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Archived: Orlando Octave, Swappi Billed to Make Waves on New 868 Project

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Approx. 3 min read

They’re two artistes who’ve got a lot of support from the masses, generally. Swappi’s been a man in demand in T&T and even overseas for some time and even when things seem slow, he has a way of putting himself right back into the mix- and undoubtedly that’s a sign of a true superstar. Fellow entertainer, Orlando Octave’s been out of the loop for quite a few months, having been seemingly laying low and focusing on, as we understand it, his Mayan movement. Recently, however the names of both Trinidad entertainers have been generating some buzz. There’s news this week that both artistes have been selected for a project that’s quite unique- one that was conceptualised by Pengco Music’s Randal Alexander.

Randal with Orlando Octave in studio.

Randal with Orlando Octave in studio.

In our chat with Alexander he noted that both Swappi and Octave have mass appeal when it comes to the youth demographic. For that reason, he chose them strategically in a bid to attract a young, bubbly crowd to his new project he’s calling, Riddim 868… and don’t you for a second, get it mixed up- this is not a riddim as Randal explained, the project will consist of only these two artistes. “It’s not a riddim and it’s not a solo. It’s two artistes and that’s what makes it unique. I was trying to find the median here so that’s what makes this project special- makes it different,” he said.

Swappi is also a part of Riddim 868

Swappi is also a part of Riddim 868

Riddim 868 consists of Swappi’s single, “Protect Me” and Octave’s “Twerk It.” Asked about the project’s name, Randal said he simply wanted to make it completely relative to Trinidad and Tobago. “I want people who are looking on from outside of Trinidad and Tobago to know that we’re not only about carnival, Trinidad James and Nicki Minaj- we’ve got a lot more to offer.”

Videos for both singles are already in the works with Swappi’s having been started this past weekend in the Sealots, Trinidad community he grew up in. It was the first time Swappi had returned to the area to shoot a video since he shot to fame, some years ago.

Randal’s Pengco Music has been hard at work, teaming up with a number of entertainers to create good music. His focus in recent months however, has been on local entertainer, Aaron Marquez. They’ve been arduously seeking perfection on an album being completed by Marquez. “It’s almost completed,” said Alexander, in the same breath noting that he has a lot of faith in Marquez’s ability. Amid all of that, Randal’s been working on other musical projects with Swappi, Orlando, Nigel Rojas and others, including Jamaican entertainer, Gyptian. “I have over 30 new songs to release from various artistes out of T&T and Jamaica,” said Alexander. He said he expects these to be released continuously between this present time and the next 18 months.

 

NEW MUSIC: 

 

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Around the World

T&T’s Full Blown Taps Into African Music Market, Collaborating with Ghanaian Artiste,Black Sherif.

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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.

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The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo Opens This October.

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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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