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Miami Broward Carnival 2026 Unveils Exciting New Schedule and Expanded Broward County Experience

SOUTH FLORIDA – August 2026 — A new chapter of Miami Carnival is taking shape.

New experiences, expanded partnerships, and an exciting schedule will bring Caribbean culture to communities across Broward County as the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee prepares for another highly anticipated year of celebration.

The organization is excited to unveil the first details of Miami Broward Carnival 2026, a celebration spanning two weekends and featuring the traditions that have made Carnival one of the most anticipated Caribbean cultural experiences in the United States. The 2026 schedule introduces new collaborations and experiences while continuing to bring communities together through mas, steelpan, music, food, artistry and culture.

The festivities begin on Saturday, October 3, 2026, when Junior Carnival and Pan Jamboree come together at the Tamarac Sports Complex in the City of Tamarac. Both events are being held in collaboration with the City of Tamarac, with Junior Carnival presented by TD Bank, creating a day dedicated to two of the most important elements of Carnival culture: the next generation of masqueraders and the unmistakable sound of steelpan.

More than eight children’s mas bands are expected to take part in Junior Carnival, bringing colorful costumes, creativity and cultural storytelling to the celebration. Pan Jamboree will complement the day with more than four steelbands, showcasing the musicianship, history and energy of pan and its important place within Caribbean Carnival culture.

“Miami Broward Carnival is about preserving our traditions while creating opportunities for them to grow and reach new generations,” said Joan Hinkson-Justin, Chairwoman of the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee.

“The support of our sponsors, government and community partners, along with the changes we’re introducing for 2026, gives us an opportunity to create something truly special. From our youngest masqueraders and steelpan musicians to the Official J’ouvert and the thousands who will celebrate with us on Carnival Sunday, this year’s experience will showcase the full spectrum of what makes Carnival such an important part of our culture.”

Carnival week then kicks into high gear on Friday, October 9, 2026, with Red Road Fete, produced by the City of Tamarac and powered by Miami Broward One Carnival. Taking place in the City of Tamarac, Red Road Fete adds another exciting experience to the Carnival calendar and sets the tone for a high-energy Columbus Day Weekend filled with Caribbean music, entertainment, culture and celebration.

The energy continues the following morning as the Official J’ouvert returns to Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Powered by the City of Lauderhill and hosted by Visit Lauderdale, the Official J’ouvert is expected to feature more than 20 bands, transforming the park into an explosion of paint, powder, music and movement. A longtime favorite of the Miami Broward Carnival weekend, the Official J’ouvert will once again deliver the intense energy, freedom of expression and cultural tradition that thousands of revelers look forward to each year.

Then, on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Miami Broward Carnival enters an exciting new chapter as the signature Miami Broward Carnival Day Parade & Fete takes place at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium. The event is presented by Visit Lauderdale and powered by the City of Lauderhill and the Greater Miami Convention& Visitors Bureau (GMCVB).

More than 16 masquerade bands are expected to take to the road, transforming the venue into a spectacular showcase of elaborate costumes, color, creativity, music and Caribbean pride. Masqueraders representing communities from throughout the Caribbean diaspora will bring their portrayals to life before the celebration transitions into a massive live representing Caribbean music and culture.

The signature Miami Broward Carnival Day Parade & Fete will offer much more than mas and live performances. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant Caribbean Food Village, arts and craft vendors, cultural experiences, sponsor activations and additional entertainment, creating a full-day destination for Carnival lovers, families and visitors traveling to South Florida for Columbus Day Weekend.

“2026 represents an opportunity for Miami Broward Carnival to evolve while remaining firmly rooted in the traditions that have brought us this far,” Hinkson-Justin added. “We’re excited about creating new experiences, strengthening our community partnerships and welcoming residents and visitors alike to celebrate Caribbean culture with us. There is a renewed energy around this year’s Carnival, and we cannot wait for everyone to experience it.”

 

The expanded 2026 schedule strengthens Miami Broward Carnival’s footprint throughout Broward County while continuing its role as a major cultural and tourism attraction for South Florida. From Junior Carnival and Pan Jamboree at Tamarac Sports Complex on October 3, to Red Road Fete in the City of Tamarac on October 9, followed by the Official J’ouvert and the signature Miami Broward Carnival Day Parade & Fete at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium on October 10 and 11, the 2026 celebration provides multiple opportunities for residents and visitors to immerse themselves in Caribbean culture.

Beyond the celebration itself, Miami Broward Carnival continues to provide an important platform for masqueraders, steelbands, musicians, designers, artisans, food vendors, small businesses and cultural organizations, while contributing to South Florida’s tourism, hospitality and creative economies.

Reggae Royalty Takes Over Lauderhill for 64th Jamaica Independence Celebration

South Florida’s Jamaican community turned out in style on Saturday night, August 8th, 2026, as the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center was illuminated for the 64th celebration of Jamaica’s Independence. This event honored six decades of island culture through music, food, and community pride.

The star-studded lineup featured reggae icon Marcia Griffiths, Beenie Man, Mikey Spice, Shuga, Empress Uneek, and Mical Rustle Mustle. This diverse array spanned generations of Jamaican music, from roots reggae’s golden age to the dancehall era that followed.

Mayor Denise Grant, who curated the night’s talent, aimed to represent every chapter of Jamaican music history by weaving together roots, reggae, and dancehall into one cohesive celebration. Beenie Man echoed this sentiment ahead of the show, expressing his hope to spotlight the island’s musical art form’s diversity and rich history.

Mikey Spice, looking dapper in an all-white trench coat, jeans, and shirt, directed his performance towards the ladies, instructing the men to cover their heads and duck whenever he sent kisses into the audience, emphasizing that those gestures were strictly for women. He teased the crowd by starting a song and pulling back just as they began to engage, leaving them wanting for more. At the end of his performance, Mikey – the romantic- handed out a dozen red roses to about a dozen lucky ladies.

Before Marcia Griffiths took the stage, Busy Signal performed a few of his popular songs, with the crowd enthusiastically singing along. When Marcia entered with Busy still on stage, they embraced and performed their hit, “Love Is Automatic,” undoubtedly the highlight of the night. Marcia Griffiths continued to grace the stage with her elegance, youthful looks, smooth vocals, and energetic moves. She seamlessly went through her vast catalog of timeless hits, reminding everyone why she holds the title of “Queen of Reggae.”

King Beenie Man, the headliner, did not disappoint. He had almost everyone dancing to his classic dancehall hits from the ’90s. In his words, “If you were still sitting, you wanted to shit.” His performance lasted nearly an hour and was filled with Beenie’s unique dance moves, antics, and humor. Toward the end of his performance, he was joined by Majah Hype, who added to the lively atmosphere.

The evening provided a theater-style concert experience, complete with authentic Jamaican cuisine served throughout the night. The celebration didn’t end when the music did; a separate birthday celebration for Beenie Man followed the main program, giving fans an extra reason to stay.

Fittingly, the celebration was hosted by two Jamaican-born city leaders, Mayor Grant and Commissioner John T. Hodgson, in a city where more than 20,000 residents — about 27 percent of Lauderhill’s population — trace their roots back to the island.

During the night celebration, Jamaican Consul General The Honoree: R. Oliver Mair received special recognition and a key to the City from Mayor Denise Grant during South Florida’s 64th Jamaican Independence Celebration for his 7 yrs of public service and leadership to the South Florida diaspora.

With this year’s impressive lineup, Lauderhill’s Independence Day tradition shows no signs of slowing down, as the venue was full to capacity.

 

‘BROOKLYN HELPED RAISE ME’ Machel’s Journey Goes On Exhibition in Brooklyn

Soca superstar Machel Montano is returning to a place he says helped raise him, as more than four decades of music, memories and Caribbean history take centre stage at Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) in New York this month.

Brooklyn Public Library shared that “The Journey of a Soca King: The Exhibition” will open at BPL’s Central Library on August 22, run until September 12 and showcase costumes, trophies, vinyl records and other artefacts documenting Montano’s journey from a seven-year-old performer in Trinidad and Tobago to becoming one of Caribbean music’s most internationally recognized figures.

For Montano, Brooklyn represents much more than the location of another career milestone. He said:

“Brooklyn helped raise me. I lived here, I learned here, and some of my earliest audiences were right in these neighbourhoods.

“So for this work to come back to Brooklyn, in a place that is free and open to anybody who walks through the door, that means everything.”

Montano’s Brooklyn connection stretches back more than 40 years. In 1984, at just nine, he spent time in the borough after being selected for a scholarship to Marie Brooks’ summer programme and participated in workshops that helped shape his development.

Machel Montano

He later performed at Madison Square Garden alongside calypso legends including the Mighty Sparrow, Mighty Shadow and Lord Kitchener. By the mid-1990s, Montano and his team were staying on Utica Avenue for periods of time and recorded his first Road March-winning song, “Big Truck”, right there in Brooklyn.

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to explore curated pieces from Montano’s career, listen to selections of his music at Central Library’s vinyl listening station and view pivotal moments from his life and career.

Programming will also extend to BPL branches in Caribbean communities across Brooklyn.

Montano added:

“What moves me most is thinking about a young person walking in, seeing the costumes and the trophies and the records, and understanding that this came from a small island and reached the world…

“I hope every child who visits leaves knowing that their culture deserves that kind of space.”

BPL president and CEO Linda E. Johnson said the exhibition reflects the borough’s strong Caribbean identity. She said:

“Brooklyn is home to one of the largest Caribbean populations outside the Caribbean, and the library is committed to preserving and sharing the stories, histories, and cultural contributions of the communities we serve.”

This one-of-a-kind exhibition follows the 2026 release of Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King. The Like Ah Boss documentary will also be projected onto the façade of Central Library on September 3.

The activation will place Montano’s story on the same imposing Brooklyn landmark that became a canvas for another global music icon just three years ago.

In 2023, lyrics from hip-hop superstar Jay-Z’s catalogue were projected across the exterior of Central Library as part of The Book of HOV, Brooklyn Public Library’s sprawling exhibition celebrating the life and career of the Brooklyn-born rapper and entrepreneur.

Now, BPL turns its cultural lens toward Soca and the Caribbean, using Montano’s remarkable journey from Trinidad and Tobago to the world to explore the music, migration and cultural influence of a community deeply woven into Brooklyn’s identity.

The exhibition draws from Montano’s personal archive, which was inscribed in 2024 on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register for Latin America and the Caribbean.

“The Caribbean community built a home here,” Montano concluded, “and this exhibition is a way of acknowledging the mark we as a people have made on this city.”

Yaksta’s album debuts at No. 3 on iTunes Reggae Chart

When Jamaican reggae artiste Yaksta released the early singles “ROAR”, “The Return” and later “Move”, he repeatedly said he was creating the greatest body of work of his career.

Months later, the Bush Lawd has every reason to believe he was right.
Yaksta’s sophomore album, The Microphone Saved Me, has debuted at No. 3 on the U.S. iTunes Reggae Albums Chart, becoming the strongest commercial opening of his career and one of the year’s biggest independent reggae success stories.
The achievement is particularly significant because the project was released outside the traditional major-label system, powered instead by Yaksta’s own platform, loyal fanbase and direct-to-consumer strategy.
Before the album’s release, Yaksta told Overtime Media he had become completely consumed by the creative process.
He spoke about spending countless hours writing, recording, revisiting songs and relentlessly chasing the sound he imagined in his head until every record felt right.
When asked whether he was satisfied with the finished album, his response left little room for doubt.
“I love it,” he said enthusiastically, adding that he could hardly wait for fans to finally hear what he had created.
That confidence appears to have been well placed.
Released initially through YakstaWorld.com, The Microphone Saved Me has earned widespread praise for its uncompromising lyricism, Rastafari consciousness and deeply personal songwriting.
The album moves comfortably between militant social commentary, spiritual reflection, gratitude, romance and personal testimony without ever losing the authenticity that has become Yaksta’s trademark.
Songs like “Order” call for greater Rastafari unity, while “Thankful”, featuring Dre Tegs, reflects on lessons learned through hardship.
Meanwhile, “It’s Okay has emerged as one of the project’s most accessible songs, its uplifting message resonating well beyond reggae’s traditional audience. On the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, love songs including “Next To Me”, “Into You” and “Splinters in My Heart” reveal another side of an artiste more commonly associated with conscious, socially driven music.
According to business partner Lloyd Laing, the album also represents an important milestone for independent reggae, describing it as one of the first direct-to-consumer releases of the digital era to surpass 1,000 album sales without the backing of a major record label.
Despite debuting at No. 3, Yaksta insists the work is far from finished.
Asked how he felt after learning of the chart position, the St. Mary native admitted he was grateful but not completely satisfied.
“There is always more work to be done,” he said.
“Me nuh comfortable wid any score unless is number one.”
He added that the album’s success

has only strengthened his determination to continue rewarding the fans who believed in the project from the beginning.
Media, music lovers and supporters will get an opportunity to experience the new material live when Yaksta stages YAKOUSTICS – The Album Jam Session on July 10 at D’Luxe Restaurant and Lounge in Kingston.
For an artiste who trusted both his instincts and his audience, The Microphone Saved Me has become more than an album title.
It has become proof that independent reggae can still find both critical acclaim and commercial success.

Caribbean Identity Takes Centre Stage at Caribbean Heritage Awards in Miami

As Caribbean American Heritage Month drew to a close in the US this week, the inaugural GETCAPPS Caribbean Heritage Awards highlighted that the Caribbean’s greatest strength isn’t simply its music, food, or Carnival traditions, but rather the identity our people carry wherever we go.

That message resonated throughout the event, held on Saturday night at The Katz Restaurant & Lounge in North Miami, where educators, elected officials, cultural leaders and community advocates gathered to celebrate Caribbean achievement while encouraging the diaspora to proudly embrace its roots.

Miami Dade College educator, founder, and GETCAPPS visionary, Professor Clarance Edmeade opened the evening with an intense address, foregoing the formalities and diving directly into an earnest assessment of concordant Caribbean and African histories and realities encouraging Caribbean people to preserve their cultural identity while pursuing educational and professional excellence.

Florida State Senator Dwight Bullard echoed that message, urging Caribbean communities to continue building influence through leadership, education and civic engagement while remaining proud ambassadors of the region’s rich heritage.

The evening’s most personal presentation came from Trinidad and Tobago-born actor, comedian and Miami Broward One Carnival Chief Judge, Arthur Joseph, whose life story illustrated how embracing his Caribbean identity became the defining factor behind his success in America.

Joseph recounted graduating near the top of his class in Trinidad and Tobago before financial circumstances prevented him from accepting a scholarship to the University of Miami. After later being deported to Trinidad, rebuilding his life, working in insurance and eventually returning to the United States, he found success in sales before an appearance on television changed his trajectory.

His breakthrough, he explained, came not from hiding his Caribbean accent, but from embracing it.

“The very thing many of us are told to hide – our Caribbean identity , ” he declared, “is often our greatest strength. Never be afraid to represent where you come from. Our culture is our superpower.

Joseph revealed that nearly every significant acting opportunity he landed: from television to Hollywood productions, came because producers wanted authenticity.

“Success isn’t about leaving your culture behind to fit in,” he said. “It’s about carrying it proudly with you wherever you go to stand out.”

Quoting legendary Trinidadian calypsonian The Black Stalin’s 1979 classic “Caribbean Unity”, Joseph reminded the audience that despite representing different islands, Caribbean people share a common history and destiny.

“Regardless of which island you’re from – stand up for your right to be you,” he declared. Stand up for your accent. Stand up for your culture. We need to embrace our authentic identity. This is our superpower.”

The programme also honoured veteran Carnival organiser and Miami Broward One Carnival Chair, Joan Hinkson-Justin, alongside educator and radio personality Cleve Osborne, entrepreneur and cultural advocate Asa P. Sealy, and Miami Dade College student Isaiah Bell. Bell became GETCAPPS’ first scholarship recipient and received an iPad along with his commemorative plaque. The evening concluded with “The Preview”: a spirited presentation of Miami Carnival costumes, offering guests an early taste of the annual  Miami Carnival.

While the awards celebrated individual achievement, the night’s central theme remained clear: Caribbean identity is not something to be left behind in pursuit of success, but embraced as a source of strength, authenticity and opportunity.

For many in attendance, the inaugural GETCAPPS Caribbean Heritage Awards marked the beginning of a wider conversation about celebrating Caribbean excellence, while inspiring future generations to wear their culture proudly —wherever in the world their journey takes them. Visit our YouTube page and @overtimett on IG for more!

Yaksta’s new album ‘The Microphone Saved Me’ delivers truth, culture and conviction

Yaksta has officially released his sophomore album, The Microphone Saved Me, and the Jamaican reggae star is staying true to the message that has defined his recent rise.

The 15-track project explores themes of faith, perseverance, gratitude, accountability, and love while balancing hard-hitting social commentary with personal storytelling.

Featuring collaborations with Dre Tegs, Silk Boss, Matthew Malcolm, The Gideon and others, the album builds on singles including Roar and The Return.

Earlier this year, Yaksta told Caribbean media that he wanted listeners to “see truth and don’t fear it,” a philosophy that runs throughout the project.

The artiste has earned a reputation for speaking openly about modern society, authenticity and Caribbean identity, while encouraging people to think independently and remain connected to their culture.

Yaksta has also embraced greater Caribbean unity, recently praising Trinidad and Tobago’s soca and Carnival culture after experiencing it for himself.

That openness to new influences complements an album rooted in reggae traditions while remaining accessible to a broader audience.

More than just another release, The Microphone Saved Me feels like a mission statement from an artiste determined to use music as a platform for conversation and connection.

Whether fans agree with every viewpoint or simply appreciate the honesty, Yaksta has delivered a project that stays true to its title.

As he put it himself:

“I want them to see truth and don’t fear it.”

And with The Microphone Saved Me, Yaksta is making sure that message is heard.

 

Yaksta newest single, “It’s Ok” is a positive, upbeat, feel-good song:

https://youtu.be/p6VmDdBmFA8?si=_tl5eKCbRXxfKj6l

Yaksta’s breakout single, “ROAR”:

https://youtu.be/GLIQiGnyFz0?si=_1AHunjhenej4Mg2

 

 

Miami Gala & Initiative To Celebrate Caribbean Community & Culture

A new initiative aimed at strengthening South Florida’s Caribbean community will take centre stage on June 27 with the inaugural Caribbean Night Gala and 1st Annual Heritage Awards at The Katz Restaurant in Miami.

Organised by Professor Clarence Dias Edmeade and the GETCAPSS (Get Connected and Promoting Students and Small Business Success) organisation, the event seeks to create a lasting platform where Caribbean people can connect through culture, business, education and community engagement.

The initiative is being supported by actor, stand-up comedian and longtime Miami Broward One Carnival Parade Chief Judge Arthur Joseph, alongside regional media partner Overtime Media, led by Trinidad and Tobago journalist and publicist Nigel Telesford.

Beyond the awards ceremony, organisers hope the gala will become the foundation for an ongoing movement celebrating Caribbean identity while creating opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners throughout South Florida.

The evening will honour several influential Caribbean community leaders, including Miami Broward One Carnival Committee Chair Joan Hinkson Justin, veteran broadcaster Cleve Osborne and Trinidad and Tobago-born marketing strategist and entrepreneur Asa P. Sealy for their contributions to Caribbean culture and community development.

Former teacher and Senator Dwight Bullard will serve as Master of Ceremonies and Awards Presenter, while Miami Carnival bands Revel Nation, Ruby Mas and Breakaway Crew will provide costumes for a special cultural showcase celebrating one of the Caribbean diaspora’s most vibrant traditions.

South Florida is home to one of the world’s largest Caribbean populations, and organisers say the event is designed to help build stronger connections across the diverse communities that call the region home.

“The vision is bigger than one event,” said Professor Dias. “We want to create opportunities for people to connect, support one another and build stronger communities while celebrating our Caribbean heritage.”

Organisers hope the Caribbean Night Gala will grow into a recurring platform for networking, mentorship, business collaboration and cultural celebration, helping to strengthen Caribbean ties across South Florida and the wider diaspora.

Follow @overtimett on Social Media for more on this growing initiative.

 

 

 

Masicka Set For Landmark Weekend With New Album Release And Barclays Center Performance

Jamaican recording artist Masicka is set to deliver one of the most anticipated weekends in dancehall this year with the announcement of his new album, ‘Forever Reign’, arriving worldwide on August 14, 2026 via Def Jam, followed by his debut performance at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center as headliner of Reggae Fest on August 15, 2026.

The announcement generated significant industry attention, with Billboard exclusively reporting the historic booking, underscoring Masicka’s continued rise as one of the leading voices in contemporary dancehall and Caribbean music.

The back-to-back milestones arrive amid what fans have already dubbed “Sicka Summer,” fueled by a string of records dominating conversations across the Caribbean, North America, the United Kingdom, and Africa. As his global audience continues to grow, Masicka has solidified a reputation for blending lyrical excellence, cultural authenticity, and commercial appeal in a way few artists have achieved.

“This album represents growth, elevation, and the next chapter of my journey,” said Masicka. “Every project is an opportunity to tell my story differently, and I’m excited for fans around the world to hear where I am creatively. To then celebrate that release by performing at Barclays Center the very next day makes the moment even more special.”

For Masicka, the Barclays Center appearance represents another significant chapter in a career defined by steady progression and international expansion. From Portmore, Jamaica, to one of New York City’s most iconic stages, the performance reflects both the growth of his audience and the increasing global influence of dancehall music.

The forthcoming album follows a remarkable run that has seen Masicka earn critical acclaim and commercial success through projects including 438, Generation of Kings, and his Caribbean Music Awards-nominated EP, Her Name Is Love. Beyond music, he has expanded his impact through community initiatives led by his MADE Foundation and his role as Cultural Ambassador for Youth Talent Development in Antigua and Barbuda.

With Forever Reign arriving on August 14 and Reggae Fest at Barclays Center taking place on August 15, Masicka stands poised to deliver a landmark moment in his career while continuing to push dancehall music onto the global stage.

Additional album details, track listing, and special announcements surrounding Forever Reign will be revealed in the coming weeks.

View Trailer

Imeru Tafari, I-Wayne, and Yohan Marley Unite on Powerful New Roots Reggae Anthem “Guardian”

Three generations of conscious reggae music come together in a powerful display of spiritual conviction and cultural pride on “Guardian,” the new single from Imeru Tafari, I-Wayne, and Yohan Marley, released on Friday, June 12, 2026, via Ghetto Youths International.

Produced by Koastal Kings, “Guardian” is a militant and spiritually grounded roots reggae record deeply rooted in the principles and philosophy of Rastafari. Built on a foundation of strength, discipline, resilience, and purpose, the song presents Rastafari as both protector and warrior, symbols of consciousness, resistance, and positivity in a world increasingly challenged by social and spiritual conflict.

Driven by powerful lyricism and authentic cultural messaging, “Guardian” serves as a call for listeners to remain steadfast in truth and conviction while navigating life’s challenges. The record reinforces the enduring role of Rastafari as both a shield against negativity and a guiding force toward higher consciousness.

The collaboration itself represents a significant moment within reggae music. Imeru Tafari, I-Wayne, and Yohan Marley each bring their unique perspectives and voices to the track, creating a multi-generational conversation that bridges reggae’s rich legacy with its future. United through message-driven songwriting and a commitment to authenticity, the trio delivers a song that is both timely and timeless.

“‘Guardian’ speaks to protection, spiritual awareness, and standing firm in who you are,” says Imeru Tarfari. “The message is about remaining grounded in truth, embracing discipline, and understanding the strength that comes from positive consciousness.”

Accompanying the release is a visually compelling music video that further amplifies the song’s militant energy and spiritual themes. Rich in symbolism and striking performance imagery, the visual brings the song’s message of protection, resistance, and empowerment to life while celebrating the enduring influence of Rastafari culture.

At a time when conscious music continues to resonate globally, “Guardian” arrives as a powerful reminder of reggae’s ability to inspire, uplift, and challenge listeners through meaningful storytelling and unwavering cultural identity.

“Guardian”is available on all major streaming platforms.

https://onerpm.link/it-guardian

 

From Trinidad To The World: DJ Anarchy Takes The Caribbean To FIFA World Cup

June 14th 2026 – Trinidad-born DJ Anarchy is set to take another major step in his remarkable journey today as he performs at his first official event connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Houston-based entertainer, born Alinton Brereton, was recently selected to perform at multiple World Cup-related events in Houston and Los Angeles, becoming the only Trinidad and Tobago DJ associated with the initiative.

Ironically, the opportunity almost slipped away.

“The talent organisers reached out to me through Instagram,” Anarchy revealed during a recent Overtime Media interview. “Honestly, I thought it was a scam.”

After confirming the approach was genuine, he quickly contacted his management team to secure what he describes as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“This is FIFA. We don’t want to miss this opportunity.”

For Anarchy, however, the performances represent more than a personal achievement.

“I just want to be a symbol of hope,” he said. “To inspire the next generation positively so that we can see Trinidad represented on more and more of these platforms.”

That message carries particular significance considering his own journey. After leaving Trinidad for Houston almost a decade ago, he rebuilt his career while balancing day jobs in the oil and gas sector and as an AT&T technician before gradually establishing himself internationally.

His career has since included opportunities with organisations such as the Houston Texans and Houston Rockets, as well as a weekly programme on SiriusXM’s Pitbull’s Globalization channel.

Despite those achievements, Anarchy believes the Caribbean has countless success stories that deserve greater recognition.

“We need to highlight Caribbean excellence,” he said. “The youths need to see that greatness is possible.”

Dj Anarchy World Cup schedule

His World Cup journey continues tomorrow morning when he appears live via Zoom on CCN TV6’s Morning Edition, giving audiences in Trinidad and Tobago another opportunity to hear first-hand about the road from Moruga to one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.

The story may soon become even bigger than one DJ.

During his Overtime Media interview, Anarchy agreed to participate in a fan-driven initiative designed to celebrate Caribbean music and culture ahead of the World Cup.

Tentatively titled The Caribbean Starting XI, the project will invite music lovers across the region and the diaspora to nominate the songs they believe best represent the Caribbean to the world.

“I’m one of those DJs who loves taking requests,” Anarchy laughed. “If people have songs they think I should play, I want them to let me know.”

As preparations continue for the World Cup, Anarchy hopes his story reminds young creatives that dreams are worth chasing.

“I grew up with humble beginnings and just a dream,” he said. “Stay humble. Build genuine relationships. Use social media wisely and put in the work. Anything is possible.”