Ebuzz News
Archived: Lyrikal Responds, Sets Things Straight as His Name Is Implicated in Online Scandal.
There’s so much happening in Caribbean entertainment these days. Nailah Blackman’s launched her new band, SOAKAH, Konshens tied the knot, Bunji Garlin’s been teasing us about some vintage Garlin and Rihanna’s in Barbados bubbling to Sizzla Kalonji’s music. We can’t forget though that Trinidad and Tobago’s Shradah, a relatively young and less known female soca artiste, has been making some pretty strong and long- winded accusations, much of which surround an alleged sexual situation of which she was an alleged victim. Her Facebook LIVE outbursts have left some bewildered, but there are others who are concerned that her accusations could hurt their image and reputation, especially since, they don’t know what she’s speaking about.
Shradah has been silent on the music scene for a few years. Her sudden emergence is shrouded by sexual assault undertones.
Lyrikal’s name was subliminally called in one of Shradah’s videos and Lyro’s not happy about it at all. A great season likely ahead, the Brooklyn based carnival mainstay has been churning out the hits. He recently collaborated with Patrice Roberts on a single called, “Criminal Wine” – a Millbeatz Entertainment production. That tune’s been a favorite across the urban airwaves and as Lyro told us, the collaboration came quite unexpectedly with David Millien approaching him with news that he’d created something he thought would be perfect for him and Patsy. “What was crazy was that a few weeks prior, I had met Patrice in the Virgin Islands and she said to me, ‘aye Lyro we should collaborate on something some time’ and I agreed. We never planned anything,” he said. Lyrikal’s one of the most down to earth entertainers and with a humble persona that’s very approachable, the New Yorker’s name certainly isn’t one to be called in any kind of media scandal. At least up until now. “I don’t like my name being affiliated with anything like this, ” he said to us, referring to the videos posted by Shradah, and while he admits that the young mother and artiste did not directly say he assaulted her in any way, her remark that she had reached out to ‘Lyrikal’ for comfort after being allegedly assaulted by a local producer whose name she directly mentions in one of the videos, has Lyrikal stumped. “I know of her- I know her as an artiste. That’s it. We have never had a personal relationship of any kind for her say she would call me!,” said Martin. He said he recalls meeting Shradah once, years ago at Synergy TV, prior to an interview and was introduced to her by producer, Wendell Naipaul. “Wendell said he wanted us to do a song together but that never happened. That was 3 or 4 years ago,” said Lyrikal. We could hear the concern in his voice- the questions as to why Shradah would call his name of all people.
Lyrikal, the artiste who has given fans of soca songs like Loner, Freedom and Dip and Roll, is bothered by recent statements that implicate his name.
Lyrikal told EBUZZTT that if he could speak with Shradah now, he would ask her just that, “why would you say that you called me for comfort and that’s not true? That’s what I would ask her because everyone in my circle, whether artistes or DJs or whatever, know each other and the people who I deal with aren’t familiar with her like that,” said Lyrikal. He said despite everything, he is concerned about the young woman, lamenting that if she was in fact assaulted, he would hope that the authorities intervene and she gets the help she needs to deal with the situation. “I just did a show in New York with Nicki Minaj’s mother. It was all about empowering women and fighting against domestic violence and the abuse of women. I was actually the only soca artiste on that cast. I have a lot of female fans and I have seven sisters. I could never condone any kind of ill treatment against women,” said the entertainer.
Lyrikal’s looking forward to Carnival 2018 but admits that the numerous recent phone calls and enquiries about this particular situation, has bothered him. “I mean, I have feelings too. This definitely bothered me,” he said.
Martin’s already released four tracks ahead of C2K18 and says he has a couple more to come. Shradah meanwhile, has unleashed yet another social media video. In this one, she attempts to clear the air on what she says are her statements being misconstrued. “I never made sexual assault claims against Anson or Lyrikal,” she expresses.
Ebuzz News
Dîner en Blanc Set to Bring Parisian Flair to Port-of-Spain on November 14th.
Dîner en Blanc is making its highly anticipated return to Port- of -Spain on Saturday, November 14, 2026, once again bringing its trademark magic to a brand-new secret location. Building on last year’s successful return, this iconic Parisian-inspired pop-up picnic continues to be one of the city’s most beloved social events – an evening where fashion, fine dining, and community come together under the stars.
Always dressed head-to-toe in white, guests will assemble to create the breathtaking tableau the event is known for. From the iconic Napkin Wave, which signals the official start of dinner, to the Sparklers Moment, which marks the end of the meal and the opening of the dance floor, Dîner en Blanc Diner promises a night filled with gourmet delights, vibrant conversation, and an atmosphere unlike anything else in the city.
To be among the first to reserve tickets when Phase 3 (Fan List) opens, guests are invited to join the exclusive Port of Spain Fan List at portofspain.dinerenblanc.com.
beginning of the celebration and the magic that is Dîner en Blanc.
THE THEME: Soirée Parisienne – La Belle Époque
For 2026, Dîner en Blanc Diner celebrates an era of Paris defined by elegance, artistry, and refinement. Guests are invited to embrace an elevated all-white aesthetic, where fashion becomes a form of expression. Tables, styled in pure monochrome, echo the sophistication of historic salons and café culture, while the dining experience draws on the traditions of French gastronomy where cuisine, conversation, and ambiance come together as one.
Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach, hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain, shared their excitement for this year’s edition: “Port of Spain has embraced Dîner en Blanc as one of its signature social experiences. We’re excited to build on that legacy with an evening that’s elegant, inclusive and unforgettable,” noted Meagan.
How the Experience Works
To preserve the event’s tradition and maintain its elegant atmosphere, every guest plays an essential role. Participants must follow a few timeless guidelines:
Dress code: A chic, all-white ensemble is mandatory. Elegance, originality, and creativity are encouraged. Table setting: All table elements like décor must be white to uphold Dîner en Blanc’s signature visual identity.
Secrecy of the location: The venue remains a surprise until the last moment. Guests will meet at designated departure points and be escorted by Dîner en Blanc Diner volunteers to the final location. Leave No Trace: In keeping with the event’s commitment to sustainability, guests must bring home everything they arrived with, leaving the space spotless.
What Guests Should Bring or Choose an almost Hands-Free Option
• A gourmet picnic basket packed with a gourmet meal and proper stemware and white dinnerware. Those who prefer not to pack their own meal may pre-order a catered picnic through the Dîner en Blanc D e- store for onsite pickup.
• As a French-inspired celebration, Dîner en Blanc only serves wine and champagne. However, guests are welcome to bring their own selections; however, for added convenience, wine and champagne can also be pre-purchased through the official Dîner en Blanc e-store, ensuring an effortless and stress-free experience.
About the hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain
At the helm of the 2026 edition of Diner en Blanc – Port of Spain are Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach. Meagan Monsegue is a lifestyle enthusiast and avid global traveller with a natural flair for personal styling and hosting. Her journey with Dîner en Blanc Port of Spain began as a Table Leader in 2016 and has evolved into her role as Co-Host today. Driven by a genuine passion for bringing people together, she brings her distinctive style, energy and love of creating unforgettable moments under the stars to every soirée. Nigel Roach is passionate about bringing together his love of music, fashion, exceptional food and drink, and unforgettable experiences. A natural connector, he thrives on bringing people together, building meaningful relationships and creating elegant events where networking and community come together in a unique atmosphere.
About Diner en Blanc
Dîner en Blanc is more than an event. It’s a global cultural phenomenon that brings friends, old and new, together to celebrate life, food, fashion, and community with a touch of mystery and a sense of spontaneity. Elegantly dressed in white, guests gather at a secret location for a chic, mass picnic, bringing their own tables, chairs, and gourmet baskets. The location remains undisclosed until the very moment of arrival, creating a sense of anticipation and delight. Over the course of the evening, attendees dine, dance, and reconnect with the finer things in life, all while sharing an unforgettable, magical experience in some of their city’s most iconic public spaces.
Today, Dîner en Blanc has grown into an international movement, celebrated cumulatively over its history in more than 120 cities across 40 countries. While Dîner en Blanc Diner International is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, each event is hosted locally by passionate organizers who bring their own flair to the original Parisian concept. Together, these gatherings unite communities worldwide in a celebration of gourmet cuisine, extraordinary entertainment, and the joy of connection. For more info, photos, and videos from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.
Ebuzz News
Stevie Wonder Joins KestheBand On Stage at DC Jazz Fest – A Big Moment for Caribbean Culture.
Internationally loved and embraced Soca band, KesTheBand delivered yet another unforgettable moment for Caribbean music last Saturday, September 5th – this time at the DC Jazz Festival. It was there, in the midst of the enjoyment that a special opportunity presented itself – Kees Dieffentaller would meet the global music icon, Stevie Wonder.
The surprise appearance marked a continuation of a weekend that placed KestheBand and Caribbean music at the center of some of the most significant cultural moments of Labour Day weekend. The set included an uptempo lyrical mashup of “I Just Called To Say I Love You” and “Savannah Grass,” which received thunderous applause from adoring fans.
Crediting his parents in an emotional social media post following their debut at DC Jazz Fest, lead singer, Kees Dieffenthaller shared that the Stevie Wonder hit “was the first record I had on repeat as a child.” The moment was a powerful one as Soca music and a Trinidad and Tobago band that dedicatedly promotes the genre along with their country, came face to face with one of the most influential global artistes in music history.
Just one night earlier, on Friday, September 4th, KesTheBand electrified Soca Fest at Brooklyn museum in New York, where the band was introduced by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. The appearance brought together Caribbean music, culture and community in one of New York’s most prominent Labor Day weekend celebrations and venues.
Kees went on to serve as an Honorary Grand Marshal of the West Indian Day Parade. The honor was shared with dancehall and reggae superstar, Buju Banton.
Kes the Band with New York City Mayor, Zohran Kwame Mamdani
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Ebuzz News1 week agoA Band That’s Building Legacy for Culture. Blow Mano Blow Promises Memorable Carnival 2027 with Tribute to The Birdie.
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Ebuzz News17 hours agoDîner en Blanc Set to Bring Parisian Flair to Port-of-Spain on November 14th.
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Ebuzz News2 days agoStevie Wonder Joins KestheBand On Stage at DC Jazz Fest – A Big Moment for Caribbean Culture.
