By NAN ET Editor
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sat. August 29, 2026: Barbadian soca star Rupee will take center stage in Times Square this weekend as Tropicalfete brings its fifth annual Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival to the heart of New York City.
The free celebration is set for Sunday, August 30, beginning at 1 p.m. along Broadway between West 46th and West 47th streets, bringing Caribbean music, mas, steelpan and dance to the “Crossroads of the World.” But this year’s event will carry special significance for Rupee, born Rupert Clarke, who is set to receive several New York honors recognizing both his contribution to Caribbean music and his advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness.
New York Honors For Rupee
Rupee is expected to receive a Mayoral Certificate of Recognition, as well as proclamations from the New York City Council, New York State Senate and New York State Assembly. The recognition comes more than two decades after the Barbadian artist broke onto the international charts with his crossover hit, “Tempted to Touch.”
Released internationally in 2004, the song propelled Rupee onto the Billboard Hot 100 and was later certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. His catalogue also includes the soca anthem “Jump,” which the organizers say has earned Road March honors at Caribbean carnivals in Boston, Brooklyn, Miami, Toronto and Barbados’ Crop Over. Beyond music, Rupee has been an outspoken advocate for HIV/AIDS education and awareness.
After losing both parents to AIDS in the 1990s, the singer began publicly challenging the stigma surrounding the disease in the Caribbean. His advocacy later included work alongside the United Nations, the Caribbean regional LIVE UP campaign and other organizations.
Rupee Meets Steelpan In Times Square
Rupee will also join the Tropicalfete Steel Pan Ensemble for a special performance of his song “Give Thanks.” The carnival lineup will feature international violinist Mapy, known as “The Violin Queen.” Born on Réunion Island, raised in Paris and now based in Brooklyn, Mapy blends classical violin with Caribbean rhythms and hip-hop and has appeared at events including the Grammy Awards and St. Kitts Music Festival.
Carnival traditions from across the Caribbean will also take over Times Square. Masquerade presentations will celebrate traditional, folkloric, ole mas, satirical, and pretty mas traditions from across the Caribbean. Participating performers and mas bands will include Ron and Rhonda, Spice Island Shortknee, Jab Jab Family, King Jab, Sugar Candy Mas, Branches and Associates Mas Band, Big Boy Productions Mas Band, Kaios International Kids Mas Band, and Wicked Feters.
Tropicalfete’s stilting and mas units will also perform, while Mandy will lead a soca fitness workout and Riddim Explosion will provide a live rhythm section. DJ Patrick and DJ Eric are also scheduled to perform. Hosts for the afternoon are Vibes Man Redman and Katherine Charles, Esq.
Caribbean Culture In The Heart Of New York City
The Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival has become one of Tropicalfete’s signature events, bringing Caribbean cultural traditions directly into one of the world’s most recognizable public spaces. “Tropicalfete’s Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival continues to unite communities by bringing the energy, creativity, and traditions of the Caribbean directly into the heart of New York City,” said Tropicalfete Executive Director Alton Aimable. “As we celebrate our fifth year, we invite everyone to experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of Carnival while embracing the diversity that makes our city so unique.”
Attendees are encouraged to wear carnival costumes and bring their national flags. The 5th Annual Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival in Times Square begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, August 30, 2026, on Broadway between West 46th and West 47th streets. Admission is free and open to the public.
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