As Tobago Carnival looms, one artiste who wears the hat of DJ as well, is being singled out as an example of cultural ambassadors who seldom receive the love and support they tremendously deserve.

Trendsetter Goofy, a Soca artist and international DJ from Tobago. In 2025, he took a significant step forward with his first European tour, including an appearance at Munich Carnival in Germany, where he represented Tobago, alongside performances in Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. His international appearances also extended to Toronto and Miami. His efforts have gone by relatively unnoticed by the general public at home in T&T.

In a statement shared by Marion Nwankwo, she notes there is a strong will to change this sad reality. “They pay out of their own pockets. They sacrifice time with their families, take leave from their jobs, face financial setbacks and travel thousands of miles, all to share the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago with the world. Yet, too often, their stories go untold,” Marion says.

Noting that people like Trendsetter Goofy are “a different kind of cultural ambassador,” she says they are quietly making an impact. “These are the independent artistes and DJs who believe in their music so deeply that they are willing to invest their own hard-earned money, take personal risks and create opportunities for themselves when the industry does not open its doors for them,”she adds.

Trendsetter Goofy is Daren Phillips. This season, he released ‘Take Ah Drink’ on the Bumper Sticker Riddim. He followed that up with ‘This Is Life.’ Marion, in her statement said, “His story raises a question that deserves our attention. Why do we so often celebrate our culture on the world stage without giving enough recognition to the people who personally sacrifice so much to bring it there?”

Trendsetter Goofy, a Soca artist and international DJ from Tobago who is building his career through determination, personal investment and an unwavering commitment to his craft. His journey is a powerful example of the dedication required to represent his homeland internationally, often without the financial rewards or public recognition that such efforts deserve.

Last year, he took a significant step forward with his first European tour, including an appearance at Munich Carnival in Germany, where he represented Tobago, alongside performances in Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. His international appearances also extended to Toronto and Miami. “Behind these achievements were not only performances and travel, but also the realities of everyday life: arranging time away from work, making family commitments work, investing personal resources and dealing with opportunities that did not always go to plan,” shared Marion.

This heartfelt plea for consideration to the less publicly known creatives and cultural ambassadors comes as Tobago announces its first ever Road March competition on the island. It begs the question : Who are the Tobago artistes in the race and are the contenders all known to the public at large who will be in attendance at this year’s Carnival in Tobago?

In the wake of news on Wednesday, October 21st, that Caypsonian, Brother Valentino has passed away, Calypso Queen, Terri Lyons has expressed deep sadness, saying she feels an immense sense of loss for the Artform and for her country, Trinidad and Tobago.

Brother Valentino was 85 years old. He was born in Grenada but moved to Trinidad and Tobago at the age of 5. His repertoire of Calypso classics included, ‘Life Is A Stage,’ ‘Barking Dogs’ and ‘Birds That Fly.’

Lyons, in a statement issued said, as a two-time Calypso Monarch who carries the profound honor of making history within the Calypso arena, she is deeply aware of the weight the title holds. “The National Calypso Monarch represents the global body of our sacred artform – a legacy built entirely on the backs of the many soldiers, warriors, and pioneers who laid the foundation for my generation to stand on,”she said. The ‘Obeah’ singer said, “It feels as though we are losing our icons right before our very eyes, watching the living library of our heritage depart.”

Extending her condolences to Brother Valentino’s family, close friends and the entire Calypso fraternity, Lyons added, “We have lost another true giant of the Artform. While we mourn here on earth, we take comfort in knowing he has peacefully transitioned, earned his wings, and joined the great calypso tent in the sky. May his music, his legacy, and his spirit live on forever through us. Rest in eternal peace.”