分类： entertainment

Scarborough’s Market Square transformed into a vibrant hub of rhythm and energy on October 18 as the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and Pan Trinbago hosted PanOmega, the official panorama competition for Tobago’s carnival. The event showcased the island’s rich steelpan culture, with bands competing across two categories: small and large. The competition kicked off with the small band category, where seven groups, including Alpha Pan Pioneers, Our Boys, and First Citizens Tobago Panthers, battled to unseat the reigning champions, T&TEC New East Side Dimension. The large band category saw Dixieland and RBC Redemption Sound Setters challenge the formidable Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra, who are seeking their fourth consecutive title. The event was a celebration of talent, tradition, and community spirit, with performances that captivated the audience and highlighted the enduring legacy of steelpan music in Tobago.

Renoka Ramnath, a pioneering female dholak player from Trinidad, has defied gender norms to become a celebrated figure in the traditionally male-dominated world of Indian classical music. Born and raised in Carolina Village, Couva, Ramnath’s musical journey began in childhood under the guidance of her father, Pundit Sham Ramnath. Her fascination with rhythm was sparked by the legendary singer Ramdhanie Sharma, and by the age of nine, she was teaching herself to play the dholak using her grandfather’s drum. Her father’s unwavering support and the gift of her own dholak marked a turning point in her life. Over the years, Ramnath honed her craft under the mentorship of veteran drummer Ramesar Sookhai, mastering the intricate rhythms of Trinidadian classical Indian music. Her performances, which blend local Indian classical, chutney, and folk rhythms, have earned her the affectionate title of ‘The Queen of Local Classical Drumming.’ Despite facing challenges as a female musician, including unequal opportunities and pay, Ramnath has persevered, earning accolades such as the Dholak Icon Award in 2014. She has performed on both local and international stages, accompanied by her sister Davika, who also played dhantal and dholak. Today, Ramnath is a full-time musician, dedicated to preserving the authenticity of the dholak, which she describes as a ‘living link to our heritage.’ She hopes to inspire other women to keep the Indian musical tradition alive and continues to draw strength from the memory of her late parents and sister. Her message for Divali is one of peace, prosperity, and happiness, rooted in her deep faith and cultural pride.

At just 10 years old, Aaniya Victoria Carlton has already made a significant mark in the world of music. On October 11, she took the stage at Divali Nagar in Chaguanas, Trinidad, delivering a mesmerizing performance that honored Lord Shiva. Singing traditional hymns such as Shri Rudram Namakam and Jai Jai Shiva Shambo, Aaniya captivated the audience alongside the ISHA Organisation’s Kirtan Aachaaryas. Her rendition of Jagat Bam Bam Bam Bhola further showcased her talent and dedication to her craft. Aaniya, a fourth-grade student at Montrose Government Primary School, attributes her love for music to her natural passion and the encouragement she receives from her teacher, Vijay Rajballie, who makes learning enjoyable. Aaniya’s musical journey began at a young age, with her first song being Happy Birthday, which she sang so often that she became the family’s official birthday singer. Her mother, Anita Singh, recognized her daughter’s gift and enrolled her in Vanessa Briggs’ Vocademy during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Since then, Aaniya has mastered various musical styles, including jazz, pop, reggae, country, and classical Indian music. Her breakthrough came in 2022 when a video of her singing caught the attention of pundit Krishen Ramdeen, the spiritual leader of ISHA Organisation Trinidad. Ramdeen invited Aaniya to join the ISHA Kirtan Aachaaryas, marking the beginning of her professional musical journey. Aaniya has since performed at significant events, including ‘Namaste Modi’ during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Trinidad and various recitals with the Vocademy. Despite her young age, Aaniya has learned valuable life lessons through her performances, such as time management, patience, and teamwork. She credits her mother as her biggest supporter and inspiration, calling her ‘the drill master’ for her meticulous attention to detail. Aaniya’s ultimate dream is to travel the world and record music at iconic studios like Abbey Road in London or The Studio at The Palms in Las Vegas. She has already recorded several songs, including a country-styled Christmas track and devotional pieces for ISHA. Aaniya’s message for Trinidad and Tobago this Divali is one of hope and prosperity, wishing everyone peace and joy.

Jahiem Thomas, known by his stage name Verrse, is poised to become Tobago’s next soca sensation as he prepares to defend his crown in the Tobago Soca Titans competition on October 22. Born and raised in Roxborough, Thomas, who turns 20 on October 21, is unapologetically ambitious and confident in his talent. He believes his 2025 hit, *Paradise*, produced by Kyle Phillips, will further solidify his place in the soca industry. The song celebrates Tobago’s culture and its newly established carnival, encapsulating the island’s vibrant spirit. Thomas, who co-wrote the track with Triston Andrews, sees it as a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal of carrying the torch for soca music when legends like Machel Montano and Voice retire. Raised in a musical family, Thomas was exposed to Tobago’s rich cultural heritage from a young age. His grandmother was a guitarist, and his uncle a keyboardist, while he is also related to renowned calypsonians Prince Unique and Johnny King. Thomas’s passion for soca was ignited during his time at Speyside High School, where he realized his calling was in entertainment. Despite initial skepticism from his parents, Thomas pursued his dream, writing his first song, *Overload*, in 2023. Although he didn’t win the Soca Titans competition that year, he returned in 2024 with *Pump It Up*, clinching the title as the youngest contender. Since then, Thomas has performed at major events, including Mical Teja’s *Mas: The Experience* and the Tobago Day celebrations in New York. As he gears up for the competition, Thomas is focused on delivering a stellar performance, hoping to retain his title as the ultimate birthday gift.