Organizers of the annual Redemption Concert in Trinidad and Tobago say the time is ripe for consciousness to take centre stage. The carnival festival now a memory in the minds and hearts of revelers, anticipation is high after news emerged on February 10th that come May 6th, Buju Banton would be headlining the biggest concert event of the year in Trinidad and Tobago.
“This is a statement event. As leaders in entertainment, we acknowledge the role we play in influencing change in our communities. We know the role music plays in delivering messages. Ideally, Tropix Entertainment is steadfast in ensuring that the artistes booked for our events are conscious and positive,” said a member of the promotional outfit.
In this, its eighth year, Redemption has garnered strong support from the Guinness brand, something organizers say, will aid all efforts to influence positive change in Trinidad and Tobago, through music and the big stage. “From our pre-event promotional campaign to our efforts to positively influence the minds of our people on show night, the underlying theme of ‘the meaning of life,’ will be the focus throughout. We want our society to truly understand how important purpose is, now more than ever,” said the organizer.
Buju Banton, a mammoth stage performer and not to mention, a singular musical force who’s range and catalogue is as varied as it is meaningful, is excited to return to T&T. In a social media post on Valentine’s Day, the ‘Buried Alive’ singer shared the Redemption artwork with the caption, “Trinidad! Got to be there!” That single post triggered over 300 fan responses, with many excitedly affirming their intent to be present at the May 6th concert in Port-of-Spain.
Luciano returns by public demand.
“We’ve once again committed to bringing Jah MessenJah, Luciano, to the big stage in Trinidad. Not only is Luciano an amazing reggae superstar, but he contributes meaningfully through music, delivering the right message for the times that we’re facing as a country. This is an integral part of our decision making, when we book artistes for Redemption,” said the organizer. Beres Hammond, a master of reggae love rockers will be the icing on the cake come May 6th. Beres has never failed to bridge the gap between conscious love and romantic love, showing both men and women the importance of relationship, intimacy and appreciation for each other.
Beres Hammond with Buju Banton.
The event is billed as one for the books this year. Already, social media is abuzz. Its pages @RedemptionTheConcert both on Facebook and Instagram have been inundated with comments and eager responses to advertising. “We are happy to be able to give the people of our country an annual event that has never wavered from its original intention. We maintain that music is a language that can heal, change minds and improve situations. Bringing Buju Banton, Beres Hammond and Luciano in this space, at this time, is the absolute right thing to do.”
Past Redemption concerts have featured artistes like Sizzla Kalonji, Anthony B, Jah Cure, Tarrus Riley, Christopher Martin, Richie Spice, Romain Virgo and Maxi Priest, among others.
Urban Christian artiste JrDynamite is making a bold declaration of faith with the release of his latest single, “Big and Bold”, a powerful anthem encouraging believers to stand confidently for Christ in an increasingly challenging world.
Recorded on the legendary Hill & Gully Riddim, produced by renowned Jamaican producer Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, the track fuses infectious Caribbean rhythms with a fearless message of conviction, purpose, and unwavering faith.
“Big and Bold” challenges listeners to reject fear, compromise, and silence, while embracing their God-given identity and calling. Through energetic delivery, commanding lyrics, and a memorable hook, JrDynamite reminds believers that faith was never meant to be hidden.
“This song is about being unashamed of who you are in Christ,” says JrDynamite. “In a world where people are constantly pressured to fit in, I wanted to create a song that encourages believers to stand out, stand firm, and represent Jesus with confidence.”
The release arrives at a time when many Christians are navigating cultural pressures and societal expectations. “Big and Bold” serves as both a rallying cry and a source of encouragement, reminding listeners that bold faith can inspire transformation in others.
Known for blending authentic Caribbean sounds with impactful gospel messages, JrDynamite continues to carve out a unique space within the gospel and dancehall landscape. His growing catalogue has consistently showcased his lyrical versatility, energetic performances, and commitment to spreading the Gospel through music.
With the backing of the iconic Hill & Gully Riddim and a message that resonates far beyond the dancefloor, “Big and Bold” is poised to become another standout addition to JrDynamite’s growing catalogue of faith-driven anthems.
With less than a month to go before Kanvas Koncert: Unplugged returns to Sound Forge, Trinidad and Tobago rising sensation, Coutain is giving audiences their first taste of what’s to come with the release of his latest single, Suga Dumplin.
Created alongside producer and longtime collaborator Michael “Tano” Montano, the track explores vulnerability, love and surrender, while offering a glimpse into the evolving sound behind Coutain’s most intimate live experience to date.
Denzil Coutain, professionally known as Coutain.
Coming out of the 2026 Carnival season, Coutain found himself wrestling with writer’s block. After stepping away to reset and recharge, he eventually reconnected with Montano. It was during those early sessions that the foundations of Suga Dumplin began to take shape — a record that explores vulnerability, love and what it takes to make a “badman” fall in love.
Over the years, the two artists have developed a collaborative process rooted in trust, honesty and respect. “We have a natural chemistry,” said Coutain. “When we are creating, we know when a song just isn’t there yet. We leave ego at the door, accept constructive criticism and keep refining until it feels right. We know that if we don’t like it, the people won’t like it either.”
Taking Calypso Forward
Producer Michael “Tano” Montano sees Suga Dumplin as part of a broader effort to carry the spirit of Calypso into a new era, drawing on the music they grew up listening to while making it resonate with younger audiences. “I feel like I’ve been hearing those songs my whole life,” said Montano. “We know what those songs can do and what they’ve done. The task now is making them relatable to younger people in a tasteful way.”
Coutain agrees. “The sound that is being produced now is only an evolution of what has already been heard,” he explained. “This sound is modern yet holds the soul of the old. This sound is new. This sound is what will make people not only fall in love, but dance again.”
That same artistic philosophy will shape Kanvas Koncert: Unplugged, which returns to Sound Forge on Sunday June 28 from 4:00 p.m. Now in its fourth staging following three consecutive sold-out editions, Kanvas has built a reputation for bringing people closer to the music through live performance, storytelling and connection. This year’s show will also feature a lineup of local and regional artists, with additional acts set to be revealed in the lead-up to the event.
Stripped -Back.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the Unplugged theme, Coutain said he has become increasingly drawn to stripped-back performances and reconnecting with the music in a deeper way.“I feel like we don’t always take the time to appreciate the finer details that really make up life. Sometimes less is more and sometimes subtlety speaks volumes,” he said. “This show is about growth, not just within me and my team, but hopefully within the Kommunity as well. After leaving Sound Forge, you should feel like you’ve just attended a family function, connected through music, energy and love.”
Tickets for Kanvas are available via Island E-Tickets.com and at select outlets nationwide, including King Strip Restaurant and New Image Barber Shop (East); 5AM Coffee Shop and The Lost Tribe (West); DFlare Fashions and Lazy Lizard Lounge (Central); Lash’d by Lys and Immersive Tech (South); and Oogy Wawa (Tobago).
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