Undeniably authentic and superbly talented, a sister of the Caribbean region, is set to island-hop between her homeland, Grenada and over to nearby, Trinidad and Tobago, for what she promises will be a musical experience to remember. 

Sabrina Francis sings a melodic fusion of Afro-Caribbean pop, but according to the young performer, the pop is hardly noticeable. In what will be her second visit to Trinidad on September 14^th, Sabrina will share her mesmerizing energy with music lovers at Kafe Blue in Port -of- Spain, and as she explained, the show is part of the foundation being laid, for eventual sonic experiences that will ultimately knock the socks off true fans of music and melody. 

In Grenada, Francis hosts mountain side shows. “I have been focused on my show, ‘Meet Me at the Mango Tree,’ which is truly a different experience. There’s a shed with a tree in the middle of it and when guests arrive, I give them headphones. They walk a red carpet, sit, and I tell them a story using sounds and songs for one hour and thirty minutes,” she explained, adding, “It’s a very special and unique experience.” 

Her execution of events like Meet Me at the Mango Tree, Sunset Sessions and The Wide-Open concert in Grenada, are preparing her for major regionwide showcases. For now, however, Sabrina says she is wetting her feet, getting to know her neighbours better and introducing them to her sound and style. “This past year has been a year of live music. I would like the next year to be a year of collaboration. I want to meet with artistes and producers when I come to Trinidad, to chat and see what the possibilities are because I believe that collaboration in the creative space is just a really great thing for building relationships and creating something new and magical.”

Excited about the release of a brand new single, set for month’s end, Francis said she will deliver the song to her audience at Kafe Blue in Trinidad. “The song is called, ‘Don’t Waste My Time,’ and we recently wrapped the video for it,” she shared, highlighting that her goal for music, as an artiste in these times is simply to deliver sustainable artistry. “With the state of the music industry globally, my goal is to make my music sustainable, so that in 15 years, I could still host a concert and the followers that I’m engaging now will want to come out and enjoy the music for the nostalgia. I want to be an original name and eventually an international name, where possible. I will push for it and do what needs to be done,” said Francis. 

Humble and grounded, the artiste who is certainly growing in popularity outside of the Caribbean region as well, said she hopes to one day collaborate with T&T’s Freetown Collective. “I opened for them at a show I did in the UK. I also went to one of their tiny spaces concerts in Trinidad and it reminded me of my Sunset Sessions that I do in Grenada. I really think we’d be aligned musically.”

Though atypical when compared to the artistes on the traditional Caribbean music circuit, and even at home in Grenada, Sabrina Francis’ sound is pronounced and undeniably rich. “The support at home has been steady and warm. People really wish me well and I feel like I’m getting more and more recognized. People are meeting and greeting me at the supermarket so I always have to dress well when I’m leaving the house now,” she laughed. 

Fellow Grenadian artistes Mr. Killa, Dash, Terror de Governor and others have also thrown tremendous support behind her, over the years. “They’re always willing to come through for their girl and I appreciate that immensely,” she said. 

Tickets for her T&T showcase on September 14^th, are available online at www.sabrinafrancis.com. She says tickets will also be available at the door and she anticipates seeing music lovers come out to experience an unforgettable show. “I’ll be sharing music and magic. I can’t wait to see everyone.”

A major cultural event, unlike anything delivered on this scale, is set to take place in North, Trinidad, on Sunday, September 7th. Kalypso – an event envisioned by ace producer, songwriter and musical visionary, Kitwana Israel, will bring the pomp and ceremony to the lush and tranquil, Pubelo El Pao Estate in Santa Cruz, this weekend.

“The time for us to claim our sound and officially register our brand is long overdue,” said Israel. “I am just doing my part to help us fulfill our collective destiny and I hope that the industry leaders and practitioners will follow and make their contributions in a timely fashion, so that we can represent as a collective force and a unified culture ready for industry,” he added.

The New Kalypso

The event will see the official launch of the soundscape for a re-imagined, modern version of Calypso. Israel and his team at Advokit Productions have worked over the years, meticulously crafting this re-imagined sound of Calypso- which, going forward, will spelt, Kalypso.

With its first recordings happening later in 1912 and 1914, Calypso music began as a way for slaves to passively resist their masters through song and music. Shared willingly up the archipelago and throughout the first world nations, this rapidly-evolving oral tradition was both infectious and compelling, and was quickly adopted and adapted in a variety of ways by numerous creatives across the Caribbean region and around the globe. 
“When we trace the lineage from then to now, we can see clearly the influence that Calypso has had on the music industry,” Israel said, “but yet, the genre is nowhere to be found on the current charts, online or the DSPs and even here in its homeland, it has been neglected and sidelined for a good few decades, while its descendants have grown and matured and continue to dominate the soundscape.”

The Calypso music genre was among the earliest genres of music recorded in English in the Western Hemisphere. It pioneered and combined sophisticated rhyming patterns, narrative song structures and topical lyrics – all unique traits which distinguished it from contemporaneous genres like blues and vaudeville in the late nineteenth century. Calypso’s influence would later permeate global music, inspire and influence many genres and cultures: from reggae to soca to hip-hop and more. 

Incorporating Fashion and Style

Apart from the sound of Kalypso, this event will also present the look, style and fashion image of Kalypso. The theme of the night is Black Dandyism, a statement that goes beyond a dress code and represents a visual celebration of identity and resistance. From its inception, Kalypso evolved through dance and came with a clear look and feel, not just a sound. The fashion showcase on Sunday will reflect this vision via a cast of some of the most respected designers in the nation/region.

Ecliff Elie is captivated by the theme and ready to push creative limits, while Christian Boucaud makes her long-awaited return to the runway with a brand new collection – her first since the pandemic. Ryan Chan, known for his bold creative energy, is also on the fashion forward cast and excited to bring his take on the Kalypso theme. Naballah Chi, fresh off her win at the First Citizens Banking in Style show, will also be featured, along with Aaron Moneer, who has been commanding runways from the Caribbean to Paris.

Dubbed “Kalypso – The Luxe Launch : A Cultural Renaissance in Black, Gold and Global Sound” and produced by ET&T Magazine, Overtime Media, Advokit Productions and Pixel Perfect Media, Kalypso, according to organisers will be more than the average fete, concert or fashion show. “This is the launch of a bold, new sound designed to restore one of the first established genres of music to its former glory.” said Israel. “Rooted in Calypso, but evolved and updated for today’s global stage, this sound is built on rhythm, storytelling and reinvention. It gives Caribbean culture a new voice while honoring its roots…” 

Tickets are limited and available from committee members, islandetickets.com and at all Cache stores nationwide.