The rhythm of steelpan music, dazzling costume displays, stilt walkers, and exciting revelry took over Time Square on Aug. 30 to celebrate the accomplishment of Tropicalfete, a non-profit, at the forefront of keeping Caribbean culture alive through programs in Brooklyn.
Colorfully dressed fans jammed the intersection of Broadway and 47th Street at the Crossroads of the World, joining in the revelry of Tropicalfete’s fifth celebration, which featured Billboard chart-topper Rupee, a Barbados national. Born Rupert Clarke, the soca artist delivered a thrilling performance as he jumped, danced, and waved his island flag.
The pulsating, heart-pumping entertainment by the artist — whose crossover hit, “Tempted to Touch” became an overnight success — had revelers in a giddy mood as the singer left the stage and moved through the crowd. He hugged and sang to attendees while they screamed and danced at the same time. One young lady clutched her mouth in wonder, and screamed, “I can’t believe it.”
Rupee, a UN Ambassador, had the crowd moving for over an hour to his hits: “Pump Me Up,” “What Happens in de Party,” “I am a Bajan,” and “Beautiful Barbados.” He thanked revelers for supporting him and helping to put food on his family’s table.
“If you are happy and you know it, clap your hands,” continued Rupee.
“Parents, children are the message,” Rupee added. They will carry forward the culture, he shouted, thanking Tropicalfete’s founder Alton Aimiable for the opportunity to perform in Times Square.
Rupee was presented with a New York Senate Proclamation from Senator Roxanne Persaud, presented by staffer Jennifer Viechweg Horsford, in recognition of the performer’s exceptional contribution to music. Rupee was also recognized for his custom-written slow ballad dedicated to his mother to advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and education across the Caribbean.
He also received a proclamation from Senator Zellinor Myrie, and another from Assemblymember Brian Cunningham through his staff, cementing the impact Rupee continues to make in the Caribbean diaspora.
New York City Councilmember Chris Banks was on hand to present the singer with a City Council Citation with the names of eight councilmembers affixed to the accolade, including Speaker Julie Menin.
The rich cultural heritage was on full display, sharing peace, love and harmony, and preserving the culture, during an afternoon of effervescent performances, starting with the youth Moko Jumbies, who displayed acrobatics on stilts.
The Riddim Explosion steel-pannists revved up the crowd before accompanying children from as young as five years old. Decked out in dazzling costumes, the little ones gyrated to the island beat as they got ready for carnival 2026.
The bands included Suga Candy Mas Kids, Tropicalfete masqueraders, a Soca Workout, Ole Mas, King Jab and Company, and Back to Basics with Big Boy Production. Spice Generation had two costume changes to complete choreography of folklore dance on the tarmac.
DJ Patrick and DJ Rude Boy kept spinning soca hits to keep the hundreds of patrons entertained. But it was the Tropicalfete Steel Orchestra, made up of youth people, that set the tone for Labor Day on the Parkway.
The gifted players unleashed a medley of spirited music that captivated their audience. Including a solo by French violinist “Mapy,” and many other performances, the presentation was truly magical and unforgettable.
Founder and President of Tropicalfete Alton Aimiable told Caribbean life before the presentation that the annual production is a nod to the Labor Day carnival. He said carnival was built from years of struggle and support and the organization wanted to give it a jump-start, bringing to the mecca, the center of the world, and as Caribbean people who have made great contributions, it was fitting to once again bring a pop-up to Times Square.
He thanked Rupee for his performance, noting that artists selected to perform with the youth orchestra must have relatable music to inspire and fit with the cultural aspect of the community-based Tropicalfete to inspire and promote the ideology.
“We listen to the lyrics of an artist to determine if they are relatable, to what the children are doing, and at the same time give them an opportunity to perform with the children. The surprise was that the steel orchestra would accompany Rupee with one of his hit songs.
Aimiable said he was happy to see the large turnout, and reminded patrons that it’s their tax dollar at work.
“We all have to celebrate our community, and I don’t like to take a back seat when it comes to our culture, we have to be upfront to showcase what we are doing,” he said, adding, “Hopefully, we can take over Times Square and it becomes a staple in the New York arts and culture scene.”
Tropicalfete will be on Eastern Parkway this year on a PIX 11 TV float. The organization also celebrated Trinidad & Tobago Independence, and will be celebrating with Maschal Montana at the Brooklyn Library. A Back-to-School, sponsored by Chase Bank, is part of the group’s program of events.
Twenty-Four year old Shaniah Presscott, an eight-year member of Tropicalfete, said she started as a second player, and evolved to become the new band leader. The confident young lady played lead, and was front and center of the riveting performance in Times Square.
“Our program includes stilts, voice, and dance movement,” she shared.
In addition, corporate sponsor New York City Health & Hospitals’ Gotham Health came with staffers, COO Lata Singh, and CEO Michelle Lewis. On stage, Tropicrete board members took a bow for putting on yet another spectacular carnival pop-up in Times Square, fueled by lively and talented emcees Vibes Man Redman and Katherine Charles.