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Archived: ARTISTE DIRECT: Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez

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She’s that tough talking soca star that the entire world will know in time to come. In the Caribbean, she’s that celebrity that’s either loved and defended or hated for one reason or another but everyone knows just who she is. Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez is royalty in the world of Soca music. She has followed in the footsteps of her father- reigning Road March and Soca Monarch King, Austin ‘Superblue’ Lyons but don’t get it twisted, she has also forged her own road, winning multiple accolades in the said categories plus the International Groovy Soca Monarch competition. Last year, Fay-Ann challenged herself again- opting to re-enter the classroom in a bid to attain certification in the field of law. Her first series of examinations began last week and on Monday, she will be back in the testing room. We spoke with her for our Artiste Direct feature on Friday. Take a look at some of the answers she gave to our tough questions.

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What’s the toughest part of being the woman that you are?

Trying to get people to understand that I am not going to be explaining myself to them. Everybody has their own pre -conceived notions and they need to understand that I am fine with that. Somebody called me a hood rat the other, and I said I think the meant country rat. It’s ok for them to have their own opinion of me.

Could crime in Trinidad and Tobago force you to migrate and if you were to migrate where would you move to?

It depends on how bad crime gets. If it’s to the point where the government can’t do anything, and we know they have the power to do anything and they throw their arms up and they have done all they can, any smart thinking citizen would see that as their cue to leave. I would either go to Canada or St. Lucia… or Barbados where the crime rate is low. Caribbean countries that are big on tourism with the exception of Jamaica tend to have low crime rates and crimes of a particular nature.

If you had the opportunity to work closely with any living artiste, who would it be and why?

It’s hard to pick one because I can’t put one above the other. Everyone is different for their own thing. For me to pick one artiste, I would be falling in one format. Everyone is unique- we need everyone. I’d work with anyone who has talent and a vibe.

What is one thing about your life that you would like other women in T&T to take example from and possibly apply to their own?

Nothing. You can learn from other people’s mistakes without making it. It’s not taking a page out of someone’s book. If you did something that seemed to be the right thing and then it turned out bad for you what would you say then?

The reality is that I cannot take anything from you that I haven’t experienced. I can look at it and make some adjustments and take from people’s experiences.

I would tell people not to take anything from anybody and apply it to their own lives.  If I had for one second listened to some women with regard to childbirth- because for some people it was the worst thing- I would not have my beautiful daughter. The experience is what is necessary.

Three things you simply do not do…

  • I am not superstitious- so I don’t listen to superstitious people… throw salt over yuh back and all that.
  • And I don’t believe in self -protection. God has to do his work.
  • I will not eat black eyed peas.

One food that’s probably bad for you but you just can’t deny yourself the taste?

I’m not into the junk food- I’m not addicted to any thing. My eating habits are very boring.

 

 

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Music News

A Love Letter to T&T. Terron Loves Country, Proves It In ‘Know A Place.’

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At a time when the Soca landscape is constantly evolving and newer artistes are often focused on creating music for the party, soca artiste Terron is taking a different approach with his song, “Know A Place,” a heartfelt tribute to the beauty, culture and spirit of Trinidad and Tobago.

For Terron, the song is more than a musical release. It is a personal expression of gratitude and connection to a country that has remained close to his heart, despite spending much of his life abroad. Having migrated to the United States of America as a child, Terron grew up far from his birthplace. The distance, however, never diminished his appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago. Instead, his visits back home became treasured experiences filled with moments he looked forward to and still holds dear. Those visits offered opportunities to reconnect with the people, places and cultural experiences that made Trinidad and Tobago feel special to him. That enduring connection is at the heart of “Know A Place.” 

While many emerging artistes focus on creating music that dominates parties and create viral moments, Terron is embracing a subject that is less commonly explored by artistes at the beginning of their careers: music that celebrates national identity and contributes to the broader conversation about nation building. His deliberate choice reflects his appreciation for the country and his desire to celebrate what makes it unique. 

Through music, Terron hopes to remind listeners that the value of Trinidad and Tobago extends beyond its world-renowned Carnival celebrations. It is also found in the country’s natural beauty, cultural richness and people. “Know A Place” invites listeners to reflect on what Trinidad and Tobago means to them, whether they live in the twin-island republic or carry memories of home from thousands of miles away. For those in the diaspora, the song offers an opportunity to reconnect with familiar feelings and experiences and for those at home, it serves as a reminder to appreciate the beauty and character of the place they call their own.

Terron’s approach also speaks to the wider role of music in shaping how a country sees itself and how the rest of the world experiences it. “Soca music has always been a powerful vehicle for expressing Caribbean identity,” shares Terron. It is his hope that this song will reinforce why T&T should be appreciated and cherished.

Shot over the course of four days, the project, which was released on October 9, features sights from Paramin, DDI, Chaguaramas, San Fernando, Tobago, and Port of Spain. “Know A Place” is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful way to celebrate a country is to tell its story.

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Caribbean Buzz

URAVE- ‘Life Beyond The Creek’ Launches this Weekend in the SouthLand. There’s Never Been Anything Like It.

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There’s a major shift happening in entertainment in T&T. The energy is rising. On the heels of Tobago Carnival – a spectacle that has left mas lovers craving more, there’s a band launch on the horizon that promises entertainment lovers a true taste of what Trinidad’s South West peninsula has to offer. URAVE is a brand that’s building community and dedicatedly setting things in motion for the best Borough Festival Point Fortin has ever experienced, in 2027.

Speaking exclusively with Ebuzztt.com, Directors, Kariym Balthazar and Roland Hamilton shared details on ‘Life Beyond The Creek’ – the concept for URAVE’S 2027 Borough Festival presentation. The event takes place at the Clifton Hill Beach Resort on Saturday, November 7th from 9pm.

URAVE’s Kariym Balthazar

Two of seven directors who make up a broad team of professionals, their planning for this upcoming event, has been extensive. “We officially kicked off the project in May this year. We’ve put in a lot of work and with a strong team, we are guaranteeing an enhanced Borough Festival,” said Hamilton. He has been a part of the entertainment and promotional landscape in Trinidad and Tobago for the past 15 years. Hamilton said the URAVE brand was conceptualized back in 2015, but opportunity to present it to the people of Point Fortin and those coming into the Borough the way it was conceptualized, has only truly shown itself at this time. “This is not just a band. We’ll also be doing events in the space as well. URAVE will host something like a ‘First Jam’ in the Borough celebrations in 2027 and even our road experience will start off with a brunch event for two hours, with food stations before we hit the streets to play mas. When our masqueraders get off the road, they will enjoy a las’ lap experience too,” he said.

Four mas sections ready for presentation on Saturday, Balthazar told Ebuzztt that this is just the beginning. “We plan on taking URAVE into different spaces – not just Point Fortin Borough Festival, so in the future, URAVE may even be in Carnival in Port -of-Spain,” he said. The four sections are, “Pitch Lake,” “Garden Jewels,” “Fields Road,” and “Columbus Bay,” – all honoring integral aspects of the Southern experience. “I am from La Brea. La Brea and Point Fortin are like brother and sister,” said Hamilton, explaining that the idea is to truly highlight the South Western part of the island by giving those who are unfamiliar an experience of what they have to offer. “Deep South often feels neglected. We don’t have the opportunities or the experiences that others often have. We always have to go into Port-of-Spain to experience mas, so because I would’ve experienced mas so many times, URAVE aims at delivering a higher standard when it comes to experience, so that people who do not frequent Port of Spain, can enjoy what its like in the Borough Festival.”

URAVE stands for Unimaginably, Rhythmic, Audio, Visual, Experience. “These words are at the heart of the brand. The focus is on how people feel, how they are welcomed, and what they leave with. This is not something that is predominant in the Point Fortin Borough space so it is important to us, to establish this standard,” said Hamilton. He says the theme, “Life Beyond the Creek celebrates the beauty, creativity and talent within the South Western peninsula.

Roland Hamilton says URAVE was conceptualized in 2015.

The band launch is being touted as one that will showcase exactly what masqueraders can expect on the rod come 2027. Though starting off with more of a Monday Wear mas deliverable, the band will be going hard to ensure the feeling of revelry and fun are high priority. “Years ago, bands like Legacy and Ronnie and Caro, and other big bands would come down from Port-of- Spain, but Borough Day has never had a Point Fortin based mas band involved.

Years ago, Legacy, Ronnie and Caro and other big bands would come down from Port of Spain and they never really had a Point Fortin based mas band involved. Our team has been having discussions with the Point Fortin Borough executives and we’ve been discussing all areas to ensure what we bring enhances the celebration,” said Hamilton, noting that the overall aim is to bring life to the celebration. “We hope even big mas bands will come back into the space after our presentation in 2027,” he said.

The Economics and the People.

All bases covered, inclusive of safety and convenience, Hamilton noted the state of the present economy. Understanding of the economic climate, he said URAVE’S website will go live after the band’s launch on Saturday and those interested in playing will be able to register with the option of securing a payment plan.”

On Saturday night in Point Fortin, fetters can expect a whole lot of energy and Carnival vibes. Artistes inclusive of Farmer Nappy, Trinibaby, Christo and Viking Ding Dong, will be apart of the excitement. “We are creating a safe space for people to come out and have fun. We want to always have a great time. The feeling is very important to us and we will show potential masqueraders just what it will mean to be on the road with URAVE, when we launch the band this weekend,” Hamilton assured.

Follow URAVE online on Instagram for more on what’s to come and be part of the greatest Borough Festival experience in 2027.

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