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Archived: Ian Pantin Breaks His Silence. Blames Fay-Ann Lyons For His "Dismissal"

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The saga continues today, one day after a media conference called by Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons and the Asylum band, to discuss the way forward following the very public announcement of former band manager, Ian Pantin’s elimination from the group. ETCETERABUZZ.COM, in our effort to bring you all the details, now delivers the very latest statement- from Mr. Pantin who suggests that the reason behind the entire fall out, was his decision to “drop” Fay-Ann from his management.

Lyons-Alvarez and her husband meanwhile, maintain that they will not allow this public break up to hinder the band’s overall progress. Efforts by ETCETERABUZZ.COM to contact Mr. Pantin for personal comment this morning proved futile.

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Ian Pantin says he is still holding on to hope.

Ian Pantin says he is still holding on to hope.

So I want to make this very clear Bunji Garlin fired me because I had enough of Fay- Ann dropped her from my management, we stopped talking and he felt he had to choose. As some of you may know by now, there was a press conference that was held by Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann at Capital Plaza Port of Spain yesterday, Thursday October 3 rd 2013. Where by Fay-Ann made a number of disparaging remarks related to my dismissal and termination of my management contract with Bunji Garlin, whom I have managed for over fifteen years.And though I have kept silent since my dismissal, her latest attempt to assassinate my character and cause me harm in an industry that I have earned my living for so long and where I will have to continue to do so after all this hullabaloo ends, I thought it best that I say my peace before it’s all to late for me.You may not know this, but a gentleman named Daryl Braxton and myself founded the band as a marketing strategy to assist in Bunji’s growth as an artist because back then he was not a household name yet.Neither was he in a financial position or had the management acumen to foster his career. Asylum or the then named Censation band, in those early years were simply earning nothing.So for Fay-Ann to imply that since 1999 I was acting spuriously is simply untruthful and remember as she rightly said, she only joined the band in 2009. As a matter of fact, allot that was said by her at the conference is filled with hot air, lies and half-truths. Two years ago Fay-Ann threw a party in my honor to recognize my hard work and dedication and tireless commitment for getting Asylum to be part of,and one of, the most elite Soca bands worldwide. There were no questions then over my management deeds and now suddenly there are?Though I would have preferred not to get into a he say she say battle with Fay-Ann its tough not to when she implies questionable accounting, no bank account and non payment to band members from receipt of deposits. I have a personal management agreement with Bunji Garlin; the proceeds from all contracts are held in trust for which he is a signatory to.

 
The band members are always paid for their contractual engagements, on a timely basis “ask them”. Other band expenses are then deducted, I am paid a commission and the rest of monies are handed to him for their care and that’s a very tidy sum. He is submitted monthly, quarterly and seasonal reports or as when requested from time to time.I wrote Bunji Garlin 2 weeks ago asking him to meet with me so that we could work through a number of outstanding matters including those funds that are held in trust, he replied verbally that he would think about it. I have not heard from him since. The remaining funds in trust does not cover the outstanding debts that are due to the band creditors so there is a net deficit which unfortunately I am once again financing like I have always done in the band’s time of need. So this brings me to the question that most of you may have and that is why was I fired? Why does she have this personal vendetta to tarnish my good name and character, which I have had for all of my life in this industry and others.A few moths ago I quietly dropped Fay-Ann from my management. I did so because she attempted to (1) renegotiate my income downward (2)there was a major difference in philosophy and (3) we had a break down in communication. This all suspiciously occurred just as I was successful in negotiating on behalf of Bunji Garlin 2 record label deals internationally, one in Europe and the other for the rest of the world. I would have earned a sizeable income for that, not to mention,endorsements and international touring.Approximately one month ago I received a telephone call from Bunji Garlin asking me to reignite my relationship with Fay-Ann and I declined. He told me there and then in that case, my services were no longer required and that he was terminating my tenure effective immediately. Please note that my management agreement with him ends February 28th 2014. And therefore my termination was premature.
 
So I want to make this very clear Bunji Garlin fired me because Ihad enough of Fay- Ann dropped her from my management, we stopped talking and he felt he had to choose. I received a formal letter of termination a few days later on Sept 10th indicating that as of October 10th my services would no longer be required, but that I must relinquish my duties with immediate effect i.e.stop dealing with all his business matters or other wise. The Jamaica show that she is referring to took place after I was fired.I want everyone to know that I have always held Bunji Garlin in the highest regard and that I had up and until now nothing but love, respect and admiration for him as an artist and a personal friend. I am god father to his only child and close to most members of his family.I know that at the press conference you saw most of the band members,they had already confided in me that they had no choice but to attend,because they were in fear of their jobs. I was told that Fay-Ann indicated that they needed to be present or otherwise they could be faced with disciplinary action. I wont call any names because they all need “ to eat a food”; they all have families to support.
 
This is a trying time for my family and I and all in the Asylum. I am stillholding onto hope, fruitlessly I hope not. I still believe that this mattercan be resolved amicably, especially if Fay-Ann who he loves so dearly,were absent from any future conversations we may have.

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Trinidad and Tobago’s Voice Will Rep for Soca at Best of the Best 2026. Artiste’s Inclusion Shows Soca’s Global Reach.

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He had one of the most memorable Carnival seasons with a Soca track that stole the hearts of Soca lovers in 2026 and now Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis is set to represent hard for the Soca music genre at the upcoming ‘Best of the Best’ Music Festival in Miami on May 26th. His appearance will be his debut to the highly anticipated festival and already, the energy is high.

Voice makes his debut at Best of the Best 2026.

Voice represents the bridge between Millennial Soca and GenZ vibes. ‘Cyah Behave Mehself’ was lapped up like good Caribbean food at Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago back in February, and it is expected to do the same as the international summer season approaches.

Set to take place on May 26th at Museum Park, Downtown Miami, Voice’s inclusion on the cast underscores the Soca genre’s continued global reach within a predominantly reggae and dancehall showcase. Known for his high energy performances and melodic songwriting, the Trinidad and Tobago three -time Soca Monarch King has built an extensive catalogue of hits that that has proven to resonate with a global audience.

Organizers say anticipation for Voice’s performance at Best of the Best, is high. “Fans are looking forward to a dynamic set that brings soca’s signature energy to the festival stage.”

Best of the Best Music Fest remains one of North America’s premiere Caribbean music events, drawing fans from across the region and Diaspora for a full day of live performances. This year’s lineup includes, Sizzla Kalonji, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Rajah Wild, Skeng, Vanessa Bling, among others.

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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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