From October 24th to 26th, Tobago will come alive for “Mud, Mas and Music” with revellers beginning their Carnival with J’ouvert and culminating in the vibrant colours of pretty mas costumes.
Adding to the experience is the plethora of new, energetic, infectious music that masqueraders will “Roll It” to.
The infectious Jade Monkey Carnival Project was launched at TTT Limited on Monday, and according to Soca artiste Shurwayne Winchester, the riddim is much more than just a nice beat.
“The riddim was done by Diamond Dale Music, and the producer was Dada. The headline of this riddim, I would say, is Sean Anthony of Jade Monkey, who had the idea of, besides just being a Carnival band and being a spot in Tobago, giving something to push the artistes of Tobago. So yours truly, Shurwayne Winchester, made contact with several acts, and out of the acts and out of the acts, four were chosen because of the music that they had.”
One such artiste is the 2024 winner of the Tobago Soca Titans competition and 2025 Youth Soca Champion runner-up, Jahiem ‘Verrse’ Thomas who performs ‘Roll It‘ on the riddim.
“As I listen to the riddim, I say this riddim is very sweet, it real nice, and I came up with the concept one time from the time I heard the riddim. I say this is a wining tune, so I have to sing something for the ladies.”
Also featured on the riddim is Soca artiste Jreyon Trim, known as J Kez, who aims to bring the ‘Sweetness‘ to Tobago Carnival.
“Music is a journey, and I’m just glad that I was given the opportunity by Shurwayne Winchester, Mikey Tower, and Dale and all those who were involved to be a part of this, as it came together great. The name of my song is ‘Sweetness’ because, oh God, the riddim sweet. I want you to express yourself because the riddim gives you that opportunity to feel something that has emotion in it, and it has the vibes to make you feel, to move, and to dance, so just enjoy the music and enjoy the artiste. It doesn’t matter where we hail from. Just enjoy the music and embrace it, and it will take you there. Any party anywhere — sweetness.”
A well-known name in the Tobago music industry, Michael Skeete, aka Mikey Tower, said ‘Real Ting’, his 2025 offering on the Jade Monkey Carnival Project, is all about love.
“The concept of the song is about giving a woman this real love, affectionate love, you know. You guys stay tuned. Get ready for so much more as we push Tobago’s Carnival on the Jade Monkey Carnival Project.”