Ebuzz News
Archived: Why Bunji Stands By His Wife. It All Goes Back To His Dad’s Advice. PLUS… News on the Miss Universe Scandal.
Fay Ann Lyons’ name is often caught up in some bit of controversy or another, whether it’s on social media or otherwise. The carnival entertainer who killed it in the year 2009 when she became the first female to win both the International Power and Groovy Soca Monarch titles, has been classified by some as bossy and controlling, but to her husband, Bunji Garlin, her strength is what keeps him motivated.
Fay Ann Lyons with Yvonne Clarke at yesterday’s press conference.
In the hours leading up to this feature, Lyons-Alvarez became the most sought after Soca artist in Trinidad and Tobago as the local media scrambled to get a soundbite or two of her reaction to the scandal of Yvonne Clarke’s disqualification from the Miss Universe pageant- a title she had only two weeks earlier, attained.
The franchise holder for the local arm of Miss Universe, Jenny Douglas, had written to the young woman on Tuesday morning indicating that she had breached her contractual agreement and would no longer be heading to Las Vegas as the T&T representative. Instead, Martrecia Alleyne, the competition’s first runner up, would be representing T&T at the globally viewed competition. The country was up in arms over the news. Lyons-Alvarez called a press conference. She had stepped in to help Clarke as a sponsor- having agreed to purchase her airline tickets to head to Las Vegas in November. When she eventually met Clarke, Lyons-Alvarez and her team at MIME Limited, decided to assist the T&T representative as much as they could, having been told that sponsorship was not as forthcoming as hoped. From photoshoots, to clothing, public appearances, a hair appointment with world renowned hair stylist, Neal Farrinah (hairstylist to Beyonce, Nicki Minaj and Monica, and other important areas of requirement as outlined by the international Miss Universe organization, Lyons-Alvarez and her team had jumped in to help. The effort would soon be in vain however, as Clarke’s position as the representative was revoked.
Fay Ann, on Tuesday, speaking at the press conference held at her Viking House office, in Mucurapo, Trinidad, said she had no interest at all in being a part of any Miss Universe organization. She said she had no previous affiliation with Clarke, despite allegations by Jenny Douglas that Lyons-Alvarez had been a sponsor for the past five months. Fay Ann roared loudly and made it clear on Tuesday afternoon that her name would not be dragged through the mud by Douglas, especially since, all she wanted to do was assist the Trinidad and Tobago delegate who had approached her for help.
Ebuzz News
Jamaica’s Mavado to Receive Lifetime Award at IRAWMA Awards This Year.
David Brooks, best known as dancehall artiste, Mavado is set to be honored at this year’s 43rd International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) awards on May 17th, in South Florida. He’ll be presented with the Special Lifetime Achievement Award which represents a celebration of resilience, dominance and legacy.
In a statement, the organizers noted that Mavado is known for his unmistakeable voice, global influence and cultural impact. “Mavado has transcended borders, elevating Dancehall to international acclaim,” the statement reads.
In addition to this night of IRAWMA’s celebration of excellence in reggae and world music, globally renowned dancehall superstar, VYBZ Kartel tops the list of more than 150 nominees with 11 nods, and competing against himself in some of the categories, he is followed by Sean Paul and Shaggy with 8 nominations, each.
On the female side, Spice, Lila Ike, and Shenseea tied with 5 nominations each. Hosted by a dynamic lineup including Comedian Dufton Shepherd, Marcia Jackson, and Oliver Mair, the evening promises electrifying performances, unforgettable tributes, and a room filled with icons, tastemakers, and industry leaders.
In a show of gratitude for his conscious musical contribution, Gramps Morgan will be recognized for his song “People Like You,” highlighted as the most outstanding Spiritually Uplifting Song since the new Millennium.Gramps will join a distinguished class of honorees including Burning Spear, Wayne Armond, and Awilo Longomba—each representing excellence across genres and generations.
Caribbean Buzz
The Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
It’s a brand new concept being brought to life, in Point Fortin, however its impact, according to organizers, is already proving immense. The annual Point Fortin Borough celebrations, culminates this weekend and on Sunday, an event with a bigger purpose at heart, is anticipated to draw a massive crowd to fete, for the greater good.
Naya George and Anson George spoke exclusively with Ebuzztt.com ahead of the all inclusive experience. They’re excited to see their vision come to life. Anson, a well known name on the carnival and entertainment circuit, is known for his strong involvement in the BeachHouse Carnival brand. “It’s going to be on par with BeachHouse,” he assured, asserting ‘Flowers’ as the new ‘must attend’ fete in Borough Day festivities. “There are other events happening on Sunday in Point Fortin but there’s no other event of this caliber, happening,” said Anson, explaining that a few tickets are still available for those who still want to get in.
For Naya, the effort is less about business, and more about purpose. “We are partying with a purpose. We want to let people know that this isn’t just about feting. This is the only party that’s happening in Point Fortin that’s giving back to Point Fortin,” he explained, adding that proceeds will go toward investment in the young people. “The first set of projects will be at the Point Fortin West Secondary School where the event is being held. We are going to revitalize the sports programme, playing field restoration, sporting equipment and that kind of stuff, to ensure the youths have a place to find themselves in the area of sports. Flowers is the premiere fund raiser to do these things,” said George.
Set to welcome fete lovers from 5pm on Sunday at the Point Fortin West Secondary School, Flowers will feature a cast of talented artistes, inclusive of Nadia Batson and Lyrikal. “We want to raise fund in style and with high quality at heart, hence the reason the event’s caliber is high. This is going to be a first for Point Fortin,” said Naya George.
The Point Fortin Borough experience is widely attended, with a series of cultural events leading up to the weekend of excitement that is anticipated by locals and visitors alike, each year. “Flowers has set the tone for the Borough Day evolution I think,” said Naya George. “Fusion came to an end last night,” noted Anson. He said the cultural extravaganza, which was similar to Carnival’s Flava Village, was a huge success and noted the wide variety of cultural traditions, shared between April 25th and April 30th. “If people can jump on a plane to experience Grenada carnival, we are certain they can come from West and North Trinidad to enjoy the Point Fortin Borough activities,” said Anson, making it clear that ahead of the upcoming weekend, hotel and guest house occupancy is already high.
“Borough is like a second carnival,” said Anson. He said there are fetes happening throughout the day on Friday. “When you come, you get a taste of everything you get in carnival. You get the fetes, the all inclusive, the jouvert, the street food, the culture,” he highlighted, and this year, for the very first time, fans of culture, creativity and altruism, will fete with purpose at Flowers – a distinct, top tier, premium all inclusive experience in the heart of the borough.
Tickets for the event are available online at Stacy’s House Of Hair – Point Fortin, Atherley’s By The Park – San Fernando, Terminal 4 – Long Circular Mall and online at theticketgeneral.com.
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Caribbean Buzz1 week agoThe Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
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Ebuzz News4 days agoJamaica’s Mavado to Receive Lifetime Award at IRAWMA Awards This Year.
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International Buzz2 days agoTrinidad and Tobago’s Kes The Band Shares Feel Good Soca Vibes on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk.