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Blow Mano Blow Launches Tribute To Lord Kitchener, This Saturday.

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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. 

Blow Mano Blow played ‘McCarthy Party’ in 2024.

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. 

The Monday T -shirt mas band bridges the generational gap.

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. 

Music News

‘Lucifer Puppet’ – New Track Brings It Straight. Minister on A Mission.

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Ronald Herry is ‘Minister’

Armed with purpose and strengthened daily by his virtue, Minister – a spiritually inclined artiste, is set to unleash a track that he knows, has the power and potential to persuade change in depressed communities across Trinidad and Tobago. 

Ronald Herry is a man on a mission. He has dedicated his life to serving God and doing God’s will, using his talent now, to go beyond the walls of his ministry, and reach into the hearts of men. “‘Lucifer Puppet’ is a song that is made for a time such as this,” he says. The track, penned by the artiste himself and produced by Chinx Roots, seeks to revive consciousness, awaken right thinking, particularly since Minister is of the firm belief that much of what the world is presently experiencing goes beyond the physical realm. “With the crime situation as it is, and the way that our youths are involving themselves in gangs and violence, I believe this song is relevant. For those of us who believe in the spiritual side of things, we know there are forces behind it all, and I think the song will bring heightened consciousness to what is behind these things,” said the singer. 

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, reacting to a spate of violent attacks among school aged children recently, has threatened expulsion for those found violating the expected code of conduct. For the artiste, Minister, and the team of creatives dedicatedly pushing positivity, efforts are consistently being made to reach troubled youth on their level. “In marketing this song and its lyrics, our creative team will utilize social media to a great extent. We’ve also placed a lot of effort into the visuals for the single, which directly speaks the language of the youths,” said Stephon Gabriel – engineer at Gabriel Creative Studios. Together with Minister, he has given great consideration to the impact music has had on society. “The video for the song will show, in the simplest way, just how much people are being used in nefarious ways. Negativity has been glamorized, particularly on social media. The song will point out the ways in which society is being used and abused, and we’re confident it will awaken a sense of consciousness,” said Minister. 

‘Lucifer’s Puppet’ isn’t the artiste’s first deliverable in the creative space. “I’ve worked alongside artistes like Blackie and Chucky in the past. I’ve been around the industry, but I never pursued it heavily. I didn’t really think it was for me,” explained Herry. He however believes in the power of evangelism and the importance of using one’s gifts with purpose. “As a minister in ministry and the leader of a youth group, I am heavily involved in evangelism. I understand the importance of reaching the youths on their level. I am privy to their stories and in dealing with them I understand what they are involved in,” he said, reiterating the importance of restoring sight to the blind. “Many of these youths are just children and they are more or less spiritually blinded or lacking knowledge and understanding, so you really can’t blame them. Many of them do not have the parental guidance needed.” 

Minister believes parents are the first crime stoppers in any society and urges proper guidance. “Instilling positive values in our youth is still very important. Another important aspect of parenting is ensuring that children understand rules and adhering to them because this essentially trickles down into society. What we see happening across our communities is simply a reflection of what is happening in the home,” he said. Optimistic in the power of positive music, Minister says he wants to deliver music that will stimulate the mind and spark a thought, bringing light into dark areas. He laments the popular culture that propagates negative expression, saying that while a song may seek to share one person’s story with the rest of the world, it may have an adverse effect on someone else. “If the music does not highlight solutions and encourage change, all that’s being shared is a negative narrative. If the song is speaking about the impact of a particular lifestyle, it’s important that the solutions be shared as well,” he argued, adding that while the world has glorified negativity, the truth is, those singing the negative lyrics are merely seeking a way out, unconscious of those they are leaving in the mess. 

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Ebuzz News

Caribbean Vibes Take Over Times Square in Epic Celebration of Culture and Unity.

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New York City turned into a Caribbean carnival hotspot on Tuesday, June 10, as “A Caribbean Fete in Times Square” lit up the heart of Manhattan with music, color, and contagious island energy. The electrifying event, hosted by I AM CARIBBEING in collaboration with TSQ Live, marked Caribbean American Heritage Month in true festive fashion — drawing thousands of revelers and maxing out Times Square’s capacity, according to official sources.

For two hours, the Crossroads of the World throbbed to the rhythms of Soca, Dancehall, Reggae, Kompa, and more. Global party starters DJ Private Ryan and Kevin Crown turned the square into a massive outdoor dance floor, with flag-waving fans from across the Caribbean diaspora (and beyond) moving to the beat. A surprise set from Soca star Trinidad Killa amped up the party even more, delivering an explosive performance that had the crowd in full fete mode

As national flags soared high and the crowd pulsed in vibrant unison, Times Square was transformed into a living tribute to Caribbean pride. The grand finale? A euphoric eruption as Machel Montano’s Road March-winning hit “Pardy” blared through the speakers, sending fans into a frenzy.

“It was iconic,” said DJ Private Ryan, fresh off the stage and fresh from receiving an official proclamation from the City of New York. “To represent Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean at large in such a globally recognized venue is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I hope we see more of this — more world-class celebrations of our vibrant culture.”

And he’s not alone. Shelley Worrell, founder of I AM CARIBBEING and Little Caribbean NYC, called the night “historic” for both the Caribbean community and the broader diaspora. “To see so many flags represented, so much joy and cultural unity in Times Square — it was a powerful moment,” she shared. “The energy from DJ Private Ryan, Kevin Crown, and Trinidad Killa created a viral buzz across TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. Caribbean culture was on full display, and the world was watching.”

The event wasn’t just for Caribbean nationals either — organizers handed out themed bandanas to non-Caribbean attendees, making sure everyone felt the love and spirit of the islands. Families, tourists, longtime New Yorkers — all came together in one big, beautiful display of inclusion and celebration.

“A Caribbean Fete in Times Square” was more than a party — it was a cultural milestone. As the first event of its kind in the iconic space, it set a new precedent for Caribbean visibility in mainstream spaces. With I AM CARIBBEING leading the charge, this high-energy showcase is just the beginning of a larger movement to uplift Caribbean voices and legacies not only in New York, but worldwide.

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