By Henry Gomez The KAISO 365 Calypso Monarch Competition is the significant calypso event on the Toronto Caribbean Carnival calendar. Traditionally, it takes place eight days after the Junior Carnival Parade. The parade culminates with a Junior Showcase of the Caribbean carnival arts in which children eighteen and younger sing calypso or soca, play the […]
By Yolanda T. Marshall Are you ready to play mas? This year, I am not a masquerader as usual. While the parade graces the streets of Toronto and my ancestors receive the songs and dances of freedom, I will be at the Harbourfront Centre as a featured artist for ‘Island Soul’, educating children about our […]
By Lincoln DePradine Ace Trinidad and Tobago arranger Duvone Stewart selected Mical Teja’s song, “DNA”, and it earned BP Renegades Steel Orchestra a first place tie – with All Stars – at the country’s 2024 panorama competition. Another talented arranger, Rudo Forteau, is optimistic that he could repeat the magical victory embodied in “DNA”, which […]
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival will feature the highly anticipated Junior King and Queen Showcase on Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 2 pm to 8 pm at Scarborough Town Centre. This family-oriented event, organized by the Festival Management Committee (FMC), celebrates the cultural creativity and heritage of young participants in the Caribbean community. Event: Junior King […]
By Stephen Weir Photos by Nicole Steeves They’re keeping Calypso alive by honouring the sounds, stories, and spirit of authentic kaiso. Rolling in the street or jumping up on an outdoor stage, the Kaiso Street Combo (an offshoot of the Kaiso Street Society) is taking Calypso music to the people. Although not well known in […]
Making a joyful noise at the Caribbean rhythms and chants workshop By Stephen Weir Normally, a parent would shudder and put their hands to their ears if they received a request for their youngster to bring a drum or some banging sticks to school. But when Calypsonian Roger Gibbs does the asking, well, that is […]
Calypso came alive last Saturday night as Organization of Calypso Performing Arts (OCPA0 staged its first Calypso Tent, marking a significant moment in Toronto Caribbean Carnival calendar. Since the pandemic, the calypso tent receded into the background as it was with all such activities. An even though OCPA stage a Calypso Monarch Competition last year, […]
The idyllic island of Anguilla is set to host its milestone 50th Anguilla Summer Festival from July 21st to August 11th, promising an extravaganza of cultural events, music, and vibrant activities that will draw locals and visitors alike. Dubbed “The Family Reunion,” this special edition of the festival is expected to attract record numbers of […]
By Stephen Weir As the Caribbean Camera was going to press, Jennifer Michelle Hirlehey, the board chair of the Festival Management Committee (FMC), which oversees the annual Caribbean Carnival in Toronto, issued a statement announcing the formation of the Caribbean Community Advocacy Network (CCAN). Writing in the latest edition of the social media-based Toronto Carnival […]
By Anthony Joseph The Scarborough Town Centre was transformed into a lively hub of Caribbean culture as the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Launch took place at its new location on Saturday, marking a historic first for the 57-year-old festival. The relocation from Toronto City Hall and the shift to a weekend schedule were significant changes aimed […]
