Gil Figaro, the Trinidadian-born founder and chairman of the Teaneck, NJ-based Sunshine Awards, says his company is “thrilled to announce” that world-renowned Caribbean jazz pianist, composer, musical director, and cultural visionary John Arnold of Tobago will be a special guest performer at this year’s celebration Sunshine Awards in St. Maarten on Oct. 17.
“And make no mistakes, this is not just another performance. This is a musical moment,” Figaro told Caribbean Life on Monday, Sept. 21, stating that securing John Arnold for the St. Maarten celebration is nothing short of extraordinary.
“Getting John Arnold to perform at the Sunshine Awards is like winning the lottery,” he said. “John Arnold represents the very best of Caribbean music, culture, creativity and excellence.
“To have him on our stage in St. Maarten is a tremendous honor, and our audience is in for something very special,” he added.
Figaro said Arnold’s musical journey began at the age of 8 in Tobago, Trinidad’s sister isle, where he taught himself to play the piano by listening to the radio and translating the music he heard into his own unique musical language.
“Those early beginnings would become the foundation for a remarkable career spanning music, education, cultural leadership, administration, and international representation of Caribbean culture,” Figaro said.
He said Arnold is the founder and leader of the Kariwak Players, Tobago’s premier jazz ensemble.
Figaro said Arnold’s artistry can be heard across six recorded albums, including Breaking Ground, Smooth Jazzy Feelings, Deep Inside, Anonymous, Jazz Standards in the Tambrin Sauce, and Kaiso in the Jazz Stew.
“His music is deeply Caribbean — but his vision is very global,” Figaro said. “John Arnold is much more than a gifted pianist. He is a cultural architect who has spent decades building platforms for Caribbean creativity and helping to ensure that the region’s artists, musicians and cultural traditions receive the recognition they deserve.”
Figaro said Arnold’s music and leadership have helped shape and advance some of the Caribbean’s most celebrated cultural events, including the Tobago Jazz Festival, Tobago Gospel Festival, Tobago Muhtadi International Drumming Festival and Tobago Jazz Experience.
Arnold also served as Project Manager for CARIFESTA XIV in 2019, “helping bring the extraordinary creative energy of the Caribbean to an international audience,” according to Figaro.
He said that, in 1984, Arnold founded the Signal Hill Alumni Choir (SHAC), “transforming it into one of the region’s most respected musical ambassadors.”
Under Arnold’s direction, Figaro said the choir has traveled internationally, carrying the sound, spirit and cultural pride of Trinidad and Tobago to audiences around the world.
He said Arnold has also conducted choirs, mentored musicians and conducted music workshops throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.
“His dedication to education and artistic excellence have remained a defining feature of his extraordinary career,” said Figaro, adding that Arnold’s contributions have earned him numerous distinctions, including the prestigious Hummingbird Medal Gold, the Cacique Award, recognition from CARIFESTA, the New York Sunshine Award for Excellence in Music and Culture, and designation as one of the 50 Distinguished Alumni of the University of the West Indies.
Figaro said Arnold has also earned professional credentials from Berklee College of Music, where he received a certificate in Harmony and Arrangement.
“Today, he continues his academic and cultural journey as a doctoral candidate in Cultural Studies at the University of the West Indies,” Figaro said.
“The Sunshine Awards has always been about celebrating individuals whose talent, determination and contributions have helped make the Caribbean and the world a brighter place. John Arnold embodies that mission,” he added. “His appearance at the 38th Annual Sunshine Awards brings together two powerful forces: the celebration of Caribbean excellence and the preservation of Caribbean culture.”
Figaro said guests can expect an “extraordinary evening of music, inspiration, recognition, entertainment and cultural pride, featuring some of the region’s finest talent.”