Ebuzz News
Kairi People Remains Top Tier. Runaway Tobago Delivers Ambience, Soca and Good Vibes.
What could anyone want more in an all inclusive carnival style fete, than what was delivered at Kairi People’s recent Runaway in Tobago? Pigeon Point proved to be the ultimate location for the event’s third staging on October 16th. A perfectly sunny afternoon lent to a lot of heat in the atmosphere, but with drinks flowing, good company all around and music to make everyone move, there was very little to complain about.
Kairi People has stood solidly in the entertainment and promotions market in T&T, as a leading outfit, hosting many events over the years. Runaway Tobago was no different. The $600 all- inclusive event saw many patrons enter the venue after 1pm, ready to enjoy all that was being offered. Tobago’s trademarked, Crab and Dumpling, along with pork dishes and Chinese food were served to food lovers, while at the bar, drinks served up in signature Kairi People cups, kept the afternoon’s momentum up. To lessen the effect of the scorching sun, Kairi People embellished fans were given to patrons upon arrival. These would certainly prove necessary as the afternoon progressed. Patrons came out dressed in colorful outfits, taking perfect heed to the call by organisers for bright, festive styles.
Unapologetically absent from their regular professional duties, the crowd of happy-go- lucky fetters assembled, ready to ‘palance’ to the music of ‘D All Starz band, and the cast of artistes who would hit the stage. College Boy Jesse – one of the band’s frontline artistes, did an amazing job of introducing the live entertainment. His new single, ‘Party Genie’ shared with soca lovers ahead of Tobago Carnival, gave the crowd a little taste of what could be expected in the season ahead. He would later make way for fellow front-liner, Viking Ding Dong who, with a bag of hits to his credit, engaged with the audience like only he could. Interaction with a female fan in the audience would lead to her being brought on stage for the artiste’s release of his latest single, ‘Throwback.’ It was a moment of humor and fun as Ding Dong carelessly walked away from beside the gyrating woman, towards the crowd, leaving her to walk closer to the the bass player where she showed off her skills.
The fun wasn’t done there. Seasoned entertainer, Farmer Nappy was next. Dressed in a red t-shirt and shorts, with red sneakers, Farmer came out to an eager audience as he sang the crowd favorite, ‘How Ah Living.’ He would later have to secure himself on stage as a female fan attempted to relieve him of his footwear, saying she wanted his sneakers. He chose to give her his socks as a piece of memorabilia, but she threw them back at him on stage, much to the thrill of the enthused crowd. “Yuh disrespectful,” Farmer lashed back, before continuing with his catalogue of groovy soca anthems that succeeded in pleasing the happy Kairi People crowd.
Also in the lineup was newcomer to the soca stage scene, ‘Wadicks.’ His 2024 hit single, ‘Beat Rum Bad’ maintains its momentum at carnival events, and has taken the artiste around the US and across the Caribbean region since T&T Carnival. Now, returning with a single called, ‘Iron,’ the retired soldier turned singer is proving to be a force with performance to match. He wooed the crowd with personality and charm, moving his hips and making eye contact with the women who screamed lustily as he performed. In the end, Wadicks would leave quite a lasting impression, many agreeing that he would be one to watch in the Carnival season ahead.
The excitement and thrill of Runaway was amplified with the emergence of reigning Road March King, Mical Teja who rounds off the frontline of D All Starz band. Delivering his energy to a welcoming audience, Teja ignited the scene and proved to be a delightful addition to the feting atmosphere. The artiste, who also celebrated his birthday on that day, released his new single, ‘Energy,’ making an intentional effort to share love and positive vibes with fetters who came from near and far to experience pure vibes at another Kairi People event.
Kairi People heads to South Ranch, Debe, in Trinidad next. Already, anticipation for the November 13th event is high as soca artiste Voice is booked to hit the stage, with other artistes to be added. Kairi People’s mantra of delivering to patrons, ‘value for money’ has proven to be a major factor in the delivery of there signature event brands. Runaway Tobago was certainly proof of the team’s ability to deliver effectively, even at an affordable price to patrons.
Ebuzz News
Kymani Marley Set to Release Anticipated New Album, on August 28th. Latest Single, “A Little Bit,” Delves Deep.
Ky-Mani Marley returns with “A Little Bit (I’m Okay),” the fourth and final single ahead of his highly anticipated new album, Love and Energy, which is slated for an August 28th release, and available to pre-save now on all digital platforms via his Konfrontation Muziklabel in partnership with New York-based DubShot Records.
Written by Ky-Mani, his daughter Imani Marley, and longtime collaborator Shaquel Leon, “A Little Bit (I’m Okay)” turns a deeply personal chapter in Marley’s life into an honest reflection on mistakes, uncertainty, resilience and ultimately, acceptance. Rather than pretending everything is perfect, Ky-Mani lands somewhere more real: life can take you down roads you never expected, force you to question yourself and leave you carrying lessons you never asked for — and you can still come through it able to say, I’m okay.
“A Little Bit (I’m Okay)” became a crowd favorite during the European leg of Ky-Mani’s recent Love and Energy summer tour. A live video for the song, which premiered on his YouTube channel, captures an intimate performance filmed at the Toulouse Rio Loco Festival in France this past June, alongside behind-the-scenes footage from the road.
Built around a classic one-drop reggae rhythm and the distinctive cry of pedal steel guitar from musician Tal Morris, the track was produced by Ky-Mani Marley, Anthony Smith, and Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown. Ky-Mani opens the song with a vulnerable look at the roads that shaped him. “I’ve been walking roads with no clear signs, trying to read between the wrong and the right lines. I took some turns I didn’t plan, just trying to figure out who I am– made some mistakes I can’t erase, but that’s alright.”
For Marley, the message is not about having life completely figured out. It is about making peace with the journey. “‘A Little Bit (I’m Okay)’ came from a real place in my life,” he said, adding, “I was going through some things, questioning things, looking at choices I made and roads I had taken. Sometimes life doesn’t go the way you planned, and you don’t always have all the answers. But you learn, you grow and you keep moving. For me, being able to say ‘I’m okay’ doesn’t mean everything is perfect – it means I’ve made peace with where I’ve been and I’m grateful for where I am. That feeling runs through Love and Energy. This album is probably one of the most honest reflections of where I am today,”
That sentiment sits at the heart of Love and Energy, a 14-song collection accompanied by two spoken-word reflections, marking Ky-Mani’s first solo studio album in more than a decade. Throughout the project, Marley explores the experiences, relationships, struggles and growth that have shaped both the artiste and the man he is today, while staying rooted in the reggae foundation that has defined his musical journey.
Caribbean Buzz
Times Square, New York, The Place to Be for Caribbean Culture on August 30th.
On August 30th, a major Caribbean event is popping off in the heart of New York. Tropicalfete Inc. is at it again, delivering its 5th annual Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival in Times Square, New York. That’s big deal!
The free, family-friendly event will transform the place that’s often dubbed, the Crossroads of the World, into a vibrant showcase of Caribbean music, dance, and artistic expression. On August 30th, it kicks off at 1pm along Broadway, between W46th and W47th streets. TropicalFete says those coming out are encouraged to wear carnival costumes, wave their national flags, and “celebrate the rich diversity of Caribbean culture.”
The event will be hosted by Vibes Man Redman and Katherine Charles, and will feature an exciting lineup of acclaimed performers, headlined by legendary Billboard chart-topping soca artiste, Rupee.
Rupee made history in late 2004 as the first Barbadian-born artiste, and one of just two soca acts, to reach the Billboard Hot 100 with his global hit, “Tempted to Touch,”which was later Certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Rupee’s catalogue of soca anthems also includes “Jump,” which has won Road March titles (the song judged to be most popular) at Caribbean carnivals in Boston, Brooklyn, Miami, Toronto, and at Barbados’ Cropover.
The artiste will be honored at the Tropicalfete Pop-Up Carnival by city and state officials for his contributions to Caribbean culture through music and his courageous advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness. During the event, Rupee will receive a Mayoral Certificate of Recognition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office. He will also be awarded a Proclamation on behalf of the New York City Council. Additionally, New York State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Roxanne Persaud will present him with a State Proclamation, while Assembly Member Brian Cunningham will recognize him with a New York State Assembly Proclamation.
Tropicalfete’s Pop-Up Carnival’s non-stop entertainment schedule will also include a performance by Mapy, “The Violin Queen.” Born on Réunion Island, raised in Paris and now based in Brooklyn, Mapy delivers electrifying performances that blend classical violin with Caribbean rhythms and hip-hop beats. Her impressive resume includes performances at the Grammy Awards, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the St. Kitts Music Festival.
Carnival masquerade traditions from all over the Caribbean representing traditional, folkloric, ole (satirical), and pretty mas will also be highlighted.
Tropicalfete Steel Pan Ensemble comes to light up Times Square with an unforgettable set of high-energy. The ensemble will be joining forces with Soca superstar Rupee performing together with one of his songs Give Thanks which is a special treat for the audience. Tropicalfete Stilting Unit and Mas will also be bringing the color, movement, culture, and excitement of Carnival to the heart of New York City.
Attendees can also look forward to a high-energy soca fitness workout with Mandy and a performance by the dynamic rythem Section – Riddim Explosion. DJ Patrick and DJ Eric will provide the recorded musical selections.
The Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival has become one of Tropicalfete’s signature cultural events, attracting thousands of residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts each year. Through music, dance, and interactive performances, the event celebrates Caribbean heritage while promoting education and community engagement.
“Tropicalfete’s Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival continues to unite communities by bringing the energy, creativity, and traditions of the Caribbean directly into the heart of New York City,” said Alton Aimable, Executive Director of Tropicalfete. “As we celebrate our fifth year, we invite everyone to experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of Carnival while embracing the diversity that makes our city so unique.
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