In 2025, one of the Caribbean’s most iconic superstars, Trinidad and Tobago’s Machel Montano broke through the glass ceiling internationally, appearing on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk series. It was the first for Soca music. The YouTube platform boasts a massive audience in excess of 12 million subscribers. Machel and the Monk Band’s appearance has racked up 1.3million views since it was dropped online back on January 13th, 2025.
Machel Montano continues his reign as the King of Soca music, but more than that, the artiste’s catalogue and influence, spanning more than 30 years, continues to point the world in one direction – the Mecca- Trinidad and Tobago’s Greatest Show on Earth.
Despite quite a lot of International and regional developments, new Soca music is being released by artistes in high anticipation of another epic Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago. Machel’s latest release is a collaboration with St. Vincent and the Grenadine’s Skinny Fabulous and Grenada’s Lil Natty and Thunda, called, “Pull De Pin.” In 5 days, 506,000 people have checked out the release on YouTube, proving the magnetic pull of this trio.
One of the year’s highlghts for Soca music and the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, was in fact Machel’s appearance on the NPR Music Tiny Desk series. It has been hailed as one of the best Tiny Desk performances of 2025, by Welcome to The Culture.
In an interview with Mauricio Ruiz – Host of the Manager’s Playbook, Machel shared that initially, he did have reservations about doing the show. “I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t think I was ready,” he said on the Podcast. His manager, Che Kothari was persistent though, and eventually, Machel Montano and the Monk band was booked for the acoustic style performance on January 13th, 2025. During that showcase, Machel’s Power Soca music was stripped down. “I know he is a genius, a curator ; All you have to do is put those two entities together and it would be magic and it would have such a ripple effect in this region,” said Che during the Manager’s Playbook interview, and that it did.
That episode of the NPR Tiny Desk series has been acclaimed by Caribbean music lovers, some admitting that it had even brought tears to their eyes. “This is my first time being exposed to this artiste and I’m not too familiar with Soca, but he’s a vibe! I will be checking out more of his music,” said one viewer. Another commenter who said he is Bangladeshi-Australian said, “no other music fills me up with joy the way this music does. I hope that there’s casual Tiny Desk viewers from around the world who decide to watch this video and find their next musical love.”
Machel Montano’s groundbreaking performance on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk series was one of this year’s biggest wins for Soca music. The insistence of his manager, Che Kothari was undoubtedly a major factor in what the world got the opportunity to experience in January. Machel said it was an authentic, real experience, and it meant something big not just for him, but for the people doing it – the musicians who were there, side by side with him.
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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