Ebuzz News
Fetters Set to Frolic Later as Ken Simmons Revitalizes Carnival Friday.
For the very first time in the Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival space, an event that is focused entirely on the absolute enjoyment of all patrons, over all else, is being touted as a must attend fete. The food-inclusive shin dig, dubbed ‘Frolic’ is the brainchild of one of the country’s most pronounced radio personalities and hosts, Ken Simmons. This Friday, Ken’s highly anticipated, ‘Frolic’ debut will shut down any question surrounding the existing energy of Carnival Friday, laying to rest any concerns had about the vibe this once powerful and fantastic day on the carnival calendar, delivered to the world arriving on the island’s doorsteps.
“What we’re doing here is solidifying our carnival again. It’s important to us, as stakeholders in this cultural space, to ensure that the world seen, recognizes and understands that we hold fast to our festival,” said Simmons. Following Carnival 2024, Ken met with prominent event promoter, Cliff Harris of TropixEntertainment – a tremendous force in the industry over many years. Together they resolved to make Carnival Friday an immeasurable success once again.
“After years of The International Soca Monarch being the main showcase on Carnival Friday, its departure from the calendar, in our view, left a void to be filled,” said Simmons. The ‘Frolic’ concept was born out of Ken’s desire to lift the spirits of his people – many of whom have supported him along his journey in entertainment, attending his annual boat rides in droves, and leaving many desirous of just one opportunity to experience a Ken Simmons event.
On Friday, the event, which is being hosted at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s, will feature major Soca stars like Bunji Garlin, Farmer Nappy, Lyrikal and Mical Teja. “This is more than just a fete to attend. Frolic is going to be an immersive sort of experience. We’re bridging any gaps that may have presented itself over the years, between entertainment and service, culture and people. We’re bringing back ‘feel good’ carnival vibes, reintroducing the joy of feting and mingling, sharing the culture as one human race, and reminding those who attend that it all starts and ends with love,” said Ken.
The food inclusive event will allow patrons to attend withcoolers or patronize the bar, and one thing’s for certain, this event, built from a place of passion and true excitement, is going to be one of the most high- energy events heading into the Carnival weekend. “One of the things I pride myself on is impact. I always want to know that no matter what, the impact of the offering, is long lasting and memorable,” shared Ken. He noted that Frolic’s menu on will include, Jamaican food, Creole dishes, exquisite Mediterranean delights a Live Pasta station, Italian dishes, Chinese, Indian food, Trinidad and Tobago cuisine and deserts of all sorts.
Ebuzz News
Patrice Roberts Pulls 10K Plus Crowd At Flava Village in Port-of-Spain.
The national Carnival Commission says more than 10,000 patrons came out to Flava Village at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Thursday night to see female Soca artiste, Patrice Roberts.
An event dubbed, ‘Always Us,’ held as a free showcase for Carnival lovers, delivered a number of truly entertaining soca stars, among them, Shal Marshall, Shurwayne Winchester, Nadia Batson, Farmer Nappy and Mical Teja. The NCC, in a media statement said, “an estimated 8,000 people filled the popular Carnival venue, with an additional 2,000patrons enjoying the show from viewing screens along The Drag, creating an electric Carnival atmosphere despite heavy rainfall earlier in the day.”
With her usual high energy performances, Patrice held the attention of fans throughout the night.The concert was described by the artiste as a heartfelt “thank you” to her fans and
supporters. NCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Keiba Jacob-Mottley, said the organisation welcomed the opportunity to partner with Roberts. “We commend Patrice for her decision to give back in this meaningful way and applaud her commitment to ensuring that high-quality local entertainment remains accessible to everyone during the Carnival season, Mottley said, adding, “Our collaboration reinforces the NCC’s focus on creating memorable Carnival experiences that celebrate our artistes while removing financial barriers for the public,” she added.
The NCC CEO noted that the Flava Food Village, one of two signature Carnival villages at the
Savannah, alongside the John Cupid Carnival Village, is offered as a vibrant, inclusive space
where patrons can enjoy food, culture, and nightly performances free of charge. She added
that other NCC events, such as “Welcome to the Gayelle” represent the continuing work at
delivering a successful Carnival 2026.
David Baptiste, President of the Carnival Entrepreneurs Association, described the night as a milestone for vendors at the Savannah. “Last night was truly beautiful and something I have never seen before – an event of this magnitude in terms of crowd size, and people supporting the vendors. Many vendors sold out last night. We need more of this, and I am looking forward to the next event. Events like these boost business for our vendors at the Savannah and make them truly feel like they are a part of the Carnival festival,” Baptiste said.
Ebuzz News
Squeezy Rankin’s Pivot. Artiste Goes Hard into Calypso to Change Mindsets.
From dancehall music with rough lyrical content to social commentary that aims at changing mindsets, East Trinidad native, Squeezy Rankin says he has found his true calling in Calypso music. The entertainer is on the road to the preliminary round of the Calypso Monarch Competition later this month, with a single called ‘Rat Race’ – this, one year after ‘Justice’ influenced younger audiences to take a stronger look at the Calypso genre, something that he hopes he can continue to do as his journey in music continues.
In a recent radio interview, the reigning Young King, whose real name is Anthony La Fleur, said prior to 2025, he had not done music professionally in 13 years. Jumping back into the spotlight, he said, was a bit intimidating, but the exposure last year has prepared him for 2026 and the artiste is expected to confidently claim his space in the Calypso Monarch competition this year.
As real as it gets, Squeezy Rankin- a man on the ground, has always fought for his place in the music industry locally. Now, as Calypso music embraces him even more, he says he believes he’s found his place. “I plan on releasing two songs during the year because I want to change the narrative that Calypso music is old people music,” he said, adding that his hope is that urban radio stations see the value in sharing topics of social commentary, such as ‘Justice’ and ‘Rat Race’- songs deep in meaning and valuable beyond measure, in the greater scheme of things.
Determined to change mindsets one song at a time, Squeezy Rankin says his strong suit is certainly social commentary and he will not, at any time, delve into political commentary. “I was advised by someone who is deep in politics to stay out of it and I literally listened. You know sometimes we hear people, but we aren’t listening. I thought about what he said, and it made sense. I literally listened, even though they say I don’t listen,” he said with a laugh.
‘Rat Race’ was written by Squeezy and Angelo Pantin with production by Q-Ban Production.
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Ebuzz News6 days agoSqueezy Rankin’s Pivot. Artiste Goes Hard into Calypso to Change Mindsets.
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