J'ouvert Vibes: 3 Canal’s “No War” on the Black Mud Riddim

Are you the type of person who loves to categorize Caribbean music? If you enjoy categorizing Caribbean music, we have a song that presents a conundrum. This question is not a riddle, but it is all about vibes. Today we present a song by 3 Canal on the Black Mud Riddim (album), produced by Stemz. Don't get me wrong, Julianspromos is promoting the Riddim as Soca, but this 3 Canal song is a toss-up. It is a vibrant song that will undoubtedly rock any Caribbean J'ouvert. The song is titled "No War," and I want you, fans of Caribbean music, to say if it is Calypso, Soca, CalypSoca or just a wicked J'ouvert vibe. 

This track pulses with Carnival energy while carrying the weight of social commentary—reminding the powers that be that we don't want 'No War' in the Caribbean.  Riding Stemz’s Black Mud Riddim, the song is officially catalogued as Soca 2026, yet its lyrical DNA leans heavily into Calypso’s protest tradition. Just keep in mind that 3 Canal is known for their Rapso style and social commentary; with this song, as Dev would put it, they are the "Kings ah de J'Ouvert!"

As a matter of where this song fits in our cultural landscape and especially genre-specific, their unique style of delivery makes this song stand out from the other songs on the "Black Mud Riddim." Maybe it would have been a fitting release for Spicemas! 3 Canal is on fire with this song, known for blending rapso—spoken word with calypso rhythm and a touch of Soca drums. This fusion makes “No War” more than just a party anthem; it’s a call for unity and reflection, wrapped in the percussive drive of Soca. The riddim itself is Soca, but it fits J’ouvert perfectly and the delivery reminds us of Calypso’s enduring role as the conscience of Carnival.

With “No War,” 3 Canal proves once again that the steelpan, the drum, and the voice of protest can coexist on the road, igniting revelry while reminding us of deeper truths.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: No War

Artist/Performed by: 3 Canal

Written by:  Wendell Manwarren

Mixed by: ChainLinxxx

Mastered by:  Martin “Mice” Raymond

Label: Slammer Cutter under exclusive license to Diaspora Sound

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: CalypSoca J'ouvert Vibe 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. Kaiso Dial—Where Rhythm Lives. Calypso, Steelband, and Soca thrive every day, not just at Carnival. 🌴✨ 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/.

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Panorama 2026: Celebrating Our Small Conventional Bands

They put their all into their performance, hoping to advance to the next round of competition. We are talking about the Small Conventional Steelbands Panoram Preliminary round of competition. We expect the list of bands that made it to the semi-final round of competition to be announced shortly. Today, we pause to honor the performances of all 44 bands who embodied the spirit of our national instrument in this year's (2026) competition. 

All of the bands delivered exciting performances with the hope that the judging system will find favor with the musical arrangement and skills of the pan tuners and players alike. They brought the spirit of  their neighborhood, exciting arrangements and community pride—reminding us why Panorama is more than a competition; it is a living expression of Trinidad & Tobago’s culture.

If you are a fan of culture or simply enjoy the captivating sound of steelpans and steelbands, you undoubtedly understand why you are enjoying the bands' performances and sharing this post with your social media peers. 

• Steelband culture thrives when every participant is honored, not just the winners.
• Community pride: Each band represents neighborhoods, schools, and generations of pan players.
• Panorama heritage: This competition continues to showcase the creativity and resilience of our pan movement.

Listen, share and enjoy all the performances, and remember that whether they advance or not, every band has already contributed to the legacy of Panorama 2026. We salute their artistry, discipline, and joy.

Stay tuned to Kaiso Dial as we cover the Calypso and Steelband culture of Trinidad and Tobago. We will be posting all the steelband performances and news here on Kaiso Dial instead of Sokah2Soca. 

Name of Band/Song  Tokyo - Jamtown  Laventille Serenaders - Jamtown T&T Music Stars - Pan by Storm Phoenix Steel Orch—Big Truck Road Block—Guitar Pan Defense Force—All is Yours West Stars—No, We eh Going Home Diego Martin Merrytones - Too Own Way Steel Sensations - Dance Floor Tobago Pan-Thers - Whap Cocoyea C&B Crown Cordaans - Old & Grey  West Side Sym—Going & Party Tonight Uptown Fascinators—Band from Space Our Boys—Too Own Way Alpha Pan Pioneers - Take Me Home New East Side Dim.—Water De Garden Southern Stars—Let us Build a Nation Southern Marines—My House Tornadoes - JamTown  Silver Harps - Medicine Golden Hands - All Aboard Fusion Steel - Signal to Lara

Name of Band/Song Hatters Steel Orch—Ah Coming Home Motown Pan Theatre - Rebecca  Swavic Steel Orch—Jamtown  Panasonic Connec—Drunk & Disorderly Old Tech—Jamtown Kalomo Kings Steel Orch - Nah Do Dat Claytones Steel Orch—Retro Panhandle - Tell Me Why Mayaro Cadenza - Too Own Way Arima Golden Symph—Both Ah Dem Tamana Pioneers—Capitalism Gone Mad Nu Stars - Mash Up Jaynotes Steel Orch—Wet Meh Down  LH Pan Groove—Pan in A Minor Simple Song Orch—De Band Coming Sound of Music—Pan in A Minor  Bon Air Rhythm Rockers—No Getaway Perfect Cadence—Pan Running Wild Fascinators —Both ah Dem  Tunapuna Tipica—The Party Hot Hot Hot Northolus Steel Orch—Out and BAd Second Street Allstars—Remove Yourself

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Competition: Preliminary Rounds SCBP2026

Bands Competing: 44

Governing Body: Pan Trinbago 

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Competition Year: 2025 (Preliminary round December 2025)

Genre: Steelband Music 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. Kaiso Dial—Where Rhythm Lives. Calypso, Steelband, and Soca thrive every day, not just at Carnival. 🌴✨ 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).

WeCapture.... Panorama Live · 2026 Small Band_PRELIM

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All Rounder Spins Laughter and Drama in “Whey De Bandit Gone”

He is one of the classic calypso singers left, from a generation that gave us some of the best Calypso music. Today we feature the music of All Rounder. The song, titled "Whey De Bandit Gone," written by Anthony and Wilma Hendrickson, is filled with humor. When I listened to the song, I immediately thought of Lord Blakie.  It’s a witty narrative that instantly recalls the mischievous style of Lord Blakie, especially his classic “Steel Band Clash.” All that seems missing is Blakie’s trademark laughter—though the female backup singers’ chuckles may well be a playful salute.

Like Blakie’s storytelling, All Rounder spins humor into everyday drama. The song follows the curious case of a bandit who has suddenly disappeared, sparking reactions across the community. The recurring chorus—“Where has the bandit gone?”—urges listeners to alert the police, while verses paint vivid scenes:

• Rumors are spreading, causing people to run and panic.
• A woman selling papers joined the commotion.
• The search ensnared churchgoers and even a priest.

The humor lies in the escalating absurdity, each verse layering new characters into the chase. It brings out the best in Calypso: a mix of social theater, humor, and rhythm.

Whether intentional or not, the echoes of Blakie’s mischievous delivery give “Whey the Bandit Gone” a nostalgic flavor. It’s a reminder of calypso’s enduring ability to laugh at life’s chaos while keeping audiences dancing.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: When De Bandit Gone 

Artist/Performed by: All Rounder 

Written by: Anthony & Wilma Hendrickson

Audio & Video by: Jr. Soy 

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. Kaiso Dial—Where Rhythm Lives. Calypso, Steelband, and Soca thrive every day, not just at Carnival. 🌴✨ 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).

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The Mic Is Open: TUCO Launches Registration for Calypso Competitions

The countdown begins. TUCO has officially opened the gates for the National Calypso Competitions, inviting voices from every corner of the nation to step forward. Whether you're a seasoned Monarch contender or a rising Junior star, the road to Carnival 2026 starts now. From Extempore brilliance to Freestyle fire, the stage is wide open—and the stakes are high. Registration is live at zonal offices nationwide. Don’t miss your moment. The mic is waiting.

TUCO: 

The road to Carnival 2026 has officially begun as TUCO opens registration for the upcoming National Calypso Competitions.

Starting today, December 8th, all interested nationals and naturalized citizens are invited to sign up at TUCO zonal offices nationwide.

This year’s competitive lineup includes: 

• Calypso Monarch 
• Extempore
• Freestyle 
• Road March 
• Junior Calypso Monarch

Deadlines run from January through February, so artists are encouraged to act early.

TUCO is urging all prospective competitors to register as soon as possible and ensure they meet every requirement to secure eligibility for the 2026 season. The stage is set. The culture is calling. Will you answer?

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. Kaiso Dial—Where Rhythm Lives. Calypso, Steelband, and Soca thrive every day, not just at Carnival. 🌴✨ 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).

As the clock ticks down to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2026, Ainsley King, the President of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organization (TUCO), discussed the plans.

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Rum & Coca Cola: A Name Reimagined for Carnival 2026

Few calypso melodies carry the weight of history quite like Rum and Coca-Cola. First penned and performed by Rupert Westmore Grant—the legendary Lord Invader—the song became a global sensation when The Andrews Sisters recorded their version in the 1940s. What followed was one of the most famous copyright battles in music history, a case that etched itself into the very fabric of Caribbean cultural memory.

Fast‑forward to today, and instead of revisiting the old melody, Kes & Tano reinvent the idea of Rum & Coca Cola with a modern twist. They take us back to a memorable period in the history of Calypso music when Calypso tent performances became a popular Carnival tradition. That tradition is recreated in the imagery of the video production... it is so well done!

Carnivals come and go, and by borrowing from a wedding scene, we take something old; we approach each new season with the promise that we can reflect on the past while introducing something fresh and unique. Kes and Tano have boldly reimagined this iconic song's name. This track is a conceptual revival of a song that was once controversial but has lived on for generations. Kes and Tano have honored the name, Rum and Coca-Cola, while reshaping its narrative for a new generation.

This track is not a remake. It’s a reinvention.

Let your imagination go on a playful ride with Kes and Tano. The recreation takes us back in time, creating the story in a fresh direction: a lively encounter with Miss Grace, a woman who was drinking Rum and Coca-Cola, unfolds in a throwback black‑and‑white production infused with Caribbean joy. In this context, Kes and Tano evoke the spirit of Invader’s era while incorporating the energy of contemporary soca and calypso into their performance.

Musically, the track is pure Kes—with Tano’s creative edge woven in—a seamless fusion of heritage and innovation. Rather than replaying Lord Invader’s melody, this version celebrates a new idea, dressed in the vibrancy of today’s Carnival generation.

The result? A feel-good, timeless song that bridges eras: storytelling and celebration, nostalgia, and reinvention. Flawless... the video production and the creative process from Kes, Tano and the team involved with the making of the song. Let's not forget the work of Kyle Peters on guitar and Josh Richardson on bass, as well as the background vocals by the triple team of Terri Lyons, Coutain, and Tano. 

Born again, resurrected or all new, call it what you may, but this version of Rum & Coca-Cola resurrects a name that once ignited global debates—not as a relic, but as a vibrant reinvention for Carnival 2026.

For those who love 'red-man' music, 'de ting now start'; Carnival begins here!

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Rum & Coca-Cola

Artist/Performed by: Kes & Tano

Written by: Kes & Tano 

Produced by: Tano 

Guitars by: Kyle Peters 

Bass by: Josh Richardson 

Background vocals by Terri Lyons, Coutain & Tano 

Horn Credits: 

Trumpet: Charles “Randy” Williams

Trombone: Aaron Blenman

Saxophones: Daniel Ryan

Horns Arranged by: Daniel Ryan

Mixed by: N.M.G music 

Mastered by: Precision Productions

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. Kaiso Dial—Where Rhythm Lives. Calypso, Steelband, and Soca thrive every day, not just at Carnival. 🌴✨ 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).

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Weekend Sweetness: Can Anything Top This?

Fete season is here, and with each weekend we edge closer to Carnival 2026; the music keeps pouring in. I’ve listened to plenty of new releases—some truly excellent—but Mical Teja’s Weekend (TGFW) rises above the rest.

So, is it too early to call it? We don’t think so. Weekend is pure CalypSoca joy: polished, vibrant, and destined to soundtrack our weekends for years to come. Teja and Tano deliver a masterclass in groove and energy, already pulsing with Carnival fever.

💡 Simple question: can any song beat this tune for sweetness?

Now before  you answer the question, remember what I said: "It is destined to soundtrack our weekends for years to come." I mean that  because after Carnival 2026 is over, most of the songs you feted with will disappear, but like the morning sun, "Weekend" will be back and serenaded every weekend!

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Weekend (TGFW)

Artist/Performed by: Mical Teja 

Written by Mical Teja & Tano 

Produced by Tano & Mical Teja 

Mixed & Mastered by Kevin 'Vexmony' Beharry 

Live Bass by Josh Richardson

Background Vocals by Jerry-Lee David 

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: CalypSoca 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. Kaiso Dial—Where Rhythm Lives. Calypso, Steelband, and Soca thrive every day, not just at Carnival. 🌴✨ 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).

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Nicole Thomas-Clarke Reigns as Tobago’s Calypso Monarch 2025!

If you missed the Tobago Calypso Monarch, you can now watch and enjoy it here on Kaiso Dial. On October 23, 2025, Tobago’s Market Square in Scarborough came alive with an epic night of Calypso music for the island’s end‑of‑year carnival. The TUCO Tobago Zone Calypso Monarch Grand Finals brought together Tobago’s finest calypsonians in a fierce battle for the Monarch crown. Expect witty lyrics, sharp social commentary, and timeless calypso vibes that defined the evening.

If you missed it, don’t worry—join us now as we relive the magic and watch the full recap of this unforgettable celebration of culture and artistry!

Nicole Thomas-Clarke was the eventual winner and repeat monarch of the competition. She captured the crown with her powerful rendition of “Sacrifice.”

Her final score was a  commanding 460 points that secured the top spot and walked away with the grand prize of TT $100,000.

With her triumph in voice, message, and mastery, Nicole now stands tall among Tobago's finest calypso champions.

The Finalists included:

•  Alex Gift ‘Tobago Chalkie’ – I Busy
•  Dalanie Baynes – I Dare U
•  Dillon Thomas ‘Dilly ’Suede’—One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure
•  Dionne Phillip – I For Tobago
•  Giselle Fraser ‘GG’ – No Village Can’t
•  Jacquelin Reid—The Real Truth
•  Rhonda John, ‘Stay ’C’—My Popular Neighbor
•  Roslyn Reid – Change
•  Wendell Frederick ‘Excite’ – Play Mr. Pan Man Play
•  Wendy Garrick – Family
• Nicole Thomas Clarke - Defending Monarch from 2024

The results were as follows:

1. Nicole Thomas-Clarke – Sacrifice (Repeat Monarch)
2. Wendy Garrick – Family 
3. GG (Giselle Fraser) – No Village Can’t 
4. Dilly Suede (Dillon Thomas) – One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure 
5. Dalanie Baynes – I Dare U 
6. Excite (Wendell Frederick) – Play Mr Pan Man Play 
7. Alex Gift (Tobago Chalkie ) – I Busy 
8. Jacqulin Reid – The Real Truth 
9. Roslyn Reid – Change 
10. Rhonda John (Stay C)  – My Popular Neighbor 
11. Dionne Phillip – I for Tobago 

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. Kaiso Dial—Where Rhythm Lives. Calypso, Steelband, and Soca thrive every day, not just at Carnival. 🌴✨ 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).

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From Chantwell to Carnival: Calypso’s Visual Timeline

We 're going to make this one short and simple and visually impactful. This file is your Calypso Timeline with some important dates. 

Timeline

• 1900s: Chantwells, stick fighters, and early Carnival songs
• 1912: First instrumental calypso recording—Lovey’s String Band
• 1914: First vocal calypso recording—Iron Duke
• 1921: First calypso tent—Railway Douglas Tent in Port-of-Spain
• 1935: Lady Trinidad becomes first woman to sing in a calypso tent
• 1937: Lady Trinidad records the first female calypso
• 1950s: Golden age—Lord Kitchener, Mighty Sparrow
• 1960s:Global exposure, Steel-band integration, witty satire/set the stage for Soca
• 1970s: Political calypso and Black Power era
• 1980s: Transition to Soca: Dance‑Driven Evolution
• 1990s: Decline in mainstream, Soca Explosion: Carnival’s Global Soundtrack
• 2000s: Heritage preservation and Calypso Monarch competitions

The top menu features an expanded version of this presentation. Click on Kaiso and in the dropdown menu, select 'Historical.' If you have any ideas to improve our presentations or saw that we missed something, please leave a comment, and we will address your concerns.

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. Kaiso Dial—Where Rhythm Lives. Calypso, Steelband, and Soca thrive every day, not just at Carnival. 🌴✨ Elevate Caribbean music and culture—be a cultural ambassador and spread the word! 👉 Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

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Masters of the Craft – Bro Light Bourne

Calypso lives; calypso thrives!

We’re proud to spotlight the release of “Masters of the Craft” by Bro Light Bourne—a stirring tribute to the singers and storytellers who transformed calypso into a global musical powerhouse.

This song reminds us that, despite talk of the artform’s “demise,” calypso went international decades ago. From American artists to the movie industry, the world has long embraced its wit, rhythm, and cultural fire.

With a sweet calypso-baptist vibe, Bro Light Bourne calls for revival, weaving melody and memory into a powerful reminder: calypso is already a global phenomenon. Along the way, he honors the names of Trinidad’s greats—the masters whose voices carried our stories across oceans. He names the producers who work tirelessly to deliver Calypsos that are beloved during the Carnival season. 

Calypso lives, and Calypsos thrive, continuing to be an integral part of the carnival celebration. At Kaiso Dial, we will continue to feature new Calypso releases. Now let the revival begin as Brother Light Bourne sings, let's take Calypso and Kaiso Dial global... together we aspire and together we will achieve this goal. Now share this post and Kaiso Dial's address with your social media contacts!

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Masters of the Craft

Written by: Bro Light Bourne

Artist/Performed by: Bro Light Bourne

Background Vocals: Tricia Hamilton

Produced by: Kenny Phillips

Keys: Reul Lynch

Guitar: Kenny Phillips

Bass: Rodney Alexander 

Trumpet: Roger Jaggassar

Saxophone: Oral Roberts 

Trombone: David Jacob’s

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Listen. Share. Amplify. Kaiso Dial—Where Rhythm Lives. Calypso, Steelband, and Soca thrive every day, not just at Carnival. 🌴✨ 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).

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