Caribbean Buzz
Grenada’s Sabrina Francis On Her Way to T&T. Artiste Feels A Vibe With Freetown Collective.
Undeniably authentic and superbly talented, a sister of the Caribbean region, is set to island-hop between her homeland, Grenada and over to nearby, Trinidad and Tobago, for what she promises will be a musical experience to remember.
Sabrina Francis sings a melodic fusion of Afro-Caribbean pop, but according to the young performer, the pop is hardly noticeable. In what will be her second visit to Trinidad on September 14th, Sabrina will share her mesmerizing energy with music lovers at Kafe Blue in Port -of- Spain, and as she explained, the show is part of the foundation being laid, for eventual sonic experiences that will ultimately knock the socks off true fans of music and melody.
In Grenada, Francis hosts mountain side shows. “I have been focused on my show, ‘Meet Me at the Mango Tree,’ which is truly a different experience. There’s a shed with a tree in the middle of it and when guests arrive, I give them headphones. They walk a red carpet, sit, and I tell them a story using sounds and songs for one hour and thirty minutes,” she explained, adding, “It’s a very special and unique experience.”
Her execution of events like Meet Me at the Mango Tree, Sunset Sessions and The Wide-Open concert in Grenada, are preparing her for major regionwide showcases. For now, however, Sabrina says she is wetting her feet, getting to know her neighbours better and introducing them to her sound and style. “This past year has been a year of live music. I would like the next year to be a year of collaboration. I want to meet with artistes and producers when I come to Trinidad, to chat and see what the possibilities are because I believe that collaboration in the creative space is just a really great thing for building relationships and creating something new and magical.”
Excited about the release of a brand new single, set for month’s end, Francis said she will deliver the song to her audience at Kafe Blue in Trinidad. “The song is called, ‘Don’t Waste My Time,’ and we recently wrapped the video for it,” she shared, highlighting that her goal for music, as an artiste in these times is simply to deliver sustainable artistry. “With the state of the music industry globally, my goal is to make my music sustainable, so that in 15 years, I could still host a concert and the followers that I’m engaging now will want to come out and enjoy the music for the nostalgia. I want to be an original name and eventually an international name, where possible. I will push for it and do what needs to be done,” said Francis.
Humble and grounded, the artiste who is certainly growing in popularity outside of the Caribbean region as well, said she hopes to one day collaborate with T&T’s Freetown Collective. “I opened for them at a show I did in the UK. I also went to one of their tiny spaces concerts in Trinidad and it reminded me of my Sunset Sessions that I do in Grenada. I really think we’d be aligned musically.”
Though atypical when compared to the artistes on the traditional Caribbean music circuit, and even at home in Grenada, Sabrina Francis’ sound is pronounced and undeniably rich. “The support at home has been steady and warm. People really wish me well and I feel like I’m getting more and more recognized. People are meeting and greeting me at the supermarket so I always have to dress well when I’m leaving the house now,” she laughed.
Fellow Grenadian artistes Mr. Killa, Dash, Terror de Governor and others have also thrown tremendous support behind her, over the years. “They’re always willing to come through for their girl and I appreciate that immensely,” she said.
Tickets for her T&T showcase on September 14th, are available online at www.sabrinafrancis.com. She says tickets will also be available at the door and she anticipates seeing music lovers come out to experience an unforgettable show. “I’ll be sharing music and magic. I can’t wait to see everyone.”
Caribbean Buzz
Kerlz Goes Independent Ahead of T&T’s C2K26.
Trinidad and Tobago female soca artiste, Kerlz is going solo. The entertainer has announced her departure from the A Team Band, via media release. A 13-year-journey with the band’s front-line has been dubbed, ‘an amazing run’ by the entertainer who says she is grateful for the experience and the foundation built over the years.
Having recently unleashed a new single called, ‘Medicine’ on D’ Guitarman Riddim alongside fellow soca artistes, Ding Dong and Salty, Kerlz, whose real name is Kerlene Joseph, says she is excited to enter this new chapter. “I extend my deepest and most sincere thanks to the A Team Band for the incredible opportunity and the platform they provided me over the past 13 years,” she said, adding, “The journey has been formative and I will always cherish the music we created and the stages we shared together. I wish the entire A Team family nothing but the very best in all their future endeavours.”
Memories made and cherished, the singer now has her heart set on maximizing the potential of her recent release, which is already gaining ground as the 2026 season comes into focus. With a powerful voice and a dynamic stage presence, Kerlz says she is ready to captivate audiences as a solo performer.
Caribbean Buzz
Young, Coryn Clarke Hosts ‘Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival,’ This Sunday.
Children’s literature takes center stage in St.Kitts this Sunday, young, Caribbean author, Coryn Anaya Clarke hosts the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival.
This landmark event, created by the young author and literacy advocate, will gather children, families, educators, and authors under the theme: “The Power of Us: Stories by Us, For Us.”The festival is proudly supported by First Federal Co-operative Credit Union as its official title sponsor. This partnership underscores the institution’s commitment to youth empowerment, community development, and literacy.
Executive Leader Member Services, Mrs. Sonja Fyfield-Hazel, shared her enthusiasm for the festival, saying, “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mandate to empower youth by showing them that true financial wealth is built on consistent habits formed from an early age. Our goal is to encourage children to develop smart money practices that lay the foundation for lifelong success. A festival that brings together children and parents in a fun yet educational environment creates the ideal launchpad for raising financially confident, and successful individuals.”
This year’s festival will feature dynamic voices from across the Caribbean, including celebrated Guyanese-Canadian author Yolanda T. Marshall and Grenadian author Alyssa Bierzynski.“Earlier this year, I set a goal for myself to share my book, Good Boy Milo, with children across the region,” said Bierzynski. “I am truly excited that it is happening and to be part of the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival. Book festivals, like this one, are celebrations of storytelling and play an important role in promoting literacy and encouraging a love of books and reading among children, especially in this digital era. This will also be my first visit to St. Kitts, so I am looking forward to meeting all the young, and young at heart, readers,” she added.
Marshall, whose work has been recognized internationally for its cultural richness and authentic storytelling, noted the importance of amplifying diverse narratives. “I’m so excited to be reading, hearing stories from other authors, meeting everyone, and most of all performing alongside Coryn at the Chronicles of Coryn: Children’s Book Festival. We will dance, sing, play Soca, and have a literary fete. Be prepared to hear my stories like C is for Carnival. Bring your rags, bring your flags, and get ready to wave,” she said enthusiastically.
The one-day celebration will feature live readings and author meet-and-greets with Coryn, Yolanda, Alyssa, and other guest authors, in addition to cultural performances and interactive displays showcasing the vibrancy of the Caribbean. There will also be book signings, giveaways, and family activities designed to make reading fun and engaging.
Fresh off her success at CARIFESTA XV in Barbados, the young prodigy is now counting down to the first staging of her event in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Her standout participation at the regional cultural showcase not only highlighted her growing talent as an author but also positioned her as a vibrant ambassador for Saint Kitts and Nevis. With her storytelling, charm and natural confidence, Coryn captivated audiences.
“Stories have a special kind of magic, they can make you dream, laugh, and even see yourself in new ways. I’m super excited to share that magic at the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival and to show other children in Saint Kitts and Nevis that their voices and stories matter too. Having our guest authors from Guyana and Grenada is BIG deal, I hope all of you come on out to hear everything they have to say. It’ll be fun, I promise!” said the youngster.
