标签： Trinidad and Tobago

While many view turning 60 as a signal to slow down, acclaimed vocalist and music educator Michele Dowrich is embracing this milestone as her cue to step into the spotlight. Rather than retreating into retirement, Dowrich is marking her sixth decade with “60-licious Live!” – a spectacular concert event that embodies her vibrant spirit and lifelong dedication to the arts.

The December 7th performance at San Fernando’s Naparima Bowl represents more than mere entertainment; it stands as a radiant tribute to resilience, reinvention, and the rhythmic journey of a life richly lived through music. Dowrich has assembled an exceptional lineup of collaborators for this celebratory event, including renowned vocalists Brenda Butler, Lois Lewis, Turon Nicholas, Quinton Neckles, and Tobago’s jazz-soul sensation Sharon Phillips (also known as Anubia Phoenix).

Musical accompaniment will be provided by EFX the Band and Jessel Murray, with Dowrich hinting at special surprise performances throughout the evening. The event promises to be a culmination of Dowrich’s extensive career, which spans decades of musical excellence across educational and performance spheres.

Her professional journey includes serving as assistant musical director for the Southernaires Choir under both the late Joy Caesar CMT and current director Peter Lockhart. As an educator, she nurtured young talent at San Fernando Girls’ Anglican School and St Joseph’s Convent, where her choirs consistently achieved top honors at the biennial Music Festival competitions.

Dowrich’s personal musical journey began in childhood, supported by family encouragement and teachers who fostered artistic expression through choir, poetry, and performance. By age 18, she had already placed third in her first solo competition at the Music Festival. Her breakthrough came in the 1980s when she assumed the lead role of Mary in “Follow the Star” with the Prescon choir, stepping in when the production urgently needed a replacement.

Most recently, Dowrich completed six impactful years as a curriculum officer in the Ministry of Education’s Visual and Performing Arts Unit, where she supported teachers and strengthened national music education programs. Now entering retirement following double hip replacement surgery two years ago, she views this concert as both a celebration of survival and a testament to enduring passion. The event will be followed by an after-party, with tickets available at the Naparima Bowl box office.

San Fernando’s Creative Arts Centre will resonate with festive melodies on December 13th as Joshua Hinds, a 23-year-old musician and law student from Marabella, presents his inaugural Christmas spectacle – “This Christmas Night!” The 7 pm event promises an eclectic musical journey through classic Christmas hymns, soca parang, and R&B arrangements.

Beyond seasonal entertainment, the concert serves a dual purpose: funding Hinds’ legal education at Hugh Wooding Law School while fulfilling his artistic aspirations. “This show represents both financial necessity and creative fulfillment,” Hinds revealed. “After years envisioning my own headline performance, the timing and reasons have perfectly aligned.”

Hinds’ musical foundation was laid during childhood through classical piano training initiated by his excellence-driven mother. His artistic perspective transformed under the mentorship of late music educator Sharon Francis from Holy Faith Convent in Penal. Concurrently, The Oratory Foundation nurtured his theatrical abilities under Deborah Jean-Baptiste Samuel’s guidance, while parental encouragement led him to calypso competitions and music festivals.

The multi-talented performer credits his choral experiences at St Benedict’s College and Presentation College Mixed Choir for igniting his passion for vocal harmony. Musical icons Michael Jackson and gospel tenor David Phelps significantly influenced his artistic development.

Hinds’ dedication culminated in 2021 when he achieved top Caribbean ranking in CAPE performing arts (music) – a breakthrough moment that demonstrated his potential through relentless effort. His accolades include multiple Music Festival titles, though performing before 4,000 attendees at a Los Angeles worship conference remains his most memorable experience.

His legal career inspiration came from witnessing mentor Deborah Jean-Baptiste Samuel successfully balance artistic pursuits with legal practice. Law studies have conversely enhanced his musical discipline, teaching him strategic time management and adaptive problem-solving.

The concert’s title reflects theological contemplation about Christ’s birth significance. The production features collaborative performances with family members, including a duet with his 13-year-old sister Renee and vocal contributions from brother Caleb and father Deryck, creating the distinctive harmony only familial bonds can produce.

With tickets priced at $150, Hinds aims to raise approximately $60,000 for law school tuition while inspiring young dreamers to overcome obstacles through determination. Future aspirations include establishing annual Christmas productions and eventually founding a music school, alongside pursuing entertainment law.

Despite hectic preparations, Hinds embraces the creative process, inviting audiences to experience seasonal joy and remember the holiday’s spiritual meaning through his musical offering.

In a vibrant cultural fusion, Japanese performers Aaayah (Ayako Hirayama) and Ann G (Angella Giustini) have unveiled their collaborative single “Wasabi Wine,” creating a musical bridge between Japanese identity and Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival traditions. The energetic dance composition merges Japanese and English lyrics, with the duo embracing the moniker “Japanese Spice Girls” while characterizing their sound as “hot and spicy like wasabi.

The track represents more than musical entertainment—it serves as a declaration of cultural participation and self-assurance. “This song embodies confidence, joy and cultural pride,” explained Ann G. “It demonstrates that Japanese women are not merely observers of Carnival culture, but genuine participants who feel the rhythm, understand the freedom and celebrate soca in our unique manner.”

Aaayah revealed the project originated from their desire to express femininity in its purest form: “We aimed to showcase our strength and passion for soca while remaining authentic to our Japanese heritage. Wasabi Wine is fun, fearless and unapologetically Japanese.”

The production features Japanese producer Imachi’s hybrid sound engineering, providing authentic fete credibility, with mixing and mastering handled by Trinidadian producer Luke Samerson of Lujoe & The Gifted. The accompanying music video, directed by Hotta Vybz, captures the dynamic energy of dancers Iyona, Nanako and Nathania, supported by fashion direction from Mayu of Fetable and hair/makeup artistry by Haruka Ishida.

This musical initiative reflects broader cultural exchanges between Japan and the Caribbean. Annually growing numbers of Japanese visitors immerse themselves in Trinidad’s Carnival activities—participating in mas bands, performing in steelband competitions, DJing fetes and gracing live stages. Ann G, recognized as Japan’s carnival ambassador, has spent over a decade building cultural connections through performances, event hosting and her Soca Magic platform.

Meanwhile, Aaayah continues establishing her presence as a Tokyo-based dancehall and soca fusion artist, having performed at major events including Expo 2025 Osaka and Japan Soca Weekend. Her collaborations with Jamaican artists and video productions in Kingston have further strengthened musical ties between Japan and the Caribbean region.

The single is now available across all major digital streaming platforms.

Caribbean music icon Nigel Rojas, renowned frontman of reggae-rock fusion band Orange Sky, has unveiled his groundbreaking single “Too Many,” marking a significant departure into Afrobeat-inspired territory while maintaining his signature emotional depth. The release arrives as a precursor to the band’s 30th anniversary EP scheduled for April 2026, signaling a new creative direction in Rojas’ three-decade career.

The composition emerged from a profoundly contrasting moment where natural beauty collided with global tragedy. Rojas described witnessing a motionless butterfly on his windowsill that suddenly took flight, creating a serene atmosphere instantly shattered by news reports of Gaza bombings and civilian casualties. This emotional juxtaposition of nature’s fragility and human conflict became the creative catalyst for the track.

Produced by Nigerian Afro-rhythms specialist Skimzea with technical execution by Aaron Marques, “Too Many” incorporates authentic Afrobeat grooves while preserving the artistic integrity that has defined Orange Sky’s musical philosophy. The track maintains the band’s longstanding commitment to lyrical themes of truth, compassion, and unfiltered social commentary.

Early receptions from fans and music industry professionals have demonstrated enthusiastic approval, with many praising the song’s infectious rhythm coupled with its thought-provoking message. Rojas acknowledges this dual appeal, noting how listeners have connected simultaneously with the track’s danceable quality and its substantive content.

Lyrically, “Too Many” explores the contemporary paradox of coexisting love and conflict within modern society, addressing global turmoil while emphasizing humanity’s enduring capacity for compassion. The single follows Orange Sky’s recent release “Family Love” and will feature prominently on the upcoming anniversary EP, with fans anticipating additional new music and special surprises throughout the 30th-anniversary celebration period.