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Yung Kymani Takes Home the Junior Soca Monarch Crown. Artiste Advocates for Authenticity in Soca.

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Pure heart and true spirit, a focused mind and the understanding that faith conquers all fear, has secured the Junior Soca Monarch crown for 12-year-old artiste, Yung Kymani. In the aftermath of his success on February 10th, the young artiste attested to the support of his parents, saying he was grateful that they pushed him and motivated him to keep going.

It’s certainly not his first roll in the hay, but this year he was more confident than ever that his music could engage his peers and the judges in the competition. Kymani was also a semi-finalist in the Junior Calypso Monarch competition this year, and while his goal had been to successfully make it into the finals, he will have to try again in 2027.

No matter the challenge, the young, ambitious student who puts culture above hype, says he isn’t concerned with titles as much as he’s focused on creating quality music that can live on for many years to come. His mother, Kezia Hector says she’s incredibly proud of her son’s attitude. “He is preparing for the SEA exam in March and he has been balancing his studies and his music very well. He told me that he is focused on making quality music and the winning track, ‘Link Up’ was created based on that mindset,” she explained. 

‘Link Up,’ written by Kymani, his mother Kezia Hector, and Nigel Lopez, expresses in song, the diversity and variety that Trinidad and Tobago’s culture presents to the world. “The song is mid-groovy and it’s all about the culture, the music, the events, the carnival vibes and all else carnival. There’s a dual meaning as well, since the musical styles in the song are varied. There is a little Calypso, Soca, rhythm section and dub,” said Hector, as she highlighted Kymani’s desire to promote the authenticity of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural product. “The song is really a poem and it’s written with a poetic flow. It’s done in a way that everyone can enjoy,” she explained. “We really wanted to address the fact that Soca is sounding a bit different now- more like RnB, and we wanted to bring back the original sound of our music,” she added. Acknowledging the public discourse on the sound of Soca, she highlighted that while a Grammy award would be nice for Trinidad and Tobago’s music and culture, authenticity should not be compromised. “We are making every attempt to help our son stay close to the true energy of Soca music. Kymani is very versatile and he can pivot outside of the carnival season,” she said. 

Machel Montano, a source of tremendous inspiration for Kymani, he hopes to follow in the megastar’s footsteps, sharing good music with people, the world over. “This year my goals also include reaching more people around the world with my music and building a bigger fan base,” he said. 

Amid the hard work and dedication to ensure her son is healthy and mentally prepared for any outcome, Kezia Hector says she consistently reassures Kymani. “As a parent you have to encourage them and even if they don’t win, we have to explain the importance of trusting in God always,” she said. 

On the topic of Soca’s continuity, Kezia said, “We are hoping that people his age who are in the entertainment sector, can pick up the mantle and push the culture, and that’s why we are sticking to the sound of our music.” Additionally, she said, “I do think there are a lot of young people, Kymani’s age, who do enjoy the music of our country, however these children are not showcased enough. They need to do a better job of showcasing the youths to encourage them. We can’t just stop at Machel Montano or Terri Lyons. There are so many talented youths out there. You can’t keep the focus only on 5 or 10 artistes,” she reinforced. 

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Praise Music Hits Hill and Gully Riddim, Out of Trinidad and Tobago.

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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.

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.

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Writer’s Block Confronted, Coutain Unlocks More; Unleashes ‘Suga Dumplin’ with Tano.

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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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