Who is popular today?

THERAPY, in association with MusicTT, will present The Island Stage – a combined line-up of rising Caribbean artistes, including TT's Kalpee, who will perform at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival in Austin, Texas.
This year’s event is being held virtually and performances will go live online via SXSW between March 16-20.
A media release said, "The Island Stage is dedicated to focusing the spotlight on West Indian artists and putting island pop at the forefront of the international music scene."
Pioneered by rising Trinbagonian artiste Kalpee, along with his manager Miss Vivianna of FVP Global, The Island Stage aims to create a platform for artists to come together and represent the music from the Caribbean islands, the release said.
[caption id="attachment_878188" align="alignnone" width="724"] Kalpee's records his performance at The Island Stage -[/caption]
It said Kalpee and FVP Global have identified the need to support Caribbean talent by strengthening the local infrastructure and resources, giving opportunities to these artists to thrive.
At SXSW 2021, Kalpee will be hosting The Island Stage with model Kadiya Mcdonald, and will be performing alongside West Indian musicians Mortimer, Sevana, Tessellated and Khalia.
Explaining the mission behind The Island Stage Kalpee said in the release, “I am so very appreciative of all the experiences I have been blessed with in being able to travel internationally as part of my musical career. I came to understand that what is lacking in the West Indies is structure and resources into the creative arts, for us to compete with the rest of the world. This is how The Island Stage came to be, as I realised that by coming together to represent Caribbean music with my peers, we can showcase our heritage, musical genres and individuality.”
What exactly is Therapy?
Therapy is described as "a brand new series of boutique music, wellness and soul repairing events such as music festivals, charity events, wellness retreats and seminars, which will take place in various locations around the world that naturally promote healing."
Therapy has also signed a 50:50 pledge with Girls I Rate in support of gender equality. This signals the inclusion of at least 50 per cent women and under-represented genders in its programming and staffing where possible, the release explained.
Founder of Girls I Rate Carla Marie Williams said, "Being of Jamaican heritage, it's important for me to push for increased visibility and equality for women across the Caribbean islands ­– bridging the gap between the UK and Caribbean diaspora, while increasing cultural experiences and opportunities within music for black women globally."
SXSW Music Festival's programming manager Brian Hobbs said in the release that the festival is excited over the Caribbean showcase.
[caption id="attachment_878189" align="alignnone" width="724"] Sevana at The Island Stage recording event held in Jamaica -[/caption]
“SXSW is very excited to stream the first annual Island Stage during the first-ever SXSW Online festival. We recognise the importance of giving Caribbean music and artists an international platform to showcase their musical heritage. We look forward to many more Island Stages to come in the future in Austin, Tx," Hobbs said.
General manager at MusicTT Melissa Jimenez said: "MusicTT is super excited to have partnered with Kalpee and Therapy to help deliver The Island Stage. This opens a door of infinite possibilities for the Caribbean and we are honoured to support.”
For more info: @theislandstage on Instagram.
 
The post Kalpee’s Island Stage for SXSW festival appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.