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Terry Seales Pushes In With Optimism. Anticipates Return of International Soca Competition.

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Recent confirmation by the Tourism, Culture and Arts Ministry in Trinidad and Tobago that an international Soca competition is on the way for next year’s carnival, has been met with optimism by Soca artiste, Terry Seales. He says it’s long overdue, and necessary for the development of creatives in Trinidad and Tobago. News of the new competition came even as the artiste prepared to unleash a brand-new single on the ‘Jam and Move’ riddim- a project produced and worked on collaboratively with fellow artistes, Chenko and Yohan Popwell, who’s best known as Dna 868 Muzik. “‘My single, Jam and Move’ brings all the elements of carnival together in one road- ready single,” says Seales. He is eager to make his presence felt again. 

Chenko has delivered ‘Greater Dan Dem.’

In 2023, ahead of Carnival 2024, Terry says he did his due diligence as a longstanding part of the T&T Carnival ecosystem. “I released three songs for Carnival this year and despite that, people would meet me and express hope of hearing music from me in the season.” His expression highlights the common sentiment of many artistes in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly at Carnival time. Together with Chenko and Dna 868 Muzik this time around, he is optimistic that the music will ultimately speak for itself. “Chenko’s single is called, ‘Greater Dan Dem,’ and Dna 868 Muzik brings a tune called, ‘Mash Up.’ With my single, ‘Jam and Move,’ the idea is to create the nostalgic energy of what many carnival revelers know in their hearts, is true, about this season,” said Terry, adding, “the music must bring the vibes.” 

Dna 868 Muzik unleashes ‘Mash Up.’

The team has worked together before and for Terry, the brotherhood and musical cohesion, is particularly refreshing. “We worked together last season and the music we delivered was excellent I believe. The aim is to maintain that level of consistency. This time around, we’re promoting using all the tools that are available to us, because ultimately, we just need the music to reach the people.” 

On the topic of a new International Soca competition, Seales says he is hopeful that there will be equity in the selection process, and throughout the competition when that time comes. “I think the competition should be fair and the people should be the final judge,” he suggested.  

AD- MZURI PEOPLE PRESENTS THE A TEAM BAND.

For artistes like Terry Seales who’ve mounted stages within the carnival landscape for many years, any opportunity for potential growth in the carnival space, is anticipated. He says over the years he has observed the change of the music and is accepting of its overall direction, explaining that from a financial perspective, Groovy Soca makes sense. “The grooves are hitting better because on the international market, it’s more laid back, slower, more lyrics, better hooks. Internationally, they cannot understand the speed of the Power Soca. Mical Teja won Road March with a Groovy Soca song. The energy of that slower groove is much stronger now than the Power Soca and the Power Soca is more seasonal,” said Seales, noting that Kees Dieffenthaller’s ‘Cocoa Tea’ is presently leading the way into Carnival 2025. 

Prepared to make the most of the 2025 season, Terry is set to release a second single in the weeks ahead. That groovy contribution, along with the Power Soca energy he delivers with, ‘Jam and Move,’ will tie up his offerings. “I’d really like the public to be given the chance to hear the music and decide whether they like the songs or not,” said the entertainer. For Terry Seales, this is not a re-entry or a return. He’s continuing on a journey that’s inspired by pure passion and with conviction, he’s hell bent on making a mark in 2025. 

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Reggae

New ‘Jamrock’ Documentary Celebrates Unforgettable Moments. Cruise Returns to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa, This Year.

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With over a decade’s worth of unforgettable moments pulled from the last 10 voyages, this 30+ minute documentary captures the spirit of a global reggae community built on shared identity, resilience, and reverence for Jamaican culture. It features iconic performances, real conversations with the artistes and DJs, and the heartbeat of it all: the “Jamrockers.”  These are die-hard reggae lovers from over 40 countries who pull up every year for one reason – to feel that irreplaceable connection to Jamaican culture and keep the Marley message of “One Love” alive. 

Having successfully navigated challenges including extreme weather and a global pandemic, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise continues to thrive. Its 11th staging will return for its annual voyage from November 11th to the 16th, sailing from Miami aboard Norwegian Joy. 

Stacked from foundation to future, this year’s lineup brings together reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley (Traffic Jam Set), Burning Spear, Sizzla, Capleton, Beenie Man, Protoje, Barrington Levy, Elephant Man, Junior Reid, Lila Iké, Ding Dong & the Ravers Clavers, Tony Matterhorn “Man on the Moon”, Gyptian, 450, Richie Spice, Ghost, Mr. Lexx, Professor Nuts, L.U.S.T., Sister Carol, Sevana, Flourgon, Johnny P, and Jemere Morgan are confirmed.

The cruise’s famed Sound Clash at Sea will return alongside powerhouse sound systems including Stone Love (Geefus), King Jammy, Silverhawk Sound, Rory Stone Love, Renaissance Sound, Federation Sound, Warrior Sound, Rampage Sound, Kingston12 HiFi and Souljah1 Muzik, preserving a cornerstone of Jamaican music culture in its most authentic form.

Jamrock is a Premiere Reggae Event

The Jamrock experience has evolved into the premier reggae event at sea—one that continues to redefine how the culture is celebrated on a global stage. The five-day experience continues to immerse guests in the full spectrum of Jamaican life—from Nyabinghi sunrise sessions and sound bath meditations to dancehall workshops, fitness programming, and curated culinary offerings led by acclaimed Chef Lumley. A new addition this year includes a live theatrical production by legendary playwright Oliver Samuels, adding yet another layer to the cruise’s ever-expanding cultural canvas.

Beenie Man will be on the cruise in November.

Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the cruise will return to Jamaica with renewed purpose, maintaining its distinction as the only chartered cruise with two Jamaican port stops. That commitment translates into tangible impact, generating millions annually for the island’s tourism and cultural economy while reinforcing a direct connection between the music, the people, and the place that birthed it.

As All in the Same Boat makes clear, Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is a movement with its own rhythm, one that continues to bring the diaspora home, while inviting the world in. Since its inception in 2014, the mission remains the same: to create a space where reggae lives, breathes, and connects us all. 

The documentary made its debut during the 10th annual cruise and later screened at Art Basel in support of hurricane relief efforts led by the Marley family’s Ghetto Youths Foundation. Damian Marley and Dan Dalton were executive producers of the film.

https://youtu.be/ya_xhY3ID54?si=IWlDqVg_lH3boi0Z

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Popcaan Teams Up with the Legendary, Junior Reid on Brand New Single.

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Jamaican dancehall artiste, Popcaan continues to bridge generations in music with the release of his powerful new single, ‘Born Fi Conquer.’ The track features veteran reggae singer, Junior Reid and was produced by Popcaan’s nephew, rising talent, Joel Engineer.

The track is a bold and inspiring anthem rooted in purpose and resilience, says the entertainer’s team. “From its opening moments, Born Fi Conquer delivers a strong message of self-worth and perseverance, reminding listeners that no matter their occupation or circumstance, they are deserving of greatness,” a media statement issued, reassured.

Anchored by the affirming refrain, “Born fi win, born fi conquer,” the single encourages individuals to step fully into their potential and live out their purpose unapologetically.

Popcaan continues to show his ability to seamlessly blend contemporary dancehall with timeless influences and on this collaboration he once again demonstrates his deep respect for the foundation of Jamaican music. His collaboration with the ‘One Blood’ legend, Junior Reid highlights a consistent pattern in his career; intentionally creating alongside legendary voices who helped shape the sound and Jamaican culture and the dancehall genre.

Junior Reid’s verse which adds depth and authenticity to the record, pays tribute to the hardworking people of Jamaica while reinforcing a message of upward mobility and hope. With lines centered on perseverance and progress, he reminds listeners that “the only way is up,” echoing the song’s overarching theme of triumph.

“Working with Junior Reid is a great honour for me. I have deep respect for the elders who paved the way and built this industry. Being able to create great music with them is a full circle moment,” said Poppy. The new single was produced by Joel Engineer and signals the emergence of a new generation of producers, blending fresh sonic direction with culturally rich storytelling.

‘Born Fi Conquer’ is now available on all major streaming platforms.

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