Dwayne Bravo launches new song ‘Chalo! Chalo!

Dwayne Bravo, former West Indies captain and Trinidad and Tobago cricket all-rounder, launched an Anglo-Indian fusion song with local crossover performer Nisha B last week at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad.

The song entitled ’Chalo! Chalo!’ is an up-tempo piece with international appeal that is anticipated to be widely popular both in the Caribbean region and in India when it will also be launched during the cricketer’s India Premier League (IPL) campaign.

The media launch marked Bravo's commitment to an off-the-pitch dream of becoming a serious player in the music industry.

Having previously dabbled in music with long-time friend and Jamaican dancehall legend Beenie Man, Bravo now has his eyes set on the global marketing and distribution of ‘Chalo Chalo’ and the eventual production of a full album which will feature collaborations with well established artistes.

Speaking at the launch, Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago His Excellency Mr. Gauri Shankar Gupta expressed his pride and delight in Bravo's latest effort, highlighting the opportunity for cultural exchange between the two cricket nations.

Bravo has already received local and international acclaim, particularly with many fans eager to enjoy the piece during IPL's entertainment portions of the tournament.

Trinidad & Tobago: Two islands. Two Unique Experiences

The twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a unique and true Caribbean paradise boasting of a heady mix of cultural activities, eco-adventure and culinary delights. From relaxing on palm tree-lined white sandy beaches, to swimming in aquamarine clear waters, from the picturesque Maracas Beach to the Western Hemisphere’s oldest protected rainforest, T&T invites you to experience a destination where Thrill meets Tranquillity! Trinidad and Tobago is indeed a paradise with their lush forests and nature reserves, rare tree frogs, pristine corals, unforgettable hiking and exotic birds. The twin-islands undoubtedly offer a one-of-a-kind island escape.

Visas

Because of historical ties and/or bilateral agreements between Trinidad and Tobago with India, citizens of India do not need visas to travel to the twin islands. However, one must procure a UK or a USA visa in order to transit from the respective ports for flights into Trinidad & Tobago.

Discover Trinidad

Trinidad, the larger of the two islands, is an entertainment centre with a wide selection of nightspots, restaurants and shopping destinations. Coupled with world-famous ecotourism sites, Trinidad has something to offer the nature-seeker as well as the party animal. Port of Spain, the capital since 1757, is a busy port city that is rich in history.

Trinidad is also home to several spectacular ecotourism attractions including the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, home of Scarlet Ibis and manatees, and the Asa Wright Nature Centre, a birdwatchers’ paradise hidden under the thick canopy of rainforests.

This lively cosmopolitan island is a carousel of rhythm, colour and movement bursting with activity, music, festivals and vitality. Trinidad has no shortage of entertainment options with nightclubs, bars and pubs.

Discover Tobago

If Trinidad is the energetic heart of the twin-islands, Tobago is its serene soul. Located just 15 minutes by air, or two hours away from Port of Spain by fast ferry, it is home to a host of beautiful beaches, waterfalls, wetlands and diving sites. 

Covered by lush forests and surrounded by sparkling blue bays, Tobago’s crystal clear waters are home to spectacular reefs, boasting 300 species of coral and colourful fish. It is also home to over 200 bird species on just 116 square miles of land. Indulge in birdwatching at the Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary and at the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere.

Tobago is T&T’s tourist capital, with exotic accommodation and activities. The island offers a range of beaches, varying from the pristine white coral sands of the Caribbean coast to the dark volcanic sands of the Atlantic coast. Tobago is a quiet chunk of perfection, where the sun caresses and green hills tumble to turquoise serene seas and sandy beaches. The secluded beaches and overall slower pace of life have the ability to settle anyone’s mood. An unspoiled holiday island, with a warm and peaceful lifestyle!

Entertainment & Nightlife

These Caribbean islands offer different experiences in the realm of entertainment. Alive with nightlife, Trinidad boasts myriads of options from pubs, to live theatre and modern dance clubs. You can enjoy fine dining and live music at a great number of venues in and around the capital city.

Tobago too offers you a variety of nightly live entertainment, including pool halls, casinos with blackjack and roulette, karaoke nights and variety shows with live music. Sundays are a no-contest. All roads lead to Buccoo and its famous Sunday School street party. Each weekend in Buccoo the Sunday School Street Party ensures revellers party their way into the new week.

Culture & Cuisine

The country bursts with a rich culture, stemming from a history of European colonialism, West African slavery and East Indian indentureship. From Carnival to calypso, steel pan to stick fighting, Trinidad and Tobago has a rich and expansive culture that represents its diverse peoples and history.  The people of Trinidad and Tobago, and indeed West Indians in general, have an expression to describe what is perhaps their favourite sport, "Cricket, Glorious Cricket!"

Cricket is extremely popular in Trinidad, thanks to the island’s British heritage. Teams go bat-to-bat at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. Guaracara Park in Pointe-a-Pierre is also another popular venue. Trinidad and Tobago has given the world several legendary cricketers such as Brian Lara, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine among others.

Many countries in the world boast of Carnival celebrations, but none quite as stunning and all-embracing as Trinidad’s national festival. Whether you decide to be a spectator on the side-lines, or douse yourself in chocolate and join the J’ouvert revelry, or don a fabulous costume and dance the day away, the Carnival is an unforgettable experience. With its massive masquerade bands, spectacular costumes, pulsating music and unparalleled stamina for partying, Trinidad's Carnival is often described as the greatest show on earth. It is a time for release and everyone is invited to join the party.

No trip to this twin-island nation is complete without samplings of the local cuisine. The unique culinary experiences reflect the culture which has made this nation the melting pot of the Caribbean. A local “Roti Shop” should be on the agenda and a trip to the “Doubles” man for a savoury breakfast treat is something not to be missed. For another local, tasty treasure head out to Maracas Bay and enjoy the world famous “Shark and Bake”!

History

The history of Trinidad and Tobago begins with the settlement of the islands by Amerindians. Both islands were encountered by Christopher Columbus on his third voyage in 1498. Trinidad remained a Spanish colony until 1797 but was largely settled by the French. Tobago changed hands between the British, French, Dutch and Courlanders but eventually ended up in British hands. Trinidad and Tobago obtained its independence from the British Empire in 1962.