There’s a cheat code to enjoying Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago and it’s as simple as choosing the right band to parade the streets on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, from jump. Every band in Trinidad and Tobago offers a unique experience. Every masquerader has an idea of what they’d personally enjoy, so to say one band is better than another, is unnecessary, however, if you’re a VIBE SEEKER, there’s really only one band to choose.
YUMA masqueraders always understand the assignment on the road.
YUMA Vibe was truly a vibe in 2026 and this is turning out to be a trend of sorts. LUXE- the band’s theme this season, offered an array of fabulous, colorful, sexy designs to choose from, but that’s basic in today’s market because truth be told, most, if not all carnival masquerade bands in T&T, deliver top tier costume designs for the road. Trinidad and Tobago isn’t coined ‘The Mecca’ for nothing – this is where the standard for carnival is set! What we will say as it relates to the costume designs and quality however, is that YUMA’s costumes are strong, standing up to the pressure of movement on the road and beautifully pieced together even when it comes to midline and backline sections.
A husband and wife duo who knows how to have a great time.
Now, for those new to this, choosing your band must happen by July/August at latest. One thing that always stands out about YUMA is the fact that the band hosts a lot of big name entertainers. This season, globally recognized sportsman, Dwayne Bravo, artistes like Jadel, Lady Lava, Patrice Roberts, Preedy, Erphaan Alves, Grenada’s Muddy and Tallpree, Blaka Dan and V’Ghn, Christo and influencer and comedian, Jr. Lee were all in the mix, making YUMA a band, loved, trusted and endorsed by the celebs to deliver on vibes and enjoyment. “Yuma is the number 1 band. I’ve been rocking with YUMA for years. We’re enjoying it and it’s a good season,” said Bravo when we met up with him on the road on Carnival Tuesday.
Dwayne Bravo with family friend, Kelly Julien.
A big factor when it comes to carnival enjoyment is that feeling of belonging. One of the awesome things about being a YUMAN is being treated like family. The band is all embracing to women of all shapes and sizes, offering costume options that cater to tiny bodies and the visibly voluptuous alike – something that’s truly admirable in a market that advertises and promotes heavy on sex appeal and beauty.
Take this as your signal to start prepping for 2027. Carnival Monday and Tuesday is set for February 8th and February 9th next year so mind your business and lock in your spot as soon as those sections drop later this year. Oh! And even though we didn’t go in deep on the vibes – TRUST, that’s a given, after all, the best people, with the most vibes always know where to gather and the YUMA squad speaks volumes. Just see for yourself :
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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