Canada Black Music Archive’s Phil Vassell & Miguel Maestre Spotlight Caribana’s Legacy and Future

Published by WorldWide Entertainment TV • Caribana 2025 Season

Phil Vassell Reflects on the Power of Caribana

In an exclusive sit-down, Phil Vassell, co-founder of the
Canada Black Music Archive, shares powerful insights into the
historical roots and cultural significance of Caribana—now formally known as the
Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

Vassell emphasizes that Caribana is more than just a parade; it is a living
testament to the Caribbean diaspora’s contribution to Canadian cultural identity.
He reveals that legendary acts such as The Beatles once attended the
festival during its early years, underscoring how the event attracted a global
audience from the very beginning.

“Caribana has always been about more than costumes and dancing.
It’s about cultural expression, resistance, and pride,” says Vassell.

Miguel Maestre Prepares to Represent His City with New Anthem “Toronto”

From the roots to the future, WWETV also connects with Miguel Maestre,
one of Toronto’s emerging voices in soca music, who is gearing up for a defining moment in
his city’s yearly cultural calendar.

With live events finally returning in full swing, Maestre drops a brand-new single
titled “Toronto” just in time for Caribana 2025. Inspired by his dual identity
as a proud Torontonian and lover of Trinidadian culture, the track is both a
tribute and an anthem for the city’s carnival energy.

“Growing up in Toronto but deeply connected to Trinidad, I always wanted to merge the two
worlds in my music,” Maestre shares. “This time of year brings that fusion to life.”

Soca vs Calypso: What’s the Difference?

In a segment of the interview, Maestre helps viewers understand the often-confused distinction
between soca and calypso—two genres rooted in Trinidadian heritage.
Calypso leans more into storytelling and political commentary, while soca focuses on rhythm,
movement, and high-energy expression. Both remain essential to the Caribana soundtrack.