“Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings”… and so it is that at just 11-years-old, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s rising superstars is calling on the nation to sing less dancehall and Trinibad music, and instead focus on the traditions of T&T. Yung Kymani placed second in the 2024 Junior Soca Monarch competition. This season, the youngster whose family ties are linked to both Morvant and Carenage, is using his voice in multiple ways, delivering a remake to Machel Montano’s age- old hit, ‘Too Young to Soca,” while standing in support of the development of, and investment in T&T’s Soca and Calypso music. Yung Kymani’s single is called, “Soca In Meh.”

Sustained and strengthened by the support of his parents, Kymani continues on his road to musical success. His appreciation for the cultural traditions of his homeland, is strong. “Calypso and soca are basically one in the same as uncle Machel said in his 2024 Calypso Monarch song, Soca is the soul of Calypso,” he noted, adding that the main differences he sees are the speed and the information that’s shared using both genres. “With Calypso, there’s a lot of information on things that are happening around the world and at home. I learn a lot of things from listening to Calypso music – things I didn’t even know were happening,” he rationalized, adding, “Soca on the other hand, is really upbeat and is there to make us dance and be happy.” 

The entertainer who attends St. Peter’s RC School, is excited to once again partake in the Junior Soca Monarch competition in 2025. His remake of Machel’s ‘Too Young to Soca’ hits home, he says, having faced the same kind of remarks from those outside of his close circle. “I’ve been told that I am too young to be doing this, and that I should stop singing Calypso and Soca, but I am so happy to have gotten this opportunity to remake this song, and to add my flavour to it.”

The song was written collaboratively by Nigel Lopez, Yung Kymani and Kymani’s mom, Kezia Hector. It was produced by Miguel Charles of the A Team Band and Robert SN Baptiste. The track was later mixed by Lunatix Productions and mastered by Precision Productions, making it a true expression of collaborative energy. “As a youth in Trinidad and Tobago, I really think we should try to preserve our culture,” said Kymani, this as he prepares to go head-to- head with other brilliant, young singers this carnival. “This music not only makes me happy, it’s a part of our culture. I think it should be taught in schools as a subject, we should have more jump ups and instead of singing Trinibad music, we can sing more Calypso and Soca. There should also be community classes that can teach our youths and even the adults, about the music and the culture,” said the youngster. 

In 1985, at the age of 9, Machel Montano released ‘Too Young to Soca,’ a track that became an immediate hit and remains a distinctive part of the King of Soca’s lifetime music catalogue. “I did not want the song to sound too much like the original. I’ve added my vibe to it and I am very happy that I have been given the opportunity to remake it,” said the budding star.  

After two decades in the business, Lil’ Bitts—aka Shivonne Churche-Isaacs—has made a vow she plans to keep: never again will she sit out Carnival. The multi-talented artiste, known for her infectious energy and stage presence, has had a front-row seat to Trinidad and Tobago’s iconic festival season for years, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. She still remembers the shock she felt when she made the decision to skip the parades on Carnival Monday and Tuesday one season, only to end up physically sick. “I got sick—like, literally,” she admits. “I’ll never ignore Carnival’s call again.”

This year, Bitts is more than ready to hit the streets with Yuma for an unforgettable Carnival 2025. The excitement is palpable as she gears up for what’s sure to be a thrilling season, both on and off the road.

Rising to the Occasion with “Brighter Days”

With five songs under her belt and a growing social media presence, Lil’ Bitts is enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Her Instagram and other platforms have become hubs of interaction with fans, opening doors to new collaborations and promotional opportunities. “Social media is the ultimate artiste toolkit,” she says, urging fellow performers to embrace the digital world to connect with their audiences.

One of her most highly anticipated projects is the track “Brighter Days,” which she says has been in the works for three years. Produced by Gaffa Productions, the song has become a personal passion project. “This one is really special,” she shares. “The world needs positivity right now, and I feel like this song is necessary.” She credits the magic of modern technology for making it all come together, working with talented producers like Stemz, District 6 Studios, and Benje Music in hybrid mode from different locations in the region. She’s also collaborated with M1 on a single called “Wetter” for the 2025 season. “We’ve been talking about working together for years, and I’m so happy it’s finally happened,” she says. “M1’s a unique talent; there aren’t a lot of artistes like him.”

A Dream Come True: Chutney and Multi-Cultural Magic

As if things weren’t busy enough, Lil’ Bitts has recently ventured into the world of chutney music. She got a call from the Pungalunks Factory to contribute vocals for a track with Reshma Ramlal, the Warrior Princess herself. The track, “Poowah Nah Ready,” is a dream come true for Bitts, who has always had an affinity for East Indian culture. “When I was a kid, I loved dressing in Indian clothes and watching Bollywood movies. I knew I wanted to do a Chutney song one day, but it had to feel natural. And this—this feels right,” she said. Bitts reflects on how much she’s learned and appreciated about Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural beauty through this experience. “The energy on set, the unity—it was amazing. We’re one people, and that’s something I never want to forget.” The collaboration has already earned a place in the spotlight, with Ramlal making it into the semi-finals of the Chutney Soca Monarch competition.