The King and Queen competition for the Toronto Caribbean Carnival dazzled attendees on Thursday at the Canadian Exhibition Place. As expected, the Caribbean community did not disappoint, showcasing an array of vibrant costumes that highlighted the richness of Caribbean culture. While official results from the Festival Management Committee (FMC) are still pending, it is known […]
By Roger Gibbs Photos by Dave Douglas Toronto’s East Town Banquet Hall in Scarborough was abuzz with excitement and anticipation at the climax of the 2024 KAISO 365 Calypso Monarch Finals which took place on Sunday, July 28. Held the weekend before the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade every year, this year an enthusiastic calypso […]
By Lincoln DePradine Trinidadian Darryl Henry has been making music for more than 30 years and is in high demand as a soca artiste. Most of his fans do not know him as Darryl but as “Farmer Nappy”, the man who sang memorable hits like “Hookin’ Meh”, “Chippin’ With Meh Own Woman”, and “Big People […]
By Lincoln DePradine Panorama, the competition held annually in Toronto to determine the top steel orchestra in Canada, will be hosted at a new venue this year, and will be missing a longtime member-band of the Ontario Steelpan Association (OSA). The contest, also referred to as “Pan Alive”, is moving from Lamport Stadium on King […]
By Stephen Weir The Queen of Soca, Destra, is coming to Toronto next week to perform. Don’t look for her on the Lakeshore or at any Carnival events (unless she makes a surprise appearance or two); the Trinidadian singer will be on stage, outdoors at Harbourfront on August 2nd. The Harbourfront Centre will once again […]
Omari Banks, the first Anguillian to grace Test cricket for the West Indies back in May 2003, etched his name in sporting history with a memorable innings at the Antigua Recreation Ground. His unbeaten 47 played a pivotal role in the West Indies’ monumental fourth-innings chase of 418 against Australia. Today, Banks is celebrated not […]
In a landmark decision, lawmakers in both houses of Trinidad and Tobago have unanimously passed a bill designating the steelpan as the national instrument of the republic, inclusive of sister isle Tobago. This legislative move solidifies the steelpan’s unique status as the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century. Senator Randall Mitchell, Minister of […]
By Lincoln DePradine Ace Trinidad and Tobago arranger Duvone Stewart selected Mical Teja’s song, “DNA”, and it earned BP Renegades Steel Orchestra a first place tie – with All Stars – at the country’s 2024 panorama competition. Another talented arranger, Rudo Forteau, is optimistic that he could repeat the magical victory embodied in “DNA”, which […]
Compliments of Roti Roti International Roti and Doubles Week By Stephen Weir If it were any bigger, the city would have had to widen Albion Road and Islington Avenue. An 8-foot roti takes up a lot of space, even when parked at a major intersection. Last week, as part of Roti Roti International Roti and […]
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Saldenah Carnival (Mas Camp) yesterday, and received a warm welcome from a busy camp of well-wishers. The PM was accompanied by MPs Marcie Ien and Michael Coteau amid a heavy security presence. Greeting Trudeau were Louis Saldenah, Jennifer Hirlehey, Festival Management chair, Mischa Crichton, Chief Executive Officer, and General Manager […]
