Music News
Terry Seales Pushes In With Optimism. Anticipates Return of International Soca Competition.
Recent confirmation by the Tourism, Culture and Arts Ministry in Trinidad and Tobago that an international Soca competition is on the way for next year’s carnival, has been met with optimism by Soca artiste, Terry Seales. He says it’s long overdue, and necessary for the development of creatives in Trinidad and Tobago. News of the new competition came even as the artiste prepared to unleash a brand-new single on the ‘Jam and Move’ riddim- a project produced and worked on collaboratively with fellow artistes, Chenko and Yohan Popwell, who’s best known as Dna 868 Muzik. “‘My single, Jam and Move’ brings all the elements of carnival together in one road- ready single,” says Seales. He is eager to make his presence felt again.
In 2023, ahead of Carnival 2024, Terry says he did his due diligence as a longstanding part of the T&T Carnival ecosystem. “I released three songs for Carnival this year and despite that, people would meet me and express hope of hearing music from me in the season.” His expression highlights the common sentiment of many artistes in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly at Carnival time. Together with Chenko and Dna 868 Muzik this time around, he is optimistic that the music will ultimately speak for itself. “Chenko’s single is called, ‘Greater Dan Dem,’ and Dna 868 Muzik brings a tune called, ‘Mash Up.’ With my single, ‘Jam and Move,’ the idea is to create the nostalgic energy of what many carnival revelers know in their hearts, is true, about this season,” said Terry, adding, “the music must bring the vibes.”
The team has worked together before and for Terry, the brotherhood and musical cohesion, is particularly refreshing. “We worked together last season and the music we delivered was excellent I believe. The aim is to maintain that level of consistency. This time around, we’re promoting using all the tools that are available to us, because ultimately, we just need the music to reach the people.”
On the topic of a new International Soca competition, Seales says he is hopeful that there will be equity in the selection process, and throughout the competition when that time comes. “I think the competition should be fair and the people should be the final judge,” he suggested.
For artistes like Terry Seales who’ve mounted stages within the carnival landscape for many years, any opportunity for potential growth in the carnival space, is anticipated. He says over the years he has observed the change of the music and is accepting of its overall direction, explaining that from a financial perspective, Groovy Soca makes sense. “The grooves are hitting better because on the international market, it’s more laid back, slower, more lyrics, better hooks. Internationally, they cannot understand the speed of the Power Soca. Mical Teja won Road March with a Groovy Soca song. The energy of that slower groove is much stronger now than the Power Soca and the Power Soca is more seasonal,” said Seales, noting that Kees Dieffenthaller’s ‘Cocoa Tea’ is presently leading the way into Carnival 2025.
Prepared to make the most of the 2025 season, Terry is set to release a second single in the weeks ahead. That groovy contribution, along with the Power Soca energy he delivers with, ‘Jam and Move,’ will tie up his offerings. “I’d really like the public to be given the chance to hear the music and decide whether they like the songs or not,” said the entertainer. For Terry Seales, this is not a re-entry or a return. He’s continuing on a journey that’s inspired by pure passion and with conviction, he’s hell bent on making a mark in 2025.
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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