Having delighted crowds for many years with their exciting performances and memorable moments, Traffik returns to the stage. The constantly evolving group, famed for their ferocious sounds and vibrant colours, continues to deliver work of richness. Expressing an authentic Trinidadian flavour and “promising a whirlwind experience for patrons”, the band’s mobile soca fete will be kicking off another inspiring tour, beginning with the Point Fortin Borough Day celebrations.
It can be easy to forget that it was only on 30 April 1980 that Trinidad saw the inauguration of the borough, which came to see culture as a means of sustenance. From there, a handful of bands and a few attendees grew into multitudes and, like Traffik, continue to flourish.
The 1980s was a time of economic uncertainty, and the celebration was created to bring relief to the area by promoting initiatives to encourage growth. In only a few years, like so many Caribbean conceptions, it went well beyond its imagined scope, and came to be one of the biggest TnT events outside of Carnival, attracting some 30,000 people annually, both national and foreign.
This year will be the 43rd annual celebration, which resumed in 2022 following a two-year, Covid-induced hiatus. Highlighting themes of sport, culture, gospel and community youth in the past, competitions like Pan-On-The-Move and even J’Ouvert have only added to the charm and prestige of these celebrations, which convene against the beautiful backdrop of the beach.