Ebuzz News
Archived: Bunji Sets It STRAIGHT.
It’s not even midyear yet and already a warning has been issued by the man many revere as the lyrical king of the Soca music industry.
Bunji sends a strong warning.
Bunji Garlin has sounded the alarm. He will be embarking, he says, on the second level of his musical career. One would have thought that having mounted the Coachella stage this year, penetrated the Glastonbury Music Festival last summer and secured international favor when he won himself the 2013 Soul Train Music Award for Best International Performance, Bunji would’ve already seen himself on level two, but of course, a humble man never toots his own horn.
On Saturday, the Viking whose recent collab with Major Lazer’s Jillionaire on the single, ‘Television’, remains fresh and full of vibe, took to social media with a somewhat poetic sentiment. “Now that I had time to assimilate, reconstitute, destroy and rebuild, there is an excitement in my blood at the thought of getting back into studio soon, to start my work,” he wrote. It was a clear indication that the artiste whose career kicked off with a predisposition to spit a lyrical time bomb into the atmosphere at any chance he could, was ready to explode.
In Carnival 2016, Bunji Garlin’s music, while good, seemed to many, tame. Some said he hadn’t electrified as he did in 2013 with ‘Differentology’ and maybe they were correct. Or maybe not. ‘Feels Like An Earthquake’ was, by EBUZZTT standards, a blockbuster Carnival anthem as was ‘Touch De Stage’ for the road, but during Carnival 2016, Bunji Garlin’s efforts weren’t enough to get the masses to stand in his corner. There was a thrust to embrace some of soca music’s new faces and that too, felt great, but that didn’t mean that the Viking wouldn’t be preparing himself for what he has coined, ‘Level 2’.
A pensive Bunji Garlin.
The artiste targets elementary minds.
On Saturday, Bunji effectively stated that among us, in the entertainment and music industry, there are elementary minds. He said being a part of the Caribbean music scene places him in a precarious position, as “there are elementary expectations to meet or break, set by elementary minds, too many times.”
He went on to attack the ‘elementary minds’, saying, “I prefer breaking expectations and traditions all the time. There are those who don’t understand that, but if you look at them, they’re just sitting there pointing and not even attempting to enhance or make a substantial contribution, furthermore a difference.”
Bunji says music should never be controlled.
He warned, attempts should never be made to control music. Whether he was speaking directly to the so called soca music mafia or not, is left to be unearthed, but he was certainly making himself clear. “If you try to control music, you only destroy yourself on the ride because music chooses its respective vessels. It will take you to moments of drought and moments of bountiful harvests,” he said.
The days, weeks and months ahead will likely be filled with exciting moments at the House of Vikings. “It is impossible to have things one way and do things one way and expect a different result. Now that I have allowed myself to understand the circumference of music on this beginning level, it’s time to work on the next level ahead,” he ended, making it clear that there would be no playing around, no grinning- just MUSIC.
Ebuzz News
Jamaica’s Mavado to Receive Lifetime Award at IRAWMA Awards This Year.
David Brooks, best known as dancehall artiste, Mavado is set to be honored at this year’s 43rd International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) awards on May 17th, in South Florida. He’ll be presented with the Special Lifetime Achievement Award which represents a celebration of resilience, dominance and legacy.
In a statement, the organizers noted that Mavado is known for his unmistakeable voice, global influence and cultural impact. “Mavado has transcended borders, elevating Dancehall to international acclaim,” the statement reads.
In addition to this night of IRAWMA’s celebration of excellence in reggae and world music, globally renowned dancehall superstar, VYBZ Kartel tops the list of more than 150 nominees with 11 nods, and competing against himself in some of the categories, he is followed by Sean Paul and Shaggy with 8 nominations, each.
On the female side, Spice, Lila Ike, and Shenseea tied with 5 nominations each. Hosted by a dynamic lineup including Comedian Dufton Shepherd, Marcia Jackson, and Oliver Mair, the evening promises electrifying performances, unforgettable tributes, and a room filled with icons, tastemakers, and industry leaders.
In a show of gratitude for his conscious musical contribution, Gramps Morgan will be recognized for his song “People Like You,” highlighted as the most outstanding Spiritually Uplifting Song since the new Millennium.Gramps will join a distinguished class of honorees including Burning Spear, Wayne Armond, and Awilo Longomba—each representing excellence across genres and generations.
Caribbean Buzz
The Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
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 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.
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.
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Caribbean Buzz1 week agoThe Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
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Ebuzz News4 days agoJamaica’s Mavado to Receive Lifetime Award at IRAWMA Awards This Year.
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International Buzz2 days agoTrinidad and Tobago’s Kes The Band Shares Feel Good Soca Vibes on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk.