Ebuzz News
As Travis Scott and Others Face A Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit Following Astroworld Mayhem, ChinaTown Promoter Weighs In.
Trinidad and Tobago Radio personality and event promoter, Ryan ’Chinee’ Sing Hon says he feels the artistes, promoter and even patrons are all responsible for the Astroworld disaster that unfolded in Texas on November 5th. His analysis of the situation comes as a lawsuit seeking more than $750 million, was filed on Tuesday on behalf of at least 125 victims of the festival.
The deaths of 10 event attendees has made global headlines, triggering closer scrutiny of major event protocols and analysis of all that went down with hopes of learning from it all. Chinee, known for his staging of the ’ChinaTown’ event, in Trinidad, said, ”There are questions to be answered here.” He pondered thoughtfully the fact that major events of this kind always include the involvement of security agencies. ”The necessary checks always take place as bodies of law agencies are heavily involved before a single person enters,” he said. He said there was no question in his mind that prior to gates being opened, all protocols would’ve been checked and the green light then given.
The crowd surge at rapper, Travis Scott’s festival in Houston has led to dozens of lawsuits being filed against Scott and Live Nation Entertainment Inc.
The suit, filed by Buzbee Law Firm, also list the rapper Drake, who joined Scott halfway through his Astroworld set, Apple Music, which was streaming the festival, and others as defendants.
“The victims on that night went to Astroworld for fun,” the suit says. “Neither they nor their families were ever warned that they were walking into an extremely dangerous situation.”
One victim was crushed by the “incited, unruly and out-of-control crowd with such force that he could no longer breathe,” according to the suit. He went into cardiac arrest and was then trampled, it says.
“As he lay there under a mass of humanity, dying, the music played and streamed on — for almost forty minutes,” the suit says. The victim, 21-year old Axel Acosta Avila, died at the scene.
The suit accuses Scott, whose real name is Jacques Bermon Webster II, of keeping the concert going even after authorities had announced a mass casualty event. Other suits have alleged the same, and Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña said Scott “absolutely” should have stopped the show once he saw what was taking place.
“Look: We all have a responsibility. Everybody at that event has a responsibility, starting from the artist on down,” he said last week.
Scott’s litigation attorney, Edwin McPherson, has said Scott “didn’t know that there was a mass casualty event that was called.”
Scott said in an Instagram story the day after that he was “devastated.” He has offered to pay for the funerals of the 10 people who died and to refund tickets for all attendees.
“Such [an] offer is a transparent and grotesque effort of the Defendants to limit their liability, after the fact, to the families of those killed or injured,” the Buzbee lawsuit says. “The Acosta family would rather Webster have privately spent money on proper planning, adequate security and medical staff before the concert, instead of publicly stating that he would pay for the funerals of those that were crushed and killed.”
Caribbean Buzz
Skinny Banton Sets the Tone with ‘Liquor’ ; Reminds Real Revelers of Vibes in Store.
As Carnival 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago looms, one of the Caribbean’s most unique and intriguing male artistes, Skinny Banton, is gearing up to make his mark in a big way. With his latest release, Liquor, already causing waves, the Grenadian-born artist is proving he’s here to stay, bringing his personal style, and down- home Caribbean spirit to a global audience.
It’s been five years since his unforgettable hit, Wrong Again, took the world by storm and the track remains a fan favorite to this day. Its infectious energy and authentic vibe solidified Skinny as an artiste to watch, and since then, his music has resonated with listeners across the region and internationally. His ability to blend catchy rhythms with meaningful lyrics has made him a staple in Caribbean music, while his sound remains a perfect blend of traditional influences and contemporary flair.
The Jab culture of Grenada has always been a source of inspiration for the Carriacou native. But it’s not just one island or one genre that defines him. Skinny draws from the wider Caribbean experience, creating music that speaks to all the islands, enticing the international crowd along the way. As he explains, his music isn’t confined to one place or one story; It’s about sharing the universal joy of the Caribbean with the world.
“Music is for everyone,” says Skinny. “It’s not about where you’re from. It’s about connecting people from different walks of life through rhythm, melody, and energy. When people come to Carnival, they’re looking for an experience that will stay with them forever, and I want to be a part of that.”
Ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025 Carnival, Liquor is quickly becoming one of those intrinsic songs. With its irresistible beat and carefree lyrics, the song is a celebration of the Caribbean spirit — the good times, the laughter, and yes, the drinks that fuel the party. “This is a song for the drinkers, the ones who bring the vibes to the Carnival with every sip they take,” Skinny laughs. “But remember — everything in moderation! You don’t want to be the one ruining the vibes for everyone else.”
Last year, Carriacou, the artiste’s home island, was devastated by Hurricane Beryl. Amid that unfortunate circumstance, he stood up with a sense of determination to draw awareness to the plight of those left to clean up and get their lives back to normal. His popularity as an entertainer, aided somewhat in that effort as he was able to assist with food and necessities for those affected. Through his artistry, Skinny continues to shine a spotlight on his roots, celebrating the vibrant culture and resilience of his community.
In Trinidad recently, he reconnected with fans of his music, sharing the new songs ahead of the 2025 Carnival season. “Music is the universal language,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what language you speak. What matters is that it makes you feel something — and that’s what I try to give. The people know good music. They need music to lift their spirits, make them move, and sing along,” he explained, adding, “That’s what I strive to provide — music that resonates, that connects, music that brings people together.”
To stay connected with Skinny Banton and get the latest on his upcoming music and Carnival appearances, follow him on Instagram and Facebook @skinnybanton.
Caribbean Buzz
Scorch 101 Soca Hit List Sends Soca Lovers Crazy.
Soca music lovers from all around the world tuned in to Trinidad and Tobago radio station Scorch 101 FM on Friday as the station delivered what can only be described as a deep dive into the music genre. With 101 days to go to Carnival 2025 the team at Scorch Radio pushed out a plan to ensure listeners from around the world tuned in, and that they did.
The Internet could not get enough of the music that is so often attached only to the carnival culture. A list of what the Scorch team considers 101 of the top Soca tracks based on criteria such as danceability, cultural impact, lyrical content, music production, and versatility brought out Soca enthusiasts from every nook and cranny across the Internet. In one day, Scorch radio penetrated the Diaspora and brought people together, though via the Internet, to banter heartily over whether the choices were or were not valid.
Judges on the panel included DJ Adam, Travis World, and DJ Private Ryan among others. Scorch Radio CEO Kwesi ‘Hoppy’Hopkinson steered the event, giving his views throughout the day on the music that would be shared with listeners worldwide. In the end, the most impactful Soca single would be Machel Montano and Destra Garcia’s ‘It’s Carnival.’ Delivered in 2003, the collaboration between these two accomplished Soca artistes maintain a powerful presence at carnival fetes held around the world, annually. The song however, did not capture that year’s Road March in Trinidad and Tobago. That year, Fay Ann Lyons stole the show with ‘Display,’ a song that did not make it to the Scorch Radio 101 Soca Hit List. The multiple title holder’s ‘Meet SuperBlue’ was positioned at #90 on the Scorch 101 Soca Hit List.
The single-day Soca showcase perplexed some who questioned the rationale behind the choices and the placement on the list. Kevin Little’s globally known, ‘Turn Me On,’ made it to #2 while Rupee’s “Jump” was given the third spot on the list. The 2010 Road March “Palance,”made the list at #4.
Whether agreed upon in its entirety or not, the Scorch Radio team created an effective campaign that ignited the energy of Soca music lovers globally.
