Those were two major rules created by Trinidad and Tobago’s most powerful musical couple, Fay-Ann and Bunji Garlin, when they first established themselves as a unit. In recent hours, Bunji Garlin’s name has been caught in a web of Twitter posts started by an unknown musician, who goes by the name of Jason Shields with the sobriquet, Fireone. Bunji, in an exclusive interview with ETCETERABUZZ.COM this morning said while he did in fact listen to the song sent by the artiste, approximately one year ago via Twitter, he found it hard to tell the budding artiste that he did not particularly like it. He simply said nothing.
Fay-Ann and Bunji made a musical pact that included not listening to anyone else’s music. PHOTO COURTESY: Teeography.
Bunji told us that years ago both he and his wife, Fay-Ann Lyons had vowed, in a musical agreement with each other that they would never listen to anyone else’s music or sing anyone else’s material. He said he was now feeling the effect of having broken that agreement in part, by simply listening to a song created by a budding artiste, who had so requested. “Unless we are really going to work on a song, we try not to even listen to the music from producers,” he told us. He explained that over time, because of the limitation of musical chords and scales, there is the possibility that music created could sound similar to older music. He said this was not the case with this particular song however, noting that the song submitted by FireOne himself, really sounded nothing like his hit single, “Carnival Tabanca.”
In earnest, both singles do in fact carry identical titles but then again, how many times before have we seen this occur? Numerous. For Bunji Garlin however, this isn’t the issue. He noted that when “Carnival Tabanca” was released a few weeks ago, fellow entertainer, Shurwayne Winchester congratulated him on the song and even mentioned that he too had just wrapped up production on a song that was very similar. “I never even heard Shurwayne’s song. So these things do happen,” said Bunji. “It’s an unfortunate situation but I’m not going to dwell on it. God knows my heart and sometimes God is the only witness,” he rationalised.
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Set for the weekend with gigs in Antigua and Barbados, the Viking of Soca as he’s been coined, says he understands what all artistes, especially budding artistes go through to get their music out and he could never see himself damaging a new entertainer’s chances of making it. He also reminded us of his ability to freestyle, saying, “After a man see me freestyle on stage, what would make anybody think that I would need to steal someone else’s material?”
Regretful for having broken the vow he made with his musical and life partner relative to listening to other people’s music, Bunji Garlin says this is a lesson. He advised other entertainers to cover their bases where this was concerned, noting that things often happen very innocently.
The Atlantic Ocean has long connected Africa and the Caribbean through history and culture. That connection finds a powerful new expression with “Love Again,” an Afro-Caribbean collaboration between global Ghanaian superstar, Black Sherif and Trinidad and Tobago’s acclaimed songwriting and performing duo, brothers Kory and Kevon Hart of Full Blown.
The single was released globally through EMPIRE on September 4th. Built around themes of vulnerability, healing and the courage to love again, the record arrives at a time when creative partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean are reshaping the sound of global music.
‘Love Again’ captures the emotional highs and lows of choosing hope after heartbreak. For Black Sherif, whose introspective storytelling has earned him over 1bn+ streams from his previous album “Iron Boy,” over 5bn+ streams across his catalogue, and a global audience, the collaboration represents another step in expanding the dialogue between African and Caribbean music.
For Kory and Kevon Hart, internationally respected producers and songwriters whose work has shaped countless Caribbean hits, it marks an opportunity to showcase their artistry alongside one of Africa’s defining voices. As Black Sherif continues to share his life through his music, he is not shy about discussing intimacy and love. “Almost all of the necessary affections that I have needed, and have gotten, came from afar, physically and figuratively. As a result, I have a tough time receiving and keeping love or better say intimacy, even though I crave them intensely,” he shared.
Black Sherif
He admits that in his adult years this topic “has become one of the greatest discussions in my bedroom mirror and with this project, I have allowed you a glimpse of it.” Remarkably, despite creating this song together, the artistes did so from different parts of the world. They did not meet until the filming of the official music video. The reality TV-inspired video, which drops on October 15th, further celebrates the undeniable musical chemistry between West Africa and the Caribbean – regions whose cultural ties continue to inspire some of the world’s most exciting sounds.
Full Blown’s involvement in this project further supports their continued exploration of themes related to love and relationships. “This project felt natural and fits our vibe and style perfectly,” the brothers expressed cohesively.
Hailing from the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, where Soca music is the dominant genre, a big part of their dream for the genre has always been to carry the sound of Soca music to the corners of the globe, and to collaborate and share their particular vibe with artistes from different cultures. “This project is another step forward for Full Blown. We’re keeping our dream alive,” said the duo.
As Afrobeats continues its global rise and Caribbean music expands its international reach, ‘Love Again’ reflects a broader movement bringing African and Caribbean artistes closer together. Rather than borrowing from one another, the record celebrates a shared musical lineage while pointing toward an increasingly connected future.
‘Love Again’ is one of 6 tracks featured on his EP titled SUN SHERIF, which is set to follow the success of his second studio album.
There’s a thriving theatre industry in Trinidad ad Tobago. Theatre is a part of T&T’s entertainment landscape that just isn’t given the attention it truly deserves. In the weeks ahead however, there’s certainly going to be a buzz surrounding one production that’ll have everybody talking.
Penelope Spencer’s adaptation of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo,” opens at the Cipriani Labour College on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October 2026, with additional performances scheduled through February 2027 at Queen’s Hall, SAPA and the Central Bank Auditorium.
CPR Productions will be bringing back a play that is undoubtedly fondly remembered by theatre lovers. This time however, a new cast, which includes Cecilia Salazar and Penelope Spencer, as Carmen and Frances, along with Ro’dey, Serran Clarke, Shevonne Metivier and Rachel Bascombe – step into the spotlight with a fresh production under the directorship of Penelope Spencer.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo,” is an adult comedy-drama that’s set in Guapo, deep in the Southern end of Trinidad. It follows four women making a living through the world’s oldest profession and the complicated relationships inside the house they share.
CPR Productions has delivered several successful theatrical productions, including Ridiculous 61⁄2, 7 Year Itch and Two Fat Fellas. With this latest production, the company continues its focus on Trinbagonian theatre, local stories and comedy, rooted in situations and characters audiences recognize.
Tickets for the play are available online at islandetickets.com, as well as K’Squared Fashion locations, Domon’s Shoe Store, Long Circular Mall and HYPEDTT Home & More, Valpark Shopping Plaza. Tickets will also be available through the relevant venue box offices as announced. Patrons are encouraged to secure tickets early for the opening weekend at Cipriani Labour College.
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