Terri Lyons – The Voice That Commands the Calypso Stage

If you follow calypso closely, you already know that some voices don’t just sing—they command. For me, one of those voices belongs to Terri Lyons. It started back in 2009 when I saw a music video that she did with Ataklan for a song titled "Smile." I was hooked... she was captivating in the video and her singing sealed the deal! From that moment on, she became my favorite female vocalist in Trinidad and the Caribbean diaspora. 

Coming out of Trinidad and Tobago, Terri represents a rare combination of musical heritage, lyrical intelligence, and vocal power. Being the daughter of legendary Soca icon Superblue could have easily defined her career. Instead, Terri forged her path and established a reputation rooted in her strength.

Terri Lyons grew up in a musical and cultural environment, and it was clear from a young age that she had a talent. While many know her today as one of the most formidable female calypsonians on the stage, her journey began with years of performing in tents, sharpening her craft, learning the traditions of kaiso, and developing a voice that carries both melody and message.

Her performances are never just about entertainment. They are storytelling. They are commentary. They are the kind of performances that remind us why calypso is often called the newspaper of the people.

In 2020, Terri Lyons made history when she captured the Calypso Monarch title with two powerful songs—“Obeah” and “Meghan My Dear.” Those performances didn’t just win a crown; they cemented her position as one of the leading voices of modern calypso. Years later, "Blessings" elevated her to the pinnacle once more, demonstrating the hallmarks of a true artist: consistency and excellence.

But Terri is not limited to the calypso stage alone. Over the years she has also delivered vibrant soca releases that have found their way onto Carnival playlists and fetes, showing that her versatility is just as impressive as her vocal strength.

Some of her notable songs across the years include:

• Smile
• Obeah
• Meghan My Dear
• Calypso
• Blessings
• The Phrase
• Play Hard
• Bring Back Ah Vibe
• The Vibe
• Rough Up the Road
• Hell of A Nigh 
• Forward (Terri x Dj Private Ryan)
• Cyah Stop Moving 
• Wine On All
• Sell Off
• Wuk Meh Out
• Can You Feel It
• Recruit (with Skinny Fabulous)
• I Am Lion
• High (feat. Lil Rick)
• Throwback Thing
• The Vibe

Achievements

• 2020 Calypso Monarch—Trinidad & Tobago
• 2026 Calypso Monarch—Trinidad & Tobago
• Multiple Queen of Queens Regional Female Calypso titles—2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
• Recognized as one of the leading female voices in modern calypso.

What makes Terri Lyons special is not just her catalogue of songs—it is her presence. When she walks onto a stage, you immediately feel that something important is about to happen. Her voice carries conviction, passion, and the kind of storytelling that keeps the audience locked in from the first line to the final note.

For many fans of calypso—including myself—Terri Lyons represents the continuation of a proud tradition while also pushing the artform forward. She stands among the women who have proven that the calypso arena is not only a place for strong voices but also for strong messages.

And if her journey so far tells us anything, it is that Terri Lyons is far from finished writing her story in the history of kaiso.

Because every time she steps on stage, one thing becomes clear:

The voice of Terri Lyons is a voice that demands to be heard.

Ananda—Kaiso Dial

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Featured Artist: Terri Lyons

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso/Soca/Island Pop Soca 🎶

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).

Read More

Riddim Nation by Khalen: Honoring the Legacy of Ras Shorty I, Culture, Consciousness, and Change

During every Carnival season, certain songs garner significant attention, while others, despite their powerful message, often fall into the background. For Carnival 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago, “Riddim Nation” by Khalen is one of those songs. You may also accuse us of neglecting the song during the carnival season, but the truth is, we released too many Calypsos for 2026 to keep up with the posts. We still have almost 38 songs left to post. 

On the surface, this song may sound simple, but trust us, it runs deep into the heart of Trinidadian culture. This is more than just a calypso—it's a tribute to Ras Shorty I, the man who laid the foundation for Soca, and a call to reconnect with the true roots of our music and culture. Reconnecting with the true roots of our music and culture can be challenging in a context where artists continue to strive for international success. However, preserving the essence of our 'old school vibe' could be the secret formula that keeps the music grounded and not sounding like something foreign. 

At its core, Riddim Nation reminds us that rhythm is the heartbeat of the people—a force of destiny, freedom, and identity. It speaks of an ancestral code stronger than technology, something meant to unite us as a nation. Recently, we published a post discussing the meaning of the word "Pwefen," and it's important to understand that this word evokes a deep sense within us, embodying the unique Trini culture.

Khalen challenges us to:

• Move beyond hypocrisy and division
• Realign culturally and stay focused on the path. forward
• Preserve our musical heritage while navigating modern influences

The song also goes deeper—touching on self-sustainability, encouraging us to cultivate our land, use our resources wisely, and build a nation that produces rather than depends.

And in the end, the message is clear:

We need unity, purpose, and responsibility as the keys to shaping a better future—and music is the vehicle to get us there.

This is a strong, conscious calypso that deserves more attention than it’s getting. Now, all we ask is that you listen. Share it. Start the conversation and let the magic of the song spread via social media. 

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Riddim Nation 

Artist/Performed by: Khalen Alexander

Written, Composed by: Khalen Alexander 

Produced & Mixed by: Golden Era Productions

Live Bass and Guitar by Richard Gosine

Additional Vocals by: Sheron Melville

Trombones by Leon Ince

Vocal Arrangements by Khalen Alexander 

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

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).

Read More

On De Block by Joy: A Powerful Message Urging Youth to Choose a Better Path

As a youth, I enjoyed "Liming on the Block" with friends. We joked and talked about everything one could imagine, and most of the time we ended up playing "windball cricket" or street soccer. Today, the lime is different. People fear groups of youth liming on the block; these are different times and with this calypso presented today, there is a message for the youth. This is Calypso with clout!

This calypso speaks directly to young men about the choices they make every day. Written by Deryck St. Rose and vocalized by Joy, the song delivers a message  that spending time “on the block” leads nowhere and encourages young people to focus on real goals instead. Strong words but meaningful indeed. Then there is the issue of image.  The song demonstrates that the first steps toward a stronger future are pulling up your pants, respecting yourself, and finding honest work.

The song makes it clear that chasing quick money through crime only ends in prison or the cemetery. Some think that street life is where manhood manifests itself, but they are so wrong.  It’s a reminder that the street life may look exciting, but it destroys more lives than it saves.

The  songwriter and singer also call on the community to step up and help save the youth. We should take note of the past when Families, neighbors, and leaders worked together to guide young people and reduce the violence affecting the country. We need to embrace those days to help the youth. Everyone has a role in creating a safer environment.

A better path is always available. The song encourages learning a skill, going back to school, and using your talents in positive ways. It is a known fact that dedication, clear goals, a good education, and common sense open doors that crime never will.

Finally, the message is clear: "On De Block" challenges people in power, elected officials, to use their influence to create an environment that guides the youth to a better place. Curbing violence and crime is a start, but having more social services to help should be the goal. 

Lofty goals, yes, but this has always been a challenge in Trinidad and Tobago; real change requires leadership, unity, and responsibility from everyone. The song is a start; the work is ahead of us and Kaiso Dial is here delivering the message.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: On De Block

Singer/Performed by: Joy 

Written by: Deryck St. Rose 

Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by: Cornell Phillip of imperial publishing 

Produced and Arranged by: Cornell Phillip

Bass: Franklyn ‘Refuse’ Harris 

Background Vocals: Carlyn Xavier Phillip

Graphics: Arisdale Bazil

Video Editor: Serlyn Cara-Joy Jeffrey

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

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).

Read More

Kaiso Dialed to Max: Dr. Kitch’s Double Trouble

This is a classic calypso that you had to really grow up in Trinidad to truly appreciate and understand. So, with that in mind, let me break it down in a Trini style for your entertainment.

For those not familiar with double entendre in Calypso, it is just the Calypsonian's way of saying one thing but with double meaning. In other words, the listener in tune with the culture will quickly understand that there is something underneath. Typically, it is used in a cheeky manner to evoke strong emotions in the public. This song, "Dr. Kitch aka 'The Needle,'" released in 1963 may sound like it is all about a doctor and the size of the needle for an injection but that injection, that needle, goes deeper than you think!

So when you hear lines about “I’m not a qualified physician” but “I don’t need an application to give her this injection,” that’s Kitch setting up the joke. On paper, it’s a lil country doctor getting pestered to give an injection. In real Trini ears, it’s a man boasting about his bedroom skills while pretending to be shy. The chorus makes it even clearer: “I push it in, she pulls it out, I push it back, she starts to shout.” If you take it literally, is a woman afraid of a needle and making a scene? But the way Kitchener phrases it, with that sly tone and sweet melody, everybody knows we left the doctor’s office a long time ago.

In classic tent culture, a song like this worked because the calypsonian and the audience had a kind of secret agreement. The singer never had to say anything raw; he just had to point in the right direction and let your imagination do the rest. That’s why older folks could laugh and whine to "Dr. Kitch” at a family lime: if the children ask, you tell them it is just a humorous song about injection, but the adults exchange side‑eye and bust big laughs because they are hearing all the hidden meanings Kitch packed inside.

For someone not used to calypso, it might sound like a simple vintage song about a nervous patient. In Trinidad, we hear a master calypsonian playing with language, teasing the censor, and giving the crowd a wicked, risqué story without ever using a negative word. That is the real joy of "Dr. Kitch”: one song, two levels, and if you don’t understand the double entendre, you are only hearing half the jam.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Dr. Kitch aka The Needle

Artist/Performed by: Aldwyn Roberts (Lord Kitchener)

Written by: Aldwyn Roberts

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Year: 1963

Genre: Calypso 🎶

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).

Read More

Keeping the Calypso Flame Alive: The Nicholas Brancker Band Celebrates Black Stalin

This post was originally published on Sokah2Soca and has been repurposed here for Kaiso Dial. The music is truly exceptional, and the band delivers a heartfelt performance that beautifully honors the legacy and music of Black Stalin. 🎶

Today, while listening to Mr. Desmond and Kenny Phillips on WACK Visual Radio, a caller asked about a Black Stalin tribute melody that had recently been played on the station. Mr. Desmond mentioned that the melody was done by Nicholas Brancker—referring to The Nicholas Brancker Band. I was curious to hear it again, so I diligently searched for the tribute video online. That discovery became the inspiration for this feature.

This post honors the late Dr. Leroy Caliste, better known to the world as Black Stalin, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most powerful and influential calypsonians. Born in September 1941 and passing on December 28, 2022, Black Stalin left behind a legacy of music that championed Caribbean unity, social justice, and cultural pride.

The Black Stalin Tribute by The Nicholas Brancker Band of Barbados is a stunning homage to the legendary Trinidadian artist. The presentation is a masterpiece of Caribbean musicianship, featuring powerful vocals, intricate instrumentals, and soulful rhythms that capture the spirit of Black Stalin’s music. The arrangements transport listeners straight to the heart of Trinidad’s vibrant calypso tradition.

Each piece selected for the medley is expertly crafted, showcasing not only the incredible talent of The Nicholas Brancker Band but also their deep appreciation for Black Stalin’s artistry and message. The band manages to balance respect for the original works while presenting them with fresh musical energy.

I have to admit that the vocalist, Adrian, was exceptional. His delivery was remarkable and at times sounded strikingly similar to the late maestro himself. His performance adds emotional depth to the tribute and helps bring the spirit of Black Stalin vividly to life.

This tribute is, without question, one of the finest musical homages to Black Stalin that I have seen online. For lovers of Caribbean music—or anyone interested in the rich musical traditions of Trinidad and Tobago—this performance is essential listening. It stands as a fitting tribute to one of calypso’s greatest voices and a testament to the enduring power of his music.

Notes from Nicholas Brancker:

“This session was the final rehearsal before our first performance after Black Stalin’s passing. We had just finished a workshop at UWI for students and decided to document and share this medley with you. This is a tribute to a humble, joyful, and committed Caribbean son. Live on, Brother!”

Kudos to The Nicholas Brancker Band for such a heartfelt and masterfully executed tribute.

Songs Featured:

• Suffers
• Bun Dem
• We Could Make It If We Try
• The Caribbean Man
• This Party Cyar Done
• Black Man Feeling to Party

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Title: Black Stalin Tribute (Footage from Final Day Rehearsal for Naniki Music Fest )

Musical Arrangement by: Nicholas Brancker

Lead Vocals by - Adrian Clarke

Band: Nicholas Brancker Band

Bass: Nicholas Brancker

Drums - Melvin Alick

Keys - Darien Bailey

Keys - Andre Daniel

Trombone: Jomo Slusher

Saxes—Romaro Greaves

Trumpet - Kevyn Lynch

Guitar - Tristan Haynes

Pan & Percussion - Andre Forde

Background Vocals - Nareesa Lynch,  Israel Allen & Casheda Dotten 

Origin: Barbados

Genre: Calypso 🎶

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).

Read More

Reviving Calypso: The Dance Vibe That Connects Generations

Calypso is the heartbeat of Trinidad & Tobago’s musical legacy. It’s the voice of resistance, the rhythm of celebration, and the wit of the people. But in today’s Carnival landscape, Soca has taken center stage—faster, louder, and more commercially dominant. If Calypso is to reclaim its space and rival Soca’s popularity, especially among younger audiences, it must evolve without losing its essence. And that evolution begins with the vibe.

To thrive in the modern Carnival ecosystem, Calypso must embrace the dance party energy. Whether the song is social commentary or political satire, it needs to move the crowd—literally. The groove must be infectious. The rhythm must invite movement. A Calypso that makes you think and dance is a Calypso that lives beyond the tent.

Politics has long played a central role in Calypso, and rightly so. The genre originated from the necessity to challenge the status quo. But today’s audiences are navigating a different world—one where political fatigue is real, and attention spans are short. The challenge isn’t to abandon political themes, but to balance them with cleverness, humor, and joy. A witty double entendre or a playful twist on current events can be just as powerful as a fiery critique.

Calypso must also speak the language of the people. That means understanding what the new generation cares about, how they talk, what makes them laugh, and what moves them emotionally. Research the trends, listen to the slang, and write songs that feel relevant. Connect with the youth not by preaching, but by vibing. If the lyrics feel distant or outdated, the music risks being dismissed as boring—no matter how brilliant the message.

Above all, make the songs memorable. A catchy hook, a relatable story, a rhythm that lingers—these are the tools of longevity. Calypso has always been rich in storytelling, but now it must also be rich in replay value. Songs that stick are songs that spread.

In the end, Calypso doesn’t need to compete with Soca by mimicking it. It needs to evolve on its own terms—grounded in tradition but open to innovation. By embracing danceable grooves, relatable themes, and youthful energy, Calypso can once again become the soundtrack of Carnival, not just its conscience.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso Music 🎶

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).

Read More

The FLAVA Experience: Pre‑Party Hype to Post‑Party Glow

The full flavor of Trinidad bursts onto the road tonight, as Soca and Chutney Soca drive the magic of Carnival 2026 straight home. One more jump, one more wave—the spirit of the island is alive and blazing.

The videographer’s presentation captured it all—pre‑party energy, the heart of the fête, and the post‑party vibes as FLAVA unfolded tonight. The show is set to begin at 8:00 p.m. Trinidad time, which is 7:00 p.m. for viewers in the USA.

The featured artists tonight are as follows:

• Anastacia Richardson (Calypso)
• Kadija Jeremiah  (Calypso)
• Mela Caribe (Soca)
  
• Karma the Band
• Tempa
• Nisha B
• Terri Lyons (Calypso Monarch 2026)
• Nailah Blackman
• Rasika
• Lil Bits

Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.

We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like 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: FLAVA Culture on Display

Streamed by: Multiple sources, "I am living my life," "Radicle Tube," & "Gartsy"

Where: De Savannah, Port of Spain 

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Soca/Culture 🎶

🎧Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but also on a daily basis. Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca are thriving!

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. Sokah2Soca/Soca 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 click the small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.

Read More

Carnival Closes at Flava: Bunji Garlin, KMC, Lady Lava & More

This is your final boarding pass, oui—this Carnival ship sailing out tonight! Enjoy every performance, because this year’s round trip is touching back down in Trinidad for 2027.

Thanks to the YouTube portal “I Am Living My Life," we could share this last night of vibes at FLAVA. Carnival 2026 awakened the people, infused the nation with party spirit, and left us eagerly anticipating the next edition! This festive boat is going to tour the world and will return for 2027. So enjoy this last night of fun... but stay with us for Kaiso posts all year!

Appearing tonight:

• Joshua Regrello De Pan Man
• Swappi
• Farmer Nappy
• KMC
• Lady Lava
• Viking Band
• Bunji Garlin
• Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez

Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.

We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music because doing so denies essential revenue to songwriters, producers, and artists. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like 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: Flava Finale Tonight

Artists: Bunji, Viking Band, KMC, Lady Lava & Joshua Regrello

Streamed Live from Flava by "I am living my life"

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Soca 🎶

🎧Listen. Share. Amplify. Our artists embody culture not only during Carnival but also on a daily basis.  Sokah2Soca—Where Rhythm Lives and Calypso, Steelband Music, and Soca are thriving!

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. Sokah2Soca/Soca 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 click the small triangle button in the music player below to listen now.

Read More

The Vibe Lives On! Kaiso Dial Keeps the Carnival Beat Alive

Everything eventually comes to an end, and as we arrive at this penultimate night of performances, we extend a hearty round of applause to Tish of “I Am Living My Life” on YouTube for her vibrant and dynamic coverage of Trinidad Carnival 2026.

Today is Thursday, February 26th, and the flava is still alive at FLAVA in the Queen’s Park Savannah, where the vibes continue to pulse through the night. FLAVA will wrap up its Carnival run this weekend and then take a well-earned break—until next Carnival season returns.

Carnival may be coming to a close, but the rhythm never stops in Trinidad! Tonight, Kaiso Dial invites you to keep that energy alive with the same incredible music that made Carnival 2026 truly unforgettable.

Performing Tonight:

• Orlando Octave
• Christo
• M1
• GI
• Ding Dong
• Wadicks

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Event: Live from Flava 

Streamed by: I am living my Life YouTube Channel

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Soca and Calypso 🎶

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).

Read More

Honoring Black Prince — WACK Radio x Kaiso Dial

We have lost another great one, and calypso music will not be the same after his passing. Trinidad & Tobago bids farewell to Kenroy “Black Prince” Smith, a calypsonian whose wit, humor, and sharp storytelling lit up the tent for decades. Rising through the calypso ranks from the 1950s, he crafted a style that was unmistakably his—blending comedy, social commentary, and the everyday realities of Caribbean life.

For this post, we celebrate some of his performances, as played in a recent tribute to the man by Mr. Kenny Phillips on WACK Visual Radio. We are confident that you will love the songs. You can look for his music after reading this, but first, check out TriniView, which has seven posts about him. Read and get to know the artist. Link here: Black Prince

This generation may not be aware of his songs, but Calypso connoisseurs know him for classics like "De Letter" and "Mrs. Black Prince Business." He earned the Most Humorous titles in 1993 and 1997, and his work stood proudly alongside icons like Zandolie and Lord Blakie on the Raw Kaiso CD. A true cultural witness, Black Prince captured the joys, ironies, and struggles of the people with charm and clarity.

As the spirit of the calypso tent waned and the voice of the Calypsonian was replaced by Soca dance music, he remained committed to the artform, performing and composing with the same passion that first brought him to the tent. His passing marks the end of an era, but his voice and spirit live on in the verses, the vinyl, and the memories of all who cherish a well-crafted calypso.

His death ends an era, but his legacy lives on in the verses, vinyl, and memories of those who know the power of a well-crafted calypso.

Rest in rhythm, Black Prince. Your crown was lyrical, and your legacy is royal.

Some of the artist's music—Discog:

• De Letter—One of his best-known comedic pieces; it was featured on Raw Kaiso.
• Fry Balls—Humorous social commentary in classic tent style.
• Calypso Horrors—A storytelling piece reflecting everyday struggles.
• Friday Evening—Apopular tent performance number.
• One Lifetime Ent Nuff—It's Reflective, witty commentary on life and relationships.
• The song "If" is well-known among collectors and is often performed in tent circuits.
• Hang 'Em High—A comedic narrative with sharp punchlines.
• Oya, Don't Cry No More Song—Emotional, socially aware composition.
• Mrs. Black Prince Business—A humorous look at domestic situations.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Calypsonian: Kenroy Smith

Sobriquet: Black Prince

Music Tribute on WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

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).

Sokah2Soca · Black Prince Tribute WACK Radio 90.1FM x Sokah2Soca

Read More