The rich and diverse talent of Trinidad and Tobago took centre stage on Sunday, August 16, 2026 as the Ministry of Culture and Community Development (MCCD) under the auspices of the Honourable Michelle Benjamin, MP hosted the Finals of its inaugural Trinbago Talent: Uncovered. This initiative brought to life the vision of Minister Benjamin whose desire to unearth and uplift our local talent was the driving force behind its successful execution of both culture and community development.
Attended by hundreds of patrons with no admission charge, this spectacular showcase was held at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) in San Fernando and broadcasted live via Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT) for viewing audiences across the globe. Following performances by the sixteen (16) finalists and deliberation by the esteemed selection committee, Shemic St. Hillaire was named the winner of the first-ever Trinbago Talent: Uncovered 2026.
The selection committee for the night comprised of the following local stalwarts in the creative industry:
- Nigel Diaz – Cultural Officer, Culture Division, MCCD;
- Michelle Pilgrim-Joseph – Artistic Director/Dance Instructor/Choreographer;
- Rohan ‘Fireball’ Richards – Soca Artiste/Chef;
- Michael Salickram – Dancer/Instructor/Choreographer/Director;
- Imran ‘GI’ Beharry – Chutney Soca Artiste/Commissioner, National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago;
- Alicia Jaggasar – Musician/President of the National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago;
- Abbi Blackman – Calypsonian/Artisan/Songwriter/Educator; and
- Orlando Octave – Soca Artiste/Director, Tourism Trinidad Limited.
Joining the specially invited guests, hundreds of supporters and members of the public were:
- The Honourable Michelle Benjamin, MP, Minister of Culture and Community Development;
- The Honourable Clyde Elder, MP, Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities;
- Dr. Narindra Roopnarine, MP, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Community Development; and
- Councillor Ackel Franklyn, Assistant Secretary in the Division of Community Development and Social Protection, Tobago House of Assembly (THA).
The evening culminated a journey months in the making, showcasing a diverse range of talent including music, dance, spoken word and poetry. The competition progressed from video auditions through selection stages in which contestants were assessed by judges against the relevant criteria, with public voting was incorporated after the Semi-Final rounds to secure three (3) People’s Choice contestants to move on to the final rounds.
The Ministry created Trinbago Talent: Uncovered to provide a platform for emerging, amateur and developing artistes to showcase their abilities to audiences across Trinidad and Tobago and the world at large, while contributing to the continued development and celebration of the nation’s cultural sector. In addition to prizes for the top placements, special awards recognised contestants for public support, artistic development and the promotion of Trinbagonian culture.
The official results of the Top 3 for the inaugural Trinbago Talent: Uncovered 2026 are as follows:
- 1st Place: Shemic St. Hillaire – $75,000.00
- 2nd Place: Darion St. Clair – $40,000.00
- 3rd Place: Nicholas Lucas – $25,000.00
Trinbago Talent: Uncovered 2026 Special Prizes:
- The Minister’s Choice Award – Naomi Phil
- People’s Choice Award – Nicholas Lucas
- Breakthrough Artist Award – Jaydah and Nalliyah Bedeshi
- Cultural Ambassador Award – Darion St. Clair
- Artistic Excellence Award – Naomi Phil
In an effort to support these upcoming stars and as a token of recognition as a finalist, all other contestants apart from the aforementioned Top 3 will receive $2,500.00.
In congratulating the winners Minister Benjamin remarked, “Our Trinbagonian people have unmatched talents that need to be seen and heard, this initiative is testament to that. As Minister with remit for culture and community development I will continue working with and supporting our creative sector. Thank you to all participants, partners and key stakeholders who worked alongside our Ministry’s Trinbago Talent: Uncovered 2026 Steering Committee and ensured that this initiative was a resounding success.”
The Ministry of Culture and Community Development as part of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities for emerging artistes from communities across the country to develop their craft, be recognised and pursue their dreams. Through initiatives such as Trinbago Talent: Uncovered, the Ministry continues to provide platforms where creativity, culture and community can be showcased, celebrated and supported.
Below are some photo highlights of the inaugural Trinbago Talent: Uncovered 2026.
