It’s a major show of confidence – taking 15 relatively new artistes and giving them the opportunity to showcase on Carnival Wednesday February 11th and Thursday, February 12th at Roxy Roundabout in Port- of-Spain. Stag has teamed up with The Next 10 – a new talent search project that highlighted those less seen, in 2026. It’s the brainchild of well known radio personality and artiste, Terrin ‘Jaiga’ Callender.

Jaiga has always been a man of tremendous foresight when it comes to the Soca music industry. He brought many artistes to the forefront years ago with Synergy TV Soca star. Since that time, many have been calling for productions like it, to amplify the efforts of rising stars.

Among the 15 singers who’ll be featured on Stag Stage this year are, Mr. Lee, Keshav, Rishaun G, Mela and Zebee and Keone. In a chat with Ebuzztt, Jaiga expressed immense gratitude to Carib Brewery and the Stag brand for supporting the initiative. Born out of sheer passion and encouraged by the raw talent he heard by those who presented their music this past season, the radio personality and artiste packaged the music and delivered the new songs on social media. The feedback was positive and from there, interviews with the artistes followed. Behind the scenes, Jaiga saw the potential for the artistes to be promoted in a bigger way. Stag Stage will offer the entertainers a place in T&T’s carnival 2026.

Stay tuned to Ebuzztt. Stag Stage highlights from the initial presentation of the 15 artistes will be featured throughout the season, as we get ready for the LIVE show in Port of Spain on February 11th and 12th.

One female soca artiste says she is praying that one day, God will shine a light on the music industry in Trinidad and Tobago, to afford her and other budding artistes, an opportunity to truly be heard. Not the average ‘new artist,’ Crystal Charles, best known as C.C is the frontline singer of the band, Brass 2 The World. She was recruited to join the ranks of the well-respected brass band, in 2025 and says it’s been the highlight of her career thus far. As the spotlight turns from Christmas into another intense Carnival season, the entertainer who’s been in the industry professionally since 2010, is hoping that a larger cross section of T&T will hear her music. 

A short season in play, C.C has unleashed ‘Time’ alongside fellow entertainer, Hooligan. It was produced by Okay Pronto out of New York City, and boasts a strong Afrobeat synergy with Soca. “Hooligan and I just built a vibe and wrote this song on the spot,” she said, adding that it was also her very first experience working with Pronto. “The song is an Afro/Soca/Dancehall blend, with a smooth, sweet vibe,” she explained, noting that the aim is to penetrate not just the short T&T carnival season, but also an international audience. Like many others in the world of Soca, C.C has been patiently waiting her turn and with a powerful vocal tone, she knows she is deserving of consideration. “I’ve been in the business for a long time but I took a break for about 6 years and returned to music. I know stepping away when I did, impacted my growth as an artiste but I am back at it and I know that consistency in important to success.” 

Describing her musical style as groovy, passionate, emotional, sweet and RnB infused, C.C does not shy away from her feminine energy. “I’d love to work with Nadia Batson, Patrice Roberts and Machel, someday,” she revealed, explaining that she’s been honing her writing skills, building confidence in this area and learning that believing in herself is necessary to success. “’Time’ is both intimate and infectious. I think it’s a feel-good song that’s perfect for late-night rendezvous and intimate relations,” said the singer, making it clear that this one, while unleashed ahead of Carnival, is risqué and perfectly suited for adults. 

C.C – the artiste who wears multiple hats as a businessowner and medical professional, is eager to push into the industry and says she sees herself exploring multiple music genres, and delivering several albums within the next five years. “I’ve learnt that consistency is key. I believe that as an artiste you just have to keep pushing and eventually, when your time comes, and God says yes, nobody can say no. I’m just keeping the faith,” she affirmed. 

Follow C.C’s journey as she welcomes the thrill of Carnival 2026 alongside Hooligan and as lead singer of Brass 2 The World. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be for the excitement and the opportunities. I want everyone to follow me on my ride @c.c_theoneandonly on Instagram,” she said.