ECNETNews, New York, NY, Fri. September 13, 2024: The Trinidad-based musical collective Critical Mas, composed of formerly incarcerated artists, is set to launch its debut single “Born a Criminal” on September 20, 2024.
This impactful song, penned by group member Friday during his time in Trinidad’s youth prison, features a collaboration with acclaimed jazz musician Etienne Charles. The track seamlessly melds dancehall, Afrobeats, and a haunting jazz riff, with lyrics that poignantly address how poverty and inequality can lead individuals into a life of crime.
A listening event for “Born a Criminal” was held on September 12th at Doux Nightclub in New York City, with another event scheduled for September 21 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The single is produced by Rheon Elbourne, the visionary behind the “Trinibad” genre. Initially written in 2010, Friday received a People’s Choice Award for the song while still incarcerated.
Critical Mas stands as the first group of formerly incarcerated individuals in Trinidad and Tobago to harness their artistic expressions for advocating justice reform in a nation grappling with one of the highest homicide rates worldwide. The country faces severe gun violence and drug trafficking issues, compounded by a severely flawed justice system where the average wait for a trial spans six years, leaving many without due process.
The group’s creation was supported by a global prison reform initiative that began in 2024, offering arts workshops to incarcerated persons in Trinidad. This initiative culminated in the formation of Critical Mas, designed to amplify voices advocating for change while honoring Trinidad’s cultural traditions symbolized by Carnival, or mas.
Following their debut at Charles’ Road March show at Queen’s Hall Performing Arts Center in February 2024, Critical Mas performed again in Port of Spain in April. They are gearing up for a tour this Carnival season that will take them to schools, concerts, and community venues across Trinidad, aiming to ignite discussions on justice reform, particularly among youth.
By intertwining art with personal narratives, Critical Mas is part of an expanding movement leveraging culture as a powerful tool for justice reform. This innovative approach, which has had success in reshaping public perception regarding issues like mass incarceration in other regions, is now making waves in Trinidad and Tobago.
