“[…] Here in Trinidad and Tobago, the Road March results still rely on a manual system—TUCO officials physically count song plays at competition venues. “This outdated process is not only time-consuming but also vulnerable to human error, bias, and undue influence…. Embracing digitalisation in Carnival adjudication could resolve these challenges …
Read More »Pardy prevails! Machel joins Kitch on 11 Road March titles—but one accolade remains distant
Soca star Machel Montano landed a joint record 11th Road March title in Carnival 2025, as his song, Pardy, edged Ian ‘Bunji Garlin’ Alvarez to the prestigious title. The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) announced this afternoon that Pardy was the song of choice on the road with 267 plays …
Read More »Dear Editor: Time to bury thongs; let Carnival costumes return to bikini and beads
“[…] The modern thong and beads era, while bold and unapologetic, often leans too far into the realm of impracticality. The disappearing thong, in particular, vanishes in part into crevices of unknown depth, leaving little to the imagination and often sacrificing comfort for shock value. “The bikini, on the other hand, has …
Read More »Political commentary rules as Helon dethrones Machel; Live Wire marks Calypso finals
Calypso is back, baby! Well, by which we mean that gripping political commentary is back in favour at the Dimanche Gras. Independent Senator Helon Francis is the 2025 Calypso Monarch for his stirring appeal to the next Trinidad and Tobago prime minister in To Whom It May Be—although it could …
Read More »Daly Bread: Pondering T&T’s joy/ grief paradox of pardy and pain
Carnival Sunday 2025 is upon us. It falls within a period so violent that it compels me to begin this column with a prayer that, in keeping with the Carnival season so far, our two days of artistry and celebration in the streets will take place without violent disruption attributable …
Read More »Daly Bread: Reality, front and centre—we can’t pardy away from T&T’s challenges
Current reality is significantly at odds with the much touted joy and unity of Carnival. It is front and centre of its own stage, which grimly rivals the dazzling Carnival stages. Such reality can no longer be easily pushed aside and become invisible during the Carnival season. The murderous challenges …
Read More »Fire Tender: If you know you doh give a damn; Leave she alone!
Calypsonian Fire Tender, aka singer-songwriter Gillian Moore, offers a suggestion to men who pretend to love women in order to get sex with her Carnival 2025 ‘womanisfesto’. Leave She Alone is arranged by Phil Hill, and includes drummer Gerard Rajkumar, bassist Joanna Hussain, guitarist John Hussain, and jazz horn player …
Read More »“Energy cannot be destroyed, only transferred!” One-on-one with soca legend, Machel Montano
“[…] If you’re trying to build something, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you’re looking for fame, a quick joyride, or a genuine connection that grants you the ability to positively impact people. “Once you decide what you’re building, then you’ll know what kind of foundation you’ll …
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