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At Just 11, Yung Kymani Understands the Importance of Culture. Calls for More Calypso and Soca in T&T.

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Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings”… and so it is that at just 11-years-old, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s rising superstars is calling on the nation to sing less dancehall and Trinibad music, and instead focus on the traditions of T&T. Yung Kymani placed second in the 2024 Junior Soca Monarch competition. This season, the youngster whose family ties are linked to both Morvant and Carenage, is using his voice in multiple ways, delivering a remake to Machel Montano’s age- old hit, ‘Too Young to Soca,” while standing in support of the development of, and investment in T&T’s Soca and Calypso music. Yung Kymani’s single is called, “Soca In Meh.”

Sustained and strengthened by the support of his parents, Kymani continues on his road to musical success. His appreciation for the cultural traditions of his homeland, is strong. “Calypso and soca are basically one in the same as uncle Machel said in his 2024 Calypso Monarch song, Soca is the soul of Calypso,” he noted, adding that the main differences he sees are the speed and the information that’s shared using both genres. “With Calypso, there’s a lot of information on things that are happening around the world and at home. I learn a lot of things from listening to Calypso music – things I didn’t even know were happening,” he rationalized, adding, “Soca on the other hand, is really upbeat and is there to make us dance and be happy.” 

The entertainer who attends St. Peter’s RC School, is excited to once again partake in the Junior Soca Monarch competition in 2025. His remake of Machel’s ‘Too Young to Soca’ hits home, he says, having faced the same kind of remarks from those outside of his close circle. “I’ve been told that I am too young to be doing this, and that I should stop singing Calypso and Soca, but I am so happy to have gotten this opportunity to remake this song, and to add my flavour to it.”

The song was written collaboratively by Nigel Lopez, Yung Kymani and Kymani’s mom, Kezia Hector. It was produced by Miguel Charles of the A Team Band and Robert SN Baptiste. The track was later mixed by Lunatix Productions and mastered by Precision Productions, making it a true expression of collaborative energy. “As a youth in Trinidad and Tobago, I really think we should try to preserve our culture,” said Kymani, this as he prepares to go head-to- head with other brilliant, young singers this carnival. “This music not only makes me happy, it’s a part of our culture. I think it should be taught in schools as a subject, we should have more jump ups and instead of singing Trinibad music, we can sing more Calypso and Soca. There should also be community classes that can teach our youths and even the adults, about the music and the culture,” said the youngster. 

In 1985, at the age of 9, Machel Montano released ‘Too Young to Soca,’ a track that became an immediate hit and remains a distinctive part of the King of Soca’s lifetime music catalogue. “I did not want the song to sound too much like the original. I’ve added my vibe to it and I am very happy that I have been given the opportunity to remake it,” said the budding star.  

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The Caribbean Mourns the Passing of Sir Garfield Sobers.

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The Caribbean is mourning the loss of one of its greatest sporting icons following the death of Sir Garfield Sobers, the Barbadian cricket legend widely regarded as one of the finest players the game has ever known. He was 89.

Cricket West Indies confirmed Sir Garfield’s passing on Friday. According to reports, he died at his home in Barbados after a period of illness, just days before his 90th birthday.

Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, on July 28, 1936, Sir Garfield became one of the most influential figures in the history of West Indies cricket. His achievements on the field, coupled with the dignity and pride with which he represented the Caribbean, earned him admiration across generations and around the world. He was knighted in 1975 for his services to cricket and was later named a National Hero of Barbados, one of the country’s highest honours.

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the Caribbean and the wider cricketing community. In a statement, Cricket West Indies said, “A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers.”

Fellow Bajan National hero, Rihanna shared her sentiments in a voice message.

Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow also honoured the Barbadian legend, saying, “Sir Garfield Sobers has completed his final innings, but his legacy will forever endure in the hearts of our region, and the story of the cricketing world.” 

Sir Garfield’s influence extended far beyond the cricket field. Throughout his life, he became a symbol of Caribbean excellence, inspiring generations of athletes and earning respect as one of the region’s greatest ambassadors.

His passing marks the end of an extraordinary era, but his legacy will continue to live on in Barbados, throughout the Caribbean and wherever the game of cricket is played.

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Grammy Award Winning, Morgan Heritage Salutes Jamaica with First Release Since Losing Peetah Morgan.

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Grammy Award-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage returns with “Come Feel The Love,” an uplifting new single written and produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Stephen Marley.

Released on July 10th through Ghetto Youths International, the song serves as a vibrant musical invitation to experience Jamaica through its people, culture, landscapes, and unmistakable spirit. According to a media release the song celebrates the essence of Jamaica through authentic storytelling, using the universal language of reggae to capture the island’s warmth, resilience, beauty, and enduring sense of community.

Led by the unmistakable voices of Gramps Morgan and Mojo Morgan, the single paints vivid images of Jamaica’s natural beauty, from the iconic lignum vitae and soursop trees to Negril’s coastline, Lovers’ Leap, and the communities where generations have shaped one of the world’s most influential musical cultures.

Complementing the song is a visually stunning official music video produced by Filmaica and directed by Fernando Hevia. Filmed entirely on location throughout Jamaica, the visual showcases many of the island’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks. Gramps Morgan’s performance scenes were captured in Negril and at the iconic Lovers’ Leap in St. Elizabeth, both destinations referenced in the lyrics, bringing an added level of authenticity and emotional connection, while celebrating the beauty and diversity of Jamaica.

Built around the infectious refrain, “Come Feel The Love,” the record embodies Jamaica as more than a destination – it is a feeling rooted in family, music, community, and connection.

Celebrating Home.

“Come Feel The Love” marks Morgan Heritage’s first newly recorded release since the ascension of one of its founding members, Peetah Morgan, opening a new chapter for one of reggae’s most celebrated groups while honoring the legacy he helped build. The single reflects the band’s enduring commitment to carrying its message of unity, love, and cultural pride to audiences around the world.

Jamaica has given us so much, our identity, our music, our culture, and our purpose,” said Gramps Morgan. “This song celebrates everything we love about home and invites the world to experience the same warmth and inspiration that continues to shape who we are.”

Mojo Morgan added, “Reggae has always connected people across cultures and generations. ‘Come Feel The Love’ reminds us that Jamaica’s greatest gift isn’t just its beauty, it’s the love, unity, and positive spirit that people feel the moment they arrive.”

The record seamlessly blends Morgan Heritage’s signature harmonies with Stephen Marley’s timeless production, creating a contemporary roots,reggae anthem that honors Jamaica’s traditions while introducing its story to a new generation of listeners.

As one of reggae’s most celebrated families, Morgan Heritage has spent decades carrying Jamaican music to audiences around the world, earning a Grammy Award and building a legacy of socially conscious, spiritually uplifting recordings. Their collaboration with Stephen Marley, one of reggae’s most accomplished artists and producers, brings together two of Jamaica’s most influential musical legacies in a powerful celebration of the island, its people, and its culture.

More than the release of a new single, “Come Feel The Love” represents the beginning of Morgan Heritage’s next chapter, one rooted in the same values that have defined the band for generations while embracing a renewed purpose. As they honor Peetah Morgan’s enduring legacy, the group continues its mission of celebrating Jamaica through music and spreading love, unity, hope, and positivity to audiences around the world.

“Come Feel the Love” is available now on all major digital streaming platforms.

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