Unmistakably, he’s next in line to claim major space in the Soca music industry and he’s already got a title to his name. Sucre is Trinidad and Tobago’s Youth Soca Champion and as the year winds down, the Zig Boi Music Group artiste, is preparing for bigger outcomes in 2026.
Sucre holds the Soca Champions junior title.
A new song released with varied formats for consumption across demographics set to be unleashed soon, the work is being done by both the artiste and his team, to ensure success. “Even before he entered the Ultimate Soca Champions competition, Sucre had been involved in a steady development program,” explained Zig Boi Music Group CEO, Mr. Spine. Years in the music industry in Trinidad and Tobago, across the region and internationally, has afforded the music producer a vantage point that has proven extremely helpful.
Sucre, whose full name is Nkosi Sucre, has been under Spine’s guidance for the past two years and already, the partnership has proven successful. “The development programme with Sucre saw us expose him to events, take him into the studio and engage in networking, all while working on unreleased music, during the first year,” said Spine. He explained that in his second year with Zig Boi, Sucre enrolled with the band Traffic and was exposed to band life and the sonics in a band room environment. “Traffic is a legendary band, however the aim was to engage a younger audience and the decision was made to form the Evolution Band – a youth centred band that represents the younger demographic when it comes to music and entertainment.”
CEO of Zig Boi Music, Mr. Spine.
Spine recalls that the announcement of the Soca Champions competition was unexpected, lamenting the fact that for many youths, there had been no outlet for stage development in the Soca industry in T&T, since the International Soca Monarch competition. “It was a great place to have him test his ability and he went on to win the competition,” Spine said proudly. Sucre has since performed in St Maarten, opening for the Morgan Heritage Family, and now as he refocuses ahead of 2026, the 24-year-old says his aim is to continue to show youths that they can do it too. “Ten years ago, I made the decision to do music. I was 14-years-old and I showed evidence of having a natural talent for music. I went on to study music and I got onto the merit list at CAPE,” he said, revealing that his desire to hone his craft saw him go on to acquire a Music degree from the University of the West Indies.
The artiste, songwriter and producer has even been credited with a Road March win in Guyana, having worked with budding, female artiste, Omaiah Hall. “I see myself finding my sound in the medium to long term. I know I’m in my developmental stage and I’m a representation of the youth and the talent that youths have to offer. Eventually I want to provide a space for other young artistes and creatives. The aim is to create a community of people and have a new generation follow a new wave of Soca,” he declared.
The new single, ‘Gimme Wuk Darlin,’ is the second instalment to a love story started by the artiste, in 2025. The first single was called, ‘Hold on Darlin,’ and speaks to all women. When it comes to the new sound of soca music, Sucre says he believes youths must find their voice. “Times will change, perspectives on life will change. It’s a matter of finding a safe space to express yourself and just be yourself.”
Proud of his development thus far, the young Trinbago talent is looking ahead. He will re-enter the Soca Champions competition, this time competing against Blaka Dan and other artistes in the main competition. “I’m going to be looking out for Blaka Dan – the champion, but really and truly, I just want to be able to show people why I deserve that spot in the finals. I want to go out there and show my best,” he said. Plans to step foot into territories beyond the Caribbean in the year ahead, Sucre and the team at Zig Boi Music Group say they are utilizing their in-house facilities to better their product. “We’re always open to working with other people, as much as we have our in- house resources,” said Spine. Zig Boi Music commands a full-scale marketing and promotional facility, aiding artistes with graphic support, photography, video production, fashion, imaging and more. Spine said fans of good Soca music can look out for great things from Sucre, complemented by his team at Zig Boi Music, as the 2026 Carnival season comes into focus.
Ahead of its 11th annual voyage in November, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruiseshares its story through a new film. VIBE premiered All in the Same Boat, a documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Reshma B and produced by Boomshots TV that traces Marley and his manager Dan Dalton’s brainchild from a bold, outsider idea into one of the most culturally significant movements in reggae and dancehall today.
With over a decade’s worth of unforgettable moments pulled from the last 10 voyages, this 30+ minute documentary captures the spirit of a global reggae community built on shared identity, resilience, and reverence for Jamaican culture. It features iconic performances, real conversations with the artistes and DJs, and the heartbeat of it all: the “Jamrockers.” These are die-hard reggae lovers from over 40 countries who pull up every year for one reason – to feel that irreplaceable connection to Jamaican culture and keep the Marley message of “One Love” alive.
Having successfully navigated challenges including extreme weather and a global pandemic, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise continues to thrive. Its 11th staging will return for its annual voyage from November 11th to the 16th, sailing from Miami aboard Norwegian Joy.
Stacked from foundation to future, this year’s lineup brings together reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley (Traffic Jam Set), Burning Spear, Sizzla, Capleton, Beenie Man, Protoje, Barrington Levy, Elephant Man, Junior Reid, Lila Iké, Ding Dong & the Ravers Clavers, Tony Matterhorn “Man on the Moon”, Gyptian, 450, Richie Spice, Ghost, Mr. Lexx, Professor Nuts, L.U.S.T., Sister Carol, Sevana, Flourgon, Johnny P, and Jemere Morgan are confirmed.
The cruise’s famed Sound Clash at Sea will return alongside powerhouse sound systems including Stone Love (Geefus), King Jammy, Silverhawk Sound, Rory Stone Love, Renaissance Sound, Federation Sound, Warrior Sound, Rampage Sound, Kingston12 HiFi and Souljah1 Muzik, preserving a cornerstone of Jamaican music culture in its most authentic form.
Jamrock is a Premiere Reggae Event
The Jamrock experience has evolved into the premier reggae event at sea—one that continues to redefine how the culture is celebrated on a global stage. The five-day experience continues to immerse guests in the full spectrum of Jamaican life—from Nyabinghi sunrise sessions and sound bath meditations to dancehall workshops, fitness programming, and curated culinary offerings led by acclaimed Chef Lumley. A new addition this year includes a live theatrical production by legendary playwright Oliver Samuels, adding yet another layer to the cruise’s ever-expanding cultural canvas.
Beenie Man will be on the cruise in November.
Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the cruise will return to Jamaica with renewed purpose, maintaining its distinction as the only chartered cruise with two Jamaican port stops. That commitment translates into tangible impact, generating millions annually for the island’s tourism and cultural economy while reinforcing a direct connection between the music, the people, and the place that birthed it.
As All in the Same Boat makes clear, Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is a movement with its own rhythm, one that continues to bring the diaspora home, while inviting the world in. Since its inception in 2014, the mission remains the same: to create a space where reggae lives, breathes, and connects us all.
The documentary made its debut during the 10th annual cruise and later screened at Art Basel in support of hurricane relief efforts led by the Marley family’s Ghetto Youths Foundation. Damian Marley and Dan Dalton were executive producers of the film.
Jamaican dancehall artiste, Popcaan continues to bridge generations in music with the release of his powerful new single, ‘Born Fi Conquer.’ The track features veteran reggae singer, Junior Reid and was produced by Popcaan’s nephew, rising talent, Joel Engineer.
The track is a bold and inspiring anthem rooted in purpose and resilience, says the entertainer’s team. “From its opening moments, Born Fi Conquer delivers a strong message of self-worth and perseverance, reminding listeners that no matter their occupation or circumstance, they are deserving of greatness,” a media statement issued, reassured.
Anchored by the affirming refrain, “Born fi win, born fi conquer,” the single encourages individuals to step fully into their potential and live out their purpose unapologetically.
Popcaan continues to show his ability to seamlessly blend contemporary dancehall with timeless influences and on this collaboration he once again demonstrates his deep respect for the foundation of Jamaican music. His collaboration with the ‘One Blood’ legend, Junior Reid highlights a consistent pattern in his career; intentionally creating alongside legendary voices who helped shape the sound and Jamaican culture and the dancehall genre.
Junior Reid’s verse which adds depth and authenticity to the record, pays tribute to the hardworking people of Jamaica while reinforcing a message of upward mobility and hope. With lines centered on perseverance and progress, he reminds listeners that “the only way is up,” echoing the song’s overarching theme of triumph.
“Working with Junior Reid is a great honour for me. I have deep respect for the elders who paved the way and built this industry. Being able to create great music with them is a full circle moment,” said Poppy. The new single was produced by Joel Engineer and signals the emergence of a new generation of producers, blending fresh sonic direction with culturally rich storytelling.
‘Born Fi Conquer’ is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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