Joel Davis, otherwise known as Connector, is a talented calypsonian and avid representer of both Trinidadian and Canadian culture. His stage name means ‘a gift from God’, and he explains choosing the name because he ‘connects musically to the people’. He began singing in his home country of Trinidad and Tobago at the age of five. He performed in Toronto for the first time in 1992, the same year his debut album was released. He has now lived in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) for over 32 years. The singer loves his Scarborough home and has been quoted saying that he represents the city whenever he can.

Since moving to Canada, he has travelled globally and recorded over 200 songs. Throughout his career he has won numerous titles in both Trinidad and Toronto, including being crowned Canada’s Calypso Monarch in 2016 by the Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA). Davis took the title following Macomere Fifi’s six consecutive wins by performing ‘out of his skin’. He performed in a close fitting evening frock in a performance called “The Dress”, a statement saying that said in order to win the title, one must be more like Fifi. Combined with clever and witty lyrics and an up-beat tempo, he brought the audience to their feet.

He continues to actively compose from home with compositions covering varying genres such as R&B, Gospel, and of course, Calypso. Davis believes in the duality of Calypso. He says the genre is also referred to as ‘kaiso’; ‘kaiso’ vs. Calypso, which is more of a storytelling artform, has people looking at serious issues, such as gun violence. Sometimes, it is also humorous, getting people to laugh and dance along.

Davis considers himself a happy person and greatly enjoys meeting people, and making music on the spot. He enjoys working with young artists as well, to show them the joy he has found, and wishes to get them into the culture and for them to understand its purpose.