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Stink & Dutty 2026: Wizard of Oz Fete at Port of Spain Heliport
Stink & Dutty 2026 at the Port of Spain Heliport, themed Wizard of Oz, was an experience—not just a party.
Running from 3:00am to 10:00am, this was one of those fetes that literally pulled people out of other events. Traffic was heavy on the route in, but with shuttle services available, the journey was worth every minute—especially when arrival lined up perfectly with sunrise, setting the tone for what followed.
From the moment of entry, communication from security and the event team stood out—clear, welcoming, and professional. Media accreditation was smooth, and once inside, it was immediate madness: paint, powder, water, foam, and nonstop movement. The music selection stayed strong throughout, keeping energy levels high across genres and tempos.
Performance-wise, the fete delivered. Machel Montano shut things down with a powerful set, joined by a host of guests. A standout moment came when Paris Coutain literally climbed the stage setup to deliver Pull D Pin—pure adrenaline. More high-energy performances followed from Patrice Roberts and Skinny Fabulous, along with surprise moments that kept patrons fully locked in.
As the morning progressed, steelbands and alternative-format bands moved through the crowd, dropping raw, authentic vibes toward the end. The fete blended culture, energy, whining, liming, jab, power, and true Caribbean spirit seamlessly. Music from other islands played in full rotation, and the constant respect shown to international patrons made the entire experience feel genuinely inclusive.
Exiting brought traffic again—but by then, no one minded. It became part of the experience: time to step out, lime, talk, and reflect with fellow patrons on just how special the night (and morning) had been.
Stink & Dutty 2026 wasn’t just a fete—it was a shared Caribbean moment.
Images by @Superbia868 and @jiggadmedia
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Soca Watchlist 2026: The New Wave Defining Soca
As Carnival 2026 builds momentum, a powerful new generation of soca artistes is stepping into the spotlight alongside established hitmakers. From road‑ready power soca anthems to groovy, feel‑good crowd favourites, these artistes are shaping the sound of the upcoming season and earning heavy rotation across DJ sets, fetes, and international Carnival circuits.
Worlmag highlights 10 soca artistes to watch in 2026 — the names DJs, promoters, and Carnival insiders are betting on for the next global Soca wave.
1. Paris Coutain
Paris Coutain continues to rise as one of soca’s most dynamic new voices. Known for his energetic delivery and road‑tested collaborations, he’s been making serious noise in 2026 mixes and Carnival warm‑up playlists. With tracks appearing alongside major names, Paris is positioning himself as a future Road March contender and a must‑book act for fetes and festivals.
2. Coutain
Coutain remains one of the most consistent breakout performers on the circuit. His blend of modern soca production with traditional Soca energy has made him a favourite among DJs and party crowds. With tracks like Wedding Band and frequent features in 2026 rotations, he’s solidifying his place as a next‑generation soca staple.
3. Lil Kerry
Lil Kerry is quickly emerging as one of the most promising young artistes in the new soca generation. Known for his vibrant delivery, youthful energy, and Carnival‑ready sound, he’s been gaining traction across 2026 mixes and DJ rotations. His ability to blend modern soca elements with fresh melodic hooks makes him a standout among rising talents. With growing support from both Caribbean and diaspora audiences, Lil Kerry is positioned to make a major impact during the 2026 Carnival season.
4. Vghn
Vghn is quietly becoming one of the most exciting emerging names to watch. His sound moves effortlessly between groove and power soca, giving his tracks versatility across different Carnival/Soca moments. With increasing DJ support, Vghn is set to break through to wider regional and international audiences in 2026. Vghn is set to play at Reggae Land festival in the Uk in 1st and 2nd of August, he’s currently on his Jab Desion Tour with London been the next stop in March.
5. Anika Berry
Anika Berry continues to gain momentum with her infectious, crowd‑friendly style. Regularly featured in 2026 soca mixes, she’s carving out a strong presence with songs built for fete culture and international Carnival crowds. Expect Anika to be a standout female voice of the new soca wave.
6. Christo
Christo’s high‑energy releases and steady presence in Carnival playlists are earning him growing recognition. His music blends modern production with traditional soca rhythms, making him a go‑to name for DJs looking to inject fresh energy into their sets.
7. Mela Caribe
Mela Caribe is building momentum with a fresh, culturally rooted soca sound that connects strongly with Carnival audiences. Her growing visibility and engaging performances are helping her stand out as an emerging female artist bringing new energy and authenticity to the genre.
8. Imani Rae
Imani Rae is quickly becoming one of the breakout female artistes of the season. With bold, confident soca records and strong DJ rotation, she’s building a reputation for delivering high‑energy Carnival‑ready tracks. Imani Rae represents the next wave of female soca powerhouses.
9. Viking Ding Dong
A true Carnival entertainer, Viking Ding Dong continues to be a powerhouse on the fete and road circuit. Known for his high-energy performances and crowd-commanding presence, he remains a key cultural figure who consistently delivers music and moments that define the Carnival experience.
10. Full Blown
Full Blown brings a polished, performance‑ready sound that translates perfectly to big stages and high‑energy fetes. With multiple 2026 playlist appearances, the duo continues to prove their staying power while connecting strongly with both Caribbean and diaspora audiences.
Worlmag Take
This list reflects where DJs, Carnival insiders, and soca tastemakers are placing their bets for 2026. These artistes aren’t just releasing music — they’re shaping fete culture, influencing DJ selections, and building the soundtrack for the next global Carnival season.
Worlmag will be tracking their rise closely as the road to Carnival 2026 heats up.
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MAGGI Brunch welcomes a fresh new feel to London’s Dancehall scene
MAGGI Brunch welcomes a fresh new feel to London’s Dancehall scene
MAGGI is welcoming back MAGGI TAKE OVER in London on Saturday 21st March, the high-energy, dancehall experience which is designed to take authentic Jamaican culture to the world. More than a party, MAGGI TAKE OVER is a movement, blending music, crowd energy, raw visuals, and digital storytelling into one immersive cultural takeover.
Each event transforms venues into a sweat-dripping, bass-heavy dancehall environment powered by elite DJs, commanding hosts, and an audience that truly understands the culture. The experience is built to feel raw, unfiltered, and electric, capturing the essence of dancehall while presenting it on a global stage.
MAGGI TAKE OVER is not about one night or one city. It is a tour-ready format designed to travel from city to city and country to country, creating cultural moments rather than one-off events. With Europe as the initial focus and the launch city soon to be announced, the takeover is set to move from London to Europe and beyond.
Rooted deeply in Jamaican sound, movement, and energy, MAGGI TAKE OVER places culture first, without dilution or compromise. This is not a party, it is a takeover. Built by the culture, for the culture, it exists to amplify dancehall in its purest form while connecting with a global audience.
Designed for impact both inside and outside the venue, MAGGI TAKE OVER creates highly shareable moments built for viral clips, reels, and digital reach. With strong online engagement and a scalable international format, it also offers an ideal platform for culture-aligned partners across drinks, lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment.
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Dennis Brown – The Crown Prince of Reggae
Dennis Brown – The Crown Prince of Reggae
Before reggae had global polish, Dennis Brown gave it heart.
Before lovers rock had a name, he gave it feeling.
Before many legends found their voice, he showed them how to sing truth with soul.
From Trenchtown to the world, Dennis Brown didn’t just make songs —
he shaped emotions, movements, and generations.
His Contribution to Reggae Music
Voice of the People
Dennis Brown brought raw emotion and spiritual depth to reggae, balancing love, struggle, faith, and social consciousness in a way few could match.
Pioneer of Lovers Rock & Roots Reggae
He helped define the romantic, melodic side of reggae while still holding firm to roots and reality.
Influencer of Legends
Artists like Bob Marley, Luciano, Freddie McGregor, Beres Hammond, and countless others have openly credited Dennis Brown as a major influence.
Youthful Prodigy
Recording hits as a teenager, Dennis Brown proved that age doesn’t limit greatness — conviction does.
Timeless Catalogue
Songs like Money in My Pocket, Here I Come, Revolution, and Love Has Found Its Way remain relevant, powerful, and heavily sampled today.
Dennis Brown wasn’t just crowned by fans —
He earned his crown through truth, talent, and timeless music.
Reggae Month reminds us:
The Crown Prince lives forever in sound.
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Dancehall Watchlist 2026: The New Wave Taking Over
Dancehall is entering a new era — one driven by digital influence, global fusion, and a new generation of artistes who understand how to turn street buzz into worldwide momentum. From Kingston’s gritty corners to the wider Caribbean diaspora, young talents are reshaping the sound and energy of the genre.
Worlmag highlights 10 dancehall artistes to watch in 2026, each poised for major breakthroughs as the genre continues its global expansion.
- Skippa
Skippa has cemented himself as one of dancehall’s most reliable breakout forces. With street-certified anthems like WYFL, 10 Past 2, and Currency, he consistently dominates both streaming platforms and party circuits. His traphall‑infused sound and melodic hooks give him strong crossover potential heading into 2026.
- Tielo Lanez
Tielo Lanez is a standout product of the viral‑to‑street pipeline. Tracks such as Thickiana, Selah, and Shootah Dem have helped him build a distinctive brand that mixes raw street energy with charismatic flair. With strong producer support and a rapidly growing fanbase, he’s positioned for major visibility next year.
- Ayetian
Ayetian continues to separate himself with a unique sonic identity and global appeal. His catalogue spans party hits, melodic records, and international collaborations, giving him a versatile edge. With rising visibility across major markets, Ayetian is one of the most promising crossover-ready artistes for 2026.
- Nhance
Nhance has been steadily earning respect with gritty storytelling and authentic street narratives. His raw delivery resonates with core dancehall listeners, and his consistency is beginning to pay off. With more collaborations and placements on major riddims, Nhance is primed for a breakout year.
- Suspense
Suspense is making a powerful return to the dancehall scene. After time away, she has re-emerged with renewed focus and determination, carving out space in a male-dominated industry. Her comeback has sparked industry interest, positioning her as a standout female voice to watch in 2026.
- Kkrytical
Based in the U.S. but deeply rooted in Jamaican culture, Kkrytical represents the new wave of diaspora artistes influencing the core dancehall market. His viral tracks, high-energy performances, and strong collaborations have built significant momentum. 2026 could easily be his biggest year yet.
- Armanii
Armanii has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in modern dancehall. With charting singles, major collaborations, and a steady stream of releases, he has proven himself a reliable hitmaker. His influence continues to grow both locally and internationally, making him a major contender for 2026 dominance.
- Skeete
Skeete is rising steadily within the new-generation dancehall movement. His blend of street authenticity and modern production has earned him placements on key playlists and mixes. While still underrated, Skeete is a strong sleeper pick for a breakout moment in 2026.
- Jamal
Jamal has emerged as one of the most exciting young voices in the genre. With streaming favourites like 999 and Girls Are Drugs, he has built a reputation for emotional street anthems and catchy hooks. His consistency and growing fanbase suggest that 2026 could be a defining year.
- Malie Donn
Malie Donn remains a fixture on modern dancehall playlists. Known for party-ready hits and viral collaborations, he has mastered the formula for digital traction. With rising international recognition, Malie Donn is well-positioned to elevate his brand even further in 2026.
Why These Artistes Matter in 2026
This new wave of artistes represents the evolution of dancehall — a fusion of street culture, digital influence, and global ambition. As Caribbean music continues to attract international attention, these rising stars are shaping the genre’s next chapter.
Worlmag will be tracking their journey closely, from new releases and live performances to global collaborations and international breakthroughs.
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AIDONIA AND ELEPHANT MAN TO JOIN CITY SPLASH 2026 LINEUP
City Splash celebrates the impact of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond. The festival, situated in Brockwell Park, London, creates a space for the community to pay homage to pioneering sounds that raised generations and has become the largest one-day Caribbean and African music festival globally, as well as the biggest independent one day festival in London. Today, they announce an incredible second wave of artists for their 2026 lineup, including dancehall icon Aidonia.
Known as the voice of modern dancehall, Aidonia returns to London this May to celebrate two decades of hits, culture, and energy. Aidonia has cemented his place as one of Jamaica’s most electrifying performers, best known for his singles “Yeah Yeah”, “Bruck It”, “Fire Ball” and “Pretty Please”. This global dancehall icon will be taking the stage at City Splash 2026.
Also new to the roster is a true dancehall superstar, Elephant Man (aka Energy God). Growing up in the Seaview Gardens area of Kingston, Jamaica, Elephant Man was exposed to dancehall culture at an early age. His musical career began with the formation of Scare Dem Crew, where he honed his on-stage persona through performances at various Jamaican festivals. After leaving Scare Dem Crew, Elephant Man launched a successful solo career, blending dancehall with hip-hop influences. His second album, Log On, gained significant attention, leading to collaborations with artists like Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey. Catch the Energy God at City Splash 2026.
Joining them on the lineup are The Queens of Lover’s Rock, Janet Kay and Carroll Thompson, and the pioneer of the Afro Sexy Afro Future sound,. Plus, Luton-born and raised rapper BXKS, Ciel, known for fusing rap and dancehall, British singer and songwriter Donae’o, unique R&B artist Eric IV, soca musician V’Ghn, the UK’s hottest duo DJ Nate & English Fire, selectors Movie Star Johnny & Andrew Fresh, Brixton-based reggae band Abacush, legendary tastemaker Bryan Gee, official DJ of Kalash Criminel Daddy Chulo, world-class DJ Mexy, powerful reggae artist Empress Ayeola, founder of ‘Girls Can’t DJ Jordss, Smirnoff Back to the Beach winner Kryptic, Nubian Idol, soulful singer Sherii Ven Dyer, London-based artist Sinister Escapone, long-running and influential soundsystem Sovereign Syndicate and Jamaican reggae artist Unstoppable Fyah.
Join City Splash, the home of culture, as it transforms Brockwell Park into a celebration of Caribbean and African music and culture like no other.
Full Line Up:
Beres Hammond
Aidonia, Elephant Man, Gyptian,
Jada Kingdom, Queen Ifrica, The Congos, Lutan Fyah,
Jeleel!, Juls, Janet Kay & Carroll Thompson
BXKS, Ciel, Cristale, Donae’o, Eric IV, V’ghn, Wohdee,
Lisa Maffia, Romeo & Dandaman (So Solid Crew)
Bryan Gee, Channel One, Dankie Sounds, DJ Ace, DJ Larni, DJ Nate & English Fire, Heartless Crew, Izzy Bossy, King Original ft Footsie x Sir Spyro x Jah Model x Ras D, Loyal Squad, Movie Star Johnny & Andrew Fresh, Nicky Slimting, Pioneer, Supa D, Coldsteps & Terminal 4, Pure Vibes Ent, Rampage Sound, Ras Kwame, Robbo Ranx, Saxon Sound, Seani B, Sir DJ Corey
Abakush Band, Blacker Dread, Bobo Blackstar, Daddy Child, DJ Mexy, Empress Ayeola, Jada Pink, Jah Youth Roots Ambassador, Jordss, Kryptic, Nubian Idol, Jahrevelationmuzik Sound, Sherii Ven Deyer, Sinister Eskapone, Sisters In Dub, Sovereign Syndicate, Triple M, Unstoppable Fyah, Vybz-SR
+ MORE TBA
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Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2026 Media Launch: Strong Execution, Mixed Reactions to Line-Up
The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival officially launched its 2026 edition with a polished and interactive media event at the Sandals Grande on January 22, setting the tone for what organizers are positioning as one of the island’s most ambitious cultural showcases in recent years.
Led by key industry figures including Thaddeus Antoine, Chairman of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, and Louis Lewis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the launch placed strong emphasis on culture, creativity, and national identity — reinforcing the festival’s broader mission beyond music alone.
Also in attendance were cultural and entertainment personalities such as Emerle Tission, National Carnival Queen 2025, influencer Timeka Marshall of Guyana, and creative industry figures including Certified Samson, highlighting the festival’s regional and diaspora reach.
According to both Worlmag insiders and public reports, the launch successfully highlighted the festival’s expanded focus on arts, culture, and community, reinforcing Saint Lucia’s intent to go beyond music and present a fully immersive creative experience.
High Marks for Production, Arts Integration & Sponsor Support
Worlmag insiders praised the overall execution and venue setup, noting that the incorporation of multiple art forms was both engaging and thoughtfully curated.
“The execution and incorporation of all the arts that are gonna be showcased for the duration of the festival was really delightful. It was interactive and well thought out — both the performances and the venue setup.”
The presence and visibility of local and international sponsors also stood out, with insiders highlighting what appeared to be a stronger financial commitment to the creative industries this year.
“The various sponsors and their input and how they planned to support the arts was also nice to see. We have a lot of local sponsors this year and the budget seems to be hefty.”
CEO Message: Culture Over Popularity
As the main speaker of the evening, Louis Lewis, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, addressed the strategic vision behind the 2026 programming, emphasizing cultural authenticity over mainstream appeal.
“We were not simply building a lineup for the sake of popularity. We are building a lineup that reflects the soul of our destination, one that blends seamlessly with the undeniable persona of Saint Lucia — our creativity, our rhythm, our elegance, and the depth of our culture,” said Lewis.”
This statement reinforced the festival’s positioning as a platform for both global and local culture, placing Saint Lucia’s creative identity at the centre of the 2026 experience.
It aligns with official messaging from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, which has emphasized increased investment, expanded programming, and stronger industry partnerships for the 2026 edition.
Featured Performances Set the Tone
The media launch also featured a series of live showcase performances that demonstrated the festival’s musical and artistic range, Performers included TC Brown, Camille Charlemagne with Shomari Maxwell, Kenson Hippolyte, and Teddyson John. These performances helped bring the festival’s multi-genre and culture-forward vision to life, offering attendees a preview of the creative direction for the upcoming festival.
“Art and the City” Emerges as a Major Highlight
One of the most positively received initiatives at the launch was Art and the City, which will transform parts of Castries into a creative hub featuring visual art, performances, and cultural activations.
“The Art and the City initiative is something I am absolutely excited for — that’s something I think all Saint Lucians should make an attempt to attend.”
The initiative continues the festival’s push toward community-based and culturally grounded experiences, extending the festival’s impact beyond traditional main-stage concerts.
Line-Up Draws Mixed Reactions
While production and programming earned praise, the artist line-up sparked notable debate among attendees and industry insiders.
Worlmag feedback suggests that while there are standout names, the overall curation — particularly for opening and Friday night programming — feels inconsistent.
“The line-up could have been a little more diverse for Friday’s show. I think the organizers could have also put more emphasis on opening nights line-up as well .”
Another insider echoed the sentiment, pointing to a small cluster of artists generating the most excitement:
“Billy Ocean, Dexta and Tems seem to be the artists people are looking forward to.”
Public reports confirm that Tems remains one of the most anticipated headliners, alongside veteran UK soul icon Beverley Knight, as part of a genre-spanning bill that includes Afrobeats, R&B, Caribbean rhythms, and jazz.
However, Worlmag insiders noted that — compared to last year — the current roster lacks multiple standout “must-see” moments, with many attendees expressing that 2025’s line-up felt stronger overall.
Overall Verdict: A Successful Launch, But Programming Questions Remain
From a production, branding, and arts integration standpoint, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2026 media launch was widely viewed as a success. The event effectively showcased the festival’s broader cultural vision, increased sponsor engagement, and commitment to community-focused initiatives.
However, the line-up remains the biggest talking point, with both insiders and attendees calling for greater diversity, stronger balance across nights, and more headline depth beyond a few key artists.
Worlmag Takeaway:
The foundation is strong, the arts vision is exciting, and initiatives like Art and the City signal real growth. But for many festival-goers, the ultimate success of Jazz 2026 may depend on whether the full programming delivers enough standout moments to match the high production and cultural ambition on display at the launch.
Images by: Ron
By: Simi
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