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TUCO President Ainsley King has paid tribute to Brother Valentino, recognising his contribution to conscious calypso and his commitment to giving voice to ordinary people. In an official statement dated 21st October 2026, King described Anthony Emrold Phillip, affectionately known as “The People’s Calypsonian”, as a cultural figure of deep significance whose music reflected the experiences, struggles and hopes of ordinary people. “Brother Valentino’s work stood for message, s

Today, 20th October, TUCO celebrates Winston “Gypsy” Peters on his 74th birthday, recognising a career filled with memorable music, sharp social commentary and the quick wit that has made him a formidable extempo performer.

Today, 17th October, we celebrate Anthony “Allrounder” Hendrickson, whose humour, storytelling and lively performances have earned him a special place in Trinidad and Tobago’s calypso tradition. His calypso journey began in 1967 with “My Little Brother Charlie,” written by his wife, Wilma, who also gave him the name Allrounder. With guidance from Lord Kitchener and the Growling Tiger, he developed a style built on memorable stories and a natural flair for entertaining. Songs

TUCO President Ainsley King’s tribute to the Mighty Sparrow was a highlight of the memorial service at NAPA on 16th October 2026, earning a standing ovation as he honoured the cultural giant’s extraordinary career and lasting influence. Speaking on behalf of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation and the wider calypso fraternity, King delivered a warm, thoughtful address that blended humour, gratitude and pride in the art form Sparrow helped take to the world. “But S

Viewing options for the Mighty Sparrow’s Celebration of Life on Friday 16th October: TTT television and livestreams from TTT and the Ministry of Culture and Community Development.

Somebody was always getting into trouble in a Sparrow song. A politician might find his words coming back to haunt him. A neighbour’s embarrassment could become everybody’s entertainment. And the man telling the story might turn out to be the biggest rogue of all. Sparrow made those characters feel close enough to recognise. You could hear them by the shop, in a family argument or holding court after a few drinks. Each had a different version of events. Each expected you to b

Following overwhelming interest and further enquiries after the original deadline, TUCO is opening another opportunity for persons to express their interest in adjudicating the National Calypso Competitions for Carnival 2027. The Adjudication Management Committee invites persons with past experience and a strong interest in judging, music and culture to express their interest. Applicants can share their contact details, relevant experience and interest. Expressions of interes

Two-time National Calypso Monarch Helon Francis is inviting audiences to reconnect through music at “The Reconnection”, his concert at NAPA on 8th November 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Francis claimed his first National Calypso Monarch title in 2018 and returned to the winner’s circle in 2025 with “To Whom It May Be”. The upcoming concert offers supporters an opportunity to experience the calypsonian beyond the competition stage. For calypso lovers, it is a chance to make an

Nine finalists have been selected to challenge reigning Tobago Calypso Monarch Nicole Thomas Clarke at Market Square, Scarborough, on Tuesday 27th October, 2026. The announcement follows auditions hosted by TUCO’s Tobago Zone on Saturday 10th October. The selected calypsonians will join the 2025 titleholder for this year’s final. The finalists, listed alphabetically, and their songs are: Alex “Tobago Chalkie” Gift — Nice and Sweet Jacqulin “Jackie Reid” Reid — Good Morning Ba

TUCO will host training for adjudicators and calypsonians on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2026, ahead of its Carnival 2027 Calypso, Extempo and Freestyle competitions. Both sessions take place from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the V.I.P. Room, Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain. Registration runs from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. each day. Saturday’s session is for adjudicators, focusing on consistent judging using standardised rubrics. Sunday’s session is for

Two-time National Calypso Monarch Roderick “Chuck” Gordon shares the experiences and influences behind his music in a conversation on The Corie Sheppard Podcast. The discussion explores his journey through calypso and soca, including his “Jiggy Calypso” approach, which brings danceable rhythms together with social commentary. Gordon also considers the calypsonian’s responsibility to reflect the society around them. He reflects on the influence of his father, Roland Gordon, an

TUCO South Central Zone will hold its next membership meeting on Saturday, 31st October 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Creative Arts Centre, 97C Circular Road, San Fernando. Members will receive reports and updates on the Zone’s activities and programmes, review the minutes of the previous meeting and discuss matters arising. The agenda also includes the Chairman’s welcome and other business. The South Central Zone Executive encourages members to arrive on time and

The TUCO East Zone will host its upcoming Membership Meeting on Saturday 10th October, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. at the TUCO East Zone Office, Priority Mall, O’Meara Road, Arima. The meeting will bring East Zone members together to discuss matters affecting the membership, upcoming activities, important updates and ways to continue strengthening unity within the calypso fraternity. Members will also have an opportunity to share ideas, contribute suggestions and take part in discus

Stacey Sobers is preparing to bring a little theatrical glamour to the calypso stage as Crackers and Cheese returns for its ninth edition with Moulin Rouge: A Calypso Cabaret. Set for 10th October at 7 p.m. at the Central Bank Auditorium, the production is being presented as an all-female celebration of music, theatre and dance, bringing together some familiar and respected voices from Trinidad and Tobago’s entertainment landscape. Sobers will lead a cast featuring Terry Lyon

Veteran calypsonian Lynette “Lady Gypsy” Steele celebrates her birthday today, marking another chapter in a journey that has stretched across more than four decades of Trinidad and Tobago’s calypso tradition. Known within the fraternity as the “Dragon Lady of Calypso,” Lady Gypsy has built her reputation on a fearless approach to the artform, delivering social commentary, storytelling and performances that speak directly to the issues around her. In 2017, after roughly 40 yea

Trinidad and Tobago’s Calypso tradition moves into the spotlight this October as the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation presents an ambitious calendar of activities for Calypso History Month 2026. The programme stretches into November and combines live entertainment with education, preservation and community engagement. Among the highlighted events are the Brother Valentino Legacy Concert on 2nd October, Crackers and Cheese 9 on 10th October, Rubicon 4 on 17th Octobe

Dr. Slinger Francisco, universally known as The Mighty Sparrow, has died at the age of 91. His daughter Karen Francisco announced that the legendary calypsonian passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, September 27, following a brief illness in New York. Born in Grenada on July 9, 1935, and raised in Trinidad, Sparrow became one of the most important figures in the history of calypso. His extraordinary career transformed Caribbean storytelling through music, com

TUCO East Zone is preparing to celebrate five respected figures in Trinidad and Tobago's calypso tradition with “A Tribute to Kaiso Legends: Honouring Their Legacy, Celebrating Their Voices.” Presented in collaboration with the BATCE Form 4 Year Group, the October 24 event will honour Asha Kamachee, Pink Panther, Karega Mandela, Brother Valentino and Poser. The programme will also feature performances from Cardinal, Johnny King, Bally, Tiny, Ninja and other artistes, creating

After more than three decades of preserving tradition, mentoring young people and carrying Trinidad and Tobago’s Moko Jumbie culture onto international stages, Junior Bisnath has received one of the country’s national honours. Bisnath has been named a recipient of the Hummingbird Medal Bronze for his contribution to culture as part of the 2026 National Awards. Known affectionately as the “Constructive Termite,” Bisnath is the founder and director of the Junior Bisnath School

Trinidad and Tobago cultural icon Superblue was celebrated in a special way at the Bishops Anesty Hight School Eeast Social Science Department’s Republic Day Celebration, where students and staff came together to show their appreciation for his contribution to the country’s music and culture. Superblue was present for the September 23rd event and was formally recognised during the programme, receiving a token of appreciation as part of the school’s tribute to his enduring imp