Ebuzz News
Archived: And The Soca Artiste of 2014 Has Got To Be…..
Bunji Garlin made it to BET’s 106th and Park twice in 2014.
The past year was an epic one for many of Trinidad and Tobago’s entertainment professionals. It was a year of firsts for many and it certainly proved to be the year of Soca music’s pivotal step into the global music industry. This past year saw Bunji Garlin make inroads into the mainstream music market, the likes of which many could feel proud of, whether Trinbagonian or merely a member of the Caribbean Diaspora. Garlin toured the United States with his VP records family, performing on BET twice alongside his wife, Fay-Ann Lyons. Separately though, Machel Montano was also a big headline maker this past season, having pulled the hat trick at the International Soca Monarch in Trinidad by reclaiming his Power Soca Monarch title. He was however beaten in the Groovy category by the man with the big lyrics, production know-how and not to mention, melodious vocals, Kerwin Du Bois.
Machel Montano won the 2014 Soul Train Award for Best International Performance.
Montano was however bent on making his own personal inroads, much like Garlin had begun to do, in 2014. It was this past year that Machel was again nominated for the Soul Train Music award in the category of Best International Performance and in late November, the world found out that he did in fact win the award. He joined Bunji who had also won the award one year earlier, in sealing the deal for Soca music, in the United States. This past year, Machel also announced his role in the Bollywood movie Scandalous, which is currently filming in Trinidad.
Flipo, right, with mega soca star, Machel Montano.
It wasn’t only a good year for these two headliners however. Young up and comer, Flippo rode a pretty awesome wave at the beginning of the year and in the summer, he cemented his name among the masses, releasing additional music outside of the Carnival season, the likes of which fans would lap up, without hesitation. Other artistes like Destra, Olatunji, Kees and Patrice Roberts also enjoyed a successful year in 2014. Patrice Roberts proved that even without a manager in her corner, following the sudden break up with Ian Pantin, she could handle her business. Recently, the young Toco hottie told ETCETERABUZZ that she’s looking forward to a whirlwind Carnival season- this after spending her Christmas holiday overseas where she had performance obligations to fulfil.
Despite being robbed by an armed assailant, Kees Dieffenthaller remains a proud Trinbagonian.
We ended the year with some ups and downs no doubt; one of the sour moments of the year was news of Kees Dieffenthaller being robbed at gunpoint along Ariapita Avenue but on the flip side, the artiste himself said he wouldn’t be deterred by the occurrence, adding that life was meant to be lived and one bad experience didn’t mean that he would love his country any less. In the spotlight just recently and something we think stood out most this season was a photo op shared by Bunji Garlin, Machel Montano and Fay-Ann Lyons. The trio had performed at Major Lazer’s Sunset Festival at the O2 Park in Chaguaramas. Despite the moment shared however, news that Montano and Garlin still remain distant and show no sign of collaborating anytime soon, has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many soca fans.
We rally on into 2015 though, hopeful that this coming season will bring greater music, greater experiences and a more solid and stable platform for up and coming soca artistes like Sekon Sta, Olatunji Yearwood, Erphaan Alves, Patrice Roberts, 5 Star Akil, Tobago’s K Kay, Devon Matthews and the countless others who are giving their all to show the world that Soca music is sweet music, worthy of being heard worldwide.
Finally, we wish to thank all the soca artistes who delivered great music for the world to chip to at various carnivals across the world this year. From Grenada to Barbados, Nottinghill, Toronto, Miami, New York and the world over, Soca is being heard and appreciated. We tip our hats to you all. Soca is ours and you are our vibe generators- no one better than the other, but each one of you and your work, very necessary!
Happy New Year from the ETCETERABUZZ family.
Music News
T&T’s Etienne Charles announces 20- City World Tour.
Internationally acclaimed trumpeter, percussionist, composer, bandleader, recording artist and educator Etienne Charlesis set to embark on an ambitious 20-city world tour across Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America, marking a series of highly anticipated debut performances in several new territories.
Photo credit: Luigi Creese
Over the past two decades, Charles has established himself as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary jazz. Since releasing his debut album in 2007, he has produced eleven critically acclaimed recordings and collaborated with legendary artists including Roberta Flack, Marcus Miller, Monty Alexander and Chucho Valdés, while also touring internationally with the SFJAZZ Collective. A proud musical ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago, Charles is known for weaving Caribbean musical traditions, folklore and history into his compositions, creating a sound that bridges cultures and generations.
Fresh off the release of his latest album Gullah Roots and following the success of the chart-topping Creole Orchestra, Charles will bring his distinctive brand of Caribbean-infused jazz to audiences around the globe, introducing several new markets to his genre-blending sound.
Among the highlights of the tour are first-time performances in India, Argentina, Denmark, Colombia, Tunisia and Lake Tahoe, as well as a special appearance in Boone, North Carolina.
India Debut
Charles will make his long-awaited debut in India with performances at Windmills Craftworks in Hyderabad (April 2–3) and Bangalore (April 4–5). Performing with his Creole Soul band, Charles will present a cross-section of music from across his catalogue, blending jazz improvisation with Caribbean rhythms and even offering a special arrangement of a classic Indian song.
“We are delighted to welcome Etienne Charles to India for the first time at Windmills Craftworks, Bangalore and Hyderabad,” said Arhona Chakraborty. “Etienne’s artistry embodies a spirit that bridges cultures, expanding musical dialogue and creating an experience that is both deeply immersive and profoundly moving.”
Colombia Debut
Later in April, Charles will perform in Medellín, Colombia, marking his debut in the country with a performance at El Club de Jazz on April 30 in celebration of International Jazz Day.
“Hosting Etienne Charles in Medellín for International Jazz Day 2026 is a definitive statement for our local scene,” said Christian Salgado of El Club de Jazz. “He represents the pinnacle of contemporary jazz, where technical mastery meets profound musical storytelling.”
Argentina Debut
Charles will also make his debut in Argentina, performing on May 26 at Teatro San Martín in Buenos Aires with a special tribute to jazz legend Miles Davis in celebration of the centennial of his birth. For Charles, Miles has been a musical and style inspiration.
“Etienne Charles is one of my favourite musicians. His musical world is infinitely rich and varied and I couldn’t think of a better artist to celebrate the centennial of our hero Miles Davis and reinterpret his music with an original and exciting voice,” said Eugenio Elias, Artistic Director of DeQuinta Producciones and JALC Global Citizen Jazz Award recipient.
Lake Tahoe Debut
In July, Charles will perform in Lake Tahoe for the first time while also serving as trumpet instructor at the Brubeck Jazz Summit. An avid advocate for music education and youth development, Charles also serves as Artistic Director of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass – Frost School of Music Afro-Caribbean Big Band Sessions, a full-scholarship program training emerging musicians in the rich musical traditions of the Caribbean.
Tunisia Debut
Charles will also make his debut in Tunisia at the Tabarka Jazz Festival, where he will perform with his intimate Creole Quartet, bringing Caribbean musical traditions into conversation with North African audiences.
Denmark Debut
The tour concludes with Charles’ first visit to Denmark, where he will appear as featured soloist, conductor, composer and arranger with the Danish Radio Big Band for a three-concert series titled Caribbean Connection.
Producer Rasmus Holm said Danish audiences are eager to experience Charles’ music. “Étienne brings warmth, depth and an infectious rhythmic energy that truly embodies The Caribbean Connection. We can’t wait to share this powerful meeting between his Caribbean traditions and the sound of Danish Radio Big Band with audiences in Denmark.”
Boone Special Performance
Another key stop on the tour will be a performance at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts in Boone, North Carolina, where Charles will present his multimedia climate change project Earth Tones, combining music, film and storytelling to examine the urgent global conversation around climate change. The performance carries particular resonance for the Boone community, which was severely impacted by flooding during Hurricane Helene.
Return to Lincoln Center
In June, Charles will present Folklore Vol. 2 at the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel room, featuring the world premiere of his new suite inspired by Haitian and Mexican folklore as well as new arrangements from his breakthrough 2009 album, as a part of their Mother Africa season.
Tour Dates
2026
March 19 Holland Center, Omaha, NE
March 28 Regattabar, Boston, MA
April 2-3 Windmills Craftworks, Hyderabad, India
April 4-5 Windmills Craftworks, Bangalore, India
April 15 Gusman Concert Hall, Coral Gables, FL
April 24 Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, Boone, NC
April 30 El Club de Jazz, Medellin, Colombia
May 21 Conjunto Santander, Guadalajara, Mexico
May 23 Teatro Esperanza Iris, Mexico City, Mexico
May 26 Teatro San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
June 5-6 Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York, NY
June 20 Healdsburg Jazz Festival, Healdsburg, CA
July 16-17 Brubeck Jazz Summitt, Lake Tahoe, NV
August 15 Balistreri Vineyards, Denver, CO
August 29-30 Tabarka Jazz Festival, Tabarka, Tunisia
September 6 DC Jazz Fest, Washington, DC
November 5 Tobaksgaarden, Assens, Denmark
November 6 Koncerthuset, Studio 2, Copenhagen, Denmark
November 7 Holbæk Jazzklub, Elværket, Denmark
Ebuzz News
Woman Arrested, Placed on $10 Million Bond After Rihanna’s Home is Targeted.
Police have arrested a 35-year-old, Florida woman in connection with a volley of gunshots fired at Rihanna’s Los Angeles mansion on Sunday afternoon. The woman has been identified as Ivanna Ortiz. A motive was not immediately clear.
According to international media reports, the woman was held after the incident on Sunday, in a parking garage nearby. Rihanna, A$AP Rocky and their three children was said to have been at home at the time of the incident, but no one was shot, according to NBC4.
The Los Angeles Police Department said a woman drove up to the property and fired between seven and nine rounds with what police described as an AR-15-style rifle. At least four rounds struck the house. Ortiz has been placed on a $10 million bond.
Grenada's Blaka Dan on the road with YUMA in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Ebuzz News5 days agoWoman Arrested, Placed on $10 Million Bond After Rihanna’s Home is Targeted.