Ebuzz News
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
$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
Trinidad and Tobago is set to stage a revamped International Soca Monarch competition in what is now dubbed The Ultimate Soca Champion competition. The event’s final will be staged on Thursday, February 20th, with the semi final round set for Sunday, February 9th. The announcement was made earlier today by organisers, at a media conference held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
The organisers said the competition will not be split into Groovy/Power categories, however they said there will be special prizes for Best Groovy Soca, Best Power Soca and People’s Champion, based on public votes.
The event will feature the Ultimate Soca Champion reality TV show which organizers say is aimed at giving viewers an intimate look into the competition. “We believe this will help our culture to reach international audiences when packaged properly,” the team said.
In-Person Auditions will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Fernando Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA). Regional/ International Artistes who are not in Trinidad and Tobago, are required to submit video auditions from January 20th at 8:00am to January 26th at 11:59pm.
“We aim to make this a production that captivates
audiences worldwide,” said Rome. “The Ultimate Soca Champion Competition will not only
elevate soca to international standards but also inspire the next generation of artistes.”
For registration, submission guidelines, and updates, visit ultimatesocachampion.com from Monday January 20th, or email ultimatesocachampion@gmail.com.
Music News
Problem Child, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous Ride New ‘Powerful’ Riddim. 47 Productions Eyes Road March.
There’s another big project coming out of Dwayne Bravo’s 47 Productions in Port-of-Spain, and just like the Pineapple Riddim last month, it features some big names in Soca music.
The Viking of Soca, Bunji Garlin, Grenada’s Skinny Banton, Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child- both St. Vincent and the Grenadines entertainers, grace the ‘Powerful Riddim’- described as a heart-pounding, adrenaline-packed Power Soca riddim that’s guaranteed to light up every fete the season, even with potential for the Road March.
Bunji Garlin deliver’s ‘On De Go’ – a high-octane single that celebrates vibes and undiluted energy, while on Skinny Fabulous’ ‘Like We Rich,’ elements of a grandeur lifestyle, inclusive of living large, partying hard and embracing the high life, are showcased in song. The Vincy BadBoy, Problem Child is also a part of this project with a track called, “Not Behaving,’ undeniably living up to his name. Other artistes on the riddim are Grenadian duo, Lil Natty and Thunda who share their energy with, ‘Wah Dis,” and skinny Banton with ‘Property.” Tommy Sanchez wraps it up, adding a fresh, new vibe with his single, ‘Bend.’
The riddim is being touted as the ultimate soundtrack for the road on Carnival Monday and Tuesday and comes just as Soca megastar, Machel Montano has released, ‘Pardy,’ already getting the nod of approval from die-hard Machel fans.
While the race to the annual Road March anthem of choice in still quite a distance away, several people have already begun the conversation about what’s best for the road. Mical Teja’s ‘Energy’ and ‘Higher Power’ offer masqueraders an infectious, positive energy for the road, while Bunji’s ‘Thousand’ hits hard, delivering high impact and bassy undercurrent that’s hard to ignore.
47 Productions has been strongly contending on the music scene in Trinidad and Tobago in recent years. This year’s Pineapple Riddim, which features, Machel Montano, Lyrikal, Patrice Roberts, Rupee and 47Ronzy, has been well received, with Machel Montano applauding Bravo’s consistency, even as someone invested behind the music scene. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this Carnival season while 47 Productions continues to create space for others to rise,” Bravo had said, at the launch of the riddim in December.
The “Powerful Riddim” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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Music News1 week agoThe Power of People. Rae Credits Motto, Darryl Gervais for Her Rise in Soca. Delivers ‘Throw Waist.’
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Caribbean Buzz5 days ago$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
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Music News5 days agoProblem Child, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous Ride New ‘Powerful’ Riddim. 47 Productions Eyes Road March.