By Jermaine Cruickshank
IT may be the oil in the soil, the pitch from the Pitch Lake, or just something intangible in the air, but there is definitely a spirit that differentiates the people of the Southland. Time and time again, South Trinidad produces voices rooted in soul, authenticity, and quiet confidence. Today, that light shines westward through another rising star Jahmike “Christo” Bonas, better known simply as Christo.
Born on December 13, 2000, to parents Angeline Atherton and Chris Bonas, Christo hails from South Oropouche, South Trinidad. His journey into music wasn’t mapped out from childhood, but rather discovered along the way. As a teenager, he began singing more seriously, entering school-level competitions where his natural tone stood out. It was his music teacher, Stephanie Hamilton, who first recognised the potential and encouraged him to pursue music beyond the classroom, a nudge that would quietly change his trajectory.
Christo’s vocals are soft, smooth, and remarkably clean, setting him apart in a genre often driven by high energy and bravado. Over the years, he’s been steadily knocking on Carnival’s door, releasing tracks like “Red Gyal”, “Horning”, and “Jamming Mood”. But it’s “Doux Doux Darling” that has made people stop mid-fete and ask, “Who is this?” The response, he admits, has been overwhelming — one he’s still processing with gratitude.
Long before that breakthrough, there was “Soca Feeling” in 2020, a song that, in hindsight, was quietly ahead of its time. I remember hearing it and honestly assuming it came from a Barbadian or another of our Caribbean artiste; it had that polished, cross-Caribbean feel. But after doing my research, I realised the talent was right in my own backyard. Unfortunately, Covid-19 limited the song’s reach, restricting physical movement and regional exposure that could have easily translated into early bookings.
While Christo’s music often feels personal, the stories aren’t drawn directly from his own experiences. Instead, they’re inspired by situations happening around him; moments people can relate to, observe, and feel. Those same observational instincts shine through in “Doux Doux Darling”, a title that immediately sparks nostalgia. The phrase, once common among aunties and grandmothers in the countryside, isn’t something you hear often in modern soca. According to Christo, after hearing the riddim, both the melody and the phrase came naturally—almost instinctively.
Much of that magic is shaped alongside longtime collaborator and co-writer Yung Seeche. The duo has been working together for over seven years, developing a distinct sound through shared writing and production. Their chemistry, built over time, has become a defining element of Christo’s musical identity, with the artiste also dabbling in production himself.
the moment Christo realised “Doux Doux Darling” had truly connected came not from charts or radio spins, but from social media videos of children singing along, interacting with the song effortlessly. Add to that its popularity with the ladies, and it was clear the record had found its audience.
Coming from South Trinidad, Christo acknowledges that Carnival opportunities can often feel West-centric. Still, he remains grounded in the belief that good music knows no boundaries. With consistency, hard work, and faith in the process, he believes true talent will always rise to the surface.
His musical influences reflect that balance of local and global inspiration drawing from Voice and Kes at home, while looking internationally to artistes like Chris Brown, Wizkid, and Omah Lay. Dream collaborations? Kes locally, Wizkid globally with no hesitation.
As Carnival 2026 unfolds, Christo is already looking beyond the season. Regional and international booking inquiries are rolling in, and his team is focused on expanding the brand into new markets, while keeping the studio work constant. For him, the goal is simple: create music people can enjoy all year round.
So far, Carnival has been rewarding, though demanding. Sleepless nights have become part of the journey, but he remains grateful for the love and support. And like any true Trini artiste, he’s saving the real enjoyment for when the music trucks roll out on Carnival Monday and Tuesday when the Southland star gets to fully soak in the moment in the company of his fans.
