Caribbean Entertainment Hub

In an era when talent often goes unnoticed outside of mainstream avenues, a bold new initiative is stepping in to shift the spotlight. The inaugural Stars of South, a grassroots talent competition and cultural showcase, is gearing up to ignite the creative spirit of southern Trinidad with a mission as vibrant as the performers it seeks to uplift. This cultural initiative aims to empower youth, preserve local art forms, and promote undiscovered talent in the South.

Set to take place this September at Carnival City Ultra Lounge in Gulf City, Stars of South promises to be more than just a competition. It’s a movement. Designed to empower youth, celebrate cultural diversity, and develop emerging talent, the show is open to artists, dancers, singers, and musicians from across Trinidad and Tobago aged 18 and older.

The concept, born from a passion to uplift underserved communities and amplify the voices of the South, is the brainchild of cultural advocate and creative producer Delicia Patterson of DiMedia  “We wanted to create something that felt like a homegrown opportunity—something that’s for us, by us,” she shared. “The South is rich with raw, authentic talent that just needs the right stage. ‘Stars of South‘ is that stage.”

With the semi-finals set for September 14th and the grand finale on September 27th, Stars of South will bring together a diverse audience of creatives, families, entertainment professionals, and cultural supporters. Beyond the competition, the event will serve as a networking hub for cultural workers, artists, and industry stakeholders.

What sets this event apart?

Its blend of traditional showmanship with modern media reach. With a projected 500,000+ digital impressions and robust marketing across television, radio, social platforms, and press, the initiative is expected to make national waves for the youth involved. This platform is open to talent in 3 main categories (Singers, Dancers and Instrumentalists) in All Genres .

But it’s not just about exposure. Organizers say the deeper mission is cultural preservation. “Trinidad’s artistic heartbeat is in our communities. It’s in the panyard, the backyard, the living room rehearsals. Stars of South is our love letter to that,” said the team.

Supporters and potential partners, including private and public sector entities, are invited to play a role in the production and evolution of this cultural milestone. The initiative’s creators have extended invitations to cultural ministries, youth organizations, and local businesses to collaborate, sponsor, and be part of what they call “a powerful step forward in nation-building through the arts.”

The call is simple:
 Come witness the magic of raw talent. Come celebrate the voices that haven’t yet been heard. Come discover the Stars of South.

Media Manager : Avalon Gomez | Avelle Brand Management

For updates and registration info, follow @starsofsouthtt on Instagram or email starsofsouthtt@gmail.com.

The One Caribbean Music Festival which was touted to be one of the biggest events in Trinidad, turned into an unforgettable night for all the wrong reasons.  The scheduled headliner for this Festival was Vybz Kartel, alongside a star-studded line-up that included other Jamaican dancehall artistes like Malie Donn, Shawn Storm, Chronic Law, and Sizzla Kalonji. Ghanian-American singer-songwriter Moliy.

Chaos erupted as it was announced mere hours before the 9 p.m. showtime start that Vybz Kartel would not be performing as advertised. As showtime approached, Moliy also withdrew despite arriving in the country. It would later be revealed that Sizzla, too, who had arrived with his full band in tow, also withdrew from performing. So, what to expect?

​Upon arriving at the well-decorated Queen’s Park Savannah venue, one felt a sense of disorganization and uncertainty in the air. Fire service and police personnel were scattered about with no real formation. Sponsors, vendors, and the media alike were unsure of the night’s proceedings. Patrons looked gloomy as they waited in line to enter, almost as if attending the event was now a chore.

With tickets starting at $670TTD and going up to $5000TTD, most people came out to salvage what they could from the night. In terms of overall attendance, it was a poor turnout, with the crowd looking sparse. Even general admission was barely halfway filled, and the VIP, VVIP, and Cabana sections were almost deserted. But despite this, backstage was filled with an assortment of exotic meals, desserts, and finger foods like oxtail, spring rolls, to name a few, and there were mixologists there too, alongside the basic bar. Patrons dazzled in their outfits for the evening, and most maximized the availability of the food and drinks offered until an artist graced the stage.

After hours of waiting, the show was finally ready to begin. The time was now 12:30 a.m., and the first artist on stage was the Pan-Man, Joshua Regrello. He did his best trying to lift the mood of patrons with his pan covers of various dancehall hits, but to little avail. You can still feel the tension in the air. The next artists on were Anil B, then Verse, both from Ravi B’s band Karma. They too tried in vain to lift the mood of the venue. Some relief would come when Ravi B came to the stage to perform, finally being able to crack the stoicism of the crowd. Ravi B has a song for every genre, and he surely did not disappoint.

At this time, the crowd was warming up, hoping the night could be saved. Staying local, the next act on was KMC with his electrifying hits like Bashment to Carnival and First Experience. He’d then make way for the Big Boss himself, Iwer George. You can see the excitement in the crowd. If the night continued like this, the event would be saved for Iwer had the place in a mild frenzy before leaving.

The lone international act to perform, Chronic Law, took the energy levels to the roof. Performing hit after hit, the crowd knew every word. The place finally felt like what the promoters promised, which was a true dancehall event. His set continued to raise the bar of the proceedings, and up next. Lady Lava was up to the task of raising it further. Coming out with her recent hit, ‘Bob the Builder’, the crowd was finally warmed up. Performing in her usual acapella style, she had the crowd moving and singing along, and as she was leaving the stage, the crowd was begging her for an encore.

It was only 3:15 a.m. when the M.C. announced that they’d be playing the last song for the night. That’s when patrons, who’d been patient and accommodating, had to let their feelings be known. They started jeering towards the stage, and projectiles soon followed. Water bottles, full cans, garbage, they threw what they could. One patron turned a bin upside down and climbed onto the stage in protest, miming the act of kicking down the speakers and lights on stage. As the sound engineers rushed to unplug the equipment, fearing that others might climb onto the stage, projectiles were thrown in their direction. That’s when riot police had to be mobilized throughout the crowd to quell this aggression. More police had to be called backstage and to the exits of the venue as patrons poured out, cursing and hurling insults as they expressed their disapproval and disgust with the show. With no headline act(s) and barely enough stardom to satisfy the fans who did attend, this will go down as one of the worst shows in Trinidad

Dancehall megastar, Vybz Kartel (aka Adidja Palmer) has been cleared to arrive and perform in Trinidad ahead of the One Caribbean Unity Music Festival scheduled for Saturday night at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Keyshia Cole and Jamaican Dancehall crooner, Dexta Daps (Louis Grandison Jr.) were billed as the headline acts for the inaugural event, and several thousand patrons assembled, all expecting what was advertised: a full hour performance from each of the two stars. However, American R&B Singer Keyshia Cole left the stage abruptly and without explanation after singing only three songs last Saturday night. Her brief appearance and sudden departure effectively left patrons of the first-ever “R&B Brunch” event in Trinidad confused and disappointed.

Cole posted on her Instagram page earlier in the day about waking up hungover and visiting a local KFC restaurant on her way from the Piarco airport just after 2 pm. After the event, Cole’s Instagram page read:
“I have to come back and do a real show. I was only asked to do 3!!! And that’s not ok, you guys wanted and EXPECTED MORE 😥 I’m so sad.”

Scheduled and advertised to take the stage at 8 pm, Cole did not arrive at the venue until 9.45 and only appeared onstage just after 10 pm. Following her initial fifteen-minute appearance, there was confusion throughout the venue as she returned to her executive dressing room with no explanation to the assembly of approximately 3000 patrons.

Scorch Founder, Kwesi Hopkinson, who also celebrated his birthday at the event, told Overtime Media yesterday that their contract with the booking agent was for 45 minutes, but it was revealed after the fiasco onstage that the agent had only paid Cole for a twenty-minute set. On the night, Cole was reportedly subsequently paid an undisclosed amount backstage and returned to the stage briefly during Dexta Daps’ set. The American singer, songwriter, TV personality, and actress also used one expletive during her initial appearance, but had the ladies singing along word for word.

Jamaican singjay Dexta Daps saved the night with his dynamic onstage presence, charismatic and alluring performance, and flawless renditions of his well-known catalogue. Crooning out the ladies’ favorite hits such as “Breaking News”, “Owner”, “Call Me”, “No Underwear”, “Wifi”, “God Got Me” and “Seven Eleven” among others, Daps had the ladies screaming and singing along, as he also shared a few roses and wished the audience, the nation and even his fellow headliner, a Happy Mother’s Day.
“I don’t wanna take up too much of your time and I don’t wanna do too much,” said Daps to Cole onstage, while down on one knee before her, “but we are pulling up on Mother’s Day, so I just want to say Happy Mother’s Day to you. Love you and wish you all the best!”

Earlier on that night,  the local contingent enjoyed their fair share of time on stage despite a somewhat late start to the entertainment program with Soca star and Freestyle Champion, “Preedy” churning the assembly into a Carnival frenzy for a few minutes amidst the tranquil R&B atmosphere. Complete with a new venue and a cosy layout in the savannah area opposite QRC, as well as endless delectable dishes and bars galore to supply all needs and desires, the event also featured performances from rising star, “Coutain”, as well as singer/songwriter, “Hey Choppi”; “Jimmy October”, “Mela Caribe”, “Erphaan Alves”; Reggae singer, “Jamelody” and others.

The event ended just after 1 am with memes and comments flooding across timelines on social media about Cole’s abbreviated appearance:
“Keisha pulls a Stuart Young!” said one female. “She said they only booked her for 3 songs, blame y’all’s promoters, not Keyshia.” Said one of her fans. “I won’t doubt it’s cause she cuss. It’s against the law.” Said another. To help you decide for yourself, we include a copy of the contract, with some words blocked out, as given to us by the promoter.

The highly anticipated Best Of The Best Music Fest is back on May 25th, 2025, for its 19th annual installment at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, bringing music enthusiasts the ultimate experience in Caribbean music. Over the years, the festival has consistently delivered the highest caliber of musical performances, showcasing renowned artists at the peak of their careers.

This year’s lineup promises a historic moment as two legendary artists, Buju Banton and Beres Hammond, share the same stage for the first time in Miami, Florida. Buju Banton is set to perform his first outdoor show in the United States in over 15 years, adding to the excitement surrounding the event. Other artists booked to perform so far are: Wayne Wonder, Marcia Griffiths, Romain Virgo, Nadine Sutherland, Chronic Law, 450, and Skinny Fabulous.

With early bird tickets currently on sale at www.bestofthebestconcert.com, organizers anticipate a huge turnout. “Since the announcement of Buju Banton and Beres Hammond, we have seen an enormous increase in ticket sales as persons have decided to lock in their tickets to be a part of this historic concert, and many are making this a summer trip,” says Public Relations Manager Ronnie Tomlinson. “We are eagerly anticipating revealing the complete lineup in March, which highlights the vibrancy of Caribbean music and culture.

Produced by XO Touring, Best Of The Best Music Fest has received acclaim for its commitment to celebrating Caribbean heritage and providing a safe and enjoyable environment for music lovers from around the world. The festival has consistently drawn record-breaking crowds, solidifying its reputation as one of the premier music events in the region.

“We are extremely proud of the success and growth of Best Of The Best Music Fest over the years,” said Retha Boone-Fye, program officer and director of the county’s Black Affairs Advisory Board. “This festival represents a celebration of Caribbean culture and music, and we are thrilled to see it continue to thrive.”

Tickets for the 19th annual Best Of The Best Music Fest are now available for purchase at www.bestofthebestconcert.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an unforgettable celebration of Caribbean music and culture in the heart of Miami.

Internationally-celebrated band of brothers and Soca Ambassadors, Kes the Band has made history once again. They are the first soca act to sell out two SummerStage concerts at Central Park in New York City within hours of going on sale. Set for July 5 and July 6, 2025, these back-to-back, now sold-out shows mark a groundbreaking moment not only for Kes but for the entire Caribbean music scene.
This Central Park showing will be Kes’s second appearance at SummerStage, following a sensational 2024 debut where his single show sold out within hours, leaving thousands of fans clamoring for more. This year’s double booking is a testament to his soaring popularity and growing global impact.

Coming off a record-breaking run, Kees’s chart-topping single, “Cocoa Tea,” continues to dominate streaming platforms worldwide, while his electrifying 2025 IzWe Festival: Trinidad Carnival Edition in February drew massive crowds and united cultures through rhythm and revelry.

The band’s international reach has also expanded significantly, with two sold-out shows in Montreal during their 2024 tour in Canada, proving that the love for soca knows no borders. This, even as Kes the Band celebrates 20 years in the music industry this year and continues to lead the charge for taking soca on to the world stage—waving the red, white, and black of Trinidad and Tobago with pride and particular purpose.

“We’ve always believed in the power of soca to bring people together,” said lead singer Kees Dieffenthaller. “To see that vision unfold not just in Trinidad, but New York, Canada, and beyond—it’s deeply humbling. This moment belongs to all of us and deserves a celebration.”

Presented by Capital One, SummerStage is renowned for spotlighting dynamic talent from across the globe. Kes’s back-to-back sold-out shows not only highlight his unmatched showmanship but also reflect a larger cultural shift as Caribbean music takes its rightful place in the global spotlight. If you missed Kes the Band tickets for Central Park SummerStage, you can also catch Kes the Band live at the following dates and locations:

April 20 – Tobago – Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival

April 27 – Kingston, Jamaica – GenXs Road

April 30 – St Thomas UVI – St. Thomas Carnival Village

May 4 – Trinidad – Bedrock All Inclusive

May 9 – Cayman Islands – Festival Green·

May 18 – St Pauls Bay, Malta – Ibiza Soca Festival

May 22 – Guyana – Stinging Nettles

May 24 – Orlando, FL – Soca Fest

June 26 – St. Kitts – St Kitts Music Festival

June 28 – Baltimore MD – Pier Six Pavillion

July 3 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavillion

July 5 – New York, NY – SummerStage Central Park

July 6 – New York, NY – SummerStage Central Park

July 18 – Saint Lucia – Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium

July 26 – Toronto, Canada – IZWE

July 30 – St Michaels – Rise Barbados

August 9 – Santa Elena, Belize – Belize International Music and Food Festival

The return of Machel Montano to a Carnival Monday, Monday Madness, was an event to witness. With the massive crowd that showed up, the sheer size of the Queen’s Park Oval made it worthy to host such an event.

Evolution The Band would be the backbone for the show’s first half. They blend beautifully with the scintillating vocals of Teddyson John. Never a stranger to Trinidad, and always the crooner, he came out to his hit Vent with smooth singing and all manners of wining. Next on stage was Farmer Nappy with “How ah Livin”, “Thankful,” and “Backyard Jam” to name a few; a catalog way too vast for just 15 minutes. But the show must go on and so it did with Viking Ding Dong ‘Throwing Back.”  with his big hit and then welcoming Mical Teja, the people’s champion who started his set with this year’s contribution “Energy.” and continued with  “DNA” and “Runaway,” the crowd readily became his choir. The show continued with its vast array of A-Listers, Nailah Blackman with her signature dance moves, dazzled the crowd with “Workout”, “Round and Rosie”, and “Best Self”. She seamlessly glided from hit to hit, keeping the audience in the palm of her hands ending her set with the infectious Come Home.

After a brief intermission, two massive “M” shaped LED lights adorned the stage signifying the arrival of the king of soca, The Monk, Machel Montana. Off the jump, he would have the crowd in what can only be described as a state of mania as he performed this year’s soca hit, and road march contender, Pardy. The energy was on 1000% as the crowd sang along in a deafening chorus. Flags were waving galore, and people were stumping the ground in triumph. They deserved a Pardy. Always an energetic, charismatic perfectionist, Machel Montana’s performance is one you’d wait days in the sun to see. Hit after hit after hit, the crowd never fatigued. With choreography throughout the entirety of his set, every song felt like it was meticulously rehearsed to tell us a story. Patrons loved every moment. You couldn’t tell if it was the bass of the sound system, or the patrons singing alongside you that caused your eardrums to rupture as the noise was deafening.

Machel would have a couple of big-name help during his set, namely Pumpa, Drupate, Lady Lava, and Full Blown; who, of course, are the producers responsible for this year’s infectious “Big Links Riddim”. He would also take time to give the duo their flowers, encouraging the crowd to reacquaint themselves with the many hit songs the duo has written for himself, Kerwin Dubois, and Kes, to name a few. Machel then went back into his bag of hits from the early 2000s, and somehow ended up leading the crowd into an acapella rendition of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” All these ploys and tricks eventually round off his set with the people’s anthem, “Pardy.” As it started, so it ends with tremors being felt throughout the Oval before the Monk leaves the stage for the night. It seemed some of the crowd would leave too.

Another brief intermission and the performances continued with Ravi B. He was a much-needed jolt of energy to take us into the final leg. Starting with familiar hits like “Rum is meh Lover,” and “Prescription.” Just as he did at his very own “Homecoming”, he’d bring out the next guest, Yung Bredda to help him perform their chutney contribution, “Hot Up.” Yung Bredda then had the stage all to himself. With much gusto, he performed the nation’s favorite “Greatest Bend Over,” losing his voice in the process. In the end, it was the crowd that did the work; serenading him before he left the stage.

Our favorite Market vendor would be next, Nadia Batson and what a performance it was. There’s always an unconditional love for Nadia. Her performance was followed by Lyrikal who further carried this crowd’s energy to the limit. Who said a show after Machel is impossible? With hits like “Happy Place,” the crowd was definitely in theirs throughout his performance. Ending the set with “Rukshun,” he left the crowd in a frenzy.

In the final acts was the ever-stunning Patrice Roberts, taking the stage to keep us on our toes. And boy did she accomplish such. Her performance was worthy of a last performance. You could’ve left the fete satiated. Such is the caliber of her craft. To follow her was V’ghn who burst onto the stage to remind the crowd that the show was not yet over. Singing songs like “Finally” and “Explore,” he easily continued where Patrice left off. With time of the essence his set was shortened, but just as swiftly as V’ghn came off the stage, came Skinny Fabulous running onto the stage with nothing short of a finale-worthy performance. His last song being “Come Home,” in which he had the crowd taking the responsibility of singing Nailah Blackman’s verses.

What a show, what a closing with patrons  satisfied, and happy for the return of Machel Monday