Ebuzz News
Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Keep The Fire Alive with Unconventional Soca Anthems.
There’s something about stepping out of the box that shakes things up a bit. Groovy soca music is sweet to the soul but real fetters require much more. They require a certain element of surprise and harsh lyrical force that only some artistes can truly deliver. Bunji Garlin has proven, time and time again, that he is one of those artistes. At his side, his wife, Fay Ann Lyons Alvarez, is no push over.
As the excitement heading into Carnival 2024 increases, the Power Soca music is now beginning to hit the airwaves in Trinidad and Tobago. Some artistes have remained consistent, delivering sweetness in soca that is typical but coming in with their rough, revelrous spirit, have been Bunji and Fay Ann, much like they’ve always done. Already, the pair have been selected to headline one of the biggest and most anticipated fetes in carnival- Army Fete and there is no doubt that the true reason for that, is the couple’s ability to shake a crowd.
Bunji leapt out of Grenada’s Spice Mas Carnival 2023 with a song called, “Welcome to Greenzland.” Much like it shook the scene in August, it has penetrated T&T, with many recognizing the song’s potency even before any major fete has taken place. On the heels of that, Garlin dropped a song called, “Tell Yuh Modder Now.” The track, laced with a heavy handed, anger infused undertone, has the ability to reach deep into a crowd of revellers – most of whom would likely relate to its concept, after all, life is certainly imperfect.
Like her husband, Fay Ann Lyons- the Viqueen as she is called, has a venomous and powerful tongue and pen. Her music is never ordinary, hardly ever soft and sweet and always for the big crowds. She kicked things off with ‘So What’ on the Resurgence Riddim and so far, that unadulterated-truth kinda single is blazing across the airwaves. Her follow up to that has been ‘Single on The Road’ on the Militant Riddim. Her words, “I’m single every carnival,” speaks to the hearts and souls of not only her females but the men too. Lyons-Alvarez’s tone echoes ‘I doh business’ and it’s likely that when she hits the stage in 2024 the enticement will increase.
Bunji and Fay Ann are just two of the artistes who are ready to bring pure vibes and heat to Carnival 2024. The season, a short one, is expected to be jam packed with events and many anticipate seeing a wide variety of artistes.
Many have argued that the same group of entertainers are constantly seen and heard at fetes while artistes who are less popular, but who may have pretty good songs, are left off stage. The call for music that pushes ‘real revelry’ has been consistent. We anticipate seeing who promoters deliver in the season ahead.
International Buzz
Miami Carnival Is On. ‘Mawnin Suave’ and ‘Glasshouse’ Ready to Deliver.
Caribbean carnival excitement is steadily building as the countdown is on to the highly anticipated Miami Carnival 2024, this coming weekend. The Miami Carnival weekend sees thousands fill the city, ready to create memories with friends and fun seekers, all aligned in some way or another to the Caribbean carnival culture. THC Promotions, a staple brand on the US carnival circuit, is set to unleash their slate of events this season and they’re promising nothing short of good vibes and fun.
Anthony Maingot, Jason Jordan and Akil Jordan are the men behind THC Promotions. They pride themselves on delivering events that can be enjoyed by everyone. “Our aim at THC Promotions has always been to provide patrons with an atmosphere that allows them to feel comfortable in their skin. We welcome everyone to come out to our events and have a great time, no matter race, class or nationality,” said Maingot.
On Miami Carnival Friday, October 11th, the energy builds from 10am as the team hosts ‘Mawnin Suave,’ an event that sees two familiar event names out of Trinidad’s Point Fortin Borough Day celebrations, merge into one, in Miami. “The concept for this event is all white wear and it’s breakfast inclusive. We’re working collaboratively with Love Life Sounds for this event merger, which ironically, is a break- off of Suave, which is hosted on Borough Thursday and Mawnin Neighbour, which is held on Borough Sunday. The music will speak volumes for the experience, as we merge past with present,” said Maingot. He noted that veteran artiste out of Trinidad and Tobago, Ronnie McIntosh will be there along with other artistes. “Our DJ lineup is also really strong so we’re bringing all the necessary elements for a great fete, and inviting all the good people to come through.”
Get Ready for Glasshouse
Then on Monday, October 14th, THC Promotions and Ninja Fete host Glasshouse Miami– an event that’s never one to miss. As the curtains close on the Miami Carnival experience, this event will offer something unique to patrons. Glasshouse will deliver an alternative to the hype of a ‘total soca’ showcase – intentionally bringing fete lovers back down to earth with other music genres they enjoy. “We’ve been doing events in Miami since 2007. We try to make our events as cost effective as possible, especially for those visiting Miami just for this season. There are limited tickets still available for these events,” said Anthony, pointing to online ticketing options, Fronlineticketing.com and Eventbrite.com.
As event promoters in the US Carnival industry, Maingot and Jordan have broken through the glass ceiling, capably using their individual experience in sales and marketing to satisfy their bases. “Our patrons’ satisfaction is extremely important to us. We try to be as accessible to everyone, as we can and we deliver on what we offer.”
Mawnin Suave and Glasshouse are set to thrill those heading over to Miami Carnival with all intents and purposes of having the time of their lives. “What we will assure is that no person attending our events, will leave unfulfilled. Come out and have a great time,” said Anthony. He is excited to show off all that’s set to unfold at what’s been coined, THC Promotions’ Extreme Miami Carnival Weekend 2024.
Miami Carnival
Miami Carnival Organizers Remain Focused Amid Hurricane Milton Threat.
As Hurricane Milton approaches the West Coast of Florida, the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee has issued a statement in light of unsubstantiated information. “It has come to our attention that false reports circulating on social media claim that Miami Carnival 2024 has been canceled. We want to emphasize that this information is not true,” the statement read.
The committee, in this, the carnival’s 40th anniversary celebration, says while the hurricane is not expected to hit the South Florida region, they will maintain checks with credible weather and media outlets for the most up to date and accurate information on conditions that may affect the South Florida region in the days ahead.
“Rest assured, we actively monitor all weather updates and are committed to providing timely information should any operational changes be necessary. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our attendees, performers, and the community,” the statement read. The organizers said that in the event of any changes, prompt announcements will be shared, allowing sufficient time for planning, as needed.
“We encourage you to rely on our official social media channels and website for accurate updates and information regarding all Miami Carnival activities,” the statement continued. The host committee says its prayers are with the communities on Florida’s West Coast and those in the potential path of Hurricane Milton and urges those with flights heading to Miami, to stay informed about potential flight changes or delays related to the hurricane.
Visit miamicarnival.org for all updates on Miami Carnival 2024.
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Miami Carnival1 day agoMiami Carnival Organizers Remain Focused Amid Hurricane Milton Threat.
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International Buzz1 day agoMiami Carnival Is On. ‘Mawnin Suave’ and ‘Glasshouse’ Ready to Deliver.
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Ebuzz News2 days agoA Mas Band Just For The Real Carnival Music Lovers. Blow Mano Blow Is Ready for Carnival 2025.
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International Buzz9 hours agoTenille Clarke’s Industry 360 Makes Valuable International Connection.
