Humps, bumps and meandering bends are a norm along the way in any artist’s journey to success. For Chaguanas, Trinidad native, Kevin Allan, music and entertainment has taken on varied perspectives over the years and now as he continues to pivot from his former alias, Vetta, and the vibe that accompanied that sobriquet, he’s masterfully channeling his gift to serve good purpose in his life, and the lives of others.
Popularly known in Trinidad and Tobago as the guy who delivered the track, “Rollin’ in A Foreign Used,” – a Hip Hop fusion of rhythmic verses and catchy lyrics, Allan has been a part of the Caribbean’s music industry since 2000. Now, years later, transformed by what he explains as an awakening, following a hiatus from the music scene, and the exploration of other equally rewarding areas of entertainment, Allan returns with a brand new Power Soca track that pays tribute to none other than Ken Marlon Charles- KMC.
Explaining that his relationship with the ‘Carnival Story,’ singer dates back 20 years, after he’d flagged down the Soca hit maker’s car in a random move, Allan says he has never one day regretted it. “I was in Central and I saw him passing in his car. I flagged him down and he stopped. I saw my opportunity to tell him who I was and what my ambitions were, and I took it,” he said, explaining that quite unexpectedly, KMC took his telephone number. “I said to him, “you are KMC. You not going to call me,” he recalled with a laugh. The next day, KMC proved Allan wrong and since that time, Allan’s respect for Charles has only grown.
Allan believes KMC deserves immense credit for his contribution to the Soca industry. The idea to honor him in song came during the pandemic when, among a small circle of friends, Allan began playing KMC’s music. “My friends were all saying how great it felt to hear those songs and how long they hadn’t heard them,” he said. “The idea then came to me. In that moment I said, ‘somebody should pay tribute to KMC.”
It took a bit of introspection and deep consideration by Allan before he began penning the track. “I went to Ken and asked him what he thought about my idea. He was flattered I think, but he asked me to do it properly,” explained the artist. Sometime later, having teamed up with Romol ‘Request’ Rajnath to produce the single, Allan went back to KMC to get his approval on the completed song. “As long as he liked it, I didn’t care about anything else,” said Allan, revealing that KMC did in fact like the single.
Now, even with no idea as to whether Trinidad and Tobago will in fact celebrate the festival that is carnival in any way this year, Allan says the purpose of this high energy expression and vibe, is tributary and as such, carnival or not, the track has its place and role. “I don’t think we should wait until a person has passed away and is no longer with us, to honor them and thank them for what they’ve contributed. KMC is one of the very few artistes in Trinidad and Tobago who has helped young, up and coming artistes in the business and that in itself, is something to thank him for. Not many others do that,” said Allan.
Known for his ability to get the message out clearly, having in the past, masterfully documented and aired the disservice meted out to T&T’s artistes outside of the Soca genre, there is no question that this song will reach people near and far. Allan’s documentary series, ‘After The Mas’, developed back in 2017, proved his passionate and relentless spirit when it comes to getting his point across.
“Nobody’s really doing Power Soca that much anymore. Artistes are singing a lot of groovy songs. I wanted to take it back – give KMC his flowers so this tribute to Ken is high energy, big vibes, and pure fire, for a man who gave us anthems we’ll have for a lifetime and more.”
David Brooks, best known as dancehall artiste, Mavado is set to be honored at this year’s 43rd International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) awards on May 17th, in South Florida. He’ll be presented with the Special Lifetime Achievement Award which represents a celebration of resilience, dominance and legacy.
In a statement, the organizers noted that Mavado is known for his unmistakeable voice, global influence and cultural impact. “Mavado has transcended borders, elevating Dancehall to international acclaim,” the statement reads.
In addition to this night of IRAWMA’s celebration of excellence in reggae and world music, globally renowned dancehall superstar, VYBZ Kartel tops the list of more than 150 nominees with 11 nods, and competing against himself in some of the categories, he is followed by Sean Paul and Shaggy with 8 nominations, each.
Spice is nominated in 5 categories.
On the female side, Spice, Lila Ike, and Shenseea tied with 5 nominations each. Hosted by a dynamic lineup including Comedian Dufton Shepherd, Marcia Jackson, and Oliver Mair, the evening promises electrifying performances, unforgettable tributes, and a room filled with icons, tastemakers, and industry leaders.
In a show of gratitude for his conscious musical contribution, Gramps Morgan will be recognized for his song “People Like You,” highlighted as the most outstanding Spiritually Uplifting Song since the new Millennium.Gramps will join a distinguished class of honorees including Burning Spear, Wayne Armond, and Awilo Longomba—each representing excellence across genres and generations.
It’s a brand new concept being brought to life, in Point Fortin, however its impact, according to organizers, is already proving immense. The annual Point Fortin Borough celebrations, culminates this weekend and on Sunday, an event with a bigger purpose at heart, is anticipated to draw a massive crowd to fete, for the greater good.
Naya George
Naya George and Anson George spoke exclusively with Ebuzztt.com ahead of the all inclusive experience. They’re excited to see their vision come to life. Anson, a well known name on the carnival and entertainment circuit, is known for his strong involvement in the BeachHouse Carnival brand. “It’s going to be on par with BeachHouse,” he assured, asserting ‘Flowers’ as the new ‘must attend’ fete in Borough Day festivities. “There are other events happening on Sunday in Point Fortin but there’s no other event of this caliber, happening,” said Anson, explaining that a few tickets are still available for those who still want to get in.
For Naya, the effort is less about business, and more about purpose. “We are partying with a purpose. We want to let people know that this isn’t just about feting. This is the only party that’s happening in Point Fortin that’s giving back to Point Fortin,” he explained, adding that proceeds will go toward investment in the young people. “The first set of projects will be at the Point Fortin West Secondary School where the event is being held. We are going to revitalize the sports programme, playing field restoration, sporting equipment and that kind of stuff, to ensure the youths have a place to find themselves in the area of sports. Flowers is the premiere fund raiser to do these things,” said George.
Set to welcome fete lovers from 5pm on Sunday at the Point Fortin West Secondary School, Flowers will feature a cast of talented artistes, inclusive of Nadia Batson and Lyrikal. “We want to raise fund in style and with high quality at heart, hence the reason the event’s caliber is high. This is going to be a first for Point Fortin,” said Naya George.
Anson George
The Point Fortin Borough experience is widely attended, with a series of cultural events leading up to the weekend of excitement that is anticipated by locals and visitors alike, each year. “Flowers has set the tone for the Borough Day evolution I think,” said Naya George. “Fusion came to an end last night,” noted Anson. He said the cultural extravaganza, which was similar to Carnival’s Flava Village, was a huge success and noted the wide variety of cultural traditions, shared between April 25th and April 30th. “If people can jump on a plane to experience Grenada carnival, we are certain they can come from West and North Trinidad to enjoy the Point Fortin Borough activities,” said Anson, making it clear that ahead of the upcoming weekend, hotel and guest house occupancy is already high.
“Borough is like a second carnival,” said Anson. He said there are fetes happening throughout the day on Friday. “When you come, you get a taste of everything you get in carnival. You get the fetes, the all inclusive, the jouvert, the street food, the culture,” he highlighted, and this year, for the very first time, fans of culture, creativity and altruism, will fete with purpose at Flowers – a distinct, top tier, premium all inclusive experience in the heart of the borough.
Tickets for the event are available online at Stacy’s House Of Hair – Point Fortin, Atherley’s By The Park – San Fernando, Terminal 4 – Long Circular Mall and online at theticketgeneral.com.
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