The Trinidad and Tobago Music Company Limited (MusicTT) was thrilled to continue to support the Island Wave and its official Caribbean Stage at SXSW 2024.
The longstanding partnership between Island Wave and MusicTT, two entities dedicated to promoting diverse musical cultures, resulted in a dynamic showcase at SXSW, highlighting the vibrant sounds and talents from the Caribbean and Africa, with an emphasis on Haitian artistes.
At the helm of this year’s line-up were esteemed acts, J Perry and Kanis, Haitian artists whose legacy not only reflects the rich tapestry of Caribbean music but also stands as a symbol of hope and renewal for fans of Haitian artists worldwide. Reflecting on the experience, J Perry remarked, “My first time at the Island wave south by southwest show was amazing. It’s a true magical movement connecting island talents. I was honoured to have been a part of it, especially representing Haiti that is going through its toughest times Thank you Island wave for a memorable show”.
MusicTT’s Spotlight alumXAV (formerly known as Xavier) also took to the stage, renowned for his musical virtuosity and leadership in the Tobago Writers Guild alongside T&T musicians Kwami Morrison, Joshua Salcedo and Nick Thomas.
Against the backdrop of ongoing global challenges, including the recent turmoil in Haiti, Island Wave’s participation at South by Southwest proved more vital than ever. The platform remains unwavering in its belief in the power of uplifting music to inspire societal change and foster unity, underscoring its presence at SXSW as not merely valuable, but utterly indispensable.
In a notable expansion, Island Wave decided to broaden its scope at the SXSW showcase to include African heritage acts like Mauvey from Ghana, celebrated for his storytelling and evocative melodies, solidifying his status as a rising star in the music scene. The ensemble also featured Sevana and Hector “Roots” Lewis who represented Jamaica, while Prince Amine brought his unique Antiguan-Moroccan fusion, making it an evening of vibrant cultural celebration. Guided by Island Wave founder Kalpee and Hitz106.7 Barbados’ Vayne, the night reached its peak with the Reggae Music Again Collective led by Jah Flex, delivering quintessential Caribbean vibes.
The Island Wave and MusicTT have partnered for the past four years and it has served as a testament to the power of collaboration in celebrating and elevating diverse musical cultures. Through their partnership, these organizations continue to champion artists from the Caribbean, ensuring that their voices are heard and their talents recognized on the world stage. It has led to in ground breaking results such as Caribbean Music being added as a selectable genre to the SXSW artist sign up site, a confirmed Soho House Austin Showcase in March 2025, and various other exciting outcomes for 2025 that are in the works.
“We are proud to have partnered with Island Wave to showcase the incredible musical talent that Trinidad and Tobago, and the wider Caribbean have to offer,” said Melissa Jimenez, General Manager, MusicTT. “Partnerships and events like these provide invaluable opportunities for artists to showcase their talents on a global stage and connect with industry professionals and audiences from around the world which can lead to potential revenue generating opportunities. We look forward to continuing to support and promote organizations and initiatives such as this.”
For more information, visit www.izaislandwave.com. To keep up to date with this and other MusicTT news, follow @musicoftt on Instagram and Facebook.
