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Archived: 5 Star Akil Commits to Soca- But What About the Rest?

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More and more, radio personalities have been entering the soca music arena, teaming up with some of the industry’s young songwriters and producers to lend their individual sounds to the carnival experience. Many however question just how serious these personalities are about an industry that has made artistes like Shurwayne Winchester, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, Destra Garcia and Fay-Ann Lyons respected and financially secure.

5Star Akil says he’s in it for the long haul!

From Jaiga, Granny and Shal Marshall of 96.1WEFM to Devon Matthews of RED 96.7FM, Jahmoun Mendoza, Smooth, Saga Boy Chow Chow and the most experienced, Third Bass of Boomchampions 94.1FM, RKG of Next 99.1FM and of course 5Star Akil of Slam 100.5FM, the soca circuit is overrun by radiomen who’ve decided to become singers. The trend has been on the rise in recent years and the radio personalities have been holding their own, but some may argue that there’s the possibility of public opinion being persuaded by the personalities’ self promotion on air or promotion by alliance across frequencies. Soca artistes who’ve been in the business for years have however remained mum on the issue, possibly out of fear of victimization.

Boomchampions 94.1FM personality, Third Bass

 

In a recent radio interview, 5Star Akil who’s been on the circuit for a few years, on launching a documentary that tells of his personal musical journey, assured that he’s in it for the right reasons and has an ongoing love affair with soca music. Already, Akil has released “Different Me”- a song that has been receiving a tremendous amount of airplay, possibly securing his space at major carnival fetes in 2016. Third Bass, a personality who has been singing soca music since the 90’s has made significant strides ahead of C2K16 as well, with a refrain that’s being echoed across the length and breadth of T&T. “If Yuh Stush, Go In De Bush…”the song’s chorus directs, but according to Bass, he’s always had the music but despite being a radioman, he hasn’t always received the amount of airplay that would make his music the popular choice.

Performance on stage will determmine who’s really Soca artiste material

Whatever the outcome, performance beats old talk anyday as we say here in the Caribbean so when it comes down to feting season, these mic magicians better bring their ‘A’ game on event stages in T&T and wherever they go!

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DOCUMENTARY

 

Reggae

New ‘Jamrock’ Documentary Celebrates Unforgettable Moments. Cruise Returns to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa, This Year.

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With over a decade’s worth of unforgettable moments pulled from the last 10 voyages, this 30+ minute documentary captures the spirit of a global reggae community built on shared identity, resilience, and reverence for Jamaican culture. It features iconic performances, real conversations with the artistes and DJs, and the heartbeat of it all: the “Jamrockers.”  These are die-hard reggae lovers from over 40 countries who pull up every year for one reason – to feel that irreplaceable connection to Jamaican culture and keep the Marley message of “One Love” alive. 

Having successfully navigated challenges including extreme weather and a global pandemic, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise continues to thrive. Its 11th staging will return for its annual voyage from November 11th to the 16th, sailing from Miami aboard Norwegian Joy. 

Stacked from foundation to future, this year’s lineup brings together reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley (Traffic Jam Set), Burning Spear, Sizzla, Capleton, Beenie Man, Protoje, Barrington Levy, Elephant Man, Junior Reid, Lila Iké, Ding Dong & the Ravers Clavers, Tony Matterhorn “Man on the Moon”, Gyptian, 450, Richie Spice, Ghost, Mr. Lexx, Professor Nuts, L.U.S.T., Sister Carol, Sevana, Flourgon, Johnny P, and Jemere Morgan are confirmed.

The cruise’s famed Sound Clash at Sea will return alongside powerhouse sound systems including Stone Love (Geefus), King Jammy, Silverhawk Sound, Rory Stone Love, Renaissance Sound, Federation Sound, Warrior Sound, Rampage Sound, Kingston12 HiFi and Souljah1 Muzik, preserving a cornerstone of Jamaican music culture in its most authentic form.

Jamrock is a Premiere Reggae Event

The Jamrock experience has evolved into the premier reggae event at sea—one that continues to redefine how the culture is celebrated on a global stage. The five-day experience continues to immerse guests in the full spectrum of Jamaican life—from Nyabinghi sunrise sessions and sound bath meditations to dancehall workshops, fitness programming, and curated culinary offerings led by acclaimed Chef Lumley. A new addition this year includes a live theatrical production by legendary playwright Oliver Samuels, adding yet another layer to the cruise’s ever-expanding cultural canvas.

Beenie Man will be on the cruise in November.

Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the cruise will return to Jamaica with renewed purpose, maintaining its distinction as the only chartered cruise with two Jamaican port stops. That commitment translates into tangible impact, generating millions annually for the island’s tourism and cultural economy while reinforcing a direct connection between the music, the people, and the place that birthed it.

As All in the Same Boat makes clear, Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is a movement with its own rhythm, one that continues to bring the diaspora home, while inviting the world in. Since its inception in 2014, the mission remains the same: to create a space where reggae lives, breathes, and connects us all. 

The documentary made its debut during the 10th annual cruise and later screened at Art Basel in support of hurricane relief efforts led by the Marley family’s Ghetto Youths Foundation. Damian Marley and Dan Dalton were executive producers of the film.

https://youtu.be/ya_xhY3ID54?si=IWlDqVg_lH3boi0Z

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Music News

Popcaan Teams Up with the Legendary, Junior Reid on Brand New Single.

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Jamaican dancehall artiste, Popcaan continues to bridge generations in music with the release of his powerful new single, ‘Born Fi Conquer.’ The track features veteran reggae singer, Junior Reid and was produced by Popcaan’s nephew, rising talent, Joel Engineer.

The track is a bold and inspiring anthem rooted in purpose and resilience, says the entertainer’s team. “From its opening moments, Born Fi Conquer delivers a strong message of self-worth and perseverance, reminding listeners that no matter their occupation or circumstance, they are deserving of greatness,” a media statement issued, reassured.

Anchored by the affirming refrain, “Born fi win, born fi conquer,” the single encourages individuals to step fully into their potential and live out their purpose unapologetically.

Popcaan continues to show his ability to seamlessly blend contemporary dancehall with timeless influences and on this collaboration he once again demonstrates his deep respect for the foundation of Jamaican music. His collaboration with the ‘One Blood’ legend, Junior Reid highlights a consistent pattern in his career; intentionally creating alongside legendary voices who helped shape the sound and Jamaican culture and the dancehall genre.

Junior Reid’s verse which adds depth and authenticity to the record, pays tribute to the hardworking people of Jamaica while reinforcing a message of upward mobility and hope. With lines centered on perseverance and progress, he reminds listeners that “the only way is up,” echoing the song’s overarching theme of triumph.

“Working with Junior Reid is a great honour for me. I have deep respect for the elders who paved the way and built this industry. Being able to create great music with them is a full circle moment,” said Poppy. The new single was produced by Joel Engineer and signals the emergence of a new generation of producers, blending fresh sonic direction with culturally rich storytelling.

‘Born Fi Conquer’ is now available on all major streaming platforms.

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