This is Your Kaiso Dial

Calypso in Action - Sparrow, Gypsy, Stalin, Kitchener

This is Your Kaiso Dial

Keep Smiling Terri-light Up the Dial!

This Is Your Kaiso Dial

We are Dialed-In: Our National Flag

This is Your Kaiso Dial

Colonial Times Calypso L-R Caresser, Atilla the Hun, The Roaring Lion and Lord Executor

This is Your Kaiso Dial

Our National Instrument Panorama - Renegades Steel Orchestra

Friday, January 23, 2026

Queen Victoria – “Big Sale”: Village Talk, Election Picong, and Calypso Truth-Telling


Queen Victoria steps boldly into the 2026 season with “Big Sale,” a calypso carved straight out of village reasoning and the unfiltered honesty of elders who long stopped caring about polite conversation. The inspiration comes from 6th Company—"D Mang"—where a handful of old men were liming and dissecting the 2025 election with the kind of raw political analysis you can only get from people who’ve lived through every promise, betrayal, and recycled manifesto.

For many, this calypso may feel uncomfortable, but some truths demand acknowledgment. That applies across the political divide. We share these songs to speak plainly and without apology—so if this one leaves you unsettled, take a moment to look in the mirror and truly absorb the griot’s message. This is the enduring power and worthiness of Calypso.

Written by Victoria Cooper‑Rahim and produced by Julian Nelson (Julio Productions), the song transforms that casual lime (hanging out with friends) into a full social commentary. Victoria channels the voices of these elders as they talk race, loyalty, vote‑buying, and the strange marketplace politics that surface every election cycle. Their language is sharp, their metaphors provocative, and their humor cutting—exactly the kind of picong calypso was built to carry.

The song exposes how cheaply political loyalty is sometimes valued and how easily communities can be manipulated. Gaslighting the people is not just for American politics; it found a home in the Caribbean a long time ago. Queen Victoria uses this device (metaphor) to confront uncomfortable truths about identity, memory, and the transactional nature of modern politics. The references to Tobago, Maruga, safe seats, and rural strongholds ground the commentary in real geography, reminding listeners that these conversations happen everywhere—on porches, in parlors, under mango trees, and in the back of village shops.

Julio Productions did an excellent job with the music. The producer  wraps the narrative in a classic calypso frame: steady rhythm, clean brass, and space for storytelling. Victoria delivers it with confidence and mischief, never losing the seriousness beneath the satire.

“Big Sale” is the kind of calypso that keeps the tradition alive—village voices elevated to national conversation, humor used as a scalpel, and truth delivered with melody. It’s social commentary the way Trinidad knows it best: bold, biting, and born in the grassroots.

Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Big Sale 
Artist/Performed by: Victoria Cooper
Written by: Victoria Cooper 
Arranged and Produced by: Julian Nelson @Julio 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/.
♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in the Music player/TV Frame).

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Rikki Jai Returns With a Message That Matters: Doh Spoil Meh Name


Samraj Jaimungal, better known as Rikki Jai, has long held a distinctive place in calypso’s story. He entered the arena as a young calypsonian and made history in 2001 as the first Indo‑Trinidadian to reach the Dimanche Gras/Calypso Monarch finals. More than two decades later, he proved his staying power once again, returning to the Monarch finals in 2025 with “Kaiso Chutney,” written by Kurt Allen and produced by Kenny Phillips. Here we go again and he is dabbling in the Calypso genre with a song co-written with Barnet Henry. 

For Carnival 2026, Jai shifts his focus to social commentary with “Doh Spoil Meh Name.” The track carries the unmistakable imprint of Brooklyn, produced and engineered by Hector “Mr. Legz” Thomas, with brass recorded at Hometown Studios in New York. It’s a collaboration that signals a new creative chapter—and a test of whether this team can push him back into the Calypso Monarch finals. First, however, he must navigate the always‑crowded battlefield of Calypso Fiesta in San Fernando.

In this new offering, Jai turns to a father’s plea and the fragile weight of reputation. Co‑written with Barnet Henry, “Doh Spoil Meh Name” follows a parent watching a son drift toward trouble despite the values he tried to instill. The songwriting team gave us a song that looks at how  discipline and ambition and the  lure of distractions and dangerous influences capture the pain of community whispers and a tarnishing family name. Beneath the warning lies deep affection, urging the son to think beyond the moment, protect future generations from shame, and honor the legacy he inherited.

“Doh Spoil Meh Name” stands as Calypso’s enduring strength: a melody carrying a message, a story meant to guide, and a reminder that reputation, once lost, is hard to reclaim.

Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Doh Spoil Meh Name
Artist/Performed by: Rikki Jai
Written by : Barnet Henry and Rikki Jai
Produced, Mix and Mastered by Hector “Mr. Legz” Thomas
Executive Production by : Rikki Jai Entertainment Inc
BG Vocals: Natalie York
Guitars: Ajamu
Trumpet: Kenny John
Trombone: Wayne Brathwaite
Brass Recorded @ Hometown Studios, Brooklyn, NY.
Live Brass Engineered By: Carol Hodge
ISRC # QM-ZG9-17-00043
(C)(P) COTT/Ascap 2026
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).

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Impressive Unknown Impacts NACC Young King Semi-Finals 2026


The recently concluded Young King Semifinals delivered more than a few surprises for calypso aficionados, with one standout performance capturing widespread attention and genuine crowd appreciation. Sherwin “Becomer” Bagg commanded the stage with his riveting selection, “Voicemail to Mother Kamla.”

His delivery—complete with his signature hawk cry and classic old‑school calypso demeanor—was nothing short of captivating. Becomer impressed the live audience, the WACK Visual Radio team, and viewers tuning in online, leaving many calling for an encore. And yes, he advanced to the finals. He is poised to be serious competition for the other contenders eyeing the crown.

There is comfort in knowing that Trinidad and Tobago continues to produce exceptional calypsonians, with young talents like Becomer carrying the torch forward. For now, though, we celebrate his performance and give him the encore he truly deserves. Kaiso lives on, and this performance reminded us exactly why. Kaiso, Kaiso—yes, Kaiso!

Two comments from the reposted performance on the WACK Radio 90.1FM Official YouTube page captured the sentiment perfectly:

@eetvstudios868  
“Proper Kaiso—passionate storytelling, advocacy, relevance, and lyrical wealth. Truly exceptional offering.”

@Bumblebeezp  
“Love this! Old‑time Kaiso. I appreciate "Becomer" for the artistry and education. Those of us who respect the art are impressed by this!”

The finals promise to be especially intriguing, with the “bush‑judges” already voicing their opinions across chat boxes. Performances like "Becomer’s" remind us why calypso remains one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most cherished cultural staples. He transported us to another era, delivering artistry, confidence, and a masterful command of our calypso tradition. The future look bright: Long live the music, long live the storytellers, and long live Kaiso.

Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Voicemail to Mother Kamla
Artist/Performed by:  Sherwin Babb
Sobriquet: Becomer 
Written by: ***
Produced by: ***
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).

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

C.R.S. CALYPSO TENT SIZZLES

C.R.S. CALYPSO TENT SIZZLES ON OPENING NIGHT IN SOUTH TRINIDAD.

THE CRS Calypso Tent launched the Calypso tent season for 2026 with an opening that would have

been the envy of any Small Calypso Tent.

This launch took place on Sun 11th Jan 2026  at the Roast and Toast Restaurant,  Cipero Street, San Fernando and featured an exciting cast lead by Calypso Pioneer and Icon Carey Stephens – Kinte who is currently burning up the airwaves this year with his hit song FRONT LINE.

Kinte is well known in Calypso circles having pioneered the Calypso movement of the late 80s and thereafter. He founded the Southern Calypso Movement and was instrumental in the formation of T.U.C.O. – the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organization. Apart from this, he is also very active and passionate in the creation of opportunities for Calypso performances throughout the year and his latest initiative – the Kultural Stew, which is a weekly event in San Fernando creates a platform for artistes of various genres.


Also featured on the Grand launch was 2025 Calypso Monarch Semi Finalist – Lady Lystra, who impressed with her unique style of sweet

vocals and potent social commentary.  Her song titled Dream Sellers exposed the woe of the voting public always left disappointed after each election. Lady Lystra (the current Community Tent Monarch) is well known for her socially uplifting lyrics and with another of her own compositions this year is one of many vying for a spot at the Calypso Fiesta semi finals carded for February 7th.


This year the C.R.S. cast also includes the multi-talented visual artist and former Teacher – Nerukhi Ato Osei, with his hit song – One Fish to Another. With his own unique style of wit and double entendre, Nerukhi’s song tells of a conversation among fish concerning the current situation in and around our Caribbean waters. The song ask the question “Have we been caught? Have we been bought?”. Nerukhi, a former PRO of TUCO South Zone, famous for his fine art pieces depicting his

fellow Calypsonians returns to the stage after a brief absence and his song which is receiving generous airplay was one of the several song receiving encores on opening night.


Other cast members include - Greg J, Lady Lyn, Sir Bally, Trini Saw, Suzanne Wallace, Sexy Boss, Ras I from St Vincent, Garth David , The Guru and Lord Have mercy rounding of a cast with a great mix of social commentary, humour and up-tempo soca and Calypso music.


Greg J – Chutney Soca semi-finalist, brought some entertaining Chutney along with longstanding female CRS cast member Devika.

The elegantly attired Lady Lyn did a classic social commentary titled  “Ah Fraid” which addressed the crime scourge in our nation.

Young energetic “Old Brother” had the audience in high energy with his infectious soca with the audience calling for more.

One of the highlights of the evening was the fiery performances from some of the female artistes. Trini Saw- a relatively new performer who composes her own songs had the females in the audience singing


and dancing to he catchy song “Money”. 

Suzan Wallace pulled no punches with her entertaining soca hit “Doh lock meh down” and Sexy Boss lived up to her name with an exhilarating performance.

The night's entertainment included an energetic, entertaining and humorous performance from Ras I from St Vincent doing a song “Bright Lights”.

The audience was also entertained by special Guests – the Icon Hamidullah, the energetic Trevor G, Sweet Merle as well as guests from other community tents in South Trinidad.


The C.R.S. tent is one of several Community Tents that perform the important task of taking Calypso to the various communities of Trinidad and Tobago and do this despite very limited funding. At a time when Calypso appreciation appears to be waning at community level this worthwhile initiative must be applauded and supported.


(All photos courtesy Joseph carver Thompson)

Under‑19 Youth Panorama Finals — St Francois Valley Stars Shine Bright - NJPFU19


Something different unfolded this year in the Junior Panorama calendar. Instead of the usual staggered schedule, both the Under‑19 and Under‑21 categories held their finals together on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. The Schools' Panorama Finals are still scheduled for Monday, January 19, but the youth bands showcased their talents a day earlier.

This post highlights the Under‑19 Finals, where St. Francois Valley Stars delivered a winning performance that captured the judges’ attention and the audience’s hearts. Their musical execution and youthful energy earned them the top spot in a competitive field. You can explore the music and judge the performances for yourself, as we list the full results for the category below.

Youth Panorama continues to evolve, and this year’s shift in scheduling gave the Under‑19 and Under‑21 players their spotlight—a well‑deserved moment for the next generation of pan excellence.

National Junior Panorama Under 19 Finals 2026 Results:
1stSt. Francois Valley Stars—Too Own Way—Aaron "Voice" St. Louis—277 Points
2ndBishop Anstey & Trinity College East Steel OrchAaron "Voice" St. Louis—274 Points
2ndSapphonic Steel Orchestra—Jamtown—Coutain x Tano—274 Points
4th—BARS of Steel—Jamtown—Coutain x Tano—273 
5th—Knights of Steel—The Bee's Melody—Aldwyn "Lord Kitchener" Roberts—270
6th—Legacy Steel Orchestra—Blessings—Blaka Dan—269
7th—Symphony of Saints—Jamtown—Coutain x Tano—265  
8th—East P.O.S. Stars Steel Orchestra—Jamtown—Coutain x Tano—263  

Production Notes/Music Credits:
Panorama 2026: National Junior Panorama Finals (NJPFU19)
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Steelband 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).

NACC Young King Calypso Monarch Semifinals 2026 — Where Tomorrow’s Kings Rise


The Young Kings Calypso Monarch Semifinals took place last night at the John Cupid Carnival Village, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain—and the future of calypso was unmistakably on display. The 2026 semifinal round featured a vibrant lineup of talented young singers, each delivering intriguing, thought‑provoking songs in their quest for a spot in the finals.

The full broadcast ran nearly four hours, but we’ve curated individual performances for easy viewing—courtesy of WACK Visual Radio 90.1FM. Watch them all or dive into the ones that catch your ear. There were a few surprises, with some songs being heard for the first time. Note  Sherwin "Becomer" Babb and his delivery of his calypso, titled "Voicemail to Mother Kamla."

So sit back, tune in, and enjoy a showcase of calypso excellence from the next generation brought to you by the National Action Cultural Committee (NACC): There are 30 singers performing songs that will have you saying, "Kaiso, Kaiso." Yes, Kaiso!

The names with the wine glasses represent the contestants advancing to the finals.

 Congratulations to all who made it through. And to those who didn’t advance this time, we salute you—you are the future of the artform. Keep writing, keep singing, and keep carrying Calypso forward. 

Here’s a list of the semifinalists:
  • Aaron DuncanBirthplace 🍷
  • Oscar “Oscar B” BenjaminAI Versus Man 🍷
  • Marq Pierre—How Yuh Feeling 🍷
  • Darwren “Pharaoh” GreenidgeBe Sharpe 🍷
  • Ronald BrathwaiteSweet Like Honey
  • Sherwin “Becomer” BabbVoicemail to Mother Kamla 🍷
  • Akeem “Preedy” ChanceJamming 🍷
  • Rawle "Ratel" Peters—One Hand Do Clap
  • Kyle “KC” CowieWah We Fighting For
  • Caston CupidMr Robert Ball 🍷
  • Dave Maikoo (PAE3OT)—Mother Music 🍷 
  • O'Neal Lighboutne aka Bro. Lighbourne—Art of Peace
  • Sheldon “Sheldon Nugget” Bullen—A Call for Peace
  • Kadeem Graham—A Better Way 🍷
  • Aaron SinnetteBeneath the Ashes
  • Khalen Alexander (Khalen)Riddim Nation
  • Junior "Mr. Famous” NoelAfrica Rising 🍷
  • Oluseyi “Seyi” Moraldo-Bowen (Seyi)We Love Soca
  • Andre NelsonYuh Cyah Stop D Music 🍷
  • Nicholas “Nikko Ash” AshbySpecial Assignment 🍷
  • Vivial Lockhart aka Young Poser—One For Errol
  • Robert “Master G” DeaneDoh Put Mih Dey 🍷
  • Rivaldo LondonWater Thicker 🍷 
  • Sean Singh (IFA)—Puppet Master 
  • Sekon Alves—Topic
  • Nyol ManswellMy Prayer for Peace 🍷
  • Alex “Tobago Chalkie” Gift (Tobago Chalkie)—I’m Busy
  • Devon HarrisDuck De Wuk
  • Anthony JulienCost of Living
  • Niklas “St Nick” Shashie GosineTribute to Calypsonians 🍷
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Young King Calypso Monarch: Semi-Finals 2026
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).

Under‑21 Youth Panorama Finals — Invaders Youth Steel Orchestra Takes the Title—NJPFU21


Something different unfolded this year in the Junior Panorama calendar. Instead of the usual staggered schedule, both the Under‑19 and Under‑21 categories held their finals together on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. The Schools' Panorama Finals are still scheduled for Monday, January 19, but the youth bands showcased their talents a day earlier.

This post highlights the Under‑21 Finals, where Invaders Youth Steel Orchestra delivered a standout performance of Edwin “Crazy” Ayoung’s classic “Band from Space” to claim the top spot. You can explore the music and judge the performances for yourself, as we list the full results for the category below.

Youth Panorama continues to evolve, and this year’s shift in scheduling gave the Under‑19 and Under‑21 players their spotlight—a well‑deserved moment for the next generation of pan excellence.

National Junior Panorama Final 2026 Results:
1stShell Invaders Youth Steel Orchestra—Band from Space—Edwin "Crazy" Ayoung—291 Points 
2nd—BP Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra—Jamtown—Coutain x Tano—290
3rdSupernova Youth Steel Orchestra—Jamtown—Coutain x Tano—280
3rdTropical Angel Harps Youth Steel Orchestra—This Melody Sweet—Timothy Watkins—280
5thTrinidad All Stars Youth Steel Orchestra—Ah Feeling To Party—Black Stalin—277
6thFonclaire Juniors—Jamtown—Coutain x Tano—275
7thDesperadoes Youth Steel Orchestra—Too Own Way—Aaron "Voice" St. Louis—270
8thUptown Fascinators Youth Steel Orchestra—Kettle Pot—Yung Bredda—268 

Production Notes/Music Credits:
Panorama 2026: National Junior Panorama Finals (NJPFU21)
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Steelband 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).

Monday, January 19, 2026

Ricardo " Daddy Chinee" Melville: It's Showtime


Ricardo “Daddy Chinee” Melville: A Voice Without Borders
@Kerice Pascall.

Ricardo “Daddy Chinee” Melville stands as a true symbol of versatility in the Trinidad and Tobago music industry. Known for his seamless crossover across Soca, Chutney Soca, Reggae, and Soca Parang, Daddy Chinee has built a career that transcends genre and geography.

Born in Tobago and raised in Trinidad, his musical journey began at just 13 years old. By 18, he stepped onto the professional stage, debuting at the Toco Composite High School graduation ceremony—an early sign of the powerhouse performer he would become. Over the years, his voice has carried him across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe, with performances in countries such as Barbados, Guyana, Canada, the United States, the Netherlands, and Spain.

Daddy Chinee’s career is marked by collaborations with some of the region’s most respected bands, including the Roy Cape Allstars, Sound Revolution, Jah Vibes, Melobugs, T&Tec Gayatones, Trishul, Dil-E-Nadan, and his own former band, Hipnotic. He is currently a featured member of RG The Band, led by Rishi Gayadeen.

What truly sets Daddy Chinee apart is his passion for live performance. He thrives on the energy of the crowd, describing the exchange between performer and audience as the heartbeat of his craft. That connection—raw, electric, and genuine—has earned him admiration at home and abroad, cementing his place as a respected and enduring force in Caribbean music.

For 2026 Daddy Chinee has Released 

  • She Gone—Daddy Chinee & RG The Band
  • D'Goddess—Daddy Chinee & RG The Band
  • Barrackpore Wedding—Daddy Chinee x Neeshad Sultan
  • Together —Daddy Chinee & TG The Band

You can catch Daddy Chinee at the Kaiso Showcase, which will be open.

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).

Small Conventional Steelband Finals 2026: Southern Stars & Uptown Fascinators Tie at Skinner Park


Skinner Park was alive on Saturday, January 10, 2026, as the Small Conventional Steelband finals delivered the first real jolt of Panorama electricity for the season. Southern Stars and Uptown Fascinators emerged victorious with 283 points, while Golden Hands Steel Orchestra secured a solid third position with 278 points.

The full top‑ten results and every performance from the finals are listed below, so you can dive in, listen, and decide for yourself—the music always tells its story.

With the Small category secured, the focus now switches to the Medium and Large Conventional bands. Carnival heat is rising fast, and before long the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat will be argued, defended, and dissected by bush judges across Trinidad and the diaspora.

Kaiso Dial will be present throughout the entire event.

Small Conventional Bands Panorama ResultsSCBPF2026 
  1. Southern Stars Steel Orchestra (D'South Band)—Let Us Build A Nation Together—283 Points
  2. Uptown Fascinators Steel Orchestra—Band From Space—283
  3. Golden HandsAll Aboard—278
  4. Tunapuna Tipica Steel OrchestraThe Party Hot Hot Hot
  5. T&TEC New East Side DimensionWater De Garden
  6. Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra—All is Yours
  7. Fusion Steel OrchestraSignal for Lara
  8. Fascinators Steel OrchestraBoth of Them
  9. Road Block Steel OrchestraGuitar Pan 
  10. Alpha Pan PioneersTake Me Home/Panasonic Connection—Drunk and Disorderly (Tie)
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Panorama 2026: Small Conventional Bands Finals 
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Steelband Music 🎶
Code: SCBPF2026

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).