Ebuzz News
Archived: Caribbean Artist Tells the World, ‘Call on Jah’; Unleashes COVID-19 Healer.
Arising out of strict distancing measures, deaths and heartache suffered around the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, music to heal, uplift and empower is breaking through. For far too long, negative lyrics and hate have permeated the airwaves around the world, and now, one entertainer- a Trinidad and Tobago national who resides in the United Kingdom, is delivering against the grain.
Sheldon Skeete is Calypso Don- a four-time UK Calypso Monarch Champion and a Royal Airforce member. He has stood firmly for the Calypso genre, having been deeply impacted by his own father’s appreciation for the genre. Skeete migrated from Trinidad and Tobago to the UK in 1997 at the age of 18 and since that time, he has shown true patriotism, teaming up with producer and fellow artist, Kerwin DuBois in 1999 to first deliver a track called, “Millennium Jam.” The song- the artiste’s first major release, was produced by DuBois and made it to the Top 20 charts in that genre, in the UK.
Pleased with his initial effort, Skeete persistently poured himself into Calypso, focusing on bettering his writing and entering various competitions, even back home in T&T. His growth over time showed and from 2012 to 2015 he took home the first prize in the annual UK Calypso Monarch Finals. In 2014, he however won both the Calypso Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch titles, wetting his foot and essentially succeeding with the Soca genre. He was the first artist to accomplish this in the UK. Skeete was even asked to performed at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Royal Airforce and it was during that time that he met and began working with Trinidadian producer, Juelio Nelson. “They asked me to do a song to commemorate the occasion and this is where Juelio and I met and we did the production. The song was entitled, “One Hundred Years,” and while they wanted a calypso track, we felt it best to do a Soca track because of the celebration of the anniversary,” said Skeete. That initial meeting would start a relationship that has now led to a commitment to work together for the delivery of purposeful projects now and in the future. “We’ve released two songs so far this year, ‘Latina’ and ‘Call on Jah’”, said Skeete, noting the timeliness of the second release, amid the world’s current climate of uncertainty.
“Call on Jah”, a multi-faceted piece of work that hears reggae, dancehall and Afro beats manipulated for a crisp sound, offers additional vocal contributions from Jamaican artist, King Ferno and Nigerian singer, Xagi. “When we initially listened to the track, we felt the urge to add more to it and when it was done, we knew it was perfect,” said Skeete. The new single is purposeful and fitting for global audiences, sharing words of hope and encouragement to all, during this time.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating effects, certainly at the forefront of every persons’ thoughts at this time, Calypso Don says he knows the power of music and with that, hopes that the world will take a moment to hear, feel and embrace the love and hope that ‘Call on Jah’ brings to them. Beyond this project, the artist and his super producer are keenly anticipating work on Soca projects. Eager to get connected to everyone in T&T, Skeete urges music lovers to follow him on Instagram @doncalypso, Twitter @Calypso_don and check out his YouTube channel Calypso Don.
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.
Ebuzz News
Trinidad and Tobago’s Voice Will Rep for Soca at Best of the Best 2026. Artiste’s Inclusion Shows Soca’s Global Reach.
He had one of the most memorable Carnival seasons with a Soca track that stole the hearts of Soca lovers in 2026 and now Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis is set to represent hard for the Soca music genre at the upcoming ‘Best of the Best’ Music Festival in Miami on May 26th. His appearance will be his debut to the highly anticipated festival and already, the energy is high.
Voice represents the bridge between Millennial Soca and GenZ vibes. ‘Cyah Behave Mehself’ was lapped up like good Caribbean food at Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago back in February, and it is expected to do the same as the international summer season approaches.
Set to take place on May 26th at Museum Park, Downtown Miami, Voice’s inclusion on the cast underscores the Soca genre’s continued global reach within a predominantly reggae and dancehall showcase. Known for his high energy performances and melodic songwriting, the Trinidad and Tobago three -time Soca Monarch King has built an extensive catalogue of hits that that has proven to resonate with a global audience.
Organizers say anticipation for Voice’s performance at Best of the Best, is high. “Fans are looking forward to a dynamic set that brings soca’s signature energy to the festival stage.”
Best of the Best Music Fest remains one of North America’s premiere Caribbean music events, drawing fans from across the region and Diaspora for a full day of live performances. This year’s lineup includes, Sizzla Kalonji, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Rajah Wild, Skeng, Vanessa Bling, among others.
