博客

The Bocas Lit Fest recently hosted its BYOBB (Bring Your Own Book and Bottle) social event at The Writers Centre in Port of Spain, marking the culmination of Calypso History Month. The event featured writer and media producer Judith Laird and soca artiste-songwriter Nadia Batson as special guests. Calypso History Month, celebrated annually in October since its official recognition by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) in 2002, honors the rich cultural heritage of calypso music. The evening’s highlight was a screening of Laird’s 1981 documentary, ‘Women in Kaiso,’ which chronicles the experiences of pioneering female calypsonians. Batson, known for her storytelling through music, shared insights into her creative process, emphasizing the importance of understanding the artiste’s personality when composing. The BYOBB series, hosted bimonthly, fosters intellectual exchange and cultural dialogue, offering a platform for attendees to engage with literary and artistic figures. Upcoming events at The Writers Centre include a celebration of Peepal Tree Press’s 40th anniversary, featuring discussions on Caribbean literature. For more details, visit bocaslitfest.com.

Renowned calypsonian Hamidullah Wahid, known simply as Hamidullah, is set to headline the much-anticipated Moods & Views calypso concert at Kafe Blues on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, on November 8 at 7 pm. The event will showcase a stellar lineup of artists, including Ras Kommanda, Valentino, King Luta, Sexy Suzy, Kid Kallaloo (Julien Hunte), Pharoah, and Skero. The performers will be backed by the Michelle Henry Encore Band, with Errol Fabien and Damion Melville serving as the evening’s MCs. Born into a family deeply rooted in calypso and steelpan traditions, Hamidullah’s musical journey began in the Amboys Steel Orchestra in Belmont. Over the years, he has become a prominent figure in the calypso scene, performing in numerous tents and co-founding the Klassic Russo tent in Port of Spain. A founding member of the Trinbago Unified Calypso Organisation (TUCO), Hamidullah is celebrated for his humorous hits like ‘One Stick of Matches’ and ‘You Can’t Land.’ His collaboration with Ras Kommanda through the Kaiso Unit has produced annual calypso concerts, offering a platform for artists to showcase their talent beyond the Carnival season. Hamidullah expressed his excitement for the upcoming show, highlighting the diverse talents of the performers and urging fans to join in the celebration of calypso music.

German-born, Tobago-based artist Andrea C Hoffer has unveiled her latest exhibition, ‘House of Ambiences,’ at the Soft Box Gallery in St Clair. This collection marks her first dedicated exploration of interior spaces, offering a deeply nostalgic portrayal of Trinidad and Tobago’s older homes. The exhibition, comprising 14 meticulously crafted paintings, captures the warmth, history, and quiet presence of these spaces, evoking a sense of timelessness and personal connection. Hoffer’s inspiration stemmed from a visit to a house on Cotton Hill Road, St Clair, where the interplay of shadows, lighting, and architectural elements left an indelible impression. This experience inspired the exhibition’s centerpiece, a large-scale painting that embodies the essence of ‘Trini at home sweet home.’ Hoffer’s works are rich with details familiar to Caribbean households—linoleum floors, circular ventilation bricks, well-worn furniture, and potted plants. Plants, a recurring motif in her art, reflect her personal affinity for greenery, as her Tobago studio is nestled within a lush garden. Hoffer employs the ancient egg tempera technique, mixing pigments with egg yolk and linseed oil to create a layered, earthy texture. Remarkably, she paints entirely from memory, eschewing sketches or photographs. Her process is intuitive, allowing the essence of each space to emerge organically. Many of her works incorporate historical elements, such as a door from her daughters’ great-grandfather’s home, which survived Hurricane Flora in 1963. These artifacts, imbued with personal and generational significance, add depth to her compositions. Hoffer’s artistic journey began in 1996 when she first visited Tobago, captivated by its natural beauty. Since then, she has exhibited her work internationally, blending European influences with Caribbean themes. Her unique style, which combines impressionism, abstraction, and realism, invites viewers to embark on their own imaginative journeys. ‘House of Ambiences’ runs until November 29, offering a poignant reflection on the enduring charm of Caribbean interiors.

Inspired by her personal evolution as a woman, mother, and creative, Asha Wadada, co-founder of House of Wadada, has unveiled her first solo Carnival collection, *alter HER*. The collection, launched in October, is a tribute to the diverse layers of womanhood, celebrating confidence, sensuality, power, and self-discovery. Wadada shared with WMN on October 29 that the collection emerged from her journey of embracing every facet of her identity, including the parts she once hid. “I wanted to express all of myself—the sensual, the confident, the grounded, the bold—without apology,” she explained. The collection’s name, *alter HER*, reflects the idea of a woman’s inner self, waiting to step into the spotlight. The designs, adorned with sequins and sheer mesh, are both glamorous and versatile, suitable for Carnival Monday and beyond. Wadada emphasized that the collection is not just about fashion but also about empowering women to embrace their complexity and express their true selves unapologetically. The response to *alter HER* has been overwhelmingly positive, with women connecting deeply with its message. Wadada, who also teaches yoga in Port of Spain, hopes the collection will inspire women to take risks and feel confident in their style. The line will debut at Carnival 2026 on February 16, marking a milestone in Wadada’s 15-year journey in the fashion industry. From her early days customizing clothes with her twin sister Ayanna Diaz to creating a lifestyle brand rooted in self-expression and feminine power, Wadada’s work continues to resonate with women across the Caribbean and beyond.