Caribbean Buzz
BASS, The First DJ Turned Soca Artiste Was Instrumental in Getting Soca Played on HOT97 NYC.
Soca music has come a long way. For decades, the sound of Trinidad and Tobago’s prized cultural expression has been touted as the sound of the Caribbean, and for many of the other islands, the music is becoming a major part of their individual tourism attraction. In 1996, Trinidad and Tobago DJ, Adrian Hackshaw, best known as Third Bass, became the first DJ to dive into soca artistry. His first song was called, ‘J’ouvert Morning.’ “That song inspired 3 Canal to do ‘Blue’ the following year and it created an avenue for more songs dedicated to J’ouvert,” he said in an exclusive Ebuzztt interview.
Twenty – nine years later, Bass continues to unleash new Soca music. His contributions for 2026 include, ‘Take Jam’ and ‘Not For The Swift.’ Despite what seems like a never ending fight for equity across the airwaves, Bass has a lot to be grateful for. “I always wanted to be a DJ, artiste and to be on radio so I live my dream everyday,” he said.
For many operating in the Soca industry today, the 90’s experience is not something they can relate to. It was during the early 90’s that Machel Montano – now the King of Soca, would deliver songs like ‘Big Truck’ and ‘Big Phat Fish.’ Bass was around then and operated in a space that was growing. “In 1998, I put Edghill Thomas, now known as MX Prime on his first soca track with me. Back then he was known as Magga Dan and he was big on the dancehall circuit locally,” he highlighted. The song was called, “All Ah Dat in It.”
That year, Bass was introduced to Destra Garcia. She was a young, female singer who was singing RnB and Gospel music. “Her producer, Ken Holder, was working on what would be the first Soca riddim, coined the Pigtail Riddim, because of how ‘phat’ it sounded. I wrote the first song for Destra and I, which was called, ‘Just A Friend.’ That was 1999.”
The journey to where Soca music is today, isn’t a linear situation. It wasn’t built on the back of one person or one team. Bass, like many other creatives, has positively impacted the industry for many years, even while others have been celebrated loudly, and his humility has kept him largely unnoticed. “I spent some time in New York, where I was responsible for new soca getting played on Hot97. I met Bobby Konders and Massive B Sounds in 2001. They had a big reggae and Caribbean show that was reaching the entire TriState area. I asked them why they were still playing songs from the 90s,” said the entertainer. He said he was told that the major Soca distribution company, JW Records, had indicated that they would have to pay for the new Soca music. “Mind you, these guys got promos from all the big record labels back then. When I heard what was happening, I immediately went to JW Records on Church Avenue in Brooklyn, and I spoke with them. I explained to them what this opportunity could do for the music and I was able to take records to Bobby Konders and Jabba to play on Hot97FM,” said Bass. He highlighted that among the songs, were tracks like ‘Water Flowing’ from Machel Montano’s album ‘Here Comes The Band,’ and Iwer George’s ‘Carnival Come Back Again. “I was also asked to play the music since I was more familiar with it at that time.”
Soca music’s current global standing as a relatively new genre, has been one of tremendous grit and effort by many individuals – some seen and others behind the scenes. Many have remained committed to its development as a Trinbagonian creation, because it forms part of the cultural identity of Trinidad and Tobago’s people. Now, as more regional artistes tap into the market, opportunities for global appeal are certainly opening up, but it must never be forgotten that Soca music’s growth to where it stands today, was only made possible thanks to the dedication of people like Adrian Hackshaw who loved it from the heart and refused to see it sidelined.
NEW MUSIC
Caribbean Buzz
Trinidad and Tobago, First to Host Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, This September.
After three celebrated years at Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre, the Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) expands beyond the awards stage with the launch of the inaugural Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, a destination celebration taking place September 18-20, 2026, in Trinidad & Tobago.
This year’s celebration unfolds under the theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, honoring the rhythms, voices, and cultural traditions that have shaped generations and continue to influence music around the world.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
The Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, marking a milestone moment as the celebration expands into the Caribbean region for the first time.
The Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will transform CMA from a single-night awards ceremony into a multi-day celebration bringing together artists, fans, industry professionals, creators, tastemakers, media, and cultural leaders from across the Caribbean and around the world.
What’s In Store
The Elite Weekend Experience will feature a series of events celebrating music, culture, and community throughout the destination. Festivities will include an exclusive Welcome Reception, pre-show experiences, the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, the official after-party, a special steelpan concert presented by Stars and Steel, and additional programming designed to celebrate Trinidad & Tobago’s cultural influence. Additional programming, partnerships, performers, presenters, and special announcements will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The move to Trinidad & Tobago marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Caribbean Music Awards, while honoring the city where it all began. New York was the ideal birthplace for the Awards, home to one of the world’s largest and most influential Caribbean diaspora communities. It was there that the Caribbean Music Awards established its identity, built its audience, and proved there was a global appetite for a world-class celebration dedicated solely to Caribbean music and culture.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
Over the past three years, Brooklyn’s iconic Kings Theatre became more than just the home of the Caribbean Music Awards. It became the launchpad for a movement that united artists, industry leaders, fans, and cultures from across the Caribbean and beyond, under one roof. The energy, ambition, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless hustle that define New York City helped shape the DNA of the Caribbean Music Awards, and that spirit will remain embedded in the brand no matter where it travels.
Now, with a strong foundation established, the Caribbean Music Awards begins the next phase of its evolution by bringing the celebration directly to the Caribbean. As the inaugural host destination for the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, Trinidad & Tobago sets the stage for a long-term vision that will see the Awards partner with tourism boards and host destinations to spotlight a different Caribbean nation in future years. By rotating throughout the region, the Caribbean Music Awards aims to celebrate each destination’s unique culture, support tourism, create economic impact, and further strengthen the Caribbean’s creative economy while continuing to unite the global diaspora through music.
Majah Hype Returns, This Time With Nailah.
Bringing even more excitement to this year’s celebration, internationally celebrated Caribbean artiste, Nailah Blackman and acclaimed comedian, entertainer, and cultural personality Majah Hype will host the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, bringing their unique energy, charisma, and deep connection to Caribbean culture to the stage.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
For Majah Hype, the 2026 ceremony marks his fourth consecutive year hosting the Caribbean Music Awards, making him one of the longest-standing personalities connected to the celebration. Having witnessed the Awards grow from its early years at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre into a global platform for Caribbean excellence, Majah continues to bring the humor, passion, and cultural pride that have made him one of the Caribbean diaspora’s most beloved entertainers.
“Four years hosting the Caribbean Music Awards? Mi feel like dem haffi give me my own seat at this point!” said Majah Hype. “But seriously, being part of this journey from day one has been a blessing. I’ve watched this celebration grow, seen the incredible talent come through, and witnessed how much this moment means to our people. To see it expand from Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre to Trinidad & Tobago is something special. Caribbean culture is powerful, the talent is endless, and mi ready fi celebrate everybody who continues to carry our music and our culture to the world.”
For Nailah Blackman, this year’s ceremony represents a new chapter in her relationship with the Caribbean Music Awards. Having experienced the event as an attendee, performer, nominee, and winner, Nailah now steps into the role of host while continuing to be recognized as one of the leading voices in Caribbean music.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
“The Caribbean Music Awards has been a special part of my journey,” said Nailah Blackman. “I’ve experienced this celebration as a fan, as a performer, as a nominee, and as a winner, and now being able to step into the role of host is truly an honor. To do it in Trinidad, surrounded by our people and our culture, makes this moment even more meaningful. I’m excited to celebrate the incredible artists who continue to push Caribbean music forward.”
Since launching in 2023, the Caribbean Music Awards has grown into one of the premier platforms celebrating Caribbean musical excellence, honoring artists across Dancehall, Reggae, Soca, Konpa, Chutney Soca, Zess, Dennery, Gospel, and emerging Caribbean genres. Last year’s ceremony marked a historic milestone with its BET broadcast debut, further expanding the Awards’ reach and strengthening its position as a leading global celebration of Caribbean music.
Following the announcement of more than 250 nominees across more than 40 categories earlier this year, anticipation continues to build toward what promises to be one of the biggest Caribbean Music Awards celebrations yet. This September, the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will bring together the sounds, stories, and cultures that have defined generations of Caribbean creativity, inviting audiences from around the world to experience this year’s theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, from the heart of one of the region’s most influential cultural destinations.
Caribbean Buzz
Terri Lyons Expands. Artiste Shows Immense Creativity on New RC Mas Monday Wear.
There’s no box to be held in. Terri Lyons is proving that as she moves into the Monday Wear market, partnering with RC Mas ahead of Carnival 2027.
The reigning Calypso Monarch Queen of Trinidad and Tobago and multiple time Queen of Queens, on Thursday, revealed her creative ability in the mas making sector, sharing her design, ‘Purple Paradise’ – a carefully created design that’s all hers.
The entertainer told Ebuzztt she had the idea and went to the masterful, Kinaji Couture, admitting that Kinaji is a force in the market. “She does a lot of bathing suits and prototypes for bands locally, regionally and further abroad. I knew she could do it and she did execute it perfectly. I just added the flowers,” said Lyons.
In 2027, RC Mas will bring Mystical Garden to life and with the band’s theme considered, Lyons’ floral embellishment makes it abundantly clear that her creativity is disciplined and mindful. She shared her process exclusively with Ebuzztt, highlighting the time taken to design with pen and paper before sharing with Kinaji who brought it all together seamlessly. “This was a lot of work. I sat and drew it all out and I stuck every flower and the diamond studs myself,” said Terri, before adding, “I ain’t doing that again,” with a laugh. The artiste said she’ll have extra hands on board to assist in future.
CHECK OUT HER PROCESS HERE
-
Music News1 day agoSport Anchor and Artiste, James Saunders Turns Focus to Men’s Mental Health in New Song.
-
Lifestyle4 days agoDîner en Blanc Returns to Port-of-Spain with New Hosts and a Fresh Spark of Elegance.
-
Caribbean Buzz1 week agoTrinidad and Tobago, First to Host Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, This September.