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
Trinidad and Tobago, First to Host Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, This September.
After three celebrated years at Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre, the Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) expands beyond the awards stage with the launch of the inaugural Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, a destination celebration taking place September 18-20, 2026, in Trinidad & Tobago.
This year’s celebration unfolds under the theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, honoring the rhythms, voices, and cultural traditions that have shaped generations and continue to influence music around the world.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
The Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, marking a milestone moment as the celebration expands into the Caribbean region for the first time.
The Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will transform CMA from a single-night awards ceremony into a multi-day celebration bringing together artists, fans, industry professionals, creators, tastemakers, media, and cultural leaders from across the Caribbean and around the world.
What’s In Store
The Elite Weekend Experience will feature a series of events celebrating music, culture, and community throughout the destination. Festivities will include an exclusive Welcome Reception, pre-show experiences, the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, the official after-party, a special steelpan concert presented by Stars and Steel, and additional programming designed to celebrate Trinidad & Tobago’s cultural influence. Additional programming, partnerships, performers, presenters, and special announcements will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The move to Trinidad & Tobago marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Caribbean Music Awards, while honoring the city where it all began. New York was the ideal birthplace for the Awards, home to one of the world’s largest and most influential Caribbean diaspora communities. It was there that the Caribbean Music Awards established its identity, built its audience, and proved there was a global appetite for a world-class celebration dedicated solely to Caribbean music and culture.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
Over the past three years, Brooklyn’s iconic Kings Theatre became more than just the home of the Caribbean Music Awards. It became the launchpad for a movement that united artists, industry leaders, fans, and cultures from across the Caribbean and beyond, under one roof. The energy, ambition, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless hustle that define New York City helped shape the DNA of the Caribbean Music Awards, and that spirit will remain embedded in the brand no matter where it travels.
Now, with a strong foundation established, the Caribbean Music Awards begins the next phase of its evolution by bringing the celebration directly to the Caribbean. As the inaugural host destination for the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, Trinidad & Tobago sets the stage for a long-term vision that will see the Awards partner with tourism boards and host destinations to spotlight a different Caribbean nation in future years. By rotating throughout the region, the Caribbean Music Awards aims to celebrate each destination’s unique culture, support tourism, create economic impact, and further strengthen the Caribbean’s creative economy while continuing to unite the global diaspora through music.
Majah Hype Returns, This Time With Nailah.
Bringing even more excitement to this year’s celebration, internationally celebrated Caribbean artiste, Nailah Blackman and acclaimed comedian, entertainer, and cultural personality Majah Hype will host the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, bringing their unique energy, charisma, and deep connection to Caribbean culture to the stage.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
For Majah Hype, the 2026 ceremony marks his fourth consecutive year hosting the Caribbean Music Awards, making him one of the longest-standing personalities connected to the celebration. Having witnessed the Awards grow from its early years at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre into a global platform for Caribbean excellence, Majah continues to bring the humor, passion, and cultural pride that have made him one of the Caribbean diaspora’s most beloved entertainers.
“Four years hosting the Caribbean Music Awards? Mi feel like dem haffi give me my own seat at this point!” said Majah Hype. “But seriously, being part of this journey from day one has been a blessing. I’ve watched this celebration grow, seen the incredible talent come through, and witnessed how much this moment means to our people. To see it expand from Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre to Trinidad & Tobago is something special. Caribbean culture is powerful, the talent is endless, and mi ready fi celebrate everybody who continues to carry our music and our culture to the world.”
For Nailah Blackman, this year’s ceremony represents a new chapter in her relationship with the Caribbean Music Awards. Having experienced the event as an attendee, performer, nominee, and winner, Nailah now steps into the role of host while continuing to be recognized as one of the leading voices in Caribbean music.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
“The Caribbean Music Awards has been a special part of my journey,” said Nailah Blackman. “I’ve experienced this celebration as a fan, as a performer, as a nominee, and as a winner, and now being able to step into the role of host is truly an honor. To do it in Trinidad, surrounded by our people and our culture, makes this moment even more meaningful. I’m excited to celebrate the incredible artists who continue to push Caribbean music forward.”
Since launching in 2023, the Caribbean Music Awards has grown into one of the premier platforms celebrating Caribbean musical excellence, honoring artists across Dancehall, Reggae, Soca, Konpa, Chutney Soca, Zess, Dennery, Gospel, and emerging Caribbean genres. Last year’s ceremony marked a historic milestone with its BET broadcast debut, further expanding the Awards’ reach and strengthening its position as a leading global celebration of Caribbean music.
Following the announcement of more than 250 nominees across more than 40 categories earlier this year, anticipation continues to build toward what promises to be one of the biggest Caribbean Music Awards celebrations yet. This September, the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will bring together the sounds, stories, and cultures that have defined generations of Caribbean creativity, inviting audiences from around the world to experience this year’s theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, from the heart of one of the region’s most influential cultural destinations.
Caribbean Buzz
Terri Lyons Expands. Artiste Shows Immense Creativity on New RC Mas Monday Wear.
There’s no box to be held in. Terri Lyons is proving that as she moves into the Monday Wear market, partnering with RC Mas ahead of Carnival 2027.
The reigning Calypso Monarch Queen of Trinidad and Tobago and multiple time Queen of Queens, on Thursday, revealed her creative ability in the mas making sector, sharing her design, ‘Purple Paradise’ – a carefully created design that’s all hers.
The entertainer told Ebuzztt she had the idea and went to the masterful, Kinaji Couture, admitting that Kinaji is a force in the market. “She does a lot of bathing suits and prototypes for bands locally, regionally and further abroad. I knew she could do it and she did execute it perfectly. I just added the flowers,” said Lyons.
In 2027, RC Mas will bring Mystical Garden to life and with the band’s theme considered, Lyons’ floral embellishment makes it abundantly clear that her creativity is disciplined and mindful. She shared her process exclusively with Ebuzztt, highlighting the time taken to design with pen and paper before sharing with Kinaji who brought it all together seamlessly. “This was a lot of work. I sat and drew it all out and I stuck every flower and the diamond studs myself,” said Terri, before adding, “I ain’t doing that again,” with a laugh. The artiste said she’ll have extra hands on board to assist in future.
CHECK OUT HER PROCESS HERE
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