Caribbean Buzz
Ahead of C2K26, A Re-Imagined ‘Kalypso’ Sound and Style Launches This Sunday, in Trinidad.
A major cultural event, unlike anything delivered on this scale, is set to take place in North, Trinidad, on Sunday, September 7th. Kalypso – an event envisioned by ace producer, songwriter and musical visionary, Kitwana Israel, will bring the pomp and ceremony to the lush and tranquil, Pubelo El Pao Estate in Santa Cruz, this weekend.
“The time for us to claim our sound and officially register our brand is long overdue,” said Israel. “I am just doing my part to help us fulfill our collective destiny and I hope that the industry leaders and practitioners will follow and make their contributions in a timely fashion, so that we can represent as a collective force and a unified culture ready for industry,” he added.
The New Kalypso
The event will see the official launch of the soundscape for a re-imagined, modern version of Calypso. Israel and his team at Advokit Productions have worked over the years, meticulously crafting this re-imagined sound of Calypso- which, going forward, will spelt, Kalypso.
With its first recordings happening later in 1912 and 1914, Calypso music began as a way for slaves to passively resist their masters through song and music. Shared willingly up the archipelago and throughout the first world nations, this rapidly-evolving oral tradition was both infectious and compelling, and was quickly adopted and adapted in a variety of ways by numerous creatives across the Caribbean region and around the globe.
“When we trace the lineage from then to now, we can see clearly the influence that Calypso has had on the music industry,” Israel said, “but yet, the genre is nowhere to be found on the current charts, online or the DSPs and even here in its homeland, it has been neglected and sidelined for a good few decades, while its descendants have grown and matured and continue to dominate the soundscape.”
The Calypso music genre was among the earliest genres of music recorded in English in the Western Hemisphere. It pioneered and combined sophisticated rhyming patterns, narrative song structures and topical lyrics – all unique traits which distinguished it from contemporaneous genres like blues and vaudeville in the late nineteenth century. Calypso’s influence would later permeate global music, inspire and influence many genres and cultures: from reggae to soca to hip-hop and more.
Incorporating Fashion and Style
Apart from the sound of Kalypso, this event will also present the look, style and fashion image of Kalypso. The theme of the night is Black Dandyism, a statement that goes beyond a dress code and represents a visual celebration of identity and resistance. From its inception, Kalypso evolved through dance and came with a clear look and feel, not just a sound. The fashion showcase on Sunday will reflect this vision via a cast of some of the most respected designers in the nation/region.
Ecliff Elie is captivated by the theme and ready to push creative limits, while Christian Boucaud makes her long-awaited return to the runway with a brand new collection – her first since the pandemic. Ryan Chan, known for his bold creative energy, is also on the fashion forward cast and excited to bring his take on the Kalypso theme. Naballah Chi, fresh off her win at the First Citizens Banking in Style show, will also be featured, along with Aaron Moneer, who has been commanding runways from the Caribbean to Paris.
Dubbed “Kalypso – The Luxe Launch : A Cultural Renaissance in Black, Gold and Global Sound” and produced by ET&T Magazine, Overtime Media, Advokit Productions and Pixel Perfect Media, Kalypso, according to organisers will be more than the average fete, concert or fashion show. “This is the launch of a bold, new sound designed to restore one of the first established genres of music to its former glory.” said Israel. “Rooted in Calypso, but evolved and updated for today’s global stage, this sound is built on rhythm, storytelling and reinvention. It gives Caribbean culture a new voice while honoring its roots…”
Tickets are limited and available from committee members, islandetickets.com and at all Cache stores nationwide.
Caribbean Buzz
Kerlz Goes Independent Ahead of T&T’s C2K26.
Trinidad and Tobago female soca artiste, Kerlz is going solo. The entertainer has announced her departure from the A Team Band, via media release. A 13-year-journey with the band’s front-line has been dubbed, ‘an amazing run’ by the entertainer who says she is grateful for the experience and the foundation built over the years.
Having recently unleashed a new single called, ‘Medicine’ on D’ Guitarman Riddim alongside fellow soca artistes, Ding Dong and Salty, Kerlz, whose real name is Kerlene Joseph, says she is excited to enter this new chapter. “I extend my deepest and most sincere thanks to the A Team Band for the incredible opportunity and the platform they provided me over the past 13 years,” she said, adding, “The journey has been formative and I will always cherish the music we created and the stages we shared together. I wish the entire A Team family nothing but the very best in all their future endeavours.”
Memories made and cherished, the singer now has her heart set on maximizing the potential of her recent release, which is already gaining ground as the 2026 season comes into focus. With a powerful voice and a dynamic stage presence, Kerlz says she is ready to captivate audiences as a solo performer.
Caribbean Buzz
Young, Coryn Clarke Hosts ‘Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival,’ This Sunday.
Children’s literature takes center stage in St.Kitts this Sunday, young, Caribbean author, Coryn Anaya Clarke hosts the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival.
This landmark event, created by the young author and literacy advocate, will gather children, families, educators, and authors under the theme: “The Power of Us: Stories by Us, For Us.”The festival is proudly supported by First Federal Co-operative Credit Union as its official title sponsor. This partnership underscores the institution’s commitment to youth empowerment, community development, and literacy.
Executive Leader Member Services, Mrs. Sonja Fyfield-Hazel, shared her enthusiasm for the festival, saying, “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mandate to empower youth by showing them that true financial wealth is built on consistent habits formed from an early age. Our goal is to encourage children to develop smart money practices that lay the foundation for lifelong success. A festival that brings together children and parents in a fun yet educational environment creates the ideal launchpad for raising financially confident, and successful individuals.”
This year’s festival will feature dynamic voices from across the Caribbean, including celebrated Guyanese-Canadian author Yolanda T. Marshall and Grenadian author Alyssa Bierzynski.“Earlier this year, I set a goal for myself to share my book, Good Boy Milo, with children across the region,” said Bierzynski. “I am truly excited that it is happening and to be part of the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival. Book festivals, like this one, are celebrations of storytelling and play an important role in promoting literacy and encouraging a love of books and reading among children, especially in this digital era. This will also be my first visit to St. Kitts, so I am looking forward to meeting all the young, and young at heart, readers,” she added.
Marshall, whose work has been recognized internationally for its cultural richness and authentic storytelling, noted the importance of amplifying diverse narratives. “I’m so excited to be reading, hearing stories from other authors, meeting everyone, and most of all performing alongside Coryn at the Chronicles of Coryn: Children’s Book Festival. We will dance, sing, play Soca, and have a literary fete. Be prepared to hear my stories like C is for Carnival. Bring your rags, bring your flags, and get ready to wave,” she said enthusiastically.
The one-day celebration will feature live readings and author meet-and-greets with Coryn, Yolanda, Alyssa, and other guest authors, in addition to cultural performances and interactive displays showcasing the vibrancy of the Caribbean. There will also be book signings, giveaways, and family activities designed to make reading fun and engaging.
Fresh off her success at CARIFESTA XV in Barbados, the young prodigy is now counting down to the first staging of her event in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Her standout participation at the regional cultural showcase not only highlighted her growing talent as an author but also positioned her as a vibrant ambassador for Saint Kitts and Nevis. With her storytelling, charm and natural confidence, Coryn captivated audiences.
“Stories have a special kind of magic, they can make you dream, laugh, and even see yourself in new ways. I’m super excited to share that magic at the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival and to show other children in Saint Kitts and Nevis that their voices and stories matter too. Having our guest authors from Guyana and Grenada is BIG deal, I hope all of you come on out to hear everything they have to say. It’ll be fun, I promise!” said the youngster.
