Humps, bumps and meandering bends are a norm along the way in any artist’s journey to success. For Chaguanas, Trinidad native, Kevin Allan, music and entertainment has taken on varied perspectives over the years and now as he continues to pivot from his former alias, Vetta, and the vibe that accompanied that sobriquet, he’s masterfully channeling his gift to serve good purpose in his life, and the lives of others.
Popularly known in Trinidad and Tobago as the guy who delivered the track, “Rollin’ in A Foreign Used,” – a Hip Hop fusion of rhythmic verses and catchy lyrics, Allan has been a part of the Caribbean’s music industry since 2000. Now, years later, transformed by what he explains as an awakening, following a hiatus from the music scene, and the exploration of other equally rewarding areas of entertainment, Allan returns with a brand new Power Soca track that pays tribute to none other than Ken Marlon Charles- KMC.
Explaining that his relationship with the ‘Carnival Story,’ singer dates back 20 years, after he’d flagged down the Soca hit maker’s car in a random move, Allan says he has never one day regretted it. “I was in Central and I saw him passing in his car. I flagged him down and he stopped. I saw my opportunity to tell him who I was and what my ambitions were, and I took it,” he said, explaining that quite unexpectedly, KMC took his telephone number. “I said to him, “you are KMC. You not going to call me,” he recalled with a laugh. The next day, KMC proved Allan wrong and since that time, Allan’s respect for Charles has only grown.
Allan believes KMC deserves immense credit for his contribution to the Soca industry. The idea to honor him in song came during the pandemic when, among a small circle of friends, Allan began playing KMC’s music. “My friends were all saying how great it felt to hear those songs and how long they hadn’t heard them,” he said. “The idea then came to me. In that moment I said, ‘somebody should pay tribute to KMC.”
It took a bit of introspection and deep consideration by Allan before he began penning the track. “I went to Ken and asked him what he thought about my idea. He was flattered I think, but he asked me to do it properly,” explained the artist. Sometime later, having teamed up with Romol ‘Request’ Rajnath to produce the single, Allan went back to KMC to get his approval on the completed song. “As long as he liked it, I didn’t care about anything else,” said Allan, revealing that KMC did in fact like the single.
Now, even with no idea as to whether Trinidad and Tobago will in fact celebrate the festival that is carnival in any way this year, Allan says the purpose of this high energy expression and vibe, is tributary and as such, carnival or not, the track has its place and role. “I don’t think we should wait until a person has passed away and is no longer with us, to honor them and thank them for what they’ve contributed. KMC is one of the very few artistes in Trinidad and Tobago who has helped young, up and coming artistes in the business and that in itself, is something to thank him for. Not many others do that,” said Allan.
Known for his ability to get the message out clearly, having in the past, masterfully documented and aired the disservice meted out to T&T’s artistes outside of the Soca genre, there is no question that this song will reach people near and far. Allan’s documentary series, ‘After The Mas’, developed back in 2017, proved his passionate and relentless spirit when it comes to getting his point across.
“Nobody’s really doing Power Soca that much anymore. Artistes are singing a lot of groovy songs. I wanted to take it back – give KMC his flowers so this tribute to Ken is high energy, big vibes, and pure fire, for a man who gave us anthems we’ll have for a lifetime and more.”
Well known event promoter, Glenroy Watson, has passed away. He died of natural causes on April 1st, in Port -of- Spain, Trinidad.
Watson’s legacy in the event landscape in Trinidad and Tobago stands as one rooted in the philosophy of delivering value to patrons, something that was the benchmark of every ‘I Am Legend’ concert in T&T and certainly countless other events hosted across the region and internationally.
Hands on and meticulous in his approach, Watson prided himself as a no nonsense promoter.
Most recently, in the aftermath of Carnival 2026, he hosted the Majah Hype comedy show, ‘Majah Issues’, at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts, in Trinidad and was preparing for a major concert event in Trinidad, at the time of his passing.
At this time, the bereaved extends gratitude to well- wishers and asks for privacy and understanding as preparations for Watson’s home-going ceremony get underway.
All further details will be relayed at a later time.
“If this sharing that I’m doing touches anyone, I’m truly grateful. None of us are perfect. Some days you’ll feel good, some days you won’t, but it’s all part of the journey. Sometimes what you’re looking for is right on the horizon, and the moment you give up, you miss it. If my testimony makes anyone feel something, then my work here is done.” – DESTRA GARCIA
Trinidad and Tobago received a musical showcase of spiritual awakening yet again this past Saturday, at Destra’s ‘Reflections: Sound. Spirit. Surrender.” The event took place at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s and proved to be a truly inspiring and uplifting musical experience.
From the onset, the show set a standard that fans of good music with powerful lyrics, would rave about for weeks. David Rudder – a cultural icon of Calypso music out of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed the audience as he hit the stage first delivering the very fitting, ‘High Mas.’ It was a powerful blessing no doubt – something that would lead into a seamless spiritual production. He was subsequently joined on stage by Destra, something that created a full-circle moment that drew immediate emotion from the audience.
Destra with King David Michael Rudder.
Known for her unmistakeable vocal ability, Destra took her audience on a carefully curated musical journey, opening her set with Free Again before transitioning into slowed-down, soul-stirring renditions of some of her most beloved songs, including Love Somebody and Fly and with each performance, she revealed a different layer of her artistry, offering vulnerability, reflection, and strength.
One of the night’s most touching highlights came as Garcia shared the stage with her daughter, Xaiya, for a heartfelt duet of The Prayer. Beginning at the piano, Xaiya gently set the tone before joining her mother in song, creating an intimate moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
Destra’s daughter, Xaiya on the piano.
The production, which was creatively directed by Zara Bartels and Isoke Edwards, also showcased the incredible talent of father and son pan duo Martin and De’jean Cain as well as the Maria Regina Grade School and St. Joseph’s Convent Port- of- Spain choirs, whose vibrant and polished performances brought a refreshing, youthful energy to the stage. Gospel artiste, Nisa joined Garcia for a powerful duet of Bridge Over Troubled Water. She also performed her original composition Make Me Over, adding another layer of spiritual depth to the evening.
As the show built toward its finale, Garcia delivered a commanding rendition of Ella Andall’s Bring Down the Power, followed by classic hymns including A Little More Oil in My Lamp. This climactic segment was elevated by the presence of traditional belle dancers and African drummers, creating a rich, cultural fusion that brought the audience to its feet. Beyond the performances, the overall production, brought to life through Bridgette Wilson’s choreography and Atiba Borde’s costuming, stood out for its seamless execution, immersive ambience, and thoughtful storytelling, reinforcing Reflections as more than just a concert, but a transformative experience.
Reflections certainly delivered a powerful blend of music, filled with deep messages and meaning. In what is a very spiritual season, Destra, through the delivery of ‘Reflections,’ has carved out a space for inspiration and connection within Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape – something that many would agree, is a necessity more than an option.
error: This content is protected. if you wish to use this content in anyway please contact us.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.