Caribbean Buzz
Archived: Trinidad and Tobago’s National Instrument Undeserving of Carifesta Main Stage?
The Carifesta XIV experience being hosted in Trinidad and Tobago this year may have a bit of upheaval, this as Pantrinbago says the national instrument isn’t being treated with the respect it deserves.
Ace pannist Dane Gulston has spoken out on the matter of the steelpan not being included in the main concert event, “Island Beats”, which is carded for August 24th.
The Isand Beats event being hosted at the Queen’s Park Savannah, will be headlined by Machel Montano, Grammy Award winner, Shaggy and Guadeloupe’s Kassav, with other performances by young entertainers like Nailah Blackman and Voice. Gulston argues it’s outrageous that no thought was given to including the host country’s national instrument in the main stage lineup, further stating that the use of steel pan only at the opening and closing of events, is essentially a slap in the face.
Speaking on television on Friday morning, Pantrinbago President, Beverly Ramsey-Moore said while the organization, under her stewardship, has enjoyed a very good relationship with Culture and Arts Minister Nyan Gadsby Dolly, her response to the request from Pantrinbago to be included in the main stage dynamic, was unappreciated. She relayed how Gadsby Dolly seemed to have been taken aback by the request, in essence squealing, “Pan on stage with Machel and Shaggy?!”
The Minister is yet to comment on the issue, this as social media is now abuzz with online commentators arguing that Trinidad and Tobago’s renowned national instrument- the only major musical instrument invented in the 20th century, should be loved by its people and shared with the world, at any opportunity given.
In May this year, Jamaican reggae sensation Tarrus Riley was greeted by Gulston to the sound of the steelpan, which he enjoyed tremendously.
Reporting by: Melissa Stanisclaus.
Caribbean Buzz
Terri Lyons Makes History with Fourth Consecutive Queen of Queens Title.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Calypso Queen Terri Lyons has once again cemented her place in Caribbean music history after winning the Queen of Queens Competition at Montserrat for the fourth consecutive year.
The highly anticipated event took place on Tuesday, December 30th, where Lyons delivered a commanding performance that set her apart from a strong regional field of competitors. Her victory further solidifies her reputation as one of the most dominant and consistent female voices in modern calypso.
Terri Lyons, the daughter of legendary Soca King Austin “Superblue” Lyons, has been making a tremendous impact on the calypso scene for years, earning respect for her lyrical strength, stage presence, and commitment to the art form. Many have noted that while she proudly carries her father’s legacy, she has firmly established her own powerful identity in the genre.
At Tuesday’s competition, Lyons topped the lineup, with Antigua and Barbuda’s Ge’eve Phillip securing second place, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Roslyn Reid-Hayes finishing in third.
Fans and fellow artistes have since taken to social media to praise Lyons’ continued excellence, with many calling her reign “unmatched” and “well deserved.” Her latest win not only highlights her individual talent but also underscores the strength of Caribbean calypso on a regional stage.
With four consecutive Queen of Queens titles now under her belt, Terri Lyons continues to raise the bar, proving that her crown is not just inherited, but undeniably earned.
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.
