January 26, 2026 — From hard-hitting social commentary to songs born in the quiet moments of inspiration, Tobago’s calypso voices are resonating far beyond the island. On the national stage of the 2026 National Calypso Queen Competition, two Tobagonian women are using melody and message to tell stories that reflect both the challenges and the spirit of their communities.
The finals, held on Sunday night at Queen’s Hall in St. Ann’s, saw Giselle Fraser and Roslyn Reid representing the sister isle with distinction. Fraser, whose powerful performance of “No Village Can’t” earned her a spot in the top six, tackled the erosion of community values and the urgent need for a return to collective responsibility. Meanwhile, Roslyn Reid brought her signature storytelling to the stage, reinforcing Tobago’s reputation as a cradle of high-quality kaiso.
While the overall crown was captured by Tameika Darius (singing “No Love”), the presence of multiple Tobago finalists highlights the island’s growing influence on the national cultural landscape. The National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC) noted that this year’s competition featured some of the highest-quality compositions in years, with Tobago’s participants being a “potent and powerful” part of that excellence.
