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Culture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.

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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.

Soca artiste Lyrikal on stage at a fete during T&T’s Carnival 2025.

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

The Minister says T&T’s Carnival as a product will be expanded and enhanced.

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.

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Music News

General Grant and Mr Renzo Unite Caribbean Rhythms on “De Shot Call (Remix)”

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The vibrant sounds of classic dancehall and contemporary reggaeton collide on “De Shot Call (Remix),” a dynamic new collaboration from Trinidad and Tobago recording artist General Grant and versatile entertainer Mr. Renzo.

.Designed to ignite dancefloors while honoring the rich musical heritage of the Caribbean, the track blends the raw, energetic spirit of early 1990s dancehall with the infectious grooves and global appeal of modern reggaeton. The result is a high-energy anthem that bridges generations, cultures, and musical styles.

Inspired by the golden era of dancehall that helped shape Caribbean music culture, “De Shot Call (Remix)” reimagines that signature sound through a contemporary lens. The production delivers nostalgic undertones while embracing the polished rhythms and vibrant energy that resonate with today’s audiences.

For General Grant, the project continues his commitment to preserving and evolving authentic Caribbean music. Widely respected for his contributions to the dancehall and reggae landscape, he brings his signature delivery and commanding presence to the remix, reinforcing the song’s connection to the genre’s roots.

Joining him is Mr. Renzo, a singer, songwriter, and entertainer whose career spans more than two decades. Recognized for his ability to blend Caribbean, Latin, pop, and urban influences, Mr Renzo adds a fresh and modern dimension to the track, helping to create a sound that transcends borders and appeals to a broad international audience.

Together, the two artists showcase how Caribbean music continues to evolve while remaining grounded in its traditions. “De Shot Call (Remix)” serves as a celebration of that journey, highlighting the seamless transition from dancehall’s formative years to Reggaeton’s current global prominence.

The single was executive produced by Lawrence Adams – Mr. Renzo, who also co-wrote the track alongside Curtis Grant – General Grant. Recording and editing duties were handled by Stephon Gabriel, while engineer Ovy Thouni delivered the song’s polished mix and master.

With its infectious rhythm, energetic performances, and cross-generational appeal, “De Shot Call (Remix)” is positioned to become a favourite among fans of Caribbean music and lovers of dancefloor-ready hits alike.

Whether you’re a longtime dancehall enthusiast or a fan of today’s reggaeton movement, this collaboration offers the perfect soundtrack to turn up the volume and celebrate the enduring influence of Caribbean music.

“De Shot Call (Remix)” is now available for audiences ready to experience the fusion of old-school dancehall energy and modern reggaeton flavor.

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Ebuzz News

T&T Visual Artist AndyVenture Readies for First Solo Exhibition at the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago.

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The Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago will host the inaugural solo exhibition of Trinidad-based visual artist and musician AndyVenture, known professionally as VENCHA. OVER YA HEAD opens on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 and runs through July 4, 2026. Admission is free and the public is invited to experience a body of work that deliberately resists easy interpretation — placing the viewer in direct contact with ideas that exceed ordinary perception.

OVER YA HEAD is a multidisciplinary exhibition spanning painting and visual narrative. The works explore perception, ascension, limitation and expanded states of human experience, presenting images that challenge fixed ways of seeing reality and imagine possibilities beyond ordinary existence.

Drawing from Einstein’s theory of relativity and mathematical concepts of higher-dimensional space, AndyVenture treats the exhibition as an invitation to encounter ideas that operate at the outer limits of human comprehension. The title itself is both provocation and promise – the work is not designed to be immediately understood, but to be genuinely felt.

Central to the exhibition is an evolving visual mythology: recurring figures known as Ahomi and Dem appear across paintings as anchors of a larger conceptual world that AndyVenture has been steadily constructing across his practice.“I want the audience to encounter something that sits outside of familiar understanding. There isn’t an expectation of immediate understanding. The experience is about confronting something that operates beyond what is easily grasped,” said Ventura.

A Little About The Artist.

AndyVenture (VENCHA), born Andre Allong, is a Trinidad-based visual artist and musician whose practice spans painting, music and multimedia expression. His work draws on graffiti art, hip hop and rapso lyricism, comic book art, science fiction and contemporary culture to create vibrant, conceptually layered works that move between the personal and the cosmic.

Visually, his work reflects the influence of legendary comic book artist Jack Kirby, whose expansive sense of scale and form shaped how AndyVenture approaches composition and impact, alongside local luminaries Leroy Clarke and Carlisle Chang, whose practices carry a strong sense of vision and cultural identity. He further developed his artistic foundation through the Visual Arts Certificate Programme at The University of the West Indies.

Conceptually, the work is rooted in a rejection of cycles of conflict and suffering that are routinely accepted as fixed features of human existence. In their place, AndyVenture imagines the possibility of an evolved human consciousness – one oriented towards perception, potential and transformation. One of the conceptual anchors running through his practice is the interplay between the words axis and access – a linguistic shift that reframes mathematical structure as a metaphor for perception itself and how different ways of seeing might open entirely different experiences of reality.

“I’m interested in the possibility that human perception and behaviour can evolve beyond those patterns. The work comes from a rejection of the cycles of conflict and suffering that are often accepted as part of human existence.” AndyVenture (VENCHA)

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