Ebuzz News
Archived: A Canadian Earthstrong- Bunji Celebrates On Stage With Kardinal Official
Bunji Garlin celebrated his 35th birthday on Sunday with the likes of Kardinal Official and of course his wife and stage partner, Fay-Ann Lyons and while we weren’t quite able to chat with him one on one on Sunday, we’re pretty certain that the self proclaimed Spaniard made the best of the occasion. Last year Bunji celebrated his birthday at his home in Moka where he toasted to another year with friends, Super Jigga TC, Shal Marshall, members of the Asylum band, DJs and radio personalities and of course family. This time around however, duty obviously called and Canada would be celebration central this past Sunday.
Bunji with Kardinal Official in Missassauga yesterday. PHOTO COURTESY: Teeography blogspot
On July 11, the Boss of Soca celebrated his earth strong. Of course, Iwer George was a bit more low key about his celebrations but we imagine that his was filled with some good food as the Point Fortin native has never masked his love for a good country pot. Yesterday, Fay-Ann warmly showered her husi with love online, posting, “Happy Happy Birthday to my King, my heart, my soul, my love! Happy Birthday Ian Antonio Alvarez. I love you!!”, on her Facebook fan page. Bunji meanwhile posted, “Hmmmmm a Canadian birthday this year….” on the Asylum band’s page. The duo shared the stage with Kardinal Official at Celebration Square in Mississauga, Canada during the day yesterday.
Fay Ann celebrated in Canada with her husband yesterday.
PHOTO COURTESY: Teeography.
Following the performance, Kardinal Official posted an image on Instagram with the caption,”The movement has begun. Yesterday me and mi friend @Bunjigarlin performed our brand new chune “Famous” for the first time…it was his birthday, so I hadda reach and buss de chune live. The unity and ideals of the USC (United States of the Caribbean) and the IBC (Island Boy Cartel) is founded on love of your culture, your legacy, your lineage and your respect and adoration of your island. To all people with ties to the West Indies, REPRESENT where your from-whether you are “back home” or in “foreign”. Whether you’re born abroad or in a Liccle hut somewhere wit no AC-be proud of your culture. Out of MANY, one people.”
The ragga soca artiste has been getting widespread praise in recent months for a succession of strategic musical moves that have placed him in high demand with promoters across the Caribbean and internationally. His latest release, “Carnival Tabanca” has been receiving tremendous acclamation.
Much respect to Bunji Garlin, as his spirit soars for yet another year.
Special thanks to Teeography for the images, which we have posted for your viewing pleasure. Be sure to visit her Photo blog because believe it or not, she’s Trini to the bone, representing hard out of Canada!
Ebuzz News
Tobago’s Trendsetter Goofy, A Different Kind of Cultural Ambassador. Show Some Respect.
As Tobago Carnival looms, one artiste who wears the hat of DJ as well, is being singled out as an example of cultural ambassadors who seldom receive the love and support they tremendously deserve.
Trendsetter Goofy, a Soca artist and international DJ from Tobago. In 2025, he took a significant step forward with his first European tour, including an appearance at Munich Carnival in Germany, where he represented Tobago, alongside performances in Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. His international appearances also extended to Toronto and Miami. His efforts have gone by relatively unnoticed by the general public at home in T&T.
In a statement shared by Marion Nwankwo, she notes there is a strong will to change this sad reality. “They pay out of their own pockets. They sacrifice time with their families, take leave from their jobs, face financial setbacks and travel thousands of miles, all to share the music and culture of Trinidad and Tobago with the world. Yet, too often, their stories go untold,” Marion says.
Noting that people like Trendsetter Goofy are “a different kind of cultural ambassador,” she says they are quietly making an impact. “These are the independent artistes and DJs who believe in their music so deeply that they are willing to invest their own hard-earned money, take personal risks and create opportunities for themselves when the industry does not open its doors for them,”she adds.
Trendsetter Goofy is Daren Phillips. This season, he released ‘Take Ah Drink’ on the Bumper Sticker Riddim. He followed that up with ‘This Is Life.’ Marion, in her statement said, “His story raises a question that deserves our attention. Why do we so often celebrate our culture on the world stage without giving enough recognition to the people who personally sacrifice so much to bring it there?”
Trendsetter Goofy, a Soca artist and international DJ from Tobago who is building his career through determination, personal investment and an unwavering commitment to his craft. His journey is a powerful example of the dedication required to represent his homeland internationally, often without the financial rewards or public recognition that such efforts deserve.
Last year, he took a significant step forward with his first European tour, including an appearance at Munich Carnival in Germany, where he represented Tobago, alongside performances in Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. His international appearances also extended to Toronto and Miami. “Behind these achievements were not only performances and travel, but also the realities of everyday life: arranging time away from work, making family commitments work, investing personal resources and dealing with opportunities that did not always go to plan,” shared Marion.
This heartfelt plea for consideration to the less publicly known creatives and cultural ambassadors comes as Tobago announces its first ever Road March competition on the island. It begs the question : Who are the Tobago artistes in the race and are the contenders all known to the public at large who will be in attendance at this year’s Carnival in Tobago?
Ebuzz News
Terri Lyons: “It feels as Though We Are Losing our Icons Right Before our Eyes.”
In the wake of news on Wednesday, October 21st, that Caypsonian, Brother Valentino has passed away, Calypso Queen, Terri Lyons has expressed deep sadness, saying she feels an immense sense of loss for the Artform and for her country, Trinidad and Tobago.
Brother Valentino was 85 years old. He was born in Grenada but moved to Trinidad and Tobago at the age of 5. His repertoire of Calypso classics included, ‘Life Is A Stage,’ ‘Barking Dogs’ and ‘Birds That Fly.’
Lyons, in a statement issued said, as a two-time Calypso Monarch who carries the profound honor of making history within the Calypso arena, she is deeply aware of the weight the title holds. “The National Calypso Monarch represents the global body of our sacred artform – a legacy built entirely on the backs of the many soldiers, warriors, and pioneers who laid the foundation for my generation to stand on,”she said. The ‘Obeah’ singer said, “It feels as though we are losing our icons right before our very eyes, watching the living library of our heritage depart.”
Extending her condolences to Brother Valentino’s family, close friends and the entire Calypso fraternity, Lyons added, “We have lost another true giant of the Artform. While we mourn here on earth, we take comfort in knowing he has peacefully transitioned, earned his wings, and joined the great calypso tent in the sky. May his music, his legacy, and his spirit live on forever through us. Rest in eternal peace.”
