XVIBES- JC
The Ministry of Culture and Community Development, under the leadership of Minister Michelle Benjamin, has been hard at work delivering meaningful opportunities for Trinidad and Tobago’s creative community. Over the past year, Benjamin has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural development, empowering communities and creating platforms for local talent to flourish.
Fresh off the success of the Ministry’s highly acclaimed Miss Afro T&T competition—an initiative that drew praise from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for its celebration of culture, identity and empowerment—Benjamin has continued that momentum with Trinbago Talent: Uncovered 2026, another platform designed to spotlight and elevate local talent.
Her latest venture, Trinbago Talent: Uncovered 2026, has proven to be another success story, demonstrating a hands-on approach to leadership and a commitment to showcasing the nation’s wealth of artistic talent. Judging by the overwhelming public response and the quality of performances on display, the Minister’s vision is clearly resonating with audiences across the country.
That vision came to life on Sunday night at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA), where hundreds of patrons gathered for the grand finale of the inaugural competition. The event, which was free to the public and broadcast live on TTT, transformed the San Fernando venue into a celebration of Trinidad and Tobago’s creativity, culture and community spirit.
After months of auditions, eliminations and public voting, it was Shemic St. Hillaire who emerged victorious, capturing the title of the first-ever Trinbago Talent: Uncovered champion and the top prize of $75,000.
The competition showcased an impressive mix of performers from across the country, with contestants demonstrating their skills in music, dance, spoken word and poetry. The diversity of talent on display reflected the cultural richness that has long defined Trinidad and Tobago’s artistic landscape.
Finishing in second place was Darion St. Clair, who secured $40,000, while Nicholas Lucas claimed third place and a prize of $25,000. Lucas also captured the hearts of viewers, earning the coveted People’s Choice Award.
A distinguished panel of judges, drawn from various sectors of the creative industry, had the difficult task of selecting the winners. Among those lending their expertise were cultural officer Nigel Diaz, choreographer Michelle Pilgrim-Joseph, soca artiste Rohan “Fireball” Richards, dancer and director Michael Salickram, chutney soca artiste Imran “GI” Beharry, National Parang Association president Alicia Jaggasar, calypsonian and educator Abbi Blackman and soca artiste Orlando Octave.
The evening also celebrated several standout performers through a series of special awards. Naomi Phil secured both the Minister’s Choice Award and the Artistic Excellence Award, while Darion St. Clair received the Cultural Ambassador Award. The Breakthrough Artist Award went to Jaydah and Nalliyah Bedeshi, recognizing their remarkable growth throughout the competition.
In keeping with the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent, all finalists outside of the top three will receive $2,500 in recognition of their efforts and participation.
Addressing the audience following the announcement of the results, Minister Benjamin praised the contestants and reaffirmed her commitment to the creative sector.
“Our Trinbagonian people have unmatched talents that need to be seen and heard. This initiative is testament to that. As Minister with responsibility for Culture and Community Development, I will continue working with and supporting our creative sector,” she said.
More than just a competition, Trinbago Talent: Uncovered served as a national stage for aspiring performers seeking exposure and opportunities within the entertainment industry. From emerging singers and dancers to spoken-word artistes and cultural performers, the programme provided a platform where dreams could be pursued and talent could be celebrated.
With a successful debut now complete, the inaugural edition of Trinbago Talent: Uncovered has not only crowned its first champion but has also established itself as a promising addition to the country’s entertainment calendar. For many of the finalists, Sunday night may have marked the end of the competition, but it could very well be the beginning of their journey into the spotlight.
