Sunday, February 8, 2026
Trinbago Calypso Monarch Finals 2026: Congratulations to Nicole Thomas-Clarke!
By SantiwahFebruary 08, 2026Calypso Monarch Finals 2026
Nicole Thomas-Clarke
Calypso 2026
Kaiso Dial
Dimanche Gras 2026
Trinidad Carnival 2026No comments
Congratulations to Nicole Thomas-Clarke on securing her place in the Calypso Monarch Finals for Trinidad and Tobago’s 2026 competition. We wish her every success as she prepares for the big stage.
Today, we begin sharing individual features on each of the finalists. As always, we will not critique the songs or the results. The judges' decisions are final, but we can still honor the artistry, effort, and cultural contribution of every calypsonian who stepped forward this season. Not everyone can advance to the finals, yet every calypso and every performer adds to the richness of the artform.
As we look ahead to Dimanche Gras night, we salute the incredible talent rising to the stage for the Calypso Monarch Finals of Trinidad and Tobago. Each finalist has earned their spot through powerful storytelling, sharp social commentary, and the true spirit of Kaiso.
The reigning 2025 Monarch is waiting to defend his crown—and no one knows what Helon Francis has in store. He has not yet released his 2026 contribution, adding even more anticipation to the showdown.
As the nation gears up for the grand finale, we celebrate every artist who keeps the culture alive, vibrant, and evolving. The journey to the crown is never easy—and making it to the finals is a triumph in itself.
Respect to all the finalists, and best of luck on the big night.
Kaiso, Kaiso? Yes, Kaiso! Calypso to the world!
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Sacrifice
Artist/Performed by: Nicole Thomas Clarke
Written by: Sheldon Reid
Produced by: Dancing Dread Productions
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Calypso 🎶
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Trinbago Calypso Monarch Finals 2026: Congratulations to Giselle Fraser!
By SantiwahFebruary 08, 2026Calypso Monarch Finals 2026
Giselle Fraser
Calypso 2026
Kaiso Dial
Dimanche Gras 2026
Trinidad Carnival 2026No comments
Congratulations to Giselle Fraser on securing her place in the Calypso Monarch Finals for Trinidad and Tobago’s 2026 competition. We wish her every success as she prepares for the big stage.
Today, we begin sharing individual features on each of the finalists. As always, we will not critique the songs or the results. The judges' decisions are final, but we can still honor the artistry, effort, and cultural contribution of every calypsonian who stepped forward this season. Not everyone can advance to the finals, yet every calypso and every performer adds to the richness of the artform.
As we look ahead to Dimanche Gras night, we salute the incredible talent rising to the stage for the Calypso Monarch Finals of Trinidad and Tobago. Each finalist has earned their spot through powerful storytelling, sharp social commentary, and the true spirit of Kaiso.
The reigning 2025 Monarch is waiting to defend his crown—and no one knows what Helon Francis has in store. He has not yet released his 2026 contribution, adding even more anticipation to the showdown.
As the nation gears up for the grand finale, we celebrate every artist who keeps the culture alive, vibrant, and evolving. The journey to the crown is never easy—and making it to the finals is a triumph in itself.
Respect to all the finalists, and best of luck on the big night.
Kaiso, Kaiso? Yes, Kaiso! Calypso to the world!
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: A Village Can't
Artist/Performed by: Giselle Fraser
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Calypso 🎶
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Trinbago Calypso Monarch Finals 2026: Congratulations to Roslyn Reid Hayes!
By SantiwahFebruary 08, 2026Calypso Monarch Finals 2026
Roslyn Reid Hayes
Calypso 2026
Kaiso Dial
Dimanche Gras 2026
Trinidad Carnival 2026No comments
Congratulations to Roslyn Reid Hayes on securing her place in the Calypso Monarch Finals for Trinidad and Tobago’s 2026 competition. We wish her every success as she prepares for the big stage.
Today, we begin sharing individual features on each of the finalists. As always, we will not critique the songs or the results. The judges' decisions are final, but we can still honor the artistry, effort, and cultural contribution of every calypsonian who stepped forward this season. Not everyone can advance to the finals, yet every calypso and every performer adds to the richness of the artform.
As we look ahead to Dimanche Gras night, we salute the incredible talent rising to the stage for the Calypso Monarch Finals of Trinidad and Tobago. Each finalist has earned their spot through powerful storytelling, sharp social commentary, and the true spirit of Kaiso.
The reigning 2025 Monarch is waiting to defend his crown—and no one knows what Helon Francis has in store. He has not yet released his 2026 contribution, adding even more anticipation to the showdown.
As the nation gears up for the grand finale, we celebrate every artist who keeps the culture alive, vibrant, and evolving. The journey to the crown is never easy—and making it to the finals is a triumph in itself.
Respect to all the finalists, and best of luck on the big night.
Kaiso, Kaiso? Yes, Kaiso! Calypso to the world!
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Calypso Calling Me
Artist/Performed by: Roslyn Reid Hayes
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Calypso 🎶
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Calypso Monarch Finalists Revealed — But Live Stream Blackouts Steal the Spotlight
By SantiwahFebruary 07, 2026Calypso Monarch finalists
Trinidad Calypso Monarch
Calypso 2026
Kaiso DialNo comments
The finalists for the Calypso Monarch Competition are now official. Eleven qualifiers have secured their spots in the grand finale, where they will challenge defending champion Helon Francis for the crown. The announcement came early Sunday morning during the lively after‑party concert.
The live stream, however, was far from smooth. Viewers endured multiple interruptions—including a complete blackout during Terri Lyons’ performance—leaving many frustrated as the results rolled out.
Defending Monarch - Helon Francis
- Terri Lyons - Blessings
- Ta'Zyah O'Connor - Cast Them Away
- Rikki Jai - Doh Spoil Meh Name
- Roslyn Reid Hayes/Roslyn - Calypso Calling Me
- Rivaldo London - Water Thicker
- Nicole Thomas-Clarke - Sacrifice
- Muhammad Muwakil/Freetown Collective
- Kerice Pascall - No Conscience
- Karene Asche - Nobody Wins Until
- Giselle Fraser/GG - A Village Can't
- Yung Bredda - The Messenger
Production Notes/Music Credits:
What: Calypso Monarch Finalists 2026
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Calypso 🎶
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Friday, February 6, 2026
Calypso Fiesta 2026: It is Calypso War and Toilet Paper may Fly!
By SantiwahFebruary 06, 2026Calypso Fiesta 2026
Skinner Park
Calypso 2026
Kaiso Dial
Calypso Monarch
KaisoNo comments
Forty of the nation’s finest calypsonians—plus one reserve—have been named for Calypso Fiesta 2026, and the road to the Calypso Monarch crown officially launches next weekend.
📅 Saturday, 7th February 2026
📍 Skinner Park, San Fernando, Trinidad
⏰ 2:00 p.m.
🎟️ US $14.95
📻 PPV via WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM & TTT
📻 WACK PPV Link: Calypso Fiesta 2026
Bush judges, are you ready? Whether you plan to celebrate your picks or grumble about who gets cheated, we’ll be monitoring the PPV feed—and yes, the viewing fee is a very reasonable US $14.95.
The Kaiso fraternity is gearing up for one of the season’s most anticipated cultural showdowns. From seasoned veterans to rising voices, this year’s semifinalists promise lyrical fire, melodic mastery, and pure Trinbago commentary.
Whether you follow Calypso for the message, the rhythm, or the legacy, Calypso Fiesta is where the Monarch journey truly begins.
Stay locked. We’ll be dropping the full list of semifinalists, performance order, and all the updates leading into the big day.
Name of Singer/Sobriquet
|
Name of Song
|
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Calypso Dial, where rhythm lives. Steelband and Calypso music pulse year‑round, not only at Carnival. 🌴✨ Help elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word. 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Live Calypso on WACK Visual Radio 90.1 FM: Kaiso Dynasty Highlights Carnival Spirit
By SantiwahFebruary 05, 2026Calypso Dynasty Clash
Calypso 2026
Calypso Tent
Trinidad Carnival 2026
WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM
Kaiso DialNo comments
This presentation is pure fun for the true lovers of Calypso—not just any calypso, but calypso straight from the tent, raw, live, and full of that unmistakable Carnival spirit. This event features a diverse group of calypsonians, each bringing their unique style and passion to the stage.
So buckle up and enjoy the performances, brought to you by WACK Visual Radio 90.1 FM.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Show: Kaiso Dynasty Clash
Streamed by: WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Calypso 🎶
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Rivaldo London Crowned 2026 Young King Calypso Monarch
By SantiwahFebruary 05, 2026Young King 2026
Rivaldo London
Water Thicker
Calypso Youth
Trinidad Carnival
Kaiso DialNo comments
On Tuesday, February 3rd, the NACC held the Young King Calypso Monarch Competition at Carnival City, Port of Spain, showcasing the youth power in Calypso. From a field of sixteen finalists performing at Carnival City, Queens Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Rivaldo London, just 23, rose above the pack—claiming the 2026 Young King title, the second crown of his young career.
I remember the first time I heard the song. I was traveling from Hampshire College in Massachusetts back to New York City when KP sent it for me to listen to, review, and post. I told him straight: this one is a winner. Little did I know that “Water Thicker” would take its first championship step right here, securing the Young King Calypso Monarch title.
The song gives a lyrical twist to the old saying, “blood is thicker than water,” with Rivaldo arguing that sometimes the deepest care comes from those outside your family circle. It’s not always about the bloodline first—sometimes a brother or sister from another mother is the one who truly brings it home.
So how are you feeling about the results, my dear bush-judges—satisfied, surprised, or still debating in the rumshop of your mind? Whatever your take, one thing is clear: it was a night of messages, truth-tellers throwing lyrical jabs, sweet melodies, and youthful mastery—and now, the results are in.
Final Results – Young King Calypso Monarch 2026
- Rivaldo London—Water Thicker
- Marq Pierre—How Yuh Feeling
- Sherwin Babb aka “Becomer”—Voicemail to Mother Kamla
- Nicholas Ashby aka Nikko Ash—Special Assignment
- Nyol Manswell—My Prayer for Peace
- Aaron Duncan—Birthplace
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: NACC Young King Calypso Monarch
Venue: Carnival Village
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Calypso 🎶
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Monday, February 2, 2026
Calypso Heats Up-Extempo x Freestyle: Kaisorama Prelims at the Radisson Hotel
By SantiwahFebruary 02, 2026Kaisorama 2026
Calypso Season
Kaiso Culture
Trinbago Vibes
Live CalypsoNo comments
Kaiso lovers, the season rolls on with another big moment. The Kaisorama Preliminary Competition for Extempo and Freestyle Calypsos touches down at the Radisson Hotel, bringing sharp lyrics, bold commentary, and that unmistakable Calypso fire. The voices aiming for Monarch glory step up once again, and the storytelling promises to be rich.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: Kaisorama Freestyle Calypso Competition
Stage: Preliminary Round
Broadcast: Live Video via WACK Visual Radio YouTube Channel
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Calypso 🎶
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Panorama Semi-Finals in De Savannah 2026 - Medium & Large Conventional Bands
By SantiwahFebruary 01, 2026Panorama 2026 Semifinals
Panorama 2026
Large Conventional Bands
Medium Conventional Bands
Steelband Music
De Savannah
Trinidad Carnival 2026
Sokah2SocaNo comments
It's "Pan in Yuh Pwefen" today, and the Queen’s Park Savannah is alive with the thunder and brilliance of Trinidad & Tobago’s finest steelbands, the best in the world. It’s the most breathtaking event of Carnival—a celebration of rhythm, unity, and musical mastery.
From the first strike of the tenor pan to the rolling basslines, this is Trinbago culture at its peak. The energy is unmatched. The artistry is world-class. And yes—the world is watching.
But here’s the truth: Pan Trinbago missed a moment.
This spectacular showcase deserved better promotion, better streaming, and a global push worthy of its magic. The steelpan is our national instrument. Panorama stands as our most valuable asset. And the people—both at home and abroad—deserve seamless access to this cultural treasure.
Let’s celebrate the bands. Let’s amplify the music. More importantly, let’s demand better visibility for the art form that moves us all.
The bands competing this evening are posted below. Please note that we left out the obvious "Steel Orchestra" when listing the bands.
Medium Conventional Bands/Song Played
- Courts Sound Specialists—Soft Man
- Pan Elders—Magician (I Command You)
- Arima Angel Harps—Band From Space
- Couva Joylanders—Fire in the Backseat
- Steel Xplosion—We Could Make It If We Try
- Dixieland—Raising Dust
- Pamberi—The Fog
- Sforzata—This Party Is It
- Curepe Scherzando—Jamtown
- Sangre Grande Cordettes—Mash Up
- San City Steel Symphony—Drive It
- Valley Harps—Hall of Fame
- La Brea Nightingales—High Life
- Moods—Oil and Music
- Matthew's Academy—Bacchanal Time
- Trinidad Valley Harps—Rally Round the West Indies
Large Conventional Bands/Song Played
- Harmonites—Ah Coming Home (Mau Brothers 2026)
- Siparia Deltones—Take Me Home (Freetown Collective 2025)
- RBC Redemption Sound Setters—Oil in the Coil (Scrunter 1985)
- Republic Bank Exodus—Cyah Behave (Aaron "Voice St. Louis 2026)
- Katzenjammers—Too Young To Soca (Machel Montano 1985)
- Proman Starlift—Last Train (Mical Teja 2026)
- Bp Renegades—The Lizard (Sparrow 1969)
- Massy Trinidad All Stars—The Will (Scrunter 1982)
- Phase II Pan Groove—Trouble (Boogsie x Freetown Collective x XplicitMevon 2026)
- Skiffle—Cyah Behave (Aaron "Voice St. Louis 2026)
- Shell Invaders—Inch by Inch (Akenathon "Yung Bredda" Lewis 2026)
- NLCB Buccooneers—Carnival Birthday (Machel Montano ft. Austin "Super Blue" Lyons 2026)
- NLCB Fonclaire—Get Something and Wave (Super Blue 2008)
- Nutrien Silver Stars—Respectfully Yours (Full Blown 2026)
- First Citizens Supernovas—Rum & Coca-Cola (Kes 2026)
- Desperadoes—We Calypso (Mical Teja & Karene Asche 2026)
- T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps—Last Train (Mical Teja 2026)
Let us continue to uplift and celebrate the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
Our mission is to promote Caribbean music, musicians, and music producers—honoring the rich sounds, stories, and creativity that shape our region. Your support helps us share this cultural legacy with a wider audience, inspiring connection, pride, and artistic growth. As always, we encourage everyone to purchase music legally. Please avoid sharing promotional tracks, as unauthorized distribution takes essential revenue away from the songwriters, producers, and artists who bring this music to life.
You can follow all our posts across Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS Feed, Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance. 🥂
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Event: Panorama 2026
Stage: Semi-Finals
Where: Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Steelband Music 🎶
🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. 🍷
Our artists carry the culture not only during Carnival but every single day. Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives, and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca continue to thrive.
This music is presented for your listening pleasure and promotional use only, in accordance with the “Fair Use” Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
♫ Click the small triangle in the player below to start listening. 🔥👇
TUCO Announces the Calypso Fiesta Semi-Finalists 2026
By SantiwahFebruary 01, 2026Calypso Fiesta 2026
Calypso Monarch 2026
Kaiso To De World
Sokah2Soca
Kaiso Dial
Skinner Park
Carnival 20261 comment
Cross Platform: Posted to Kaiso Dial and Sokah2Soca.
Forty of the nation’s finest calypsonians—plus one reserve—have been named for Calypso Fiesta 2026, and the road to the Calypso Monarch crown officially launches next weekend. Bush-Judges, are you ready to enjoy being right or to complain about losing? We will be monitoring the PPV feed. The fee to view is a reasonable US $14.95.
📅 Saturday, 7th February 2026
📍 Skinner Park, San Fernando, Trinidad
⏰ 2:00 p.m.
🍷 US $14.95
📻 PPV: WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM and Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT)
Go to this post for the current lineup for the show on Saturday, Feb. 7: Calypso Fiesta 2026: It is Calypso War and Toilet Paper may Fly!
The Kaiso fraternity is preparing for one of the season's most awaited cultural showdowns. From veterans to rising voices, this year’s semifinalists promise commentary, melody, fire, and pure Trinbago artistry.
Whether you follow the music for the message, the rhythm, or the legacy—Calypso Fiesta is where the journey to the Monarch truly begins.
Stay locked as we bring the full list of semifinalists, performance order, and all the updates leading into the big day.
| Name of Singer Addelon Braveboy Akenathon Lewis Amtjpmu La Fleur Arnold Jordan Betany Lighbourne Brian London Catherine Chandler Cindy Alleyne Curlissa Charles-Mapp Dave Maikoo Devon Seale Dillon Thomas Duane O'Connor Giselle Fraser Heather MacIntosh J'leise Orr Jerrisha Duncan Regis Karene Asche Kerice Pascall Lystra Nurse Mark Howell Paul Marq Pierre Marsha Clifton Megulla Simon Muhammad Muwakil Nakasa Tahcher Neville Brown Nicholas Lucas Nicole Thomas-Clarke Rivaldo London Roderick Grodon Roslyn Reid Hayes Samraj Jaimungal Sean Daniel Sean Singh Sherwin Babb Ta'Zyah O'Connor Tameika Darius Terri Lyons Wendy Garrick Amrika Mutroo (Reserve) |
Sobriquet Banjela Yung Bredda Squeezy Rankin Jaw D Trinity * Kassy Ife Alleyne * Pae3ot * Dilly Suede * GG * * * Kaiso Princess * Lady Adanna * * Lady Adana * Freetown Coll Nakasa Bunny B * * * Chuck Gordon Roslyn Rikki Jai D' Psalmist Ifa Becomer * * * Wendy Garrick * |
Name of Song Staying Power The Messenger Rat Race Servant Heareth Dat Is Woman De Code Crisis Of Truth Real Victory Identity Crisis Mother Music Ah Little Power One Man's Trash Alexander Yuh Great A Village Can't Not The Way WolvesInSheepClothing Not All Men Nobody Wins Until No Conscience Dream Sellers Cry of a Young Man How Yuh Feeling One Caribbean Vybe My Child Calypso Judgement This Is Not My Planet. TheTreeDoesNeverForget Sacrifice Water Thicker 'Tory Time Calypso Calling Me Doh Spil Meh Name In The Middle Puppet Master Voicemail2MotherKamla Cast Them Away No Love Blessings Family Loyal To Party |



















