The highly anticipated ACB Caribbean National School Panorama competition is set to make a grand return to the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium this year, marking a shift from its previous venue at the St John’s Port parking lot, where it was held for the past two editions. This change in location comes in response to the growing number of participating bands, with sixteen schools confirmed to showcase their talents this Saturday. The event will feature six primary and ten secondary schools vying for the prestigious titles. Notably, Pigotts Primary, last year’s champion, will not be participating this year, paving the way for a new victor to emerge. The competition will kick off with Bendals Primary, a newcomer, performing ‘Swinging Engine’ by Burning Flames. They will be followed by TN Kirnon, Sunnyside Tutorial, Villa Primary, Nelvie N. Gore, and Green Bay Primary. In the secondary school category, St Anthony’s Secondary will open with ‘A Plus Wine’ by Young Lyrics, succeeded by St Joseph’s Academy, Ottos Comprehensive, All Saints Secondary, and Irene B. Williams Secondary. Defending champions Princess Margaret School will take the stage with ‘Cape’ by Empress, while Antigua Grammar School and Clare Hall Secondary will pay tribute to the late Ricardo Drue and Empress with their performances. The event will conclude with performances by newcomers Sir Novelle Richards Academy and Christ the King High School. The competition is scheduled to begin at 4pm, with ticket prices set at EC$20 for adults and EC$5 for children.
分类： entertainment
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Fro Hummer lays down the Bumpa Law
As the anticipation for Tobago Carnival 2026 builds, soca artist Fro Hummer, born Jason Reyes, is already making waves with his latest release, *Bumpa Law*. More than just a song, *Bumpa Law* is a cultural movement that celebrates rhythm, connection, and, most importantly, respect for boundaries. Reyes, known as the “Vibes General,” is using this track to amplify his advocacy campaign, *No Permission, No Wine*, which emphasizes mutual consent and respect in social interactions.
Reyes’ musical journey spans over two decades, during which he has collaborated with industry giants like Mice Raymond and Darryl Braxton and mentored emerging talent through his Artform Music Academy. His stage name, Fro Hummer, has its roots in his high school days, where his hairstyle earned him the nickname “Fro,” while “Hummer” was coined after a successful radio event.
*Bumpa Law*, a polished soca-pop track written by Azaryah (formerly Flipo), captures the essence of Caribbean dance culture. It’s a celebration of unspoken connections that form when music, movement, and energy align. However, Reyes is clear that the song carries a deeper message: the “law” in *Bumpa Law* represents mutual understanding and respect, ensuring that every dance is both empowering and enjoyable.
Reyes’ advocacy campaign, *No Permission, No Wine*, seeks to preserve the joy of Caribbean culture while promoting respect and consent. “Dance is expression, not entitlement,” he asserts. “True vibes come from mutual energy and consent, where both parties feel safe and free to enjoy the moment.”
Beyond music, Reyes is a seasoned radio personality and MC, skills that have honed his ability to connect with audiences. His upcoming EP, which blends various genres, reflects his diverse musical influences, from soca icons like Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin to global stars like Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars.
Reyes believes the soca industry is undergoing an exciting transformation, with the genre gaining global recognition through social media, streaming platforms, and cross-genre collaborations. Despite challenges in marketing and infrastructure, he remains optimistic about the future of soca.
Fans can look forward to a visually striking music video for *Bumpa Law*, directed by Juan Lennon, which will celebrate Trinidad and Tobago’s culture while reinforcing the message of respect. Reyes also plans to continue his community impact initiatives, partnering with organizations to promote women’s safety and empowerment.
With *Bumpa Law* available on all major streaming platforms and upcoming performances at events like Black Gold in New York, Fro Hummer is poised to make a lasting impact on the global music scene.
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Sucre promises aims for bigger success in 2026
Sucre, the 2025 Youth Soca Champion, is poised to make waves in the soca music industry as he sets his sights on 2026. Representing the Zig Boi Music Group, Sucre has already established himself as a formidable talent with a title to his name. His journey to success has been marked by a rigorous development program, guided by the experienced hand of Zig Boi Music Group CEO, Mr. Spine. Over the past two years, Sucre has been immersed in a comprehensive training regimen that included studio sessions, live performances, and networking opportunities. His collaboration with the legendary band Traffik and the formation of the youth-centric Evolution Band have further honed his skills and expanded his reach. Sucre’s victory in the Soca Champions competition was a testament to his dedication and talent. Since then, he has performed on international stages, including an opening act for Morgan Heritage in St. Maarten. As he prepares to compete against top acts like Blaka Dan in the 2026 Soca Champions competition, Sucre remains committed to inspiring the next generation of soca artists. His latest single, ‘Gimme Wuk Darlin,’ continues a love story narrative that began with his 2025 hit, ‘Hold on Darlin.’ Sucre’s vision extends beyond personal success; he aims to create a community that nurtures young talent and ushers in a new era of soca music.
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Joshua Regrello to take pan to the Taj Mahal
Renowned steelpan virtuoso Joshua Regrello continues to shatter boundaries and set new milestones in the world of music. Following his groundbreaking performances on the Great Wall of China and his Guinness World Record for the longest steelpan marathon in 2024, Regrello is now poised to make history once again. On October 19, during the closing night of the Divali Nagar festival in Chaguanas, Trinidad, he announced his upcoming debut performance at the iconic Taj Mahal in India. This will mark the first time a pannist has performed at the historic mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1631 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Regrello’s announcement was met with resounding applause from the audience, including NCIC president Surujdeo Mangaroo and Senator Darrel Allahar, despite heavy rain earlier in the evening. The festival, themed ‘Loka Sangraha: The Welfare of the World,’ celebrated global harmony and collective well-being. Regrello’s performance, alongside tabla player Shivan Seenath, featured a fusion of Bollywood hits and Indian classical music, showcasing his dedication to mastering diverse musical styles. He encouraged young attendees to pursue their dreams through hard work, emphasizing the rewards of perseverance. Looking ahead, Mangaroo revealed that the 2026 Divali Nagar will focus on ‘Rajneeti,’ exploring the intersection of ethical governance and political strategy.
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Grand show marks Sizzla’s 30-year milestone
In a night brimming with nostalgia and reverence, thousands gathered at Sabina Park to honor Sizzla’s three-decade-long musical journey. The ‘Rise to the Occasion’ tribute show, held on Sunday, was a masterclass in celebration, showcasing the enduring impact of one of Jamaica’s most iconic entertainers. The event, meticulously organized and flawlessly executed, saw Sizzla take the stage around 10:00 pm, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.
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Sucre aims for bigger success in 2026
Sucre, the 2025 Youth Soca Champion, is poised to make waves in the soca music industry as he prepares for a monumental year in 2026. Representing the Zig Boi Music Group, this young artiste has already carved out a name for himself and is now gearing up to take on established acts in the upcoming Soca Champions competition. With a new single, *Gimme Wuk Darlin*, set to release soon, Sucre and his team are working tirelessly to ensure its success across diverse audiences.
Under the mentorship of Zig Boi Music Group CEO, Mr. Spine, Sucre has undergone a rigorous two-year development program. This initiative included exposure to live events, studio sessions, and networking opportunities, all while crafting unreleased music. In his second year, Sucre joined the legendary band Traffik, gaining invaluable experience in band dynamics and soundscapes. This led to the formation of the Evolution Band, a youth-centric group aimed at engaging younger audiences in soca music.
Spine reflects on the unexpected announcement of the Soca Champions competition, which provided a much-needed platform for young talent in Trinidad and Tobago. Sucre’s victory in the competition marked a significant milestone in his career, followed by a performance in St. Maarten, where he opened for the Morgan Heritage Family.
At just 24 years old, Sucre is not only focused on his own growth but also on inspiring the next generation of soca artists. With a music degree from the University of the West Indies and a Road March win in Guyana under his belt, Sucre is determined to create a community for young creatives and redefine the sound of soca music.
As he prepares to compete against top acts like Blaka Dan in the 2026 Soca Champions competition, Sucre remains committed to showcasing his talent and proving his worth on the grand stage. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential of youth in shaping the future of soca music.
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Uplift mourns death of sister
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Recording artist Uplift is grappling with profound grief following the unexpected death of his sister, Judy Austin, last month. Judy, who had been a pillar of support and inspiration in his musical career, passed away after falling ill at work. Her sudden demise has left Uplift and his family in shock, as she was believed to be in excellent health.
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Principle says Grammys should do more for Jamaican music
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Grammy Awards’ best reggae album category has long been a topic of heated debate on social media, with fans and artists alike voicing their opinions on nominations and winners. Recording artist Principle has now joined the conversation, advocating for the inclusion of additional categories that specifically highlight Jamaican music.
In an interview with Observer Online, Principle emphasized the need for fairness and recognition in the nomination process. ‘There’s always controversy about who should win or shouldn’t have won. I hope that one day, principle will prevail, and the most deserving projects will be acknowledged,’ he stated.
Principle also proposed expanding the reggae music categories to include awards such as ‘Best New Reggae Artiste’ and a separate ‘Best Dancehall Album’ category. ‘Some people have been calling for a distinction between dancehall and reggae. It’s time to recognize the diversity within our music,’ he added.
The artist, whose real name is Germaine Bernard, recently released his latest single, ‘Jamaica Nice,’ on October 13. Produced by Bertram Burgher of King Shiloh Sound and written by Nicholas Sylvester, the song aims to showcase Jamaica’s cultural richness to the world. ‘We’re working hard to promote this track, and a music video is currently in production,’ Principle shared.
Earlier this year, Principle gained significant attention with his song ‘Visa,’ which he considers his breakthrough. ‘That song opened many doors for me, including media interviews and performance opportunities,’ he reflected. Originally known as Chucky Wonder, Principle hails from Constitution Hill in Red Hills and continues to make strides in the reggae and dancehall scenes.
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Antiguan Artiste G Man Showcases Soca Hit on Major UK Platform
Antiguan soca sensation G Man has made waves in the UK music scene, showcasing his electrifying hit on a prominent British platform. The artist, known for his infectious rhythms and vibrant performances, has brought the essence of Caribbean culture to a global audience. His latest track, a fusion of traditional soca beats with contemporary influences, has captivated listeners and earned widespread acclaim. This milestone marks a significant achievement for G Man, highlighting the growing international appeal of soca music. The performance not only underscores his talent but also serves as a testament to the genre’s ability to transcend borders and unite diverse audiences through its pulsating energy and celebratory spirit.
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Grenada’s cultural voice resonates on world stage in China
Kelvin Jacob, Chief Cultural Officer of Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy, and Culture, delivered a compelling address at the World Poetry, Dance, Music, and Visual Arts Salon during the 3rd Liangzhu Forum in Hangzhou, China. Describing Grenada as ‘a small island with a vast soul,’ Jacob positioned the nation as a creative hub that bridges diverse histories and geographies. His presentation, titled ‘Shared Beauty, Shared Civilisation,’ emphasized the unifying power of culture and creativity in a fragmented world. Jacob highlighted Grenada’s rich cultural tapestry, where African rhythms, European languages, and indigenous traditions coexist harmoniously. He also underscored the island’s growing cultural partnership with China, citing initiatives such as the Confucius Institute at T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) and artistic exchanges between Grenadian and Chinese performers. Jacob praised these collaborations as ‘cultural diplomacy at its finest,’ advocating for artists as ‘architects of peace’ who build bridges where politics often create borders. Beyond the forum, Jacob’s itinerary includes cultural and educational exchanges in Yiwu, Beijing, and Shanghai, aimed at strengthening ties in art, heritage, and tourism. The Ministry lauded his participation as a milestone in Grenada’s global cultural influence. Jacob concluded with a powerful message: ‘If we can share our beauty, we can shape our civilisation,’ urging global leaders to prioritize creativity in fostering mutual understanding and progress.