Ebuzz News
Blackie ‘Tackin’ Back’, Collaborates Again with Juelio Nelson and Ronald Ford.
Never before has the anticipation for Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival – the mecca of them all, been this high! Carnival 2023 will see the return of a trio, whose deliverables, thousands and possibly millions around the world, have enjoyed over the years. Soca and Calypso artiste, Blackie is taking his place in the festival in 2023, and he’s walking with his trump card.
Known for his fun-loving personality on stage, Blackie, whose most memorable singles, ‘Ah Hook’ and ‘Tack Back,’ made him a household name across the region, says there’s no stopping him in the season ahead. Holding his trump card via the songwriter and producer who gave him those previous hit singles, Blackie says it’s been a while since he’s felt as confident in a song, as he does right now.
Together with producer, Juelio Nelson and songwriter, Ronald Ford, Blackie is unleashing another witty, bacchanal-laced Soca anthem. “The song is called, ‘Do Not Disturb,’ and the irony of this whole thing is that it was included on a CD Ronald Ford did with both ‘Tack Back and ‘A Hook, ten years ago!” said Blackie. He explained that he had been searching for the CD for years, and had even resolved that his wife may have thrown it out, however, lo and behold, he found it earlier this year, packed away in a brown envelope. “I couldn’t believe it. I sent it back to Ronald and he changed some of the words and together with Juelio, we breathed life into the 10-year-old song.”
Blackie says ‘Do Not Disturb’ may cause a stir in the industry, pointing out that it may have some semblance of relatability to a particular situation that some people have been whispering about. Not one to get involved in industry gossip, Blackie says the song just happens to be released at the right time. “This is what I call perfect timing. People will love this one,” he said happily.
Reveling in the production of the new song, Blackie says “Do Not Disturb,” exudes his style. “This is Blackie!,” he said, highlighting that this release is one that he’s comfortable with, confident about and excited to deliver.
On the sound of Soca music, Blackie warns that T&T’s artistes must be careful not to experiment too much with the authentic sound. “We have to be careful. If you really look at other genres, like Spanish music for example, there isn’t too much altering of the original sound and these artistes command big money internationally for their performances.” He says his hope is that radio DJs understand the importance of patience when it comes to new music releases, making it clear that he is fully educated on the tenets that make songs marketable and enjoyable. “I attended conferences and learnt a lot over the years. I know that ideally, a song should not be longer than 3 minutes and the sweetness should be at the beginning to get people from the top,” he pointed out. He further advised up-and-coming artistes to educate themselves on the industry of which they’re apart.
The new single is set for release on November 7th and will be available for digital download and streaming on all streaming platforms thereafter. Excitedly, Blackie says he knows T&T and the region will love this one. He’s looking forward to hitting the stage again in 2023.
Ebuzz News
“We Have so Much to Offer the World.” Shurwayne’s Bringing The Authentic Tobago to Carnival.
The most anticipated period on Tobago’s annual event calendar is just about ready to start and one of the island’s most successful entertainers is leading the charge, delivering an event on Thursday, October 29th that will prove truly memorable. Shurwayne Winchester is Tobago’s golden boy. He has taken the Tobago Carnival product personally, believing it’s a good tool to market the island, if truly executed with love and sustainability in mind.
Shurwayne emerged on the Soca scene over 20 years ago and has not slowed down. He has cemented his name in the Caribbean entertainment landscape over many years and he has represented Tobago with immense pride. Despite having moved to Trinidad, the two-time Road March champion remains deeply connected to his home and is set to host Tobago Love The Xperience in honor of that appreciation. “Together with my friend and old Tobago classmate, Lester Duncan, we’re using this event to show the world what Tobago is truly about. For me, it’s about giving back to the place that I came from. There is no prouder moment than being able to do something like this on your home soil. We wanted to offer those visiting the island, something more than the décor and the lights and music,” said the artiste, noting that this year’s theme for Tobago Love The Xperience is The Harvest. “We’re doing something that’s built around the heritage of Tobago. As somebody who grew up here it has always been important for me to do this – to give the foreigners a chance to see the real Tobago, to give them a chance to fall in love with Tobago – the things that they see and the feeling they get when they experience what we have to share.”
Shurwayne believes the events happening at Carnival should embody the island’s underlying energy and attributes. “When they come here for Carnival, what they experience should make them want to return even outside of the Carnival season,” he said.
Tobago Love The Xperience takes place at the Signal Hill Secondary School from 6pm on Thursday. “We want our people to fall in love with our island too. It’s important for us to love where we come from,” said the entertainer. “This event is about heritage and culture. It’s about the history of Tobago. When people enter the venue they will see and feel exactly what a Tobago Harvest is like even as we fete and celebrate the Carnival season,” he said.
An artiste, promoter and ambassador, Shurwayne Winchester’s undying commitment to preserving what’s good about his nation, is commendable. He was one of the artistes who performed most recently at the funeral service held for the late, great Calypso King of the World, The Mighty Sparrow. “We have so much to offer the world and there are men and women who showed us how to do it with class and dignity. They took what we have and shared it well with the rest of the world. Men like Sparrow and Aunty Rose represented in a particular way for T&T and I just think it’s a fundamental part of being a patriot – someone who puts country before anything else.”
Music News
Stepping Into Her Own, Jalessa Says It’s Time for ‘Freedom.’
For 16-year-old rising star, Jalessa Lazarus, this month has been bitter sweet. The teenager is set to release her new single, ‘Freedom,’ but even as she delivers musically, she is reminded of her grandmother who passed away in May this year, after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. “She would always tell me I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” said the youngster as she reminisced on the encouragement, she often received from her family matriarch.
Jalessa Lazarus is a talented, young entertainer in the Soca space, and even as her present focus is on the 2027 CXC examinations, her love for music abounds, and so she is still releasing the Teddy Rhymes penned, ‘Freedom,’ with hope of maintaining her standing in the music space in 2027. “This song is all about expressing yourself – encouraging enjoyment and appreciation for the culture of Trinidad and Tobago. I want people to really get to know what we here in T&T are all about – all that we have and all that we can share with the world,” said the artiste.
The song was produced by Millbeatz Music – a familiar space for the entertainer, as she is also being taught to play the piano and guitar under the Millbeatz Entertainment umbrella – under the tutelage of Kevin Millien. “I’m trying my very best to do both music and school. CXC is serious. I have a time-table that helps me with balancing both my studies and music,” she explained. Jalessa is very aware of the importance of a good education. She has a good head on her shoulders, along with parents who keep her grounded, and guide her every step of the way. “I’m doing Maths, English Language, IT, Social Studies, Principles of Business and Office Administration,” she said, assuring that she will release more music upon the completion of her exams. “I want to be an inspiration to other young entertainers coming behind me. I also want to travel – take my music around the world,” she expressed, adding that she has dreams of stepping into the RnB arena one day – her inspiration being Adele.
A proud student of the artform, under the tutelage of artistes like Preedy, Nailah Blackman, Patrice Roberts and Voice, Jalessa says she loves Soca music and thinks colourful language has no place in the genre. It’s a topic that is fast becoming a cause for concern according to some, this as more artistes experiment with the inclusion of expletives in their music. “I do not support colourful language in Soca. It’s unnecessary and I don’t think it should be used in our music – music that we are sharing with the world,” said the youngster. “I think Soca is a different type of music, from anything else. Music is generally a vibe. It’s therapy for people – our music is all about dancing, freeing up, dressing up in costumes and being happy; it’s happy music,” she added.
Her groovy soca single, ‘Freedom,’ a true expression of her personality and what she wants the world to know about the land of her birth, Jalessa Lazarus continues to reach for the stars, all while drawing awareness to serious issues. “I want to take the time to extend hope and prayers to anyone who’s dealing with any type of cancer this month and everyday onward. God is always with you,” she said.
Rooted in her culture and diligently focused on her future, Lazarus plans on releasing an EP and says even though she will sit out competitions in 2027, she will return after the completion of her CXC exams. Her mother, Phylesha meanwhile expressed immense pride in her daughter’s commitment and took a moment to thank Teddy Rhymes for his support and encouragement. “I don’t think she will be going back into junior competitions but we are looking beyond exams and I want to especially thank Teddy for believing in Jalessa and encouraging her.”
For more on Jalessa Lazarus, follow her on her on Instagram @jalessa_lazarus.
