[Many thanks to Peter Jordens for bringing this item to our attention.] Rhianna Mc Kenzie (Newsday) reports on the popularity of Trinidad and Tobago’s music and festivals in Japan and for Japanese artistes.
[. . .] While Carnival and Caribbean culture have had a foothold in Western countries, thanks to the large number of West Indian immigrants throughout the Americas and Europe, they continue to grow in popularity in the far reaches of the world, notably in Japan.
Interest in Carnival and Caribbean culture had been established in Japan long before the age of the influencer – which has seen many people from the US, Africa and Europe visiting and highlighting the culture for their massive online followings – due in large part to the number of Caribbean expats living there for work and through other cultural exchange programmes such as the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme.
For some Japanese nationals, Trinidad Carnival has become somewhat of an annual pilgrimage, as the season has provided unique opportunities for them to enjoy themselves and make a living. Speaking to Newsday about their passion for TT culture, three Japanese acts explain why they return every year to celebrate in Trinidad and what inspired them to pursue careers in Caribbean culture.
Soca love from DJ Daiky
Kanagawa prefecture’s Daiki Shimozato, stage name DJ Daiky, began his career 15 years ago in 2009. Shimozato said he became enthralled with Caribbean culture and music after attending big reggae festivals in Japan, where he experienced a feeling of “togetherness” in the music.
Kanagawa prefecture is part of the Greater Tokyo Area, the most populous metropolitan area in the world. The population includes a diverse international community and has been heavily influenced by Western culture in recent years. Reggae music gained its foothold in Japan when Bob Marley and The Wailers toured the country in 1979.
Shimozato said he has been pleasantly surprised by the growing interest in soca music and Carnival culture in Japan.
[. . .] During the short Carnival season, Shimozato performed at several local events, including Bush Party in Fondes Amandes, St Ann’s, and Soca Takeover in the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain. He also performed live mixes for radio station Slam 100.5FM.
He produced 2023’s Soca Magic Riddim alongside TT producer Keshav Chandradath Singh. The riddim, named after the soca event of the same name hosted in Shibuya, Tokyo throughout the year, features Japanese soca artists Ann G, Micky Rich and Ayakohime. “Bunji Garlin is my favourite artiste,” he said. “I love how he freestyles and hypes up the crowd. I (also) love Kes the Band for their live performances. I always get something new from them.”
Although Shimozato has never had the opportunity to work with Bunji (Ian Alvarez), he listed his single Tell Yuh Mudda, produced by Nikolai Greene, as one of his favourite songs at the beginning of the season late last year on his Instagram page. [. . .]
‘Absolutely amazing’ for Ann G
Soca singer, song writer and producer Ann G is no stranger to TT Carnival. Ann G is a former Soca Monarch finalist and has a decade’s worth of music in the genre under her belt.
“Ten years ago, I stumbled into the vibrant world of soca when I met a dancer who practically radiated joy and excitement for Trinidad Carnival,” she said.
“(The dancer) whisked me away to the island for my first Carnival experience and, let me tell you, it was nothing short of life-changing. The energy, the music, the culture – everything about it inspired me to dive head-first into Caribbean genres like soca and dancehall.”
Ann G has also participated in New York and Japan carnivals. “This year, I’ve got my sights set on Toronto and Miami Carnival. I need to step up my game as Japanese Carnival Queen,” she said with a laugh. She described her experiences as a performer and reveller in TT as “absolutely amazing.”
There are some female soca artistes she admires and respects. “Destra (Garcia), Patrice Roberts, and Alison Hinds are like the holy trinity of female soca artists who inspired me to get into soca music… Of course, Bunji and Machel (Montano) hold a special place in my heart with their year-round hits and undeniable stage presence.”
[. . .] She said comparing TT Carnival to festivals in Japan is like comparing apples and oranges. “They’re both delicious, but in their own unique way. Each has its own traditions, music and energy, making them special in their own right.” [. . .]
Iyona Mikuni dances to the beat
Dance instructor and videographer Iyona Mikuni has been dancing since she was three, experimenting with various forms of dance, including ballet, which led to her first paid gig at 15.
Relocating to Canada, however, changed the direction of her career. [. . .] “One of the companies was an Afro-Caribbean dance company led by a St Lucian dancer. I had no idea what it was like back then, but still I just tried, and I passed.” Through the dance company, Mikuni learned more about Caribbean culture.
“I totally fell in love and I got more interested in Caribbean music such as soca and dancehall and I decided to just fly to the countries of origin to learn more.” Her first stop was the birthplace of her then-dance instructor, St Lucia. She also visited Jamaica for dance training five times.
She has been to TT Carnival three times but is yet to experience the festival in other Caribbean countries. But she has played mas at Caribana (Canada), Hollywood Carnival (Los Angeles), Labor Day in New York and, of course, Japan’s inaugural Caribbean Carnival in 2023. Mikuni said whenever she visits TT she feels welcome. [. . .]
“Japan and Trinidad are indeed very different countries, but they share a common love for festivals and celebration. While the Yosakoi festival parade in Japan may not be exactly the same as the Carnival in Trinidad, it definitely exudes a similar vibrant and joyful atmosphere.” [. . .]
For full article, see https://newsday.co.tt/2024/03/20/japanese-artistes-share-passion-for-trinidad-and-tobagos-culture
[Many thanks to Peter Jordens for bringing this item to our attention.] Rhianna Mc Kenzie (Newsday) reports on the popularity of Trinidad and Tobago’s music and festivals in Japan and for Japanese artistes. [. . .] While Carnival and Caribbean culture have had a foothold in Western countries, thanks to the large number of West
