Live from the Calypso Tent—Kaiso Karavan Standout: Ninja’s Pensioner’s Anthem Wins the Crowd

Live Calypso Tent Performances from Trinidad's 2026 Carnival: The performances, the laughter, the stories and the energy of Calypso 2026. Our first post from the tent features a song that went from a Christmas Parang vibe to a beloved Calypso favorite for 2026: we present the live performance of "Pensioner's Anthem" by Ninja. 

Kenson “Ninja” Neptune lit up the debut night of the Kaiso Karavan Calypso Tent with one of the funniest—and realest—calypsos of the season. Pensioner’s Anthem is a joyful, mischievous reminder that growing older does not mean your life is over. In true calypso fashion, Ninja turns everyday truth into humor and comedy into social commentary.

This one speaks directly to the elders in the audience: after decades of working, raising families, and holding society together, it’s finally time to enjoy the golden years. Ninja urges pensioners to live their best life—spend your pension and NIS, buy nice clothes, pay your bills, eat what you feel for, pop your champagne, and dance without apology. The message is simple and powerful: “Not because you retire… that doesn’t mean you expire.”

The humor lands because it’s true. Too often, society treats older folks as if their story is finished. With wit, rhythm, and a groove that had the tent roaring, Ninja flips this narrative. He pokes fun at family members who suddenly become genuinely interested in your pension card, your property, and your will—all while reminding elders to enjoy their money now, before others fight over it later.

It’s no surprise the song is already one of the most popular calypsos of the year, getting heavy rotation on WACK Visual Radio and building momentum heading into Calypso Fiesta in San Fernando. Expect this one to connect deeply with the crowd—the humor is sharp, the message is uplifting, and the delivery is pure Ninja.

Calypso at its best makes you laugh, think, and celebrate life. Pensioner’s Anthem does all three with style.

Thanks to WACK Visual Radio 90.1 FM for streaming the show and posting Ninja's performance on YouTube. 

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title:  Pensioner's Anthem

Artist/Performed by: Kenson Neptune

Sobriquet: Ninja

Live Performance at: Kaiso Karavan 

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/.

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The Dance Calypso Comeback: Yung Bredda’s "The Messenger" Ready to Mash Up Calypso Fiesta

Yung Bredda will mash up Calypso Fiesta at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on February 7, 2026. His song, "The Messenger," conveys a message of self-belief, resilience, and the importance of learning from the past and ancestors. The music is uplifting, the lyrics are positive, and this song is the kind of Calypso that will have the crowd going wild; it features music to dance to, conscious lyrics, and a vibe that demonstrates how good calypso can be. 

The recurring themes emphasize that success is tied to one's outlook and that personal experiences serve as a guide. The lyrics inspire listeners to pursue their dreams, highlighting their potential to become anything they envision. With positive lyrics, this song will emerge as one of the best for Carnival 2026

Lyrics like

'Cause we young and we free

What we dream we can be

So come on and dream it 

Come along and do it

Push yuhself and build it

Listen to me

They call me the Messenger...

The production team deserves credit for this production. We applaud the reemergence of a well-written 'dance calypso,' which was written by Leeanna Williams, Kellon “Melmin” Daniel, and Ato Williams, and produced by Ato Williams at 5IVE Line Productions.

This song has a pan vibe to it, and one wonders if they leaked it to the steel bands before release. It may have been too late for a big band to play this song, but it would have been great to hear it at Panorama 2026. 

The song highlights the role of the messenger, who tells a true story with the aim of transforming and defending the community. It also stresses the importance of community, draws strength from ancestors, and urges listeners to be solid and resilient and to leave behind negative influences.

We conclude by highlighting this song as a refreshing addition to the Calypso genre. We really like this song; the music is exceptional, we love the brass/live instruments (one of the hallmarks of a quality Calypso production), the songwriting is exceptionally skillful, and Yung Bredda demonstrates his adeptness in navigating both local and Caribbean music genres. Watch for this song to mash up Calypso Fiesta in Sando this year. This song is poised to gain momentum, demonstrating Calypso's triumphant return to Trinidad in 2026.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: The Messenger

Artist/Performed by: Yung Bredda

Produced by: Ato Williams @ 5IVE Line Productions.

Written by: Leeanna Williams, Kellon “Melmin” Daniel and Ato Williams.

Background Vocals: Akeita Pierre Williams

Guitars by: Kyle Peters

Bass by: Rodney Alexander

Live Drums: Sheldon Raymond “ Timbales Guy”

Saxophonist: Brandon Christopher

Trumpeter: John Wayne Thomas

Trombonist: Yohance Dickson

Mixed and Mastered by: Carl “Beaver” Henderson

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/.

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Genisa “NISA” St. Hillaire: Elevating Music, Ministry, and Media

Genisa St. Hillaire, more affectionately known as NISA, is a dynamic Trinidadian vocalist whose sound effortlessly blends gospel, jazz, indie, R&B, and Caribbean influences. Renowned for her vocal versatility and emotional depth, NISA is an award-winning recording artist, gifted author, and sought-after vocal coach.

Her artistry has been widely recognized, earning her Female Gospel Artiste of the Year at the Gospel Music Awards of Trinidad & Tobago (GMATT) in both 2018 and 2019. She has also received two Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards (2022) for Most Outstanding Reggae Vocal Performance and Outstanding Music Video, firmly establishing her as one of the region’s most compelling and versatile voices.

Over the past five years, NISA has steadily expanded her fan base while deepening her ministry and artistic reach through authentic, engaging content across social media platforms.

Her work reflects a commitment to honesty, growth, and connection, resonating with audiences both locally and internationally. 

Beyond music

NISA is a respected Radio Personality and Announcer at Guardian Media Limited, where she co-hosts the Afternoon Drive show “The Gridlock Squad” alongside Jadee and Jael on Sky 99.5FM Reloaded.

Through her warmth, wit, and relatability, she connects daily with listeners, offering inspiration, conversation, and community.

Always eager to broaden her musical palette, NISA has competed in NJAC’s Calypso Queens Competition three times, placing 6th with “Makit Playce” and 10th with “Life in Leggings.”

This year she advanced to the inaugural Semi-Final round of the competition with her song “Relations.”

The piece explores four different types of human relationships—ranging from healthy to harmful and challenges listeners to be mindful of the relationships in their lives. “Relations” was written by Maurice Bennett and produced by Garth Sinnette of Action1 Studios.

Be sure to catch Nisa at Kalypso Revue when doors open on January 23rd.  

By: Kerice Pascall

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Relations 

Artist/Performed by: Genisa St. Hillaire

Written by: Maurice Bennett

Produced by: Garth Sinnette of Action1 Studios

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/.

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Chalkie’s Spirit Lives On in Kernal Roberts’ Bad Lucky Me

I’m really enjoying this calypso; it’s sharply written and captures so much of what’s happening in Trinidad. When Kernal sings about his misfortunes and bursts out, “Bradam bram, jus’ so, Chalkdust get ah stroke!” it’s a moment of pure lyrical brilliance — and fittingly, the line comes straight from Chalkdust himself.

Although Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool has stepped back from performing, his influence on the artform hasn’t faded. His song “Bad Lucky Me” feels like a deliberate re‑entry into the calypso conversation, especially after the debate sparked by his critique of modern trends. Kernal even drops a classic Chalkie‑style joobai, a playful nod to the master’s signature sting.

Co‑produced by Kernal Roberts and Azikiwe Kellar (who also engineers the track), the song blends modern calypso polish with the satire, generational wisdom, and political side‑eye Chalkdust is famous for. Kernal slips between commentary and comedy, echoing the tradition his father helped build, while Chalkdust’s pen ensures the message lands with weight.

It’s a clever, culturally grounded piece that reminds listeners why calypso remains one of Trinidad & Tobago’s sharpest tools for truth‑telling.

Short, sharp, and culturally grounded, Bad Lucky Me shows how calypso remains one of Trinidad & Tobago’s most reliable tools for truth‑telling—whether Chalkdust is on the mic or behind the pen.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Bad Lucky Me

Artist/Performed by: Kernal Roberts

Written by: Dr. Hollis Liverpool (Chalkdust)

Produced by: Kernal Roberts and Azikiwe Kellar 

Mixed and mastered by: Azikiwe Kellar

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/.

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Permission for the Pic — Helen Drops a Wicked Double Meaning

This catch-up post highlights that we are experiencing a Calypso music time that we have not seen or heard in years. 

This one is a bacchanal song, featuring real kankalang and musical bois all in one.  "Permission for the Pic” is Helen of Trinbago at her wicked best—a calypso that winks, bites, and exposes the absurdity of a real-life legal tangle. Using the troubling case involving beloved Calypsonian Stalin, Helen turns a courtroom ruling into a saucy tent‑ready performance, flipping the word “pic” into a loaded metaphor that works on every level.

The song delicately balances humor and heartbreak. Helen channels the voice of a wife blindsided by a verdict that says she must now seek permission—and even pay—to use the very “pic” she once had free access to in marriage. The double meanings swiftly emerge, transforming legal confusion into lyrical mischief. It’s social commentary wrapped in innuendo, a reminder of how relationships, memory, and ownership collide in ways that feel both ridiculous and real, and that is where the voice of the Calypsonian shines. Stalin must be smiling from Calypso heaven.

This one is pure tent energy—bold, clever, and guaranteed to make the audience laugh, gasp, and shift in their seats. A wicked teaser for the 2026 season.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Permission for De Pic 

Artist/Performed by: Helen of Trinbago

Written by: 

Produced/Arranged by: Damion Preston

Mixed and Mastered by: Damion Preston. 

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/.

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Pensioner’s Anthem — Ninja Celebrates Retirement with Style

It's a challenge to keep up with the constant stream of new calypso releases, but we are getting there!

Well, you have to understand that this Christmas Parang vibe had to become a Calypso favorite. “Pensioneer’s Anthem” is a social calypso of rebellion, rhythm, and retirement done right. Ninja challenges the conventional notion of aging by delivering a cheeky, defiant anthem that celebrates the joy of life after decades of hard work. With lyrics that toast to brandy, bills, and boldness, the song urges pensioners to dance, spend, and reclaim their time—not just survive, but thrive.

The accompanying music is infectious with sweet backing vocals by Shanice Preston. The song was produced and arranged by Damion Preston of DDI Productions and performed by Kenson "Ninja" Neptune. This one is a tune-up banger for those experiencing the golden years.

It’s a reminder that retirement isn’t resignation and when you grow old, you don't grow cold! Instead, consider it a second youth, a time to dress up, wind low, and remind the world that experience comes with style. Ninja’s delivery is both humorous and empowering, turning social commentary into a party—and making it clear that pensioners still run the show.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Pensioner's Anthem

Artist/Performed by: Ninja

Written and Performed by: Kenson “Ninja” Neptune 

Produced and arranged by: Damion Preston at DDI PRODUCTIONS 

Mixed at DDI PRODUCTIONS

Mastered by: Madman Johann

Bass: Vincent Rivers

Guitars: Marlon Morrisson

Trumpet: Michael “Lion” Lindsay

Tenor Sax: Joseph Bishop

Trombone: Josef Ward

Background Vocals: Shanice Preston

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/.

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Breaking Invisible Chains: John Oh Cool’s “Mental Slavery”

Swimming against the tide: This is a catch‑up post while we process the surge of new calypso drops.

We have heard it said so many times: we need to break free of mental slavery. What does that really mean? And for this song, what is the singer attempting to tell us? He is telling us that over generations, the growth of people and nations is stifled because of the lingering psychological, cultural, and social effects of slavery. Written by Allana “Warrior Queen” Salandy and produced by Christopher Sam, the song blends sharp commentary with classic calypso storytelling to examine how education, economics, politics, and culture continue to influence our sense of self. The slave master may not be here with his whip, but he left systems in place to continue enslaving people.

We need to answer the question of how we break free. What makes “Mental Slavery” resonate is its insistence that our freedom, our liberation, comes from within us. The song challenges listeners to question inherited beliefs (be bold and ask questions, don't blindly believe and walk by faith, and question and challenge norms), recognize modern systems of control, and reclaim personal and collective power. When you identify the chains, only then can you break free.  

The Calypsonian and his words of wisdom in song bring the message we need to hear. Rooted in tradition yet speaking directly to today’s realities, the song stands as both a call to consciousness and a cultural mirror—urging us to think, to question, and to rise.

YouTube Music Release Notes:

Mental Slavery is a powerful, socially conscious calypso that confronts the invisible systems that continue to bind our people long after physical chains were removed. Through sharp lyrics and traditional calypso storytelling, the song explores themes of colonization of the mind, education reform, financial literacy, political dependence, and self-empowerment.

Mental Slavery is intended to awaken critical thinking, encourage economic independence, and remind listeners that true freedom begins within the mind. This song challenges us to question modern systems of control and to reclaim our identity, culture, and power.

Rooted in the spirit of classic calypso while addressing modern realities, Mental Slavery is both a call to consciousness and a cultural reflection meant to educate, provoke dialogue, and inspire change.

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Mental Slavery 

Artist/Performed by: John Oh Cool 

Written and Composed by Allana (Warrior Queen) Salandy

Produced by: Christopher Sam (Ultra Brass Studio)

Mixed & Mastered—Money Circle Records

Background Vocals—Allana (Warrior Queen) Salandy

Trumpet—Christopher Sam (Ultra Brass Studios)

Alto Sax—Brigid Sam (Trinisaxtress)

Guitar—Emerson Dyer

Percussion: bass, guitar, and drums—Gieron Mang (Mang Productions)

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/.

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NWAC National Calypso Queen Competition 2026 – Finalists Announced

It was a night when the bush judges went up against professional judges, and to the bush judges' dismay, it feels like the official judges got some of the results wrong! Don't laugh; this happens every year for every carnival competition. And, guess what, we actually enjoy it this way. C'est La Vie.

And here we are; congratulations to those who were selected! All the singers were deserving, but not everyone could make it to the finals. With thirty contestants, the finals would see the pool cut in half, vying for the coveted title. All of the singers who graced the stage at the NWAC National Calypso Queen Competition 2026, held at the John Cupid Carnival Village, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, gave stellar performances. After the competitive showcase of talent, sixteen finalists have been selected to advance to the grand finals, taking place on January 25 at Queen’s Hall.

Kaiso Dial celebrates every participant for their artistry, courage, and commitment to the calypso tradition. To those who did not make it, it means you are deserving; the world now knows that you are here to stay and will continue to deliver excellent music. Now we look forward to an unforgettable night of excellence as the finalists vie for the crown.

The Results are here. Here are the finalists:

• Aaliah Hinds—My Hero
• Alana Sinnete-Khan (Lady Watchman)—Not Venezuela
• Eunice  Peters—De Code
• Georgia McIntyre (The Messenger)—A Sense of Empathy
• Giselle Fraser—No Village Can't 
• Ife Alleyne—Real Victory 
• Joanne Gibson (Queen Voice)—The Last Birthday Party
• Judith Edwards (Jay Edwards)—Plus Size
• Kadija Jeremiah—Dat Ting
• Kerine Williams-Figaro (Tiny)—You Never Know
• Meguella Simon—My Child
• Naomi Sinnette—Talking Drum 
• Roslyn Reid-Hayes—Calypso Calling me
• Shinelle Cottoy Davis (Nelly Cottoy)—Ominira (Freedom)
• Stacey Sobers-Abraham (Stacey Sobers)—Greater Good 
• Tameika Darius—No Love 

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Event: NWAC Calypso Queen Competition 2026

Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Genre: Calypso 🎶

Empowering Caribbean Creatives

🎧 Share. Amplify. This is your Calypso Dial, where rhythm lives. Steelband and Soca 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/.

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A Sense of Empathy — Georgia “the Messenger” Mc Intyre

This is another short catch‑up post while we process the surge of new calypso drops.

Georgia "the Messenger" McIntyre delivers a poignant calypso amidst this season's flurry of new releases. A Sense of Empathy reminds us how quick we are to judge and slow to understand. 

Through stories of a hurting student, a struggling mother, and a migrant facing ridicule, McIntyre shows how easily compassion gets replaced by criticism. Her chorus—walk in my shoes—is the song’s heartbeat, urging us to see the humanity behind every struggle. 

It’s a simple message, but in times like these, it feels urgent. Humanity is in question, and if we understood that we were just visitors on this earth, we would make better use of the time we shared with each other. Remember to do more good, love each other, and never forget to show empathy for the plight of others. We are only here for a short stay!

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: A Sense of Empathy 

Performed by: Georgia "the Messenger" McIntyre

Co-writers: Georgia McIntyre (the Messenger) and Cindy Alleyne

Back-up vocals: Georgia McIntyre & Marilyn Edwards

Music Production: Roger Israel at Side Track Studios, Diego Martin

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/.

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