As Tobago Carnival 2025 approaches, Boston-based producer Diamond Dale has teamed up with entertainment hub Jade Monkey to drop the Jade Monkey Carnival Project, a proudly Tobago-led production.
The project began ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025 Carnival but stalled during the busy season, with only Shurwayne Winchester recording at first. Shurwayne later encouraged Dale to share the riddim (instrumental track) with fellow Tobagonian Mikie Tower, which then brought Verrse and J-Kez on board. Dale soon realised all four artists were from Tobago and suggested it be released for Tobago Carnival.
The riddim combines bouyon and soca, typical of the trends across the region and abroad. With support from Dominican producer Dada, each artist wrote and recorded their own track. “… a powerful show of camaraderie among artists from Tobago who respect each other,” said Dale. He added that he hopes the project will build confidence in Tobago artists and create more opportunities for them, just as Trinidad acts do.
Tobago Carnival takes place from 24 to 26 October 2025, and Dale said the festival belongs to the people of Tobago, calling the all-Tobago line-up on the riddim “remarkable” and its timing like God’s work.
Expressing gratitude, Dale added, “I’m really grateful to Shurwayne for believing in me. He gave me the encouragement to get into production, and it’s been a dream come true. He opened doors for me, and I hope what I’ve done here with this riddim will open doors for these Tobago artistes because, quite frankly, they deserve it.” He also thanked Jade Monkey for their investment and support.
