T&T and JA; Similar But Still Very Different Cultures
There are still some who don’t expect much differences in cultures between english speaking Caribbean nations, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. There is still this presumed knowledge from some people around the world that these two Caribbean countries with similar colonial histories, political systems and institutions of government cannot be much different. However due to the rise of Trinidad’s cultural brand on the global stage in recent years more and more people are realising their are very stark differences between both countries cultures that set them apart.
 |
| Jamaica's PM Andrew Holness greets Trinidad and Tobago PM Dr Keith Rowley at Norman Manley Airport in Jamaica |
Below are some key factors that led to the international rise of Trinidad's brand in recent years. This rise in popularity have led to more people around the world identifying the differences in cultures between both nations. Due to this we now see why more people on the internet and in person are asking and curious as to how far is Jamaica from Trinidad or how much smaller is the size of Trinidad to Jamaica, instead of the old days of asking where in Jamaica is Trinidad.
 |
| Revellers on the streets of Kingston, Jamaica enjoy their annual Trini-Style Caribbean Carnival |
- The rapid widespread export of Trini style Caribbean Carnivals around the world is infectious! As more and more cities and countries around the world become interested in Carnival then the Trinidad brand name naturally follows. In recent years we have seen Trini style Carnivals being imported by Germany, Japan, Los Angeles (Hollywood) and even gaining more popularity in reggae land Jamaica who also have their own Trini style Carnival.
- The festivities that come with a Trini style Carnival which does not exist in a Brazilian style latin Carnival is another attracting element of Trinidad culture. The fetes during the weeks before and after Carnival, anticipation of jouvert, soca and calypso competitions are all being exported to different Carnivals around the world. This element of culture is so infectious to Trini cultural lovers around the world that you now see clubs in places such as Toronto and New York designating regular fete nights for soca during the weeks long before and after their local Carnival weekends.
 |
| Soca stars Kes and Patrice Roberts performing for Soca fans in New York |
- With the expansion of Carnival come the natural expansion of audience to soca music. You cannot have a love for soca without an interest in what, where or who is Trinidad and Tobago! This is another factor you have to consider as to how and why people are finally isolating Trinidad from Jamaica in terms of culture.
- The steelpan instrument! The name itself is still not yet a household name in America or most of the world but the visual of the steelpan, the image of the steelpan has become more popular around the world (especially in Japan). T&T is the home of the pan and its their national instrument. It has become evident that their are now more and more foreign pannists from as far as Japan playing in Trinidad steel bands every Trinidad Carnival as the interest in the instrument grows.
- Trini food! My last visit to New York in February this year I see more and more Trini roti shops in Queens and Brooklyn. I’ve heard of more Trinidadian and Caribbean immigrants selling doubles and roti as they open Caribbean restaurants in different cities in North America and England. There are now popular American food networks doing shows on doubles and showcasing Trinidad’s most popular street food to the world. How can you love doubles and not want to come visit T&T to get a taste of this element of our culture?
 |
| Tourist in Trinidad enjoying some doubles |
- Last but not least, we see an increase in global celebrities and athletes who were either born in T&T or has a family connection and very involved in Trini culture. As they travel and interact with entertainment media from the around the world, the discussion of their love for Trinidad and what is good in Trinidad will naturally follow. Some of these celebrities are Winston Duke, Nicki Minaj, Trinidad James and Brian Lara
Comments
Post a Comment