As the energy surrounding the upcoming Tobago carnival increases, there’s a riddim that’s aiding in the acknowledgement of the smaller of the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Tobago is seriously buzzing these days.
On Saturday, an event called, ‘Bago Jam’ launched the Tobago Carnival experience. Calling on revelers and culture lovers to revel in Paradise, the event brought the energy of Soca to the fore, with performances by Iwer George, Farmer Nappy, The A Team Band, Leslie Ann Ellis, D’Ziah and the artistes of the Scarborough Riddim- Shurwayne Winchester, Kernal Roberts, Zan, Sekon Sta, Chingee and Adana.
AD: MIAMI CARNIVAL -OCT 1-9
The riddim, which was produced by Stems Production, Chinese Laundry and Rishi Mahato, is described as a party riddim, inspired and dedicated to Tobago. The artistes on the riddim have done tremendous justice to it, with Kernal injecting the refrain, ‘Outside Nice,’ Sekon Sta pushing hard with ‘One Jam’, Chingee beckoning, ‘Come Nah’, Zan and Adana collaboratively complying with the single, ‘We Reach,’ and finally, Shurwayne sealing the deal with a song that’s already being described as the anthem for ‘Bago Carnival,’ – ‘To Be Gonian.’
On Saturday, the six artistes, backed by the A Team Band, presented their tracks as one unit, each bringing a special sweetness to the event that was free and open to the public at Shaw Park in Scarborough. On stage, Sekon Sta ignited big energy, signaling the true start of the festival that will unfold toward the end of October.
Shurwayne– a son of the soil, reminded his countrymen of the beauty that lies in Tobago. “Yuh see this riddim. The Scarborough riddim came out of love,” he said, adding, “This song is written for you. Look out fuh yuh neighbour, look out fuh yuh friend, look out fuh yuh street, look out fuh yuh co-workers, look out fuh yuh family, look out fuh yuh district,” he pleaded as the crowed raised their hands, mobile phone lights on, in unison. His plea comes as Trinidad and Tobago grapples with a murder toll that has surpassed the number of days on the calendar year.
Tobago carnival now officially launched, the festival, which is now the final carnival on the global carnival calendar, is expected to bring much needed tourism to the island.
He had one of the most memorable Carnival seasons with a Soca track that stole the hearts of Soca lovers in 2026 and now Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis is set to represent hard for the Soca music genre at the upcoming ‘Best of the Best’ Music Festival in Miami on May 26th. His appearance will be his debut to the highly anticipated festival and already, the energy is high.
Voice makes his debut at Best of the Best 2026.
Voice represents the bridge between Millennial Soca and GenZ vibes. ‘Cyah Behave Mehself’ was lapped up like good Caribbean food at Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago back in February, and it is expected to do the same as the international summer season approaches.
Set to take place on May 26th at Museum Park, Downtown Miami, Voice’s inclusion on the cast underscores the Soca genre’s continued global reach within a predominantly reggae and dancehall showcase. Known for his high energy performances and melodic songwriting, the Trinidad and Tobago three -time Soca Monarch King has built an extensive catalogue of hits that that has proven to resonate with a global audience.
Organizers say anticipation for Voice’s performance at Best of the Best, is high. “Fans are looking forward to a dynamic set that brings soca’s signature energy to the festival stage.”
Best of the Best Music Fest remains one of North America’s premiere Caribbean music events, drawing fans from across the region and Diaspora for a full day of live performances. This year’s lineup includes, Sizzla Kalonji, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Rajah Wild, Skeng, Vanessa Bling, among others.
Ahead of its 11th annual voyage in November, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruiseshares its story through a new film. VIBE premiered All in the Same Boat, a documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Reshma B and produced by Boomshots TV that traces Marley and his manager Dan Dalton’s brainchild from a bold, outsider idea into one of the most culturally significant movements in reggae and dancehall today.
With over a decade’s worth of unforgettable moments pulled from the last 10 voyages, this 30+ minute documentary captures the spirit of a global reggae community built on shared identity, resilience, and reverence for Jamaican culture. It features iconic performances, real conversations with the artistes and DJs, and the heartbeat of it all: the “Jamrockers.” These are die-hard reggae lovers from over 40 countries who pull up every year for one reason – to feel that irreplaceable connection to Jamaican culture and keep the Marley message of “One Love” alive.
Having successfully navigated challenges including extreme weather and a global pandemic, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise continues to thrive. Its 11th staging will return for its annual voyage from November 11th to the 16th, sailing from Miami aboard Norwegian Joy.
Stacked from foundation to future, this year’s lineup brings together reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley (Traffic Jam Set), Burning Spear, Sizzla, Capleton, Beenie Man, Protoje, Barrington Levy, Elephant Man, Junior Reid, Lila Iké, Ding Dong & the Ravers Clavers, Tony Matterhorn “Man on the Moon”, Gyptian, 450, Richie Spice, Ghost, Mr. Lexx, Professor Nuts, L.U.S.T., Sister Carol, Sevana, Flourgon, Johnny P, and Jemere Morgan are confirmed.
The cruise’s famed Sound Clash at Sea will return alongside powerhouse sound systems including Stone Love (Geefus), King Jammy, Silverhawk Sound, Rory Stone Love, Renaissance Sound, Federation Sound, Warrior Sound, Rampage Sound, Kingston12 HiFi and Souljah1 Muzik, preserving a cornerstone of Jamaican music culture in its most authentic form.
Jamrock is a Premiere Reggae Event
The Jamrock experience has evolved into the premier reggae event at sea—one that continues to redefine how the culture is celebrated on a global stage. The five-day experience continues to immerse guests in the full spectrum of Jamaican life—from Nyabinghi sunrise sessions and sound bath meditations to dancehall workshops, fitness programming, and curated culinary offerings led by acclaimed Chef Lumley. A new addition this year includes a live theatrical production by legendary playwright Oliver Samuels, adding yet another layer to the cruise’s ever-expanding cultural canvas.
Beenie Man will be on the cruise in November.
Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the cruise will return to Jamaica with renewed purpose, maintaining its distinction as the only chartered cruise with two Jamaican port stops. That commitment translates into tangible impact, generating millions annually for the island’s tourism and cultural economy while reinforcing a direct connection between the music, the people, and the place that birthed it.
As All in the Same Boat makes clear, Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is a movement with its own rhythm, one that continues to bring the diaspora home, while inviting the world in. Since its inception in 2014, the mission remains the same: to create a space where reggae lives, breathes, and connects us all.
The documentary made its debut during the 10th annual cruise and later screened at Art Basel in support of hurricane relief efforts led by the Marley family’s Ghetto Youths Foundation. Damian Marley and Dan Dalton were executive producers of the film.
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.