Ebuzz News
Archived: A Quick 2020 Recap and Nadia Batson Says It’s Time to Speak More Positively.
The end of 2020 comes with a desire by most, to see and experience a New Year that’s far removed from what the last 10 months or so have delivered. It’s been a rough year, to say the least. COVID-19, along with US government elections, exhausted countless people around the world.
In Trinidad and Tobago, crime and an influx of Venezuelan migrants amid the Covid-19 pandemic and its accompanying restrictions, aggravated many. The feelings of Trinbagonians were aired on social media daily.
Internationally, Kobe Bryant’s sudden death and that of his daughter and 7 others aboard a helicopter, at the start of the year seemed surreal. Followed by the passing of Black Panther actor, Chadwick Boseman in August, the year went from 0-100 pretty quickly.
This was also the year that saw Nicki Minaj visit her homeland, Trinidad and Tobago with her hubby, for Carnival. There was a little drama there too – jolly ole’ Iwer George’s name being dragged into the digital debates, but we’ll quickly skip that part and recall that months after Nicki’s return to the US when she revealed her pregnancy and later popped out a bouncing baby boy. She celebrated his 3 months of life earlier this week!
COVID-19 came with the harsh reality that the entertainment sector in Trinidad and Tobago would be hard hit. Travel restricted and large gatherings made illegal, entertainers and others who depend on the industry for their livelihoods, stared financial impediment straight in the face. Overseas, some Caribbean artistes did what they felt they needed to, to earn and take care of their families. The post T&T carnival 2020 reality seemed a far cry from the harsher truth that would present itself by September. Many had forgotten the blissful hysteria caused by Machel Montano and his wife Renee, mere months earlier when they tied the knot at the Red House in Port-of-Spain, followed up with “The Wedding” at Machel Monday, which Montano had signalled would’ve been the final instalment of the annually anticipated concert event. It’s been an unforgiving year, but even so, there may be a silver lining….
“I always try to understand what the true message is, in every challenging situation. To many, 2020 will be dubbed THE WORST YEAR EVER, but to me, this year has taught me a great deal about myself in terms of my strength, my resilience, my talents and my ability to adapt, shift and conquer,” soca hit maker Nadia Batson says.
Batson has been an excellent example of true resilience in 2020. She started her own YouTube channel – Yellow Cow TV and together with Digicel, she served her community with her Wonder Woman Wednesday series.
“As we look ahead, I want to encourage others to always look at the glass as half full and start speaking more positivity, prosperity and goodness over our lives,” she urged, adding, “There is a lesson to be learnt from every single situation that you may go through. Trust yourself, trust God and get rid of self doubt. We haven’t made it this far to only make it this far.“
We concur! As we end the year 2020, we here at EBUZZTT.COM wish you and your families, friends and loved ones, an abundance of healing, life and health, happiness and fruitfulness in 2021. What is done is done and we cannot return to 2020 but we can make 2021 a year of forgiveness, love and spiritual awakening… as Nadia said, “Trust God!”
Caribbean Buzz
The Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
It’s a brand new concept being brought to life, in Point Fortin, however its impact, according to organizers, is already proving immense. The annual Point Fortin Borough celebrations, culminates this weekend and on Sunday, an event with a bigger purpose at heart, is anticipated to draw a massive crowd to fete, for the greater good.
Naya George and Anson George spoke exclusively with Ebuzztt.com ahead of the all inclusive experience. They’re excited to see their vision come to life. Anson, a well known name on the carnival and entertainment circuit, is known for his strong involvement in the BeachHouse Carnival brand. “It’s going to be on par with BeachHouse,” he assured, asserting ‘Flowers’ as the new ‘must attend’ fete in Borough Day festivities. “There are other events happening on Sunday in Point Fortin but there’s no other event of this caliber, happening,” said Anson, explaining that a few tickets are still available for those who still want to get in.
For Naya, the effort is less about business, and more about purpose. “We are partying with a purpose. We want to let people know that this isn’t just about feting. This is the only party that’s happening in Point Fortin that’s giving back to Point Fortin,” he explained, adding that proceeds will go toward investment in the young people. “The first set of projects will be at the Point Fortin West Secondary School where the event is being held. We are going to revitalize the sports programme, playing field restoration, sporting equipment and that kind of stuff, to ensure the youths have a place to find themselves in the area of sports. Flowers is the premiere fund raiser to do these things,” said George.
Set to welcome fete lovers from 5pm on Sunday at the Point Fortin West Secondary School, Flowers will feature a cast of talented artistes, inclusive of Nadia Batson and Lyrikal. “We want to raise fund in style and with high quality at heart, hence the reason the event’s caliber is high. This is going to be a first for Point Fortin,” said Naya George.
The Point Fortin Borough experience is widely attended, with a series of cultural events leading up to the weekend of excitement that is anticipated by locals and visitors alike, each year. “Flowers has set the tone for the Borough Day evolution I think,” said Naya George. “Fusion came to an end last night,” noted Anson. He said the cultural extravaganza, which was similar to Carnival’s Flava Village, was a huge success and noted the wide variety of cultural traditions, shared between April 25th and April 30th. “If people can jump on a plane to experience Grenada carnival, we are certain they can come from West and North Trinidad to enjoy the Point Fortin Borough activities,” said Anson, making it clear that ahead of the upcoming weekend, hotel and guest house occupancy is already high.
“Borough is like a second carnival,” said Anson. He said there are fetes happening throughout the day on Friday. “When you come, you get a taste of everything you get in carnival. You get the fetes, the all inclusive, the jouvert, the street food, the culture,” he highlighted, and this year, for the very first time, fans of culture, creativity and altruism, will fete with purpose at Flowers – a distinct, top tier, premium all inclusive experience in the heart of the borough.
Tickets for the event are available online at Stacy’s House Of Hair – Point Fortin, Atherley’s By The Park – San Fernando, Terminal 4 – Long Circular Mall and online at theticketgeneral.com.
Ebuzz News
Trinidad and Tobago’s Voice Will Rep for Soca at Best of the Best 2026. Artiste’s Inclusion Shows Soca’s Global Reach.
He had one of the most memorable Carnival seasons with a Soca track that stole the hearts of Soca lovers in 2026 and now Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis is set to represent hard for the Soca music genre at the upcoming ‘Best of the Best’ Music Festival in Miami on May 26th. His appearance will be his debut to the highly anticipated festival and already, the energy is high.
Voice represents the bridge between Millennial Soca and GenZ vibes. ‘Cyah Behave Mehself’ was lapped up like good Caribbean food at Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago back in February, and it is expected to do the same as the international summer season approaches.
Set to take place on May 26th at Museum Park, Downtown Miami, Voice’s inclusion on the cast underscores the Soca genre’s continued global reach within a predominantly reggae and dancehall showcase. Known for his high energy performances and melodic songwriting, the Trinidad and Tobago three -time Soca Monarch King has built an extensive catalogue of hits that that has proven to resonate with a global audience.
Organizers say anticipation for Voice’s performance at Best of the Best, is high. “Fans are looking forward to a dynamic set that brings soca’s signature energy to the festival stage.”
Best of the Best Music Fest remains one of North America’s premiere Caribbean music events, drawing fans from across the region and Diaspora for a full day of live performances. This year’s lineup includes, Sizzla Kalonji, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Rajah Wild, Skeng, Vanessa Bling, among others.
