LIFESTYLE

The Soca Monarch competition: The thrill of Carnival’s biggest stage

Hookie Weekend

The Soca Monarch competition is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival season. For decades, it has served as the ultimate platform for soca artistes to showcase their talent, thrill audiences, and compete for the prestigious title of Soca Monarch. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll …

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The role of the calypsonian: Storytelling in Trinidad Carnival

The role of the calypsonian: The storytellers of Trinidad Carnival.

The role of the calypsonian in storytelling during Trinidad Carnival is a fundamental element of the Caribbean cultural landscape, serving as a primary medium for historical preservation and social commentary. This article examines how practitioners of this art form function as modern-day griots, capturing the nuances of societal evolution through …

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Panorama 2025: What makes this steelband competition legendary

East Mucurapo Secondary School Junior Panorama Finals QPS POS 2016

Exodus Steel Orchestra secured the 2025 Trinidad and Tobago National Panorama Large Band title, ending a twenty-one-year championship drought with a dominant performance of Too Own Way. This victory represents a historic milestone for both the Tunapuna-based ensemble and arranger Terrance “BJ” Marcelle, who achieved his first premier title in …

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Nikki Solomon: ‘Off the Chain’ a new chapter in her musical journey

Discover the inspiring story of Nikki Solomon, a Trinidadian singer-songwriter, as she shares her journey to releasing her debut album, 'Off the Chain.'

“I have had people from all over the world reach out to me via different social media platforms expressing their appreciation and love for my music.” Nikki Solomon, Trinidadian singer/songwriter, shares her journey to launching her first album “Off the Chain”. Diverse appeal “My music is created for all age …

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Carnival costume design: The artists behind the stunning creations

Carnival 2026 is coming. The intersection of art and fashion in Carnival costume design. A masquerader’s guide to buying the best Carnival costumes.

Carnival—a celebration of colour, culture, and creativity—is incomplete without its breathtaking costumes. These vibrant works of art not only captivate audiences but also tell a story, weaving the essence of heritage, imagination, and craftsmanship into every bead and feather. At the heart of this spectacle are the costume designers, the …

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Indra Persad Milowe: A celebration of festivals and folklore through art

Discover the captivating art of Indra Persad Milowe, a Trinidadian artist whose vibrant paintings celebrate her cultural heritage.

“My paintings…are meant to please both the eye and the mind!” Indra Persad Milowe, born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, has three art collections “Festivals & Folklore of Trinidad, West Indies”, “My Journey to Morocco”, and “Beautiful Ubud Bali”. The artist shares insights about her journey and work, a …

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Steelpan story: How Trinidad’s Carnival brought steelpan to the world stage

The steelpan story: From Trinidad’s Carnival to global fame.

The steelpan story is a narrative of cultural resistance and technical innovation that saw a percussion instrument crafted from industrial waste ascend to the status of a globally recognised musical marvel. Originating in the early 20th century in Trinidad and Tobago, the instrument emerged as a direct response to colonial …

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