Mitty Ranks Lights the Carnival Fire with “Firewood”

By Kyle “Difference Maker” Grant -- WI Lifestyle Magazine

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival has always thrived on reinvention. The beautiful ability to take something familiar, reimagine it, and return it to the people with new fire. For Carnival 2026, Mitty Ranks does exactly that with his latest chutney soca offering, “Firewood.” Rooted in nostalgia yet boldly contemporary, the track sparks a cultural flame that feels both authentic and refreshing.

The inspiration for Firewood came from an unexpected but deeply Caribbean place: an old video from the 1980s featuring a classic chutney singer chanting a now, iconic line about cooking without gas and returning to the chulha and firewood. The chorus stayed with Mitty. It was catchy, humorous, and culturally loaded. Instead of simply recreating it, he reworked the concept, reshaped the melody, and built new lyrics around it, infusing modern soca energy while preserving the spirit of the original chant.

The result is a vibrant fusion that feels tailor-made for Carnival. Firewood seamlessly blends chutney rhythms with soca vibes, creating a sound that invites both waistlines and memories to move in unison. It’s a song that doesn’t just play, it paints scenes.

That sonic vision came fully alive through collaboration with producer Big Rich the Pungalunks, who handled the production, mixing, and mastering. After Mitty pitched the concept, Big Rich translated the idea into a polished, energetic track that maintains its grassroots feel while delivering modern Carnival-ready production. It’s the kind of partnership that proves how powerful shared creative alignment can be.

Lyrically and visually, Firewood is unmistakably local. The song connects strongly with Trinidad and Tobago’s river-lime culture. Those cherished weekends spent by rivers across the country, cooking on chulhas, sharing food, laughter, and stories. The music video reinforces this cultural connection, grounding the song in lived experience rather than manufactured imagery. It’s relatable, recognisable, and proudly Trinbagonian.

What makes Firewood even more compelling is the journey behind the artiste. Mitty Ranks has been performing for over 20 years, honing his craft through live performances and recording Bollywood remix covers long before stepping into original music. Despite his extensive experience, this is only his second year releasing original tracks in the chutney soca genre. Following Johnny Walker in 2024, Firewood (recorded in 2025) marks just his second original release. A reminder that creative timelines do not have to follow anyone else’s clock.

Mitty’s versatility is central to his brand. He positions himself as a vocalist capable of performing any genre for any type of event, and his growing catalogue reflects that flexibility. Beyond chutney soca, he plans to explore other musical genres, expanding his creative reach while continuing to market his vocal ability as his strongest asset.

His message to aspiring artistes is grounded and honest: believe in yourself, work consistently on your vocals and performance, and understand that success is a process. Growth takes time, progress happens step by step, and nothing meaningful happens overnight. Most importantly, he emphasises one non-negotiable, "don’t give up."

Fans can experience Firewood across all major platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, where the song is already gaining traction just in time for the Carnival season buildup. Those interested in his broader musical range can also find Bollywood cover versions on YouTube under 'Amit Baksh', as well as unplugged performances across different genres on the Mittyranks TikTok page.

With Firewood, Mitty Ranks proves that innovation does not require abandoning tradition. Sometimes it simply means adding a new spark. As T&T Carnival 2026 approaches, this fiery chutney-soca fusion is well on its way to becoming a soundtrack for river limes, road marches, and cultural pride alike.

Follow Mitty Ranks on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @Mittyranks

Tun up d heat — d firewood is ready to burn. 🔥