Trinidad and Tobago is home to tremendous talent. From all walks of life, and in variations that span music, theatre arts and visual arts, the country’s creative aptitude is endless. Zebulun is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s entertainers on the cusp of international promotion. Reggae, the sound that announced his entry onto the music scene in the 2000s, the entertainer is now rebranding, reconnecting and making a major move for international stardom. 

With songs like ‘Fake Love’ and ‘Better Will Come’ a part of his music catalogue, Zebulun, whose real name is Marcus McIntosh, says he is eager to return to the forefront of music. “I had to take some time off and now I’m rebranding, and I’m teaming up with some great people in the US,” he said. “I’m signed with ROC Nation Distribution for three albums, five singles and five videos,” he explained, adding that his new collaboration allows for global streaming as well. “I’ll also be working with Coda Music app (@codamusicapp), which is one of the newest and largest streaming companies in the US,” said Zebulun. Owned by Randy Fye and Russell Gaskin, the app is described as a human- first platform that ensures users can enjoy genuine music without the interference of Artificial Intelligence. The app also boasts over 130 million songs. “This streaming giant in the business will now form part of my online footprint. I was warmly welcomed and I’m very proud to be the first international/Caribbean act to be signed to Coda Music streaming.” said the artiste. International artistes a part of the Coda Music App listing include, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg and Eric Clapton. Already a powerful contender on the streaming scene, Coda Music is quickly making inroads to become a leading streaming company in the United States, potentially taking outrunning Spotify

Passionate about delivering music that’s enjoyed by people around the world, Zebulun proudly looks forward to his international partnerships as a Trinbagonian artiste. “These powerful partnerships took place from Trinidad and Tobago. It was important for me to see things through from our shores, to show the youths here that they can make it too,” he said. His company, Bella Music, is a partnership formulated with a close friend. Together they plan on signing other artistes out of Trinidad and Tobago with a view to exporting local talent around the world. “On November 20^th, my first release will be distributed by ROC Nation and streamed on Coda Music app 

Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music. “It’s on the raunchy side – definitely something for the ladies with the goodies,” he laughed. The track was produced by Jamaican producer, Wizical- a major name in dancehall, with production done for artistes like Skillibeng. “My new single will be available on Coda Music app on November 20^th. Let’s make history T&T; Be sure to go stream it,” urged Zebulun. 

Plans afoot to promote his music in the US, Canada, the UK and even Africa, beginning in March 2026, Zebulun is excited and anticipates positive feedback from his supporters and friends at home in T&T. “It’s an extraordinary feeling to be doing something I love and to be receiving the support I need to make it happen the right way. My album release party will be in Trinidad no matter what, so I’m looking forward to sharing that information with my people when everything is finalized.” 

For now however, Zebulun excitedly moves closer to his dream, harnessing his creativity and passionately pushing into the unknown. “As an artiste out of Trinidad and Tobago, I really wanted the attention for not just myself, but also my country. I did this project like no other projects out of T&T and in ten years, I hope when people look back on it, they’ll applaud the effort and the wins. I’m building legacy and I’m doing it in my own lane,” said the singer. 

Follow Zebulun as he makes his moves. Check out @zebulunmusic on IG for updates as his journey unfolds. 

Trinidad and Tobago’s annual carnival celebrations, today faces critical attention on the heels of an immediate ban imposed on the use of the Hasley Crawford Stadium as a fete venue.

This announcement, made by the country’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad Bissessar, comes on the heels of last week’s announcement that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy would no longer be available to fete promoters.

Mrs. Persad Bissessar, in a social media post, explained that exceptions would be granted only for events being staged between Carnival Thursday and, through the Saturday following Carnival Monday and Tuesday. She noted that all fetes and parties booked at Ministry of Sport facilities must begin no earlier than 12 noon, and must end promptly at 10pm. Further to these stipulations, the government has directed the National Carnival Commission to engage suitably qualified acoustic engineers to properly design sound systems at their venues to ensure that noise and vibrations from events hosted, are minimal to neighboring communities.

The Prime Minister says her government’s aim, moving forward, is to balance culture and community well-being , protecting traditions while safeguarding the peace of all citizens. “Together we will build a more respectful, responsible, and harmonious Trinidad and Tobago,” Persad-Bissessar wrote.

Alternate Venues?

Over the years, Trinidad and Tobago’s fete landscape has developed significantly, with numerous fetes being hosted throughout the season. Shorter seasons like the upcoming 2026 Carnival season, are likely to see several events hosted on one day, offering patrons variety. As a direct result however, venue options have become a hot topic. The Queen’s Park Savannah, one of the most feasible locations in the Capital for large scale events, has hosted most major fetes and concerts in Trinidad and Tobago, over the years. Some however argue that decentralizing carnival to allow for the inclusion of patrons further South, is necessary.

In the past, the Hasley Crawford Stadium had been the venue of choice for events like Machel Montano’s signature Machel Monday event. The Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain has also been an option for mega events. Further West, Chaguaramas, though viewed as a traffic nightmare for motorists, carnival fetes have been hosted at O2 Park and The Anchorage, Pier II, and most recently, events have been held at Five Islands Water Park.

In North Trinidad, event promoters have, in recent years, hosted major events at privately owned spaces at Undercover Grounds, Drew Manor and Gasparillo, Santa Cruz. Queen’s Hall in Port-of-Spain has also offered its outdoor space for Carnival fetes and major events like Private Ryan’s Soca Brainwash, have utilized School sporting fields like CIC Grounds, QRC Grounds and even Fatima Grounds, over the years.

Lamenting the lack of suitable facilities, the Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association, in response to the initial ban on the Brian Lara Cricket academy, said, “The removal of venues from the already limited pool has left more than twenty of the largest carnival events without a home and with far too few options to accommodate large-scale productions.” The group noted that while concerns about noise pollution are valid, decisions made must be balanced against economic activity and and stimulation.