Caribbean people all over the world are in tune to the sound and vibe of Soca music and all that comes along with it. While in Trinidad and Tobago, Soca still struggles to get first place status across the airwaves, a team of twenty-something year- olds in Maryland have found that there’s so much curiosity for the genre and its accompanying festivities among generation Z entertainment seekers in their neck of the woods, that they’ve launched an all-Soca radio station, online.
Andre Noreiga and his diverse team that includes a few other 1st generation West Indians, including two of his friends from Queen’s Royal College in Trinidad, have been heavily involved in the promotion of J’ouvert in Maryland. The Holli J’ouvert brand is exclusively theirs and its now expanding to include Holli Radio- this of course, on the heels of their YouTube Channel that’s been pretty hands on in teaching those out there who’ve been seeking clarity on everything that’s part and parcel of the Carnival festival. “On YouTube, the aim is to create different series to explain the different aspects of our culture, so the first series was the ‘Carnival Ready’ series that pretty much answered a lot of the questions that second generation West Indians would have,” said Andre.
He and his team have been very observant of the appreciation shown by many children of first-generation Caribbean people – those folks who would’ve migrated to the US, and started a family there. “We realized how interested many of them were after we hosted our first Holli J’ouvert, but they also had a lot of questions. They were unsure of how they should dress, they asked whether they should bring chairs and stuff like that so with the YouTube series, a lot of those kinds of questions were answered,” he explained. Andre said the team even offered a wining tutorial within the YouTube series and also catered to questions surrounding acceptable cultural behaviour.
Photos from Maryland’s Holli J’ouvert
When it comes to Soca music, Andre admits that migrating to the US led to an increased appreciation for the music of his homeland.. “When I came here, my love for Soca grew, and I think that’s the case with a lot of people in the Diaspora,” he said, telling Ebuzztt that this was exactly why the team decided it was time for an all-soca radio station that everyone- no matter what city, state or country they’re in, could have access to. “Holli Radio is already live online. Soca music lovers can download our app from the App store or the Google Play store,” he confirmed.
Essentially living, walking protectors of the culture, the Holli team has taken on the challenge of educating while entertaining. Their plan is multidimensional, with an overall aim of marketing Soca music and the carnival culture to folks who may never have even heard about it. Now, with the launch of their digital radio platform, the Holli team is one step closer to making this hope, a reality.
The Atlantic Ocean has long connected Africa and the Caribbean through history and culture. That connection finds a powerful new expression with “Love Again,” an Afro-Caribbean collaboration between global Ghanaian superstar, Black Sherif and Trinidad and Tobago’s acclaimed songwriting and performing duo, brothers Kory and Kevon Hart of Full Blown.
The single was released globally through EMPIRE on September 4th. Built around themes of vulnerability, healing and the courage to love again, the record arrives at a time when creative partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean are reshaping the sound of global music.
‘Love Again’ captures the emotional highs and lows of choosing hope after heartbreak. For Black Sherif, whose introspective storytelling has earned him over 1bn+ streams from his previous album “Iron Boy,” over 5bn+ streams across his catalogue, and a global audience, the collaboration represents another step in expanding the dialogue between African and Caribbean music.
For Kory and Kevon Hart, internationally respected producers and songwriters whose work has shaped countless Caribbean hits, it marks an opportunity to showcase their artistry alongside one of Africa’s defining voices. As Black Sherif continues to share his life through his music, he is not shy about discussing intimacy and love. “Almost all of the necessary affections that I have needed, and have gotten, came from afar, physically and figuratively. As a result, I have a tough time receiving and keeping love or better say intimacy, even though I crave them intensely,” he shared.
Black Sherif
He admits that in his adult years this topic “has become one of the greatest discussions in my bedroom mirror and with this project, I have allowed you a glimpse of it.” Remarkably, despite creating this song together, the artistes did so from different parts of the world. They did not meet until the filming of the official music video. The reality TV-inspired video, which drops on October 15th, further celebrates the undeniable musical chemistry between West Africa and the Caribbean – regions whose cultural ties continue to inspire some of the world’s most exciting sounds.
Full Blown’s involvement in this project further supports their continued exploration of themes related to love and relationships. “This project felt natural and fits our vibe and style perfectly,” the brothers expressed cohesively.
Hailing from the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, where Soca music is the dominant genre, a big part of their dream for the genre has always been to carry the sound of Soca music to the corners of the globe, and to collaborate and share their particular vibe with artistes from different cultures. “This project is another step forward for Full Blown. We’re keeping our dream alive,” said the duo.
As Afrobeats continues its global rise and Caribbean music expands its international reach, ‘Love Again’ reflects a broader movement bringing African and Caribbean artistes closer together. Rather than borrowing from one another, the record celebrates a shared musical lineage while pointing toward an increasingly connected future.
‘Love Again’ is one of 6 tracks featured on his EP titled SUN SHERIF, which is set to follow the success of his second studio album.
There’s a thriving theatre industry in Trinidad ad Tobago. Theatre is a part of T&T’s entertainment landscape that just isn’t given the attention it truly deserves. In the weeks ahead however, there’s certainly going to be a buzz surrounding one production that’ll have everybody talking.
Penelope Spencer’s adaptation of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo,” opens at the Cipriani Labour College on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October 2026, with additional performances scheduled through February 2027 at Queen’s Hall, SAPA and the Central Bank Auditorium.
CPR Productions will be bringing back a play that is undoubtedly fondly remembered by theatre lovers. This time however, a new cast, which includes Cecilia Salazar and Penelope Spencer, as Carmen and Frances, along with Ro’dey, Serran Clarke, Shevonne Metivier and Rachel Bascombe – step into the spotlight with a fresh production under the directorship of Penelope Spencer.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo,” is an adult comedy-drama that’s set in Guapo, deep in the Southern end of Trinidad. It follows four women making a living through the world’s oldest profession and the complicated relationships inside the house they share.
CPR Productions has delivered several successful theatrical productions, including Ridiculous 61⁄2, 7 Year Itch and Two Fat Fellas. With this latest production, the company continues its focus on Trinbagonian theatre, local stories and comedy, rooted in situations and characters audiences recognize.
Tickets for the play are available online at islandetickets.com, as well as K’Squared Fashion locations, Domon’s Shoe Store, Long Circular Mall and HYPEDTT Home & More, Valpark Shopping Plaza. Tickets will also be available through the relevant venue box offices as announced. Patrons are encouraged to secure tickets early for the opening weekend at Cipriani Labour College.
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