“Island Wave” is a platform dedicated to bringing music of the Caribbean to the forefront of the international music scene.  

Listed as a “recommended watch”, the “Island Wave” first show was captured virtually in Kingston, Jamaica and successfully launched as part of SXSW online on March 19th 2021, ranking in as one of the topped watched shows of the festival.

Pioneered by rising artist Kalpee who hails from Trinidad and Tobago, the aim was to create a platform for Caribbean artists to come together, to showcase, celebrate and support each other and that’s exactly what will be happening this Friday March 18th 2022 when the very first physical “Island Wave” stage takes over the Flamingo Cantina Austin, TX as part of the official SXSW festivities.

First of its kind “Island Wave” is now not only the official home to Caribbean music at SXSW, but also the first home of “New Calypso” a genre being pushed by Trinbagonian musicians as a way to identify their musical heritage, which they proudly carry forward.

Previous performers on the stage include Kalpee, Jimmy October, Jaz Elise, Tessellated, Conkarah, Nailah Blackman, Mortimer, Khalia and Sevana.

“A platform for the most vibrant contemporary Caribbean music around” – NOTION