Soca will meet Chutney music in quite a different way in 2023. This is the assurance of two cultural promoters who have joined forces in an effort to truly unify the nation through music. Well known event promoter, Randy Glasgow says he is excited following talks and a solidified partnership with the National Chutney Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago.
Explaining that the competition will encourage Soca artistes to deepen their relationships with artistes within the Chutney fraternity and vice-versa, Glasgow said he hopes the government of Trinidad and Tobago and corporate entities will understand the vision. “There’s no better time than the present to forge unified cultural relationships. We’ve seen the opportunity to unite the world when Machel Montano took Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca music to India. The crowd we saw engaged in that moment, was inspiring – a clear indication of what could happen if we continue to work together as a people,” said Glasgow.
An Unbeatable Showcase
Randy Glasgow Productions has, over the years, hosted Chutney Brass, an event branded as the largest Indo music festival outside of India. In addition to that, the promotional outfit has delivered numerous Soca events, inclusive of ‘Ladies Night Out’ and ‘Soca with Her’. Now, with a clear and purposeful mission determined, Glasgow, together with Dr. Vajay Ramlal Rai of the National Chutney Foundation, are promising an unbeatable and unparalleled showcase of Trinidad and Tobago’s most indelible cultural expressions.
Photo: Bridging the gap between Soca and Chutney, is something Glasgow believes could play a significant role in unifying the country. Machel Montno and Drupatee have collaborated in the past.
Planning for this spectacular, first of its kind competition is now underway. “We would like to let the artistes know that chief among qualification requirements for this competition is collaboration – a Soca artiste and a Chutney entertainer,” said Glasgow. He assured prizes would be commensurate to the immense production and promotion that fans of both genres will see in the lead up to Carnival 2023. “We really look forward to working with the Ministry of Arts and Culture and all cultural stakeholders, corporate brands and sponsors, to ensure that this Soca-Chutney Competition will be the best the world has ever seen and experienced.
For more details on the event as it unfolds, follow @RandyGlasgowProductions on all social media platforms.
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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