Founded and fronted by émigré Trinidadian songwriter Drew Gonsalves, Kobo Town delivers music that has been variously described as “an intoxicating blend of lilting calypsonian wit, dancehall reggae and trombone-heavy brass” (The Guardian) and a “unique, transnational composite of rhythm, poetry and activist journalism.”(Exclaim!) From their home in Toronto, the JUNO-nominated group has brought their distinct calypso-inspired sound to audiences across the world, from Port-of-Spain to Paris and from Montreal to Malaysia. 

At once brooding and joyous, intensely poetic, and highly danceable, Drew’s songs betray deep roots in Caribbean folk music, while the band delivers them with an indomitable energy that has earned them a considerable following far beyond the niche of world music enthusiasts and calypso fans.

This concert is part of Canada Scene’s free Scene@6 series, running at 6:00 every evening from July 2 to 23. The series showcases this country’s top folk, roots, world, and jazz artists in the NAC’s new Atrium.