Kes set to make history on Budweiser Stage By Twylan Best Trinidad and Tobago’s beloved Kes the Band will make history on Saturday as the first-ever soca act to headline Toronto’s iconic Budweiser Stage, and for lead singer Kees Dieffenthaller, the moment is much bigger than music. “It’s a statement for the Caribbean people,” Kes […]
Saldenah brings to life the ‘ Spirit of Carnival ‘ By Twylan Best Band launch season is the unofficial kickoff to Toronto’s summer festivities, and no launch would be complete without the city’s largest and most iconic band, Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club. Just a few weeks ago, Saldenah’s 2025 presentation, “Spirit of Carnival,” lit up […]
By Kojo The rhythm of Calypso rang through the halls of the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate on May 18th as the Organization for Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA) hosted its first-ever “Calypso Tune-Up” event to a sold-out audience. Held at the Consulate General of Trinidad and Tobago’s building in Toronto, the event delivered a full-course celebration […]
By Twylan Best Band launch season is always full of surprises and Epic Carnival brought a powerful presentation to the table with its 2025 theme, “Culture.” Band leader Jerrol “Stretch” Augustine danced his way down the stage once the elaborate costume showcase had come to an end; he then opened the floor for the afterparty […]
By Anthony Joseph The sounds of steelpan and heartfelt reflections filled Tropicana Community Services in Scarborough as family, friends, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the life of Hameed Shaqq, affectionately known as “The Pan Piper”. Born and raised in Arima, Trinidad and Tobago—a place whose indigenous name means “plenty water”—Shaqq’s lifelong journey brought his […]
by Stephen Weir Thea Jackson had a terrific opening last week. Standing amongst her section at the ‘Epic Carnival’ band launch she is happy signing up new revellers who want to ‘Walk De Road’ at Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade on August 2nd. Still, with only 5 months to go the consumer designer/creator is […]
Sunlime turns up the heat for 2025 The band launching season is nearing its close but there are still highlights to celebrate. And Sunlime’s launch was definitely one of them. Held just over two weeks ago at Tropicana Community Services, the event was packed with energy, colour and mas’ enthusiasts. Sunlime’s 2025 theme is “Gimmie […]
By Neil Armstrong Many Torontonians have memories of commuting on the subway and hearing the sweet sounds of steelpan and witnessing the dexterity of steelpan musician, consultant and researcher Hameed Shaqq. His hands are now stilled; he passed away on May 5 and will be buried on May 9. The musician was wrestling with an […]
Mas’ in the Six Louis Saldenah of Saldenah Carnival By Twylan Best Toronto — In the rich and rhythmic world of Caribbean Carnival, few names hold as much weight and legacy as Louis Saldenah. As the leader of Saldenah Carnival, Toronto’s most awarded mas’ band, Louis has spent nearly five decades shaping what carnival looks, […]
Sunday April 27 to May 3 set for 73rd annual festival The countdown is on for one of the Caribbean’s most spirited celebrations as the 2025 St. Thomas Carnival has officially been scheduled for April 27 to May 3, bringing with it a vibrant showcase of culture, music, food, and pageantry. Now in its 73rd […]
