Ebuzz News
A Whole Vibe and More. Crazy, Buffy Team Up to Fuel Party and Fete.
Edwin Ayoung will certainly stay young, even as the world turns and the years fly by. His excitable temperament, coupled with his keen desire to be surrounded by young blood, is nothing short of genius.
Crazy, as he’s best known, is set to unleash a new Soca track with none other than dancehall and Soca artist, Buffy. “This woman has one of the best voices I have heard in a long time,” he said. Crazy’s been in the music business since 1972. He knows exactly what he’s talking about, and the new track, he assures, will prove it. “This new song is called Party and Fete,” he said, explaining that it holds an important message. “You know most of the carnival songs that you’re hearing right now, everybody is just singing about party and fete and nobody is talking about safety. Our song encourages people to wear their masks and be socially responsible.”
Crazy says the track, which was produced by industry stalwart, Leston Paul, delivers a significant message while still providing party lovers with the music they crave most. “Leston Paul, the man who gave us ‘Hot Hot Hot’ by Arrow- he put some music here that can teach some of these young arrangers how to arrange their music, like the horns. And he added some tones in the baseline, just like what he did with my 2007 tune, Cold Sweat,” said Crazy. He is very pleased, to say the least.
Ayoung is a mastermind when it comes to Caribbean music. He’s considered by many to be one of the most successful artistes out of Trinidad and Tobago, having masterfully contributed to the cultural tapestry of T&T in ways many others have only hoped they could. From Calypso to Soca, Chutney Soca and Soca Parang, Crazy has given the world a bit of it all, and as nimble as he’s ever been, the light-hearted entertainer’s bringing pure vibes this year.
“A man is as old as he feels,” says Crazy. He never shies away from telling of his many years in the Caribbean music industry. He says he can still create mayhem on any stage, much like Machel Montano and the younger entertainers. “They learned from me! Kees, Machel and all of them learned from me. I’ve been doing this thing since 1972 in the Calypso tent. I was the first man to come out on stage bare back,” he recalled.
Revealing that he has armed Buffy with a calypso composition with which she will enter the Calypso Monarch competition in 2022, Crazy says Buffy is coming hard. “Buffy has a voice. She can sing! They don’t know about her like that yet. This song will take her places.”
He believes in his purpose as a defender of the culture of Trinidad and Tobago and an experienced artist in the business. “Stopping all depends on the Almighty God. If I stop doing this, part of my life will be over. I am still alive. I can still go on any stage and bring humor and make people happy. At times likes these when people need to be uplifted, my purpose is stronger than ever. Maybe that is why God still has me doing this,” he said.
‘Party and Fete’ was written by Revelation and Ayoung, with musical arrangement by Leston Paul. The song’s executive producer is Allan Bhagan.
Caribbean Buzz
$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
Trinidad and Tobago is set to stage a revamped International Soca Monarch competition in what is now dubbed The Ultimate Soca Champion competition. The event’s final will be staged on Thursday, February 20th, with the semi final round set for Sunday, February 9th. The announcement was made earlier today by organisers, at a media conference held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
The organisers said the competition will not be split into Groovy/Power categories, however they said there will be special prizes for Best Groovy Soca, Best Power Soca and People’s Champion, based on public votes.
The event will feature the Ultimate Soca Champion reality TV show which organizers say is aimed at giving viewers an intimate look into the competition. “We believe this will help our culture to reach international audiences when packaged properly,” the team said.
In-Person Auditions will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Fernando Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA). Regional/ International Artistes who are not in Trinidad and Tobago, are required to submit video auditions from January 20th at 8:00am to January 26th at 11:59pm.
“We aim to make this a production that captivates
audiences worldwide,” said Rome. “The Ultimate Soca Champion Competition will not only
elevate soca to international standards but also inspire the next generation of artistes.”
For registration, submission guidelines, and updates, visit ultimatesocachampion.com from Monday January 20th, or email ultimatesocachampion@gmail.com.
Music News
Problem Child, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous Ride New ‘Powerful’ Riddim. 47 Productions Eyes Road March.
There’s another big project coming out of Dwayne Bravo’s 47 Productions in Port-of-Spain, and just like the Pineapple Riddim last month, it features some big names in Soca music.
The Viking of Soca, Bunji Garlin, Grenada’s Skinny Banton, Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child- both St. Vincent and the Grenadines entertainers, grace the ‘Powerful Riddim’- described as a heart-pounding, adrenaline-packed Power Soca riddim that’s guaranteed to light up every fete the season, even with potential for the Road March.
Bunji Garlin deliver’s ‘On De Go’ – a high-octane single that celebrates vibes and undiluted energy, while on Skinny Fabulous’ ‘Like We Rich,’ elements of a grandeur lifestyle, inclusive of living large, partying hard and embracing the high life, are showcased in song. The Vincy BadBoy, Problem Child is also a part of this project with a track called, “Not Behaving,’ undeniably living up to his name. Other artistes on the riddim are Grenadian duo, Lil Natty and Thunda who share their energy with, ‘Wah Dis,” and skinny Banton with ‘Property.” Tommy Sanchez wraps it up, adding a fresh, new vibe with his single, ‘Bend.’
The riddim is being touted as the ultimate soundtrack for the road on Carnival Monday and Tuesday and comes just as Soca megastar, Machel Montano has released, ‘Pardy,’ already getting the nod of approval from die-hard Machel fans.
While the race to the annual Road March anthem of choice in still quite a distance away, several people have already begun the conversation about what’s best for the road. Mical Teja’s ‘Energy’ and ‘Higher Power’ offer masqueraders an infectious, positive energy for the road, while Bunji’s ‘Thousand’ hits hard, delivering high impact and bassy undercurrent that’s hard to ignore.
47 Productions has been strongly contending on the music scene in Trinidad and Tobago in recent years. This year’s Pineapple Riddim, which features, Machel Montano, Lyrikal, Patrice Roberts, Rupee and 47Ronzy, has been well received, with Machel Montano applauding Bravo’s consistency, even as someone invested behind the music scene. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this Carnival season while 47 Productions continues to create space for others to rise,” Bravo had said, at the launch of the riddim in December.
The “Powerful Riddim” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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Music News1 week agoThe Power of People. Rae Credits Motto, Darryl Gervais for Her Rise in Soca. Delivers ‘Throw Waist.’
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Caribbean Buzz5 days ago$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
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Music News5 days agoProblem Child, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous Ride New ‘Powerful’ Riddim. 47 Productions Eyes Road March.