By Lincoln DePradine More than three decades ago, a group of Toronto musicians, with backgrounds rooted in various Caribbean countries, including Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada, came together to form a steel orchestra. They called the band, “Panatics’’. It’s the 35th anniversary of Panatics Steelband Network and the occasion was marked last Saturday with a […]
Carnival Nationz Launches “V La Copa Mundial 11” Photos by Gilbert Medina Fresh off another major triumph in Trinidad and Tobago, veteran mas designer Marcus Eustace is once again setting his sights on the road in Toronto as Carnival Nationz unveiled its 2026 presentation before a packed crowd in Scarborough. The launch, held at the […]
Next Generation Leads Saldenah Mas into 2026 The next chapter of one of Toronto Carnival’s most storied mas bands is now firmly in motion, as Saldenah Mas unveiled its 2026 presentation, HALO, during a high-energy launch at Rebel Entertainment Complex this past weekend. Leading the charge this year is bandleader Aaron Saldenah, who, alongside his […]
Grenada’s 52nd Independence Gala lit up Toronto on February 14 with a sold-out celebration that blended national pride with the spirit of Valentine’s Day. Dressed in elegant attire accented by red, gold and green, and touches of Valentine’s red, Grenadians and friends of the Spice Isle gathered to honour 52 years of independence while celebrating […]
Leslie Newton Forbes, a respected educator, community advocate, and dedicated contributor to Toronto’s Caribbean cultural life, passed away on January 27, 2026. He was 89. Born on November 7, 1936, in San Fernando, Trinidad, Forbes spent his formative years in the southern city, where his lifelong commitment to education and service first took root. After […]
Hope for Jamaica: Concert Unites Canadian Artists for Hurricane ReliefBy Anthony Joseph In the aftermath of the catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica has been left reeling. The storm tore through the island with unrelenting force, leaving homes flattened, communities displaced, and livelihoods shattered. Yet, amid the devastation, the indomitable Jamaican spirit remains unbroken, and […]
‘Tru Dynasty’ represented Toronto in style at Miami Carnival by Stephen Weir For the summer of 2025, it seemed as though Thea Jackson and her Tru Dynasty Mas Band had been constantly on the move. But come Thanksgiving break, Tru Dynasty wasn’t dancing along Toronto’s Lakeshore. This year, Jackson and her crew took Canadian carnival […]
Putting the Mas’ in Christmas By Stephen Weir On a brisk Toronto morning last November, Santa’s sleigh may not have been pulled by reindeer, but it was certainly propelled by Caribbean Canadian community spirit. With over 750,000 spectators lining the streets, the 120th anniversary of the Santa Claus Parade, the Festival Management Committee and their […]
Carnival bandleader Louis Saldenah retires By Anthony Joseph After leading one of Toronto Carnival’s most iconic mas’ bands for more than four decades, Louis Saldenah has officially announced his retirement. Speaking at a retirement party at the Grand Cinnamon Banquet Hall last Saturday, the legendary bandleader, who has defined Toronto’s Carnival landscape for 44 years, […]
The crescendo of Barbados’ Crop Over season came to a roaring finale on Grand Kadooment Day, where one anthem soared above the rest. Leadpipe, the veteran soca artist known offstage as Osvaldo Reid, has claimed the coveted Road March crown for 2025 with his commanding hit “Tek Charge” — a track that captured the heart […]
