# Coutain's Trinidadian Classics Revival

> Trinidadian artist Coutain blends soca, R&B and calypso with smart songwriting to revive Caribbean classics.
- Title: Coutain's Trinidadian Classics Revival · Billboard | Shortify
- Summary: Trinidadian artist Coutain blends soca, R&B and calypso with smart songwriting to revive Caribbean classics. Coutain's fusion of soca, R&B and calypso with…
- Keywords: coutain, trinidad, soca, r&b, calypso, michael jackson, wedding band, jamtown, kes the band, trinidadian music, caribbean music awards, luminate
- Source: Billboard — https://billboard.com/music/features/caribbean-up-and-comer-september-2026-coutain-trinidad-soca-1236344639
- Author: Kyle Denis
- Published: 2026-09-22T17:57:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: coutain, trinidad, soca, r&b, calypso, michael jackson, wedding band, jamtown, kes the band, trinidadian music, caribbean music awards, luminate
## Coutain's Musical Roots
Denzil Coutain, born in Sangre Grande, Trinidad, began singing in church choir at age seven.

> I had no aspirations to be an artist
## Early Musical Influences
His family included fellow artists Jimmy October and 80sede, with late cousin Shanna Marie Fuentes guiding his musical direction.

> made sure that I had some sort of musical direction in my mindset
## First Breakthrough
Coutain released his first single 'African Dancer' in 2019 but held it for three years due to Carnival season.

> We ended up holding it for a bit
## Key Collaborations
Coutain works with producer Michael 'Tano' Montano on records like 2024's 'Junction' and 2025's 'Jamtown'.

> We both have the same vision for the music
## Sociopolitical Songwriting
His song 'Wedding Band' reimagined Mighty Sparrow's classic with sociopolitical calypso lyrics.

> lyricist unafraid to bridge the sociopolitical bent of calypso with soca's party-rocking essence
## Jamtown's Making
Coutain spent two months creating 'Jamtown' to blend Black Stalin and Lord Nelson nostalgia with soca.

> It took almost two months to finish 'Jamtown'
## Touring with Kes the Band
Coutain joined Kes the Band on tour, learning discipline and team coordination for live performances.

> an abundance of discipline is necessary
## 2026 Caribbean Music Awards
Coutain earned three nominations at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, including best new soca artist.

> three nominations at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards
## Michael Jackson Influence
Coutain credits Michael Jackson's subtlety and work ethic as key inspirations for his songwriting.

> he never had to do too much
## Upcoming Projects
Coutain plans to release his debut solo studio album after Carnival season.

> Hopefully after Carnival
## Dream Collaborators
Coutain dreams of collaborating with Kes, Buju Banton, Gunna, and either Tems or BNXN.

> Kes, Buju Banton, Gunna, and either Tems or BNXN
## Trinidadian Artists to Know
Kilu, Kimi, Christo, Jimmy October, MelaCaribe, Kman 6ixx, Medz Boss, Teflon and Annalie Prime are rising Trini artists.

> Kilu, Kimi, Christo, Jimmy October, MelaCaribe, Kman 6ixx, Medz Boss, Teflon and Annalie Prime
## Key takeaway

Coutain's fusion of soca, R&B and calypso with sociopolitical lyrics has made him a leading Caribbean hitmaker with major international success.