It was not a real Carnival fete until Neil Iwer George came to the stage. Like a savior, the water lord swooped in to save Soka In Moka’s vibe on Sunday, reminding all and sundry that Trinidad and Tobago Carnival’s major requirement is, and will always be, Power Soca music.
The event, which kicked off at 4pm and welcomed fetters to another venue just across the savannah from the school’s court venue where it had been held for many years, attracted a sizable crowd on January 1st.
Soka In Moka, after two years off, returned with a slate of in-demand artistes, among them, Nadia Batson, Viking Ding Dong, Patrice Roberts and the Boss, Neil Iwer George. Well known band, Dil E Nadan kicked off the performances and ended their set just after 6pm. That was followed by DJ Linx and hosts Whitney Husbands and Jason Williams’ attempt to warm up the crowd of patrons. The all inclusive event attracted a mature crowd with a sprinkling of youth in the mix, and as such, the cooler fete vibe could not be expected at Soka in Moka. Groovy soca trending across the airwaves and on social media, several artistes who performed would receive half-hearted crowd response, whether owed to the slow tempo of the music, or patrons’ unfamiliarity with the new songs.
The All Starz Band- a staple at Soka In Moka, took the stage with young entertainer, College Boy Jesse, at the helm. He began his set by paying tribute to his predecessor Blaxx, who passed away in March 2022. The reaction to Jesse’s tribute was warm, many singing along to the refrains of the patriotic artist who has certainly left an indelible mark on the soca music industry. As the event got into a rhythm, new music from College Boy Jesse failed to move the mature fetters, most simply looking on, hardly swaying to the rhythm of the beat. This is not to say that the young artist did not deliver, because he certainly did. Whether his music had been heard by the crowd enough prior to their attendance, was the big question.
The subsequent introduction of artistes, Viking Ding Dong and Jaiga increased momentum at Moka. By that time, those who’d been sipping on drinks, began swaying a bit more, turning the event into less of a concert and little by little, more of a fete.
The Atlantic Ocean has long connected Africa and the Caribbean through history and culture. That connection finds a powerful new expression with “Love Again,” an Afro-Caribbean collaboration between global Ghanaian superstar, Black Sherif and Trinidad and Tobago’s acclaimed songwriting and performing duo, brothers Kory and Kevon Hart of Full Blown.
The single was released globally through EMPIRE on September 4th. Built around themes of vulnerability, healing and the courage to love again, the record arrives at a time when creative partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean are reshaping the sound of global music.
‘Love Again’ captures the emotional highs and lows of choosing hope after heartbreak. For Black Sherif, whose introspective storytelling has earned him over 1bn+ streams from his previous album “Iron Boy,” over 5bn+ streams across his catalogue, and a global audience, the collaboration represents another step in expanding the dialogue between African and Caribbean music.
For Kory and Kevon Hart, internationally respected producers and songwriters whose work has shaped countless Caribbean hits, it marks an opportunity to showcase their artistry alongside one of Africa’s defining voices. As Black Sherif continues to share his life through his music, he is not shy about discussing intimacy and love. “Almost all of the necessary affections that I have needed, and have gotten, came from afar, physically and figuratively. As a result, I have a tough time receiving and keeping love or better say intimacy, even though I crave them intensely,” he shared.
Black Sherif
He admits that in his adult years this topic “has become one of the greatest discussions in my bedroom mirror and with this project, I have allowed you a glimpse of it.” Remarkably, despite creating this song together, the artistes did so from different parts of the world. They did not meet until the filming of the official music video. The reality TV-inspired video, which drops on October 15th, further celebrates the undeniable musical chemistry between West Africa and the Caribbean – regions whose cultural ties continue to inspire some of the world’s most exciting sounds.
Full Blown’s involvement in this project further supports their continued exploration of themes related to love and relationships. “This project felt natural and fits our vibe and style perfectly,” the brothers expressed cohesively.
Hailing from the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, where Soca music is the dominant genre, a big part of their dream for the genre has always been to carry the sound of Soca music to the corners of the globe, and to collaborate and share their particular vibe with artistes from different cultures. “This project is another step forward for Full Blown. We’re keeping our dream alive,” said the duo.
As Afrobeats continues its global rise and Caribbean music expands its international reach, ‘Love Again’ reflects a broader movement bringing African and Caribbean artistes closer together. Rather than borrowing from one another, the record celebrates a shared musical lineage while pointing toward an increasingly connected future.
‘Love Again’ is one of 6 tracks featured on his EP titled SUN SHERIF, which is set to follow the success of his second studio album.
There’s a thriving theatre industry in Trinidad ad Tobago. Theatre is a part of T&T’s entertainment landscape that just isn’t given the attention it truly deserves. In the weeks ahead however, there’s certainly going to be a buzz surrounding one production that’ll have everybody talking.
Penelope Spencer’s adaptation of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo,” opens at the Cipriani Labour College on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October 2026, with additional performances scheduled through February 2027 at Queen’s Hall, SAPA and the Central Bank Auditorium.
CPR Productions will be bringing back a play that is undoubtedly fondly remembered by theatre lovers. This time however, a new cast, which includes Cecilia Salazar and Penelope Spencer, as Carmen and Frances, along with Ro’dey, Serran Clarke, Shevonne Metivier and Rachel Bascombe – step into the spotlight with a fresh production under the directorship of Penelope Spencer.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo,” is an adult comedy-drama that’s set in Guapo, deep in the Southern end of Trinidad. It follows four women making a living through the world’s oldest profession and the complicated relationships inside the house they share.
CPR Productions has delivered several successful theatrical productions, including Ridiculous 61⁄2, 7 Year Itch and Two Fat Fellas. With this latest production, the company continues its focus on Trinbagonian theatre, local stories and comedy, rooted in situations and characters audiences recognize.
Tickets for the play are available online at islandetickets.com, as well as K’Squared Fashion locations, Domon’s Shoe Store, Long Circular Mall and HYPEDTT Home & More, Valpark Shopping Plaza. Tickets will also be available through the relevant venue box offices as announced. Patrons are encouraged to secure tickets early for the opening weekend at Cipriani Labour College.
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