“One Fish to Another”: Nerukhi Uses Humor and Social Commentary to Challenge Calypso’s Competition Culture

Oooh, you are going to love the lyrical canvas painted by Nerukhi. These lyrics cut deep and speak directly to the state of competition in Trinidad and Tobago today. Pay close attention—the message is unmistakable: audiences and artists alike have been steered into a ‘concept of a plan’ that sidelines the true art of calypso—the excellence of double entendre, humor, and storytelling—in favor of competition‑driven formulas.

Nerukhi returns to the calypso arena with “One Fish to Another,” a sharp, witty piece of double‑entendre social commentary that blends his visual‑artist sensibilities with his love for storytelling. Recorded at Nerukhi Studios with guitar work by Eugene Bass and background vocals by Luna, the song uses a conversation among fish to reflect on the pressures of a changing environment—both literal and cultural. Shot across Moruga, Claxton Bay, Balandra, and Manzanilla with videography by Patrice Bros Studios, the project also speaks to Nerukhi’s mission to preserve humor, nuance, and the full breadth of calypso beyond competition‑driven expectations. 

It marks his return after a two‑year pause and reinforces his commitment to using music and visual art as tools for awareness, upliftment, and cultural continuity. The production is clean, crisp and excellent in bpm for those who enjoy listening to well-structured and produced Calypsos. We approve of and applaud this production. 

Notes from the Artist:

The Calypsonian, popularly known for his fine arts paintings often celebrating his fellow Calypsonians, returns to the stage after a two-year absence.

His song titled ‘One Fish To Another’ is a double-entendre social commentary that tells of a discussion among fish concerning the challenging environment in which they now live. It was recorded at the Nerukhi’s home studio and features guitar by legendary guitarist Eugene Bass and background vocals by Luna.

The video was shot at various locations in Moruga, Claxton Bay, Balandra, and Manzanilla. Drone and general Videography was conducted by Patrice Bros Studios of Moruga with general video input from Nerukhi Studios.

Nerukhi laments the dying art of double entendre as well as humor in Calypso and blames the almost total focus on competition as a means of promoting the art form. Judges, he claims, seem to focus on certain types of songs and ignore the totality of Calypso itself in the process. Artists, in turn, have focused over the years on songs that would impress the judges rather than those that truly serve the purpose of calypso.

The calypsonian is a former  PRO of TUCO South Zone, Corinth Teachers College Guild President and Male Teacher of the year 2005. He is also a songwriter and music and video producer.

He was a member of the cast of 'Kaiso Showkase' for the years 2013, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and anticipates his song, "One Fish to Another," to be a part of the Calypso mix in 2026.

He uses Visual Arts and Music as tools for social awareness and upliftment and producing music videos, he says, offers a unique opportunity to do both together.

You can view his song and most of his other music on his YouTube channel, NERUKHI.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: One Fish To Another

Artist/Performed by: Nerukhi 

Written, Arranged and Produced by: Nerukhi (Ato Osei).

Guitar by: Eugene Bass

Background vocals – Luna

Recorded, mixed and Mastered @ Nerukhi Studios.

Year of recording: 2025

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Videography 

Drone and General Video - Patrice Bros. Studios

Other -  Nerukhi Studios

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).

Read More

Marq Pierre Holds Up the Mirror With “How Yuh Feeling”

We’re keeping this one as a straightforward post, featuring the official release notes that accompanied the song on YouTube. Some listeners online are already suggesting it could be a contender for the Monarch competition. Opinions will vary, but here are the essentials.

“How Yuh Feeling” by Marq Pierre steps confidently into the classical calypso lane, posing a timely question for Trinidad & Tobago in the wake of the recent elections: Do you feel like you won? This is the million-dollar question that cuts deeper than it first appears.

Written by Chevannise Parks and produced by Damion Preston, the song leans on observation rather than confrontation, inviting listeners to reflect on the national mood instead of choosing sides. It’s a modern reminder of calypso’s enduring role as mirror, commentator, and conscience.

After the gaslighting, the slogans, and the votes, the song asks the question many are quietly wrestling with: Are you pleased with the outcome and the way the winning party is governing—and do you feel like a winner?

Now read the music release notes, listen to the song, and tell us if you think the singer was impartial or just disguising his true feelings about the election results. 

The Artist's YouTube Music Release Notes:

Marq Pierre approaches How Yuh Feeling? as a non-partisan storyteller, grounded in the classical calypso tradition where truth, wit, and reflection outweigh political allegiance. His delivery is observational, not inflammatory—allowing facts, lived experiences, and public sentiment to speak for themselves.

Rather than championing or condemning any political entity, Marq positions himself as a voice of the people in transition—capturing uncertainty, hope, concern, and accountability in equal measure. He intends not to divide but to encourage informed reflection at a time when Trinidad and Tobago’s domestic choices intersect directly with CARICOM solidarity, Venezuela relations, and global power dynamics involving the United States and beyond.

How Yuh Feeling? ultimately asks one enduring question: after the slogans fade and the votes are counted—how does governance really feel?

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: How Yuh Feeling?

Artist/Performed by: Marq Pierre

Written by: Chevannise Parks 

Produced by: Damion Preston 

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).

Read More

Lord Nelson & Nigel Lewis Reignite a Classic: “La La” (2025)

So much time has gone by, but the memories linger, and today, nearly fifty years after Lord Nelson first dropped the infectious "La Jam Back" in 1976—arranged by the legendary Art DeCoutteau—the classic has returned with new life, new fire, and a new generation in mind.

The 2025 update, now simply titled “La La,” pairs Nigel Lewis and Lord Nelson in a cross‑generational collaboration that feels both nostalgic and brand new. Produced by Nigel Hayden Lewis and Richard Ahong, this reimagined version keeps the soul of the original while injecting a crisp, modern Carnival energy that fits today’s revelers perfectly.

Why This Release Matters

• A bridge across eras: From 1976 to 2025, the melody remains timeless, but the production brings it straight into the now.
• A masterful refresh: Lewis and Ahong keep the spirit of DeCoutteau’s arrangement while giving it the punch and polish of today’s soca sound.
• Carnival‑ready energy: This one is built for the road, the backyard, the cooler fete, and every lime in between.
• Few artists can effortlessly revive their catalogs and still feel as relevant as Nelson's.

The Vibe: decades apart but still awesome music. 

“La La” 2025 is bright, playful, and rhythmically irresistible—the kind of tune that slips into your bloodstream and refuses to leave. It’s easy to imagine this one bubbling through Carnival fetes, boat rides, and neighborhood parties for years to come.

What are our thoughts at Kaiso Dial?

Before you respond by pointing out the uptempo beat and labeling the song as a Soca track, as described on YouTube, it's important to note that this is an original Calypso music release. Then again, I could argue that Soca is the 'Soul of Calypso!'  But, let's be honest, the original will always be 'the song.' Having said that, it is a reminder showing how Calypso and Soca have evolved: not by erasing the past, but by remixing it, celebrating it, and passing it forward. “La La” is a perfect example of that living tradition—a classic reborn for a new generation of masqueraders and music lovers.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: La La 

Artist/Performed by: Nigel Lewis & Lord Nelson 

Written by: Robert Alfonso Nelson Cott

Produced by: Nigel Hayden Lewis and Richard Ahong

Guitar: Brian Newton

All other instruments Nigel Lewis

Background Vocals:  Nigel & Lewis Kelda Sweeting

Mixed and Mastered by: Richard Ahong

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Original Song Title: La La Jam Back

Original Song by: Lord Nelson

Arranged by: Art DeCourteau

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).

Read More

Merry Christmas from Kaiso Dial and Sokah2Soca

Another year is coming to a close and we would like to thank everyone for your loyal support. As we celebrate the season with one of Trinidad & Tobago’s beloved Christmas classics—“Ribbons,” written by Gregory “GB” Ballantyne and beautifully sung by Marilyn Williams.

Released in 1991, this original Trinbagonian Christmas song signals the true start of the season, wrapping the islands in nostalgia, warmth, and that unmistakable Christmas feeling. Today, we deliver this classic as a special thank you to our fans. As a bonus, we also have an acoustic version sung by Nailah Blackman.

Wishing you joy, music, and togetherness this Christmas. From our family to yours—Merry Christmas!

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:

Song Title: Ribbons

Artist/Performed by: Marilyn Williams

Written by: Gregory 'GB' Balantyne.

Produced by: W. Bruno

Recorded & Mixed at: Muzik Draft Recording Studio.

Carrotte Music/C.O.T.T. C0591A

Year: 1991

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Trinidad Christmas Classic  🎶

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).

Read More

“No Conscience”: A Calypso Lament for a Society Losing Its Way

This captivating calypso, arguably a timeless song, resonates deeply with listeners, fostering contemplation and discussion about moral integrity and collective responsibility. Ah, collective responsibility seems wrapped up in selfish ideals. In today's world, with so much bitterness and narrow-minded  individuals, it's vital to remember the importance of standing up for the voiceless and nurturing a society built on compassion and justice.

“No Conscience” is a straight, hard‑hitting calypso from Kerice Pascall, written by Kurt Allen and produced by Kenny Phillips at KMP Music Studios. The song calls out a society where wrongdoers move bold and unbothered and where empathy seems to be fading fast. As the older folks would say, "they are too damn salop!" 

Kerice sings about a world on the verge of collapse, highlighting failing systems, growing indifference, and individuals ignoring abuse and injustice. The idea of building on "sinking sand" deepens the sense of collapse. Furthermore, it’s a reminder that when conscience disappears, everything else starts to collapse. “No Conscience” identifies and rightly  condemns those who cover up abuse and wrongdoing. The lyrical master shines with this Calypso poetry. 

This composition, written by our modern-day griot, Last Bardjohn of Calypso, is calypso doing what calypso does best—holding up a mirror and urging us to do better. We approve of the message, love the emotion of the singer and approve of the production. Now, let's act as if we are in the revered calypso tent and say, "Kaiso, Kaiso?" Yes, Kaiso!

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: No Conscience 

Artist/Performed by: Kerice Pascall

Written by: Kurt "Bardjohn" Allen

Arranged and produced by: Kenny Phillips

Keyboard: Reul Lynch

Bass: Rodney Alexander

Background Vocals: Tricia Hamilton

Recorded at: K.M.P. Music Lab Studio

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).

Read More

Roxy Singh Echoes the People’s Frustration in “Enough is Enough”

A calypso calling Parliament/Parliamentarians to account

Roxy Singh steps into the 2026 calypso conversation with “Enough is Enough,” a song that echoes the spirit of Lystra Nurse’s Dream Sellers while carving its own path. Instead of targeting campaign‑trail promises or the usual political theatrics, Roxy goes straight to the source—the Parliamentarians themselves, the elected officials who hold real power and too often forget who they are meant to serve.

Written by Mr. Treldon Layne and produced, mixed, and mastered by Ebony Sound Factory out of Moruga, Trinidad, this calypso is built on a foundation of accountability. Roxy calls out the cycle of promises, self‑interest, and political convenience that has become “politics as usual.” Her delivery is earnest, her message pointed, and her focus unwavering: leadership must answer to the people.

Yet, for all its clarity and conviction, Enough is Enough feels like one of those calypsos that may struggle to find favor with judges or even the wider listening public. It’s socially conscious, yes—but not flashy, not theatrical, and not engineered for competition. It’s a truth‑telling calypso in a season that often rewards spectacle over substance. After all is said and done... it's showtime, and that, right there is the problem!

Still, songs like this matter. They keep the tradition honest. They remind us that calypso’s backbone has always been commentary, courage, and calling things by name.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Enough is Enough 

Artist/Performed by: Roxy Singh

Written by: Mr. Treldon Layne. 

Produced, mixed, and mastered by: Ebony Sound Factory, Moruga.

Guitar: Mr. Kyle Peters.

Horns Recorded and Co-Arranged by: Mr. Garvin Marcelle at G Note Recording Studio, Fyzabad.

Trumpet: Mr. Charles Williams. 

Trombone: Mr. David Jacob. 

Background vocals: Roxy Singh.

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).

Read More

Rivaldo London Flips the Proverb: When Loyalty Beats Blood in “Water Thicker”

In the Caribbean, as well as in many other cultures, proverbs influence the way people think. For that reason the calypsonian can bring relevant insight into the root of family dynamics and the relations that evolve from those relationships. Step in Rivaldo London; the young man comes with a bold correction to one of the Caribbean’s most sacred sayings. His new calypso, “Water Thicker,” flips the script on the old belief that blood is thicker than water, exposing a truth many know but few dare to sing: sometimes the people who share your DNA are the first to disappear when you need them most.

I listened to this calypso while traveling from New York to Hampshire College in Massachusetts on Saturday, but I only decided to do the post tonight. I was impressed with the maturity and delivery of the song by Rivaldo. And, I was impressed because this calypso is overflowing with wisdom and Rivaldo makes it clear—loyalty is not guaranteed by lineage, and family ties can be as conditional as the weather! This principle also applies to friends and family who are not always reliable. In his telling, water—the friends, mentors, neighbors, and chosen kin who stand by you—often proves stronger, purer, and more dependable than the blood relatives who only show up when there’s something to gain.

This is classic calypso territory: social commentary wrapped in melody, truth delivered with rhythm, and a message sharpened by lived experience. And Rivaldo handles it with the maturity of a man who has watched enough family politics to know that love and loyalty don’t always share the same surname.

Co‑arranged by the legendary Kenny Phillips, Water Thicker carries the unmistakable stamp of real calypso craftsmanship. Live instruments breathe through the arrangement—brass lines with authority, percussion with heartbeat, and bass with intention. Nothing here feels synthetic or mass‑produced. The result is a calypso built the old way, with hands, ears, and decades of cultural memory guiding every bar.

And Rivaldo’s delivery? Confident. Clear. Monarch‑ready. He sings like a man who knows exactly what stage he’s aiming for—and exactly what crown he intends to claim. Let me tell you, Rivaldo's voice and vocal delivery are smooth and silky. He will be a problem for this upcoming Calypso Monarch season. 

Water Thicker feels like a finalist before the judges even take their seats. The message is strong, the production is clean, and the authenticity is undeniable. Rivaldo isn’t just challenging a proverb; he’s challenging the audience to rethink who really stands with them when the music stops.

This calypso is one to watch. This is one we endorse. The result is calypso doing what calypso was born to do—tell the truth, even when the truth cuts deep.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Water Thicker

Artist/Performed by: Rivaldo London

Written by: Rivaldo London

Arranged by: Kenny Phillips and Rivaldo London

Keyboard—Emile Fortune

Guitars—Kenny Phillips

Bass—Master Rodney Alexander

Drum Kit—Charles Williams

Sax—Oral Rodriguez

Trombone—David Jacob 

Background vocals—Tricia Hamilton

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).

Read More

The Mozart of Pan — A Brilliant Calypso Tribute to Boogsie Sharpe by Pharaoh

Calypso­nians have the unique ability to craft stories that capture the imagination of the people. Take, for example, that quirk of learning music—the similarity between B‑sharp and C‑sharp. B‑sharp does exist in music theory, but when it comes to playing an instrument, it is effectively C‑sharp, a concept known as enharmonic equivalence. Now step into the spotlight, calypsonian Pharaoh, with his humorous twist that “B” is for Boogsie—a cheeky line that delivers classic kaiso mischief.

This clever and musically literate calypso, titled “The Mozart of Pan,” turns this music‑theory quirk (yes, we had to look it up online to grasp it properly) into a tribute to the beloved Dr. Len “Boogsie” Sharpe. Boogsie, as he is fondly known, is a pan genius and the legendary musical arranger for Phase II Pan Groove. Co‑written with Morel Peters, better known as King Luta, the song is a witty, affectionate salute to the arranger whose genius has shaped generations of Steelband music.

So how did the songwriters deliver such a compelling gem? It began with a conversation between an elder and the panman about B‑sharp and references to Mozart and other classic European music arrangers. The elder spoke about B-sharp, but Pharaoh, the mature panman, insisted that “there is no B-sharp in music” and responded with “B is for Boogsie”—because when you’re talking about brilliance, innovation, and melodic imagination, Boogsie is the note above the rest. It’s a line that lands with both humor and respect, grounding the joke in deep musical truth.

Witty lyrical content shines brightest when paired with strong musical backing. On steelpan was Boogsie himself, supported by a range of live instruments (see the production notes below). The music was produced by Future Sounds Productions and mixed and mastered by GQ Maxzimum. The track is clean, warm, and performance‑ready—a fitting sonic frame for a song honoring a man often described as the Mozart of the steelpan.

To summarize why this salute to Boogsie is so compelling, here are the key points:

• Witty music‑theory wordplay that musicians will love
• This is a heartfelt salute to Boogsie Sharpe, one of pan’s greatest arrangers—who also performs on the track.
• Strong vocal storytelling from the Pharaoh, co-written by King Luta.
• Classic calypso humor blended with cultural reverence, keeping the art of the calypso conversation alive.
• High‑quality production from Future Sounds, featuring live instruments rather than digital substitutes

Songs like this are the reason Kaiso Dial exists. This is the kind of calypso that reminds listeners how deeply music, humor, and heritage intertwine in Trinidad & Tobago—and why Boogsie’s name continues to ring out across the pan world.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: The Mozart of Pan 🎼

Artist/Performed by: Darwren “Pharaoh” Greenidge

Written by: Morel Peters “King Luta”

Co-writer: Darwren Greenidge “Pharaoh”

Double Tenor Pan Solo: Dr. Len "Boogsie" Sharpe

Keyboards: Keishon Jack

Bass—Andy Garcia

Trumpet—Junior Frank

Trombone—Lincoln Henry

Saxaphone—Irwyn Roach

Background vocals—Safiya Chinnama and Morel Peters, “King Luta”

Mixing and Mastering—GQ Maxzimum

Produced by—Future Sounds Productions

Artwork—Nu. Kreativ Media House

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).

Read More

Small Conventional Semis Deliver Nail‑Biter at Victoria Square: Carnival 2026 Panorama

The sweet sounds of steelband music filled the air as Trinidad's Panorama competitions unfolded. The Small Conventional steelband semifinals took place yesterday at Victoria Square, Port of Spain. The entire show was streamed via Pan Trinbago’s Pay‑Per‑View platform for US $25. Pay-per-view customers complained about camera angles but more importantly, poor audio quality. The quality issue was not the case for those who attended and enjoyed the captivating performances. 

Clearly, the competition was fierce, with quality musical arrangements separated by the tonal quality of the pans. Some may disagree with that statement, but every biased supporter has a "bush judge" sense of judgment when it comes to our national instrument. The score sheet reflected the closeness of the competition. Just two points separated the top four bands, underscoring the quality and competitiveness of this year’s field.

Top Performers

1. Southern Stars Steel Orchestra—Let's Build A Nation Together by Merchant, arranged by Duvon Stewart
2. Uptown Fascinators—Band From Space by Crazy, arranged by Ojay Richards
3. Golden Hands—All Aboard by Atlantik with lead vocals by Tony Prescott, arranged by Vanessa Headley-Brewster
4. T& TEC New East Side Dimensions—Water De Garden 
5. Fascinators Steel Orchestra—Both of Dem 
6. Tunapuna Tipica—Hot Hot Hot

Indeed, it was a tight race with more surprises in store for the finals, high musical standards, and a lineup that promises to deliver real excitement. Everyone will be out to clip Duvone Stewart and his Southern Stars Steel Orchestra that rose to the top at the Semis. Get ready for a finals that promises all the drama we love for steelband panorama finals performances. 

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Competition: Small Bands Panorama Semi-Finals Carnival 2026

Venue: Victoria Square, Port of Spain

Date/Time: Saturday, 20th December, 2025/4:00 PM

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Steelband music. 🎶

Code:  SCBPS2026

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 · Small Band SEMI Finals_2026

Read More