Caribbean Buzz
This T&T Producer’s Shaking Up The Biz, with Knowledge.
Keturah Gamba, Boss Kitty, Incline, 1Muz and Blacka are just a few of the artistes who recently unleashed a ton of vibes in music, to Trinidad and Tobago’s entertainment scene. They’ve all been strategically placed on a project that was designed specifically for this time. It’s also been crafted by a music mastermind, Randal Alexander of PengCo Music Records.
Alexander and each of these artistes he’s placed on the ‘Riddim Up’ project, have aligned in a more meaningful way than ever before. In 2021, amid the pandemic, and with no sign of revival for the entertainment industry, PengCo Music Records orchestrated a plan that would see some of the best talent reeled in. Alexander penetrated the recording market by encouraging artistes to get into his studio at the most affordable price – $999TTD. That offer, which came complete with industry standard recording and the expert advice of his internal team, brought artistes from all walks of life, to PengCo Music’s studio. “I’ve done almost 300 recordings in the past year. I’ve met a lot of good people, talented people; And in meeting these people, I realized that there’s a disconnect between creating and selling,” said Alexander.
A business minded individual with tremendous capacity to analyze and dissect situations, the music CEO dove into action. He said he noticed that many artistes would blame everybody but themselves after choosing to release their music, and place links on Facebook without much added, strategic marketing and promotion. Upon realizing the error, he said the opportunity came for him to be a guidance counselor to these artistes.
Alexander says he’s been able to listen to and advise each of the artistes he’s worked with, on the most effective plan of action for their music. “When I began coaching them, many of these artistes began seeing the value in certain things,” he said. He explained that it was at that point that he gathered people with expertise in graphic design, public relations and even videography to bridge the divide between the recording studio and the market that these artistes were targeting.
The ‘Riddim Up’ project is one of PengCo Music Records’ offerings coming out of the pandemic’s restriction period in Trinidad and Tobago. He said a lot of time and thought has gone into digital streaming as an effective tool for artistes under his umbrella. “I believe the internet and all of its resources is where the future is and as a country, I think it’s very important for us to maintain and broaden our scope on the utilization of it,” said the producer.
“I believe the internet and all of its resources is where the future is and as a country, I think it’s very important for us to maintain and broaden our scope on the utilization of it.”
Randal Alexander
In a time when the world at large is reeling from the economic instability caused by the pandemic, and the Russia/Ukraine war, Randal Alexander says it will be a slow but gradual return to normalcy for the entertainment sector in T&T. “The entertainment audience isn’t going to take their grocery money to buy a ticket for a show. We must face the reality. Entertainment will only be left for residual income. The cost of living has gone up and people are working on old salaries,” he said, adding that for now, knowledge about digital streaming is feasible for all artistes in the entertainment industry. “The consumption of digital products has taken off and exploded. I think that the shift from live to digital, until live catches up again, is where our focus should be,” he said.
Caribbean Buzz
Kerlz Goes Independent Ahead of T&T’s C2K26.
Trinidad and Tobago female soca artiste, Kerlz is going solo. The entertainer has announced her departure from the A Team Band, via media release. A 13-year-journey with the band’s front-line has been dubbed, ‘an amazing run’ by the entertainer who says she is grateful for the experience and the foundation built over the years.
Having recently unleashed a new single called, ‘Medicine’ on D’ Guitarman Riddim alongside fellow soca artistes, Ding Dong and Salty, Kerlz, whose real name is Kerlene Joseph, says she is excited to enter this new chapter. “I extend my deepest and most sincere thanks to the A Team Band for the incredible opportunity and the platform they provided me over the past 13 years,” she said, adding, “The journey has been formative and I will always cherish the music we created and the stages we shared together. I wish the entire A Team family nothing but the very best in all their future endeavours.”
Memories made and cherished, the singer now has her heart set on maximizing the potential of her recent release, which is already gaining ground as the 2026 season comes into focus. With a powerful voice and a dynamic stage presence, Kerlz says she is ready to captivate audiences as a solo performer.
Caribbean Buzz
Young, Coryn Clarke Hosts ‘Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival,’ This Sunday.
Children’s literature takes center stage in St.Kitts this Sunday, young, Caribbean author, Coryn Anaya Clarke hosts the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival.
This landmark event, created by the young author and literacy advocate, will gather children, families, educators, and authors under the theme: “The Power of Us: Stories by Us, For Us.”The festival is proudly supported by First Federal Co-operative Credit Union as its official title sponsor. This partnership underscores the institution’s commitment to youth empowerment, community development, and literacy.
Executive Leader Member Services, Mrs. Sonja Fyfield-Hazel, shared her enthusiasm for the festival, saying, “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mandate to empower youth by showing them that true financial wealth is built on consistent habits formed from an early age. Our goal is to encourage children to develop smart money practices that lay the foundation for lifelong success. A festival that brings together children and parents in a fun yet educational environment creates the ideal launchpad for raising financially confident, and successful individuals.”
This year’s festival will feature dynamic voices from across the Caribbean, including celebrated Guyanese-Canadian author Yolanda T. Marshall and Grenadian author Alyssa Bierzynski.“Earlier this year, I set a goal for myself to share my book, Good Boy Milo, with children across the region,” said Bierzynski. “I am truly excited that it is happening and to be part of the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival. Book festivals, like this one, are celebrations of storytelling and play an important role in promoting literacy and encouraging a love of books and reading among children, especially in this digital era. This will also be my first visit to St. Kitts, so I am looking forward to meeting all the young, and young at heart, readers,” she added.
Marshall, whose work has been recognized internationally for its cultural richness and authentic storytelling, noted the importance of amplifying diverse narratives. “I’m so excited to be reading, hearing stories from other authors, meeting everyone, and most of all performing alongside Coryn at the Chronicles of Coryn: Children’s Book Festival. We will dance, sing, play Soca, and have a literary fete. Be prepared to hear my stories like C is for Carnival. Bring your rags, bring your flags, and get ready to wave,” she said enthusiastically.
The one-day celebration will feature live readings and author meet-and-greets with Coryn, Yolanda, Alyssa, and other guest authors, in addition to cultural performances and interactive displays showcasing the vibrancy of the Caribbean. There will also be book signings, giveaways, and family activities designed to make reading fun and engaging.
Fresh off her success at CARIFESTA XV in Barbados, the young prodigy is now counting down to the first staging of her event in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Her standout participation at the regional cultural showcase not only highlighted her growing talent as an author but also positioned her as a vibrant ambassador for Saint Kitts and Nevis. With her storytelling, charm and natural confidence, Coryn captivated audiences.
“Stories have a special kind of magic, they can make you dream, laugh, and even see yourself in new ways. I’m super excited to share that magic at the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival and to show other children in Saint Kitts and Nevis that their voices and stories matter too. Having our guest authors from Guyana and Grenada is BIG deal, I hope all of you come on out to hear everything they have to say. It’ll be fun, I promise!” said the youngster.
