Connect with us
[adning id="64522"]

Ebuzz News

At Just 11, Yung Kymani Understands the Importance of Culture. Calls for More Calypso and Soca in T&T.

Published

on

Approx. 3 min read

Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings”… and so it is that at just 11-years-old, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s rising superstars is calling on the nation to sing less dancehall and Trinibad music, and instead focus on the traditions of T&T. Yung Kymani placed second in the 2024 Junior Soca Monarch competition. This season, the youngster whose family ties are linked to both Morvant and Carenage, is using his voice in multiple ways, delivering a remake to Machel Montano’s age- old hit, ‘Too Young to Soca,” while standing in support of the development of, and investment in T&T’s Soca and Calypso music. Yung Kymani’s single is called, “Soca In Meh.”

Sustained and strengthened by the support of his parents, Kymani continues on his road to musical success. His appreciation for the cultural traditions of his homeland, is strong. “Calypso and soca are basically one in the same as uncle Machel said in his 2024 Calypso Monarch song, Soca is the soul of Calypso,” he noted, adding that the main differences he sees are the speed and the information that’s shared using both genres. “With Calypso, there’s a lot of information on things that are happening around the world and at home. I learn a lot of things from listening to Calypso music – things I didn’t even know were happening,” he rationalized, adding, “Soca on the other hand, is really upbeat and is there to make us dance and be happy.” 

The entertainer who attends St. Peter’s RC School, is excited to once again partake in the Junior Soca Monarch competition in 2025. His remake of Machel’s ‘Too Young to Soca’ hits home, he says, having faced the same kind of remarks from those outside of his close circle. “I’ve been told that I am too young to be doing this, and that I should stop singing Calypso and Soca, but I am so happy to have gotten this opportunity to remake this song, and to add my flavour to it.”

The song was written collaboratively by Nigel Lopez, Yung Kymani and Kymani’s mom, Kezia Hector. It was produced by Miguel Charles of the A Team Band and Robert SN Baptiste. The track was later mixed by Lunatix Productions and mastered by Precision Productions, making it a true expression of collaborative energy. “As a youth in Trinidad and Tobago, I really think we should try to preserve our culture,” said Kymani, this as he prepares to go head-to- head with other brilliant, young singers this carnival. “This music not only makes me happy, it’s a part of our culture. I think it should be taught in schools as a subject, we should have more jump ups and instead of singing Trinibad music, we can sing more Calypso and Soca. There should also be community classes that can teach our youths and even the adults, about the music and the culture,” said the youngster. 

In 1985, at the age of 9, Machel Montano released ‘Too Young to Soca,’ a track that became an immediate hit and remains a distinctive part of the King of Soca’s lifetime music catalogue. “I did not want the song to sound too much like the original. I’ve added my vibe to it and I am very happy that I have been given the opportunity to remake it,” said the budding star.  

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Ebuzz News

TRIBE Carnival Has Introduced AR to Carnival 2025.

Published

on

By

Approx. < 1 min read

Carnival mas band, TRIBE is leveling up the Carnival experience with an Augmented Reality (AR) app in collaboration with Arielle Du Quesnay, founder of Roam Reality.

An Augmented Reality (AR) app is a mobile application that enhances the real-world experience by overlaying digital elements – such as graphics,
animations, and interactive content – onto a user’s physical surroundings.

TRIBE executive Rhiannon Pemberton said by using a smartphone camera, AR apps blend the virtual and real worlds, creating an immersive and
engaging experience. “The Roam Reality AR app enhances the Trinidad Carnival experience by allowing users to participate in interactive challenges and capture creative
content,” said Pemberton. “Through geo-check-ins, custom sticker filters, and photo contests, users can engage with the TRIBE, BLISS, HARTS, and LOST TRIBE brands, earn points, and win prizes, including party tickets and 2026 Carnival costumes.”

Pemberton said most challenges are open to anyone who downloads the Roam Reality App.”Whether you’re a masquerader, a spectator, or simply a Carnival enthusiast, you can take part by snapping photos, using the app’s exclusive filters, and sharing your content on social media to earn points,”
Pemberton added. He went on to explain however that there is a special Carnival Tuesday Challenge exclusively for TRIBE, BLISS, LOST TRIBE, and HARTS masqueraders. He explained that it will showcase the masqueraders’ stunning costumes in a unique AR experience.

Pemberton highlighted that this allows brands and participants to engage in new ways, enhances the digital footprint of Carnival, and can potentially attract a global audience by making content more shareable and immersive. “By pioneering AR in Carnival, TRIBE is setting the stage for future innovations in festival culture,” he affirmed.

Continue Reading

Ebuzz News

Machel Montano’s Road is Clear. The Stage is Set for Monday Madness.

Published

on

By

Approx. 4 min read

After a stellar concert performance last week Friday at the Brian Lara Cricket academy, Machel Montano’s upcoming appearance in North, Trinidad, is highly anticipated by soca fans. The entertainer who’s been in the business for over 30 years, brought the house down at MEGA last weekend, showing the world that he remains a powerhouse in the Soca music business.

Montano, along with a supporting cast that included, Pumpa out of the USVI, Lady Lava, Chutney Soca Queen, Drupati, Skinny Fabulous, Voice, Yung Bredda, and Full Blown, among others, enticed soca fans in a major way, unleashing pure energy and vibes at an event that brought out a massive audience from the Southland and surrounding areas.

Mobile phone recording by patrons, a bit of a sour point at fetes for some time now, Montano urged fans to put away their devices just as he started his set. Dressed in yellow, and drenched in ice, the soca superstar delivered an unmistakably seamless set of songs that included ‘Like A Boss,’ ‘Fast Wine,’ ‘Bet Meh’ and of course, his Road March contender for 2025, ‘Pardy.

MONDAY MADNESS IS COMING

The mecca of the dominant carnival force on the planet, remains Trinidad and Tobago. Now, as the season’s prevalence captivates fun-seekers around the globe, one promotional team is adamant that the events on the Carnival calendar must stand up to the expectations of the masses. 

The Johnny Q Sound Company will deliver one of the biggest events in this season, on Monday, February 24th at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain. Monday Madness is set to showcase the largest cast of Soca stars this season, with a headlining performance by the King of Soca himself, Machel Montano. “There is a certain kind of energy that carnival should invoke. We’re not saying it’s missing completely, but a void has been filled with the inclusion of White Oak Monday Madness, one week before Carnival Monday,” said a rep for Johnny Q.  

A well-known event promoter and music facilitator across the Caribbean, this is no new venture for the outfit. “Soca music is in our DNA as Trinbagonians. What we want to deliver to those visiting the country in 2025, is a true expression of who we are as Trinbagonians, at the Oval on Monday, February 24th. We’re working with Machel and the Monk Band, Patrice Roberts, Lyrikal, Nadia Batson, Road March King, Mical Teja, Ravi B, Nailah Blackman, Skinny Fabulous, Voice, and a long list of artistes, to present something that the people have not seen or experienced in a while, in T&T,” he said. 

Tickets already going extremely fast, the event will cater to every pocket with three zones offered- General, Stage Front and Big Truck VIP. “The Big Truck Party Zone with its elevated deck and mix and mingle area is catering to committees and their die-hard supporters. Kairi People, Vale Vibe, Bayside Events, Bayview, Event Locker Gateway to the World along with Monday Madness VIP, can be contacted directly for those tickets and they can also be purchased online at islandetickets.com. The prices range from $850 to $1500. The $850 tickets are food inclusive, with a cash bar, but the $1500 tickets are fully all inclusive,” said the event spokesperson.  

Patrons will have an exclusive entrance to that area, VIP washrooms and enough space to party comfortably. 

The stage front tickets, which are $600, offer an up-close and personal view of the artistes on stage. With doors opening at 7pm, the event is billed as one of, if not, the biggest carnival blockbuster fete this season. “Our products and our delivery in carnival as event organizers, are really and truly the advertisement for the carnivals that will follow. We have to ensure that tourists coming to carnival, are met with the best feting experiences so that they’ll tell the world about what they felt while they were here. We can’t drop the ball, not even for one season and as a promo outfit, we do not take that responsibility lightly. Monday Madness will deliver an over-the-top feting experience in 2025 because we want the world to come back again and again,” emphasized the spokesperson.  

This year the company is introducing a band of musicians that they’ve taken tremendous pride in building and investing in. “The Evolution Band has been working diligently to make their presence felt and they will be on stage at Monday Madness. The team comprises a number of young, talented musicians who are set to make a mark in the entertainment industry this year.” Added to that, The A Team Band will also hit the stage, bringing their musical strength to the Queen’s Park Oval with artistes everyone will enjoy. 

The stage is set for one of the most thrilling carnival fetes, the world has ever experienced, promised the event organizer. “The energy surrounding this fete is out of this world already. We’re guaranteeing a secure and unforgettable night at Monday Madness. This is your ticket to amplify the thrill leading up to carnival week.”

Online tickets at islandetickets.com, have been selling very well and it’s anticipated that there will be an influx of carnival chasers, entering the Oval on Monday, February 24th.

Information on the event is available online @mondamadnesstt on Instagram and Facebook. 

Continue Reading

MONDAY MADNESS IS COMING!

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

LET’S GO TO SOMETHING DIFFERENT

YOU DESERVE TO PLAY MAS TOO.

GET READY FOR FROLIC

WE ARE GOING TO BREAKFAST IS…

Trending

error: This content is protected. if you wish to use this content in anyway please contact us.