Ebuzz News
Rising Artiste, Phia Collaborates with Orlando Octave on Sensual Romantic Single.
There’s a new face to entertainment that’s rearing its head in the Caribbean. Slowly but surely, the fusion of global sounds we’ve all been familiarized with, along with traditional Caribbean sounds, are effortlessly going mainstream. Orlando Octave, a seasoned artiste in the entertainment industry in Trinidad and Tobago, along with up-and-coming sensation, Phia, have tapped into that energy, synergizing to create a song that has every bit of potential to go global.
Phia has been waiting for her turn. She’s delivered music in the past, feeding off of the entertainers and musicians she’s met along the way. A huge fan of the Afrobeat vibe, the young artiste believes it’s a gateway through which she can persevere onto a global stage. Having met Octave at Pengco Studio in Trinidad, the 22-year-old took the opportunity to spark dialogue on the potential for collaboration. “Orlando is such an awesome, positive, generous person. I really have to thank him for his dedication to this project and his wisdom along the way,” she said. The pair have unleashed, “My Side,” – a romantic Dancehall and Afrobeat infused single that speaks of love and relationship. “It’s a love song; A love song that emphasizes how much you want the one you love to stay at your side,” explained the young entertainer.
Over the past year, Phia has been focusing on the music she’s compiling for the release of an album. “I’ve really been writing a lot, playing around with different sounds and genres- basically trying to express my truest self through my music,” she said, revealing that as a young artiste, her goal is to inspire people with her music, sharing with the world just who she is as an individual and a passionate artiste.
“My Side” was released at the end of September and has been distributed to all major music streaming platforms for sale and download. “Following this release, another track called, ‘Foolish’ will be shared with the world,” she said, noting that her aim is to release music consistently as she hones her craft and creates her own dynamic space in the music industry.
As a young creative, Phia has shown immense dedication. The support of family, friends and music partners in her life, has helped her stay the course. She however shared that she feels more must be done in the Caribbean, to foster and nurture creative development among the region’s youth. “The creative industries can be a major help in our Caribbean economies. There’s always so much focus on the traditional aspects of education when in truth and in fact, so many Caribbean youths are dying for the chance to be seen and heard through their art,” said Phia. Careful with her words, the budding entertainer said she is hopeful that leaders would pay closer attention to the passionate cries of young people who desire direction and true support to see their dreams come true.
Excited about the direction of music globally, as more and more artistes experiment with genres, often fusing them, Phia is riding the wave. “It’s amazing to see how music genres from different cultural backgrounds can come together and make an awesome track. I’m really glad that Afrobeat and Hip Hop and other genres are fusing. It’s an awesome thing to see two or more genres blended and eventually bringing smiles to people from all walks of life, around the world.”
‘My Side’ was collaboratively written by both Orlando and Phia with production of the track done by Randal Alexander of PengCo Music.
To learn more about Phia, follow her on Instagram @phiazworld.
Ebuzz News
Culture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
A move in line with government’s commitment to creating balance and encouraging expansion in T&T’s overall cultural experience; This is how the country’s Culture and Community Development Minister responded this afternoon to criticism meted out to government as word spread that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy would no longer be used as a fete venue.
Minister Michelle Benjamin, declaring her support for the Prime Minister said residents living in close proximity to the cricket academy, have voiced their concerns regarding the excessive sound levels generated by large scale events. Major carnival fetes have seen patron attendance exceeding 10,000 in recent years, according to promoters.
Opened in 2017, the Tarouba sporting facility is managed by the Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago. UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee, speaking on the issue with the Trinidad Express said events hosted outside of the stadium have led to wear and tear of the facility. He explained that annual costs for the overall maintenance of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, exceed $10million.
The Promoter’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago meanwhile, has condemned the move, saying, the government’s sudden ban on the use of UDeCOTT facilities for soca and other Carnival related events is destructive and short-sighted. Questioning the “real intent behind the move,” the association argues that the move is viewed as a top-down decision, made without consultation with the sector. Arguing that several promoters have already secured the venue ahead of Carnival 2026, the TTPA said, “For all those affected, tickets have been sold, venues advertised, and patrons have made travel and accommodation plans to align with confirmed events.” The organization is questioning how this move benefits the entire country.
Culture Minister Gives Reassurance
In her statement, Minister Benjamin explained that citizens should view the decision as part of the government’s broader vision to not only expand carnival beyond its traditional footprint, but to ensure the wellbeing of all communities. “As part of the expansion of Carnival, we are not saying that we are stopping fetes. What we are doing is working to identify and promote more appropriate spaces that can enhance the experience, while reducing any negative impact that could possibly arise.”
The Minister said the ultimate aim is to ensure that carnival continues to thrive as a celebration of creativity, unity and national identity. She said Carnival must reflect the rhythm of T&T’s people while striking the right balance between culture, community and progress.
Ebuzz News
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad will no longer be a venue option for events other than cricket. This announcement comes as preparations are well underway, by promoters for Carnival 2026.
The decision made by the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDECOTT) now leaves some promoters scrambling, as the decision takes place with immediate effect.
UDECOTT claims that the facility was not meant to facilitate fete events, noting that maintenance costs amount to approximately $15 million annually.
Carnival events like Xperience, Stink N Dutty, and last year’s inaugural MEGA concert headlined by Machel Montano, attract in excess of 10,000 patrons according to promoters, leaving questions as to where such massive audience numbers can be contained, along with parking facilitation.
The carnival events, while staged in the stadium’s car park, has led to significant wear and tear and damage to the facility, according to UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee. In an interview with the Trinidad Express newspaper, he is quoted as saying, “The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is for cricket. That is the purpose of it. It was not built for fetes.” He went on to affirm, “It’s for cricket and we will use it for cricket only. So there are to be no fetes at the stadium.”
For quite some time, there have been concerns raised by carnival stakeholders, regarding the need for viable venues across the country, for the delivery of large scale events.
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Ebuzz News3 days agoThe Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
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Ebuzz News5 days ago“This Project Come from a Real Place — From Loss, Learning, Faith.” – POPCAAN.
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Ebuzz News3 days agoCulture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
