Portmore, Jamaica definitely has a way with music, doesn’t it? The latest hit creator from the Jamaican garrison is an artiste who resides in the Baltimore DC area, but has independently managed to make it to #1 on the Billboard Reggae Chart. The world is about to switch gears even further as dancehall music and its accompanying rhythmic influences are securing chart tops like Billboard with ease it would seem; all this while penetrating deep enough to influence top shelf influencers like DJ Khaled, Jay Z and Drake.
Xyclone’s album made it to #1 on the Billboard Reggae Chart.
Xyclone is going after his. A recent spike in sales of his sophomore album, ‘From The Basement to the Big Leagues’ has single handedly placed the owner of RSQTHP Music Group, ahead of big names like Major Lazer, Ziggy Marley, Sizzla Kalonji and even Collie Budz. The album was released last December and immediately debuted at #14 on the charts. It stood at #12 in January and some five months later in May, with the remix of one of the singles on the album- a track called, ‘How Yuh Bad Suh’, the album toppled Major Lazer’s, ‘Know No Better’ EP, to the second spot on the Billboard Reggae chart.
The young father of one is humbled but excited all the same. He’s worked hard and continues to, alongside a team that is headed by none other than well-respected dancehall artist, Spragga Benz. “The album’s doing very well. If I can get it to #1 in the US that would be great,” said Xyclone- this as he pondered the recent course of the dancehall genre. “A lot of the Hip Hop songs right now have a strong dancehall vibe. It’s the sound that everyone’s using right now, so I’d say dancehall is in a good place.”
Since the album topped the charts, Xyclone’s been getting the calls he’s hoped for. “My phone has been ringing off the hook and I’m grateful. I’m heading to Europe in August on a semi-tour. I’ll be going to Leeds, Switzerland and Birmingham,” he mentioned, adding that he’s also flying to Australia soon. Believe it or not, he’s the first independent artiste, in eight years, to make it to the Billboard charts. Having conquered that feat, he’s now making the right moves to ensure that he captures major global music markets, including that of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean.
The single, ‘How Yuh Bad Suh’ has a strong Soca flavor and this, Xyclone says is what he expects to hear more of from the top music creators worldwide as the beats and melodies of the Caribbean and Africa sell itself with ease. His journey has only just begun and even having recorded with dancehall superstars like Beenie Man, Red Rat and Spragga Benz in the past, this music maker is confidently pushing with one goal- and that’s to make it to the top.
It’s a brand new concept being brought to life, in Point Fortin, however its impact, according to organizers, is already proving immense. The annual Point Fortin Borough celebrations, culminates this weekend and on Sunday, an event with a bigger purpose at heart, is anticipated to draw a massive crowd to fete, for the greater good.
Naya George
Naya George and Anson George spoke exclusively with Ebuzztt.com ahead of the all inclusive experience. They’re excited to see their vision come to life. Anson, a well known name on the carnival and entertainment circuit, is known for his strong involvement in the BeachHouse Carnival brand. “It’s going to be on par with BeachHouse,” he assured, asserting ‘Flowers’ as the new ‘must attend’ fete in Borough Day festivities. “There are other events happening on Sunday in Point Fortin but there’s no other event of this caliber, happening,” said Anson, explaining that a few tickets are still available for those who still want to get in.
For Naya, the effort is less about business, and more about purpose. “We are partying with a purpose. We want to let people know that this isn’t just about feting. This is the only party that’s happening in Point Fortin that’s giving back to Point Fortin,” he explained, adding that proceeds will go toward investment in the young people. “The first set of projects will be at the Point Fortin West Secondary School where the event is being held. We are going to revitalize the sports programme, playing field restoration, sporting equipment and that kind of stuff, to ensure the youths have a place to find themselves in the area of sports. Flowers is the premiere fund raiser to do these things,” said George.
Set to welcome fete lovers from 5pm on Sunday at the Point Fortin West Secondary School, Flowers will feature a cast of talented artistes, inclusive of Nadia Batson and Lyrikal. “We want to raise fund in style and with high quality at heart, hence the reason the event’s caliber is high. This is going to be a first for Point Fortin,” said Naya George.
Anson George
The Point Fortin Borough experience is widely attended, with a series of cultural events leading up to the weekend of excitement that is anticipated by locals and visitors alike, each year. “Flowers has set the tone for the Borough Day evolution I think,” said Naya George. “Fusion came to an end last night,” noted Anson. He said the cultural extravaganza, which was similar to Carnival’s Flava Village, was a huge success and noted the wide variety of cultural traditions, shared between April 25th and April 30th. “If people can jump on a plane to experience Grenada carnival, we are certain they can come from West and North Trinidad to enjoy the Point Fortin Borough activities,” said Anson, making it clear that ahead of the upcoming weekend, hotel and guest house occupancy is already high.
“Borough is like a second carnival,” said Anson. He said there are fetes happening throughout the day on Friday. “When you come, you get a taste of everything you get in carnival. You get the fetes, the all inclusive, the jouvert, the street food, the culture,” he highlighted, and this year, for the very first time, fans of culture, creativity and altruism, will fete with purpose at Flowers – a distinct, top tier, premium all inclusive experience in the heart of the borough.
Tickets for the event are available online at Stacy’s House Of Hair – Point Fortin, Atherley’s By The Park – San Fernando, Terminal 4 – Long Circular Mall and online at theticketgeneral.com.
A Caribbean tour that started in Trinidad on Saturday and has continued in Grenada, this afternoon, has intrigued GenZ and GenAlphan fans across the Caribbean and internationally, all thanks to digital influencer, IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr.
The 21-year-old Cincinnati, Ohio native who has racked up over 53 million YouTube subscribers touched down in Trinidad on Saturday, much to the excitement of local gaming and streaming fanatics, many of whom are teens and pre-teens.
Accompanied by several Trinidad and Tobago influencers and chaperoned by Machel Montano’s manager, Che Kothari, the vibrant young streamer was shown various parts of Port- of- Spain, Trinidad, and introduced to aspects of the culture often experienced by visitors to T&T, particularly at Carnival time.
From Saheena, to Roti, Bake and Shark and Doubles, IShowSpeed tried several Trinbagonian dishes and even some of the snacks manufactured locally. He was exposed to Carnival culture and traditional carnival characters and further to that, Trinidad and Tobago artistes like Lady Lava, Nessa Preppy and Jimmy October shared in the thrill of his visit. Many young, eager Trinbaonians, inclusive of parents who are familiar with the young influencer, engaged happily with Watkins Jr. throughout Saturday’s trip, all as he streamed the fun, live. Running through the streets as he moved through places like Tragarete Road and Charlotte Street in downtown Port-of-Spain, he was visibly excited to experience the country known especially for the Greatest Caribbean Carnival, the world over.
The trip, though quick, was streamed to some 7 millions online viewers and while some found it difficult to relate to the new wave of digital marketing and influencer branding potential for the small, twin island, others have since been marveling at the fact that this 21-year-old has managed to gift Trinidad and Tobago more publicity in mere hours, than that which Caribbean celebrities have been able to attain, over years in cultural ambassadorship.
Now, he turns his energy to Grenada. He was welcomed to the island by Grenadian cultural ambassador, Mr. Killa on Sunday, and Grenada’s signature Jab is expected to be on full display as the opportunity to reach millions around the world, now presents itself. The tour will continue to other Caribbean tourist destinations, inclusive of Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Bahamas, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Sint Maarten, Dominica, The Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
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