Music News
Mr. Spine Returns to The Stage. Releases ‘BBL’ on The Radioactive Riddim.
Last weekend’s Miami Carnival sounded the alarm for the release of brand-new Soca anthems as all eyes look toward Trinidad and Tobago carnival 2025. Zig Boi Music producer, Mr. Spine is as ready as he’s ever been, jumping back into artiste mode with the release of the Radio Active riddim. “There’s never been a better time,” he says, explaining that he’s about to lead the new generation of artistes from the front, showing them the necessary methods of executing to deliver a wholesome music and performance product.
A music producer, sound engineer, DJ and business owner, Mr. Spine is by no means new to the music business. In fact, he was instrumental over the past decade and more, for the music delivered by many artistes, including Orlando Octave, Kerry John, Grenada’s Mr. Killa and others. Across the region, respect has been earned – the entertainment professional having worked with artistes like Shabba Ranks, Beenie Man and Konshens among others. Now, as Carnival 2025 looms, Mr. Spine has set his intent and has pulled together a few artistes, as he unleashes the Radio Active Riddim.
“My single on the riddim is called, ‘BBL,’ and it’s dedicated to the ladies who love themselves no matter face, size or figure. It’s a song that’s designed for fun and we’re about to have a lot of fun with this one,” he laughed. The other artistes on the riddim are Yankey Boy and Cedonia who’ve collaborated on their track, Leonce, Kerry John and Rayzor. “I believe riddims are good for two reasons,” said Spine. “I see the value in riddims for the collaborative marketing of a project – something that lessens the financial strain on artistes – especially new artistes. Separately, as a producer, riddims help you to quickly build your catalogue,” he said.
Over the past 15 years, Mr. Spine chose to remain in the background, serving artistes with both his production and songwriting skills. “I’m currently working on my music label and it will be a multi-dimensional, multi-service approach to artiste development in T&T and the Caribbean. I felt there was only one way to truly show young, upcoming artistes how the music industry should be approached – from blueprint to completion on a project,” he explained.
‘BBL’ was written by Mr. Spine but co-produced by Tal and Sucre. “We must endorse the youths in the music industry; they are the future,” he emphasized. His vocality on the importance of empowering young Caribbean artistes, is nothing new. He has championed the importance of artiste development for up-and-coming entertainers, for many years, via various platforms. Now, with an unbeatable spirit of action and promise, Mr. Spine is standing up front, ready to lead his troops into the new age of Carnival stage show and sound.
For more on Mr. Spine, check out ZigBoi on all social media platforms and via www.zigboi.com.
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Music News
T&T’s Etienne Charles announces 20- City World Tour.
Internationally acclaimed trumpeter, percussionist, composer, bandleader, recording artist and educator Etienne Charlesis set to embark on an ambitious 20-city world tour across Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America, marking a series of highly anticipated debut performances in several new territories.
Photo credit: Luigi Creese
Over the past two decades, Charles has established himself as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary jazz. Since releasing his debut album in 2007, he has produced eleven critically acclaimed recordings and collaborated with legendary artists including Roberta Flack, Marcus Miller, Monty Alexander and Chucho Valdés, while also touring internationally with the SFJAZZ Collective. A proud musical ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago, Charles is known for weaving Caribbean musical traditions, folklore and history into his compositions, creating a sound that bridges cultures and generations.
Fresh off the release of his latest album Gullah Roots and following the success of the chart-topping Creole Orchestra, Charles will bring his distinctive brand of Caribbean-infused jazz to audiences around the globe, introducing several new markets to his genre-blending sound.
Among the highlights of the tour are first-time performances in India, Argentina, Denmark, Colombia, Tunisia and Lake Tahoe, as well as a special appearance in Boone, North Carolina.
India Debut
Charles will make his long-awaited debut in India with performances at Windmills Craftworks in Hyderabad (April 2–3) and Bangalore (April 4–5). Performing with his Creole Soul band, Charles will present a cross-section of music from across his catalogue, blending jazz improvisation with Caribbean rhythms and even offering a special arrangement of a classic Indian song.
“We are delighted to welcome Etienne Charles to India for the first time at Windmills Craftworks, Bangalore and Hyderabad,” said Arhona Chakraborty. “Etienne’s artistry embodies a spirit that bridges cultures, expanding musical dialogue and creating an experience that is both deeply immersive and profoundly moving.”
Colombia Debut
Later in April, Charles will perform in Medellín, Colombia, marking his debut in the country with a performance at El Club de Jazz on April 30 in celebration of International Jazz Day.
“Hosting Etienne Charles in Medellín for International Jazz Day 2026 is a definitive statement for our local scene,” said Christian Salgado of El Club de Jazz. “He represents the pinnacle of contemporary jazz, where technical mastery meets profound musical storytelling.”
Argentina Debut
Charles will also make his debut in Argentina, performing on May 26 at Teatro San Martín in Buenos Aires with a special tribute to jazz legend Miles Davis in celebration of the centennial of his birth. For Charles, Miles has been a musical and style inspiration.
“Etienne Charles is one of my favourite musicians. His musical world is infinitely rich and varied and I couldn’t think of a better artist to celebrate the centennial of our hero Miles Davis and reinterpret his music with an original and exciting voice,” said Eugenio Elias, Artistic Director of DeQuinta Producciones and JALC Global Citizen Jazz Award recipient.
Lake Tahoe Debut
In July, Charles will perform in Lake Tahoe for the first time while also serving as trumpet instructor at the Brubeck Jazz Summit. An avid advocate for music education and youth development, Charles also serves as Artistic Director of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass – Frost School of Music Afro-Caribbean Big Band Sessions, a full-scholarship program training emerging musicians in the rich musical traditions of the Caribbean.
Tunisia Debut
Charles will also make his debut in Tunisia at the Tabarka Jazz Festival, where he will perform with his intimate Creole Quartet, bringing Caribbean musical traditions into conversation with North African audiences.
Denmark Debut
The tour concludes with Charles’ first visit to Denmark, where he will appear as featured soloist, conductor, composer and arranger with the Danish Radio Big Band for a three-concert series titled Caribbean Connection.
Producer Rasmus Holm said Danish audiences are eager to experience Charles’ music. “Étienne brings warmth, depth and an infectious rhythmic energy that truly embodies The Caribbean Connection. We can’t wait to share this powerful meeting between his Caribbean traditions and the sound of Danish Radio Big Band with audiences in Denmark.”
Boone Special Performance
Another key stop on the tour will be a performance at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts in Boone, North Carolina, where Charles will present his multimedia climate change project Earth Tones, combining music, film and storytelling to examine the urgent global conversation around climate change. The performance carries particular resonance for the Boone community, which was severely impacted by flooding during Hurricane Helene.
Return to Lincoln Center
In June, Charles will present Folklore Vol. 2 at the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel room, featuring the world premiere of his new suite inspired by Haitian and Mexican folklore as well as new arrangements from his breakthrough 2009 album, as a part of their Mother Africa season.
Tour Dates
2026
March 19 Holland Center, Omaha, NE
March 28 Regattabar, Boston, MA
April 2-3 Windmills Craftworks, Hyderabad, India
April 4-5 Windmills Craftworks, Bangalore, India
April 15 Gusman Concert Hall, Coral Gables, FL
April 24 Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, Boone, NC
April 30 El Club de Jazz, Medellin, Colombia
May 21 Conjunto Santander, Guadalajara, Mexico
May 23 Teatro Esperanza Iris, Mexico City, Mexico
May 26 Teatro San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
June 5-6 Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York, NY
June 20 Healdsburg Jazz Festival, Healdsburg, CA
July 16-17 Brubeck Jazz Summitt, Lake Tahoe, NV
August 15 Balistreri Vineyards, Denver, CO
August 29-30 Tabarka Jazz Festival, Tabarka, Tunisia
September 6 DC Jazz Fest, Washington, DC
November 5 Tobaksgaarden, Assens, Denmark
November 6 Koncerthuset, Studio 2, Copenhagen, Denmark
November 7 Holbæk Jazzklub, Elværket, Denmark