One part of the newly crowned St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soca Monarch, Skinny Fabulous, says he’s extremely happy to have returned to the Soca Monarch stage after six years. Answering the call of the people, Skinny, in a move even he hadn’t planned, recently gave the people of SVG, and those visiting for the island’s carnival, a show that will live on in history, for many years to come.
Fireman Hooper holds the title with Skinny Fabulous this year.
Together with Fireman Hooper – his Soca Monarch rival in years gone by, Skinny Fabulous ignited the stage on show night, delivering a song called “Erupt,” – a call to action that the people excitedly accepted. “When the song was released, there was no intention to enter the Soca Monarch competition,” said the artiste. Collaborating with Fireman Hooper was something no one expected, but for Skinny, there was no reason for him not to. “This was something outstanding to the people because over the years, when I was a part of the competition, we were rivals, but outside of the competition, there really was no rivalry,” he explained. It had been six years since Skinny Fabulous had mounted St. Vincent’s Soca Monarch Stage. “This song started off as a contribution to the carnival but when the people began calling for it in the competition, in an effort to bring back the interest to the competition, we entered.”
The costume used by Skinny on the night of SVG’s Soca Monarch 2025.
Over the years, attendance to this major carnival event had dwindled. This year however, the excitement was unparalleled. “This collaboration represented growth. In terms of the competition, I believe any song can be a Soca Monarch song but it all comes down to the competition night; the competition is really won on that night,” he said.
Over the years, Skinny Fabulous, through intentional effort, has created a winning formula for himself. “Some people go in being a crowd favourite, but it doesn’t always translate to a win. I like to grab your attention quick, and keep it visually, and of course, with the music. I put a lot of emphasis on singing the song exactly as it was recorded,” he explained.
In the aftermath of the win, he says he is not sure he’ll defend the title in 2026 but he’s happy that together with Fireman Hooper, he was able to bring that energy to the people of his homeland. Now a household name when it comes to Soca music, Skinny is focused on delivering something fresh as another carnival year approaches. “I’m taking one month off and from August I’ll head back into the studio to start work for 2026. I want to focus on a different presentation of self. I want to slow down and broaden how I represent myself. I’m working on some tracks that will be different,” he highlighted, noting that while he has mastered the art of effectively capturing massive crowds with his baritone vocals and musical aggression, he now wants to master other elements of musical delivery.
Dancehall artiste Popcorn has released an album rooted in gratitude and grounded in real-life experiences, he says. The artiste says, “Nothing Without God ” showcases his evolution.
Originally completed and scheduled for release prior to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the artiste’s latest catalogue of work is created with a message of strength, faith, and restoration and now stands as a powerful reflection of resilience, one that may serve as a source of hope and inspiration for many in current times.
More than a collection of songs, ‘Nothing Without God’ hears Popcaan blend gratitude, reflection, and perseverance, offering both comfort and motivation to his fans around the world.
“This project comes from a real place — from loss, from learning, and from faith,” said Popcaan. “We’ve all been through so much, and I just want people to remember that no matter how rough it gets, God never leave us. He carry we through the storm every time.”
The 14-track album features collaborations that highlight unity, purpose, and inner peace. Lead singles “Immortal Life” and “Nothing Without God” set the tone celebrating divine protection and the power of gratitude, while songs like “Family First” (featuring Natebadz) and “Kick It Wid
A Timely Soundtrack for Healing and Hope
As the island of Jamaica rebuilds and communities unite to recover from the storm, Popcaan’s ‘Nothing Without God’ serves as a soundtrack for healing. It’s a testament to resilience and a reminder that with every test comes testimony, and through every storm comes new growth.
“It’s not just about me or music,” Popcaan explained. “It’s about the people, the country, and remembering that we’re still blessed. Jamaica strong, and God still deh yah.”
Trinidad and Tobago’s Greatest Show on Earth has, for years, been a tourist attraction. With 100 days to go before the two-day street parade in Port-of-Spain, the excitement is steadily building and with momentum, the National Carnival Commission is moving full speed ahead.
Traditional carnival characters will be out in full costume on Friday at the Brian Lara Promenade.
Carnival 2026 will be publicly launched at the Brian Lara Promenade on Friday, November 7th. The NCC, in a media release said the spectacle will begin at 9am and go through the day, transforming the city’s hub into an active thoroughfare featuring all things T&T carnival. Th event will feature traditional Carnival characters, informative workshops and exhibitions, a mini concert from reigning Panorama champions, Republic Bank Exodus Steel Orchestra, and much more. “In bringing Carnival to the city, we’re hoping to bring people to the city to come out and show their support for the culture, for the NCC, the Special Interest Groups, the vendors and small business community, and the Regional Carnivals because we’re all part of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival,” said NCC Chairman, Peter Kanhai.
TEACHING THE YOUTH ABOUT CARNIVAL
This year, the NCC will introduce something they’re calling, “The Children’s Zone,” where school children and their parents and guardians will be able to experience a distinct youth-oriented energy to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival. The zone will feature cultural exhibitions, displays, giveaways and more, even offering youths the opportunity to pen a ‘Love Letter to Carnival.’ “School children would be invited to write what it is they love about Trinidad and Tobago Carnival for a mural that will be displayed at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah for Carnival next year,” the press release explained.
At 4pm, a concert will engage the public with performances by Swappi, Terri Lyons, Orlando Octave, Ravi B, Drupatee, Shal Marshall, Erphaan Alves and other featured cultural acts.
Back in August, at the corporate launch of Carnival, Minister of Culture, the Arts and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, shared her ministry’s vision for carnival.
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