Now playing

Rate this item
(0 votes)
in Blog

Nepotism or Noise? Kenny Phillips, Kyle Phillips, and the Politics of Sound

By Published September 27, 2025

Dive deeper into Caribbean music and culture at Sokah2Soca — your go-to source for Soca, Calypso, and Carnival coverage. First published on Sokah2Soca, now streaming live via Island Vybe Radio.

 
In the vibrant echo chamber of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural scene, it doesn’t take much for a well-mixed show to become a poorly spun story. The latest target? Kenny Phillips, newly appointed Chairman of the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), and his son Kyle Phillips, the audio engineer behind the recent National Philharmonic Orchestra performance.

 

Newssauce's Facebook post has sparked controversy, accusing Kenny of nepotism and urging an investigation by the Integrity Commission. The post, which notably did not seek comment from Mr. Phillips, questions Kyle’s role in mixing and mastering the show’s audio feed. The comments range from cheeky to cynical:

 

  • “Ohhh goshhh Kenny ah eh looking for u dey! But then again!”
  • “Everybody have to eat ah food...some eating it twice!”
  • “Since he hashtagged his own radio station, will all the paid radio coverage be going there?”

 

Let’s pause the drama and rewind the tape.

 

?The Engineer in Question

 

Kyle Phillips is no stranger to the music scene. As owner and producer at Badjohn Republic and a multiple Road March winner, Kyle’s credentials in audio reproduction are solid. The Philharmonic show’s recording was crisp, balanced, and professionally executed—something Kenny has long advocated for, having publicly criticized the poor engineering standards of local productions for years.

 

To suggest that Kyle’s involvement was a last-minute favor or political maneuver ignores the timeline: Kenny Phillips has been Chairman for just two weeks. The staffing decisions, and especially the technical hires, were made prior to Kenny's appointment as Chairman of NAPA! Well... Any comments?

One has to ask the following question: Why the Rush to Judgment?

 

Nepotism is a serious accusation, and one that deserves scrutiny—not social media speculation. Kenny has devoted his life to the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago. He has championed positive change and faced criticism when the concept of a radio station featuring only local content emerged. He was called a "WACKO," but that did not stop him, and the Diaspora has greatly benefited because of his vision. So one has to ask: is this about transparency or just a political hit job dressed like Miss Mary on J'ouvert morning or, for a modern twist, dressed in hashtags?

 

Newssauce’s decision to publish without contacting Mr. Phillips undermines journalistic integrity. It’s clickbait masquerading as accountability. If we’re serious about protecting our institutions, we must also protect the reputations of those working to improve them.

 

In Trini parlance terms: "Give de Man ah Chance, nah Man!"

 

Kenny Phillips has spent decades championing Caribbean music, elevating calypso, soca, and pan with technical excellence and cultural pride. His appointment to NAPA signals a long-overdue shift toward professionalism and vision. To attack him before he’s had a chance to lead is not just unfair—it’s counterproductive.

 

Let’s not confuse familiarity with favoritism. Let’s not weaponize family ties to discredit talent. And let’s not forget: in a small industry, excellence often runs in the blood.

 

Next time, call for comment. Until then, let the music speak louder than the noise.

 
Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
We do this to promote Caribbean culture, musicians, and music producers. We are able to honor and promote the rich sounds and stories of the Caribbean thanks to your support. Together, we can ensure that this rich cultural legacy reaches a wider audience and fosters creativity and connections. While it is important to always purchase music, you should avoid sharing promotional music, as doing so denies songwriters, producers, and artists essential revenue. You can find all of our posts online on social media platforms like FacebookYouTubeInstagramSpotify, and SoundCloud. We recommend that you explore your favorite content on FeedSpot/RSS FeedThreadsBluesky, and Twitter/X, including email subscriptions. Thank you in advance.
 
Read 12 times Last modified on Saturday, 27 September 2025 22:59
Login to post comments

About

  • Catch the island vibe! Our goal is to provide an avenue to spread our island culture not only through music, but also through our people's voices. 

Contact us

Philadelphia, PA USA
(267)225-2229
islandvybe.net

Quote

  • We don't just represent one Island, we represent all Islands. For we are one.