Ebuzz News
Blow Mano Blow Launches Tribute To Lord Kitchener, This Saturday.
The legends of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival are remembered annually by Burt Marcellin and his dedicated team at mas enterprise, Blow Mano Blow Mas. With just a few months before the revelry of another carnival season unfolds, Marcellin has revealed that this year’s presentation, ‘Mama Dis Is Mas,’ is a special one. He highlights the welcomed involvement of veteran mas maker, Chris Humphrey.
On Saturday, September 28th, the Carnival Monday mas band launches its 2025 presentation, which pays tribute to Aldwyn Roberts – the Calypsonian known world over as, Lord Kitchener. Gone, but certainly not forgotten, Kitchie’s music remains a tremendous source of inspiration for much of today’s Calypso and Soca artistes. “I believe we must keep the legacy of these artistes alive,” said Marcellin, recalling that out of the seven Brass-O-Rama titles won by his father, Mano Marcellin, six of these were accomplished by playing songs sung by Lord Kitchener. The elder Marcellin was the man responsible for incorporating live music on music trucks in T&T’s carnival. “This is our way of carrying on tradition, ensuring that carnival and the elements that make T&T’s festival a unique one, are not forgotten,” said Burt.
Ahead of 2025, the band launch at Quties- One Woodbrook place, will see an unveiling of four sections. On welcoming Humphrey to the Blow Mano Mas operation, Marcellin said, “It’s an honor to have Chris Humphrey involved with us this year. He is a legendary mas maker – a stalwart in the industry.” Doors opening at 8pm, those attending are in for a treat, with live brass music being delivered by Brass 2 The World, accompanied by Sanelle Dempster, Snakey, Sekon Sta and KC.
“We’ve been involved in a revolution since 2017 when it comes to this type of mas and experience. What we offer is truly an experience on the road. Our musicians are not stationed on the trucks. They are in the crowd, playing their instruments and engaging with our masqueraders,” Marcellin shared, adding that last year’s Monday presentation won the band the title of Most Original Band of the Day- Carnival Monday at the Savannah. “What I can say is that we’ll be stepping it up in 2025 with something very, very different,” he teased, assuring that masqueraders choosing Blow Mano Blow receive tremendous value in a band that is cost effective and safe. “It’s all about giving people another option when it comes to experiencing T&T’s carnival – those people who don’t want to pay exorbitant costume prices, those people who do not want to play in oversized mas bands and those music lovers who really want to experience live music on the road,” said Marcellin.
Security, Fun, Live Music – All Top Tier
Security of his masqueraders, a focal element of Marcellin’s planning, he has teamed up with the professionals at All Pro Security, to ensure everyone in Blow Mano Blow Mas, enjoys a safe Carnival Monday 2025. “We’re discussing adding cameras to our trucks, for that added bit of comfort next year,” he shared. A maximum capacity crowd of 600 its goal annually, Blow Mano Blow Mas is trailblazing in a culture that is usually punctuated by the concept of evolution. “The history of our culture is rich and diverse. We offer a bit of both worlds- sharing the energy of our legends in music, while still welcoming contemporary systems on Carnival Monday. Our masqueraders enjoy a drinks and food inclusive experience. We also offer portable washrooms and our cool-down buses for convenience and overall enjoyment,” he highlighted.
In this its 5th presentation, ‘Mama Dis Is Mas’, the Blow Mano Blow Mas family is excited to once again bring its vision to life on the road. “Last year, masqueraders were very happy with the inclusion of The Point Fortin Iron Giants’ on the road. They played from the hospital to the Savannah and the masqueraders enjoyed that element,” he recalled.
For Marcellin, this is more than just playing mas. It’s preserving the legacy of Mano Marcellin- his father, and certainly, the musicians and artistes who played a pivotal role in T&T’s Carnival product.
For more information on Blow Mano Blow Mas, follow @blowmanoblowmastt on Instagram, @blowmanoblowmas on Facebook or call 286-6819.
Ebuzz News
C.C Teams Up With Hooligan. Artiste Holds The Faith for More Radio Support.
One female soca artiste says she is praying that one day, God will shine a light on the music industry in Trinidad and Tobago, to afford her and other budding artistes, an opportunity to truly be heard. Not the average ‘new artist,’ Crystal Charles, best known as C.C is the frontline singer of the band, Brass 2 The World. She was recruited to join the ranks of the well-respected brass band, in 2025 and says it’s been the highlight of her career thus far. As the spotlight turns from Christmas into another intense Carnival season, the entertainer who’s been in the industry professionally since 2010, is hoping that a larger cross section of T&T will hear her music.
A short season in play, C.C has unleashed ‘Time’ alongside fellow entertainer, Hooligan. It was produced by Okay Pronto out of New York City, and boasts a strong Afrobeat synergy with Soca. “Hooligan and I just built a vibe and wrote this song on the spot,” she said, adding that it was also her very first experience working with Pronto. “The song is an Afro/Soca/Dancehall blend, with a smooth, sweet vibe,” she explained, noting that the aim is to penetrate not just the short T&T carnival season, but also an international audience. Like many others in the world of Soca, C.C has been patiently waiting her turn and with a powerful vocal tone, she knows she is deserving of consideration. “I’ve been in the business for a long time but I took a break for about 6 years and returned to music. I know stepping away when I did, impacted my growth as an artiste but I am back at it and I know that consistency in important to success.”
Describing her musical style as groovy, passionate, emotional, sweet and RnB infused, C.C does not shy away from her feminine energy. “I’d love to work with Nadia Batson, Patrice Roberts and Machel, someday,” she revealed, explaining that she’s been honing her writing skills, building confidence in this area and learning that believing in herself is necessary to success. “’Time’ is both intimate and infectious. I think it’s a feel-good song that’s perfect for late-night rendezvous and intimate relations,” said the singer, making it clear that this one, while unleashed ahead of Carnival, is risqué and perfectly suited for adults.
C.C – the artiste who wears multiple hats as a businessowner and medical professional, is eager to push into the industry and says she sees herself exploring multiple music genres, and delivering several albums within the next five years. “I’ve learnt that consistency is key. I believe that as an artiste you just have to keep pushing and eventually, when your time comes, and God says yes, nobody can say no. I’m just keeping the faith,” she affirmed.
Follow C.C’s journey as she welcomes the thrill of Carnival 2026 alongside Hooligan and as lead singer of Brass 2 The World. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be for the excitement and the opportunities. I want everyone to follow me on my ride @c.c_theoneandonly on Instagram,” she said.
Music News
No Stopping Tizzy. Antigua’s Soca Star Returns to T&T Ahead of Carnival 2026.
Passion and an undying love for Soca music are the elements that propel one of the region’s most enjoyed female Soca artistes, to keep going. Antigua and Barbuda’s Tizzy has never wavered in her commitment to Soca music. From her hit single, ‘Expose’ some years ago, to present day singles released, ‘Fire Marshall’ and ‘Freak in De Fete,’ the vibrant performer is excited to re-establish herself in Trinidad and Tobago ahead of Carnival 2026.
Set to hit the ground running in the weeks ahead in T&T, the entertainer says her return to the spotlight this year, comes after much personal reflection and decisions made on her brand, and who she wanted to be as she moved forward. “My motivation in this business is life,” said the singer, affirming that she believes her journey in the industry can help others. “Singing soca music – performing, is something I’m very passionate about and I want to positively encourage those looking on at my story, and my journey. I want them to see that even through the highs and the lows, I have been resilient and I keep pushing,” she explained.
In recent time, Tizzy has been working dedicatedly on her sophomore album, ‘Jus Ah Come,’ – something that she is proud to have branded solely as her accomplishment as an artiste. “All of the songs that I released before this album were under ElAkru Music. These new songs are all available on all streaming platforms and I must thank my ElAkru Music family for their support and of course my husband Rohan Hector, who is both my manager and producer,” she shared. The ElAkru Music team remains a consistent part of Tizzy’s musical journey. “As a team we’ve gone through the highs and lows of the business but we’ve never stopped believing. Once you find something that you love and you know who you are, then you will keep doing it and you won’t find it worrisome. It won’t be work alone; it’ll also be fun,” she said with excitement.
Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival, the most anticipated highlight of the regional and international Carnival calendar, Tizzy, like many other regional artistes, is eager to meet and interact with the people who enjoy Soca music. “Soca is a powerful, energetic genre. It’s an expression of what it means to be a Caribbean person. We work 365 days of the year and we look forward to this music- these vibrant songs to release our inhibitions, at least once every year,” she pointed out.
Her two singles, ‘Fire Marshall’ – written by Emerge Media and ‘Freak in De Fete,’ which was written by Barbados’ Jus D, are true expressions of Tizzy’s untamed energy. “I’m looking forward to a great carnival 2026 and beyond,” she said, highlighting that 2025 has already been very good to her, following the love she received during Antigua and Barbuda’s carnival. “I released three songs that were all well received in Antigua. “Big Ben,” “Charge Up” and “When Last,” which featured T&T’s Viking Ding Dong, got a lot of love throughout the season. I couldn’t have hoped for better. I think it was the launch for greater things,” said the artiste.
A strong relationship built over the years with bands in T&T like Destra and Atlantik and even D All Starz, Tizzy feels at home in Trinidad and Tobago. She recently stopped in for a few days, making the rounds to radio stations to release her music. Following that, Tizzy has since unleashed the new video for ‘Freak in De Fete’ and says she plans on unleashing two brand new Power Soca tracks in the days ahead.
For more on Tizzy as she hits the social circuit ahead of T&T’s Greatest Show on Earth, follow her on all social media platforms @therealtizzy. “For business inquiries, folks can reach out via email as well, at ElAkrumusic@gmail.com.”
