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Culture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.

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A move in line with government’s commitment to creating balance and encouraging expansion in T&T’s overall cultural experience; This is how the country’s Culture and Community Development Minister responded this afternoon to criticism meted out to government as word spread that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy would no longer be used as a fete venue.

Minister Michelle Benjamin, declaring her support for the Prime Minister said residents living in close proximity to the cricket academy, have voiced their concerns regarding the excessive sound levels generated by large scale events. Major carnival fetes have seen patron attendance exceeding 10,000 in recent years, according to promoters.

Soca artiste Lyrikal on stage at a fete during T&T’s Carnival 2025.

Opened in 2017, the Tarouba sporting facility is managed by the Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago. UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee, speaking on the issue with the Trinidad Express said events hosted outside of the stadium have led to wear and tear of the facility. He explained that annual costs for the overall maintenance of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, exceed $10million.

The Promoter’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago meanwhile, has condemned the move, saying, the government’s sudden ban on the use of UDeCOTT facilities for soca and other Carnival related events is destructive and short-sighted. Questioning the “real intent behind the move,” the association argues that the move is viewed as a top-down decision, made without consultation with the sector. Arguing that several promoters have already secured the venue ahead of Carnival 2026, the TTPA said, “For all those affected, tickets have been sold, venues advertised, and patrons have made travel and accommodation plans to align with confirmed events.” The organization is questioning how this move benefits the entire country.

Culture Minister Gives Reassurance

The Minister says T&T’s Carnival as a product will be expanded and enhanced.

In her statement, Minister Benjamin explained that citizens should view the decision as part of the government’s broader vision to not only expand carnival beyond its traditional footprint, but to ensure the wellbeing of all communities. “As part of the expansion of Carnival, we are not saying that we are stopping fetes. What we are doing is working to identify and promote more appropriate spaces that can enhance the experience, while reducing any negative impact that could possibly arise.”

The Minister said the ultimate aim is to ensure that carnival continues to thrive as a celebration of creativity, unity and national identity. She said Carnival must reflect the rhythm of T&T’s people while striking the right balance between culture, community and progress.

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Trinidad Killa Shares Prophecy with Fellow Artistes.

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There’s never a dull moment in Caribbean entertainment and we’ve got proof. Trinidad Killa has shared prophecy for the future and he’s calling on his fellow artistes on the music circuit to understand their worth.

The restauranteur and entertainer took a brief moment away from his TK Smokehouse duties to hop on an Instagram Livestream. In his prophesy, the TK, whose real name is Kern Joseph, said he predicts that by 2030 there will no more Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. “You know why? Artistes underselling (day-self). Artistes calling promoters and telling dem, put meh on yh show, put meh on yuh show, put meh on yuh show,” he expressed. The often controversial entertainer alleged that because of this, promoters are not paying artistes to appear on their shows.

He went on, “Carnival become a competition. Once a man have a Road March tune, he poppin’ up in fetes and poppin’ up on shows and performing for free,” he alleged, adding that annually, promoters in Carnival pay the same major artistes for live performances.

Trinidad Killa migrated to the United States some three years ago. He has however remained consistently vocal on the events taking place in his homeland. “Allyuh see what go on with Soca Monarch. There is no more Soca Monarch,” he said, going on to positively highlight this year’s Flava Village addition. “There is so much going on in the carnival. All I would like to say is, artistes, stop under-selling allyuh self and when allyuh learn the value of allyuh artistry, and allyuh stop sell allyuh self short, that is when the industry will start to move.”

Trinidad Killa ended his livestream with the words, “music is a mission, not a competition.”

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Christo Breaks The Glass Ceiling, Hits Toronto for Return Fete.

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A phenomenal Carnival 2026 season in Trinidad and Tobago has paved the way for South Oropuche Trinidad’s very own, Christo, increasing his talent value and making him one of the season’s sought after acts. The young entertainer’s ‘Doux Doux Darlin’ refrain has Caribbean people everywhere, singing along, and it’s likely to remain that way, well into the Summer of 2026.

Christo appeared in Toronto, Canada this past weekend, for Return Fete, Toronto. He was not alone. Fellow entertainers, Coutain, Skinny Fabulous, Full Blown and the vibes man himself, Voice, also shook the event, which was hosted at REBELToronto.

Christo (right) with Dr. Jay (centre) and Coutain (left).
📸: @jcrzy

Produced annually by well known Soca DJ, Dr. Jay, the event is touted as the best fete post T&T carnival each year.

In the aftermath of this year’s Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, Christo – a relatively new artiste to the soca spotlight, said the love he received this season was unmatched. He took to social media, writing, “To everyone who streamed the music, requested the songs on radio, shared the content, learned the lyrics, and sang every word back at the shows, I see you, and I appreciate you. The growth this Carnival was undeniable, and it happened because of YOU.”

The young artiste referred to Carnival 2026 as a defining chapter in his journey.

Christo x AdvoKit - Doux Doux Darlin (Official Music Video) | Soca 2026

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Grenada's Tallpree was on the road in T&T for Carnival 2026.

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