*—a reminder that leaving things unattended can lead to unexpected chaos. Tickets are available at the Central Bank box office from 12 pm to 6 pm daily or online. Showtimes are 8:30 pm on October 25 and 6:30 pm on October 26. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 481-2185, 338-6024, or 744-7581.

Trinidad and Tobago-born Canadian filmmaker, singer-songwriter, and producer Gino McKoy recently engaged with students from the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s (UTT) digital media arts program during a presentation and Q&A session on October 15. Known for his sci-fi film *Lumina*, McKoy shared his extensive 17-year experience in the international film and music industries, offering insights on overcoming barriers and leveraging creativity. His film *Lumina* is currently streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime, Tubi, YouTube TV, and Google TV, while its title track *Everything to Me* has made waves as the only indie song on the Billboard AC charts. McKoy emphasized the untapped potential of Caribbean creatives, particularly from Trinidad and Tobago, whose unique culture, folklore, and music could enrich his ambitious ‘Tropical Hollywood’ initiative. He highlighted the need for legislative reforms and incentives, such as revamping film cash rebates and establishing a state-of-the-art film studio ecosystem, to position Trinidad as a top global filming destination. McKoy’s vision aims to diversify Trinidad’s economy by investing in creative industries, potentially generating over 100,000 jobs, $1 billion in revenue, and attracting millions of tourists. Currently in Trinidad for pre-production on his next film, McKoy has met with government officials to discuss strategies to enhance the country’s appeal to international film and music industries. Over the next five years, he plans to complete ten movie projects in Trinidad, leveraging his global network to bring feature films, music, and more to the region.

The red carpet was ablaze with energy as the much-awaited film *Queen of Soca* premiered to a packed audience in Trinidad and Tobago. The event was more than just a movie screening; it was a vibrant celebration of culture, identity, and local talent. Fans flocked to capture moments with the stars, including Terri Lyons, Melanie Pantin, Penelope Spencer, Supa Hype, and Lorenzo, who were greeted with overwhelming enthusiasm after the show. The atmosphere in the theater was electric, embodying the pride, passion, and rhythm that define Trinidad and Tobago, as highlighted in a media release.

Directed by Kevin Adams, known for *No Soca No Life*, *Queen of Soca* tells the inspiring story of Olivia, portrayed by Terri Lyons, a young woman who defies her mother to chase her dream of becoming a soca star. The film has been praised for its emotional depth, cultural authenticity, and vibrant spirit, capturing the heart and soul of Trinidad and Tobago.

Producer Christopher Din Chong described the premiere as a dream realized and a proud milestone for local cinema. ‘Watching a Trinidadian story come alive on the big screen and seeing the audience respond with such joy is unparalleled,’ he said. ‘People laughed, cried, and even danced in their seats. That’s the magic of *Queen of Soca*—it reminds us that our stories are worth telling and our culture deserves global recognition.’

Writer-director Kevin Adams emphasized that the film’s success signifies a cultural shift. ‘For years, our screens have been dominated by American movies, shaping how we view film,’ he noted. ‘*Queen of Soca* offers a rare opportunity to see ourselves, our culture, and our potential reflected on the big screen. The sold-out shows prove that when we tell our own stories, our people show up.’

Partially funded by the Carifesta Take One Film Grant, *Queen of Soca* marks a significant milestone in Trinidad and Tobago’s film industry. It seamlessly blends music, drama, and social commentary while showcasing the immense talent both on and off the screen. Now playing in cinemas across the country, *Queen of Soca* invites audiences to laugh, sing, and celebrate a story that is unapologetically Trini to the core.

Jonathan Corbie, a Trinidad and Tobago-born composer now based in Los Angeles, has carved a niche for himself in Hollywood’s competitive music scene. His compositions have graced major films such as *Deadpool & Wolverine* and *John Wick 4*, but his journey began in the vibrant cultural landscape of San Fernando, Trinidad. Growing up in a household filled with music, Corbie was exposed to a rich tapestry of sounds, from calypso and parang to classical piano and choir harmonies. His parents, both accomplished musicians, instilled in him a deep appreciation for music, with his father, Ken Corbie, even co-writing the 1992 Road March hit *Get in Yuh Section*. Despite this musical upbringing, it was the art of composing for film that ultimately captivated Corbie. A pivotal moment came at age 15 when he composed *Child’s Play* for his CSEC music exam, sparking a passion for storytelling through music. Inspired by legendary composers like John Williams and Michael Giacchino, Corbie pursued his dream, eventually moving to the U.S. in 2018 to study at California State University, Northridge. There, he honed his technical skills and began collaborating with industry veterans, including acclaimed producer Nathan Fields. Today, Corbie’s work spans major studios like Marvel, Universal, and Lionsgate, with notable contributions to projects such as *Daredevil: Born Again*. Despite his success, he remains committed to addressing systemic barriers for Caribbean creatives and fostering opportunities for emerging talent. Corbie continues to collaborate with Caribbean musicians and envisions a future where Trinidad’s rich musical heritage intersects with Hollywood’s global platform. His story is a testament to quiet persistence, cultural grounding, and the transformative power of music.