Ebuzz News
Christmas in July Gets Boost with Latin Fusion Music Festival.
In Trinidad and Tobago, efforts to sustain the soca parang industry have seen the rise of mid-year, Christmas celebrations. Dubbed ‘Christmas in July,’ the new age dynamic has taken off, with radio stations and television networks capitalizing on the energy that many across the country, gleefully entertain. Already, the excitement is on and what better time to host a Latin Fusion Music festival, than the present.
Well known, loved and respected parang vocalist, Alicia Jaggasar takes the stage this weekend at Estate 101 in Maraval, for the first ever Latin Fusion Music Festival. The event will also feature Mario Wallerson, Shauntel Skeete, Sonja Chase, Amrika Mutro and EFX The Band, under the musical direction of Emile Fortune.
A media release issued explains that Jaggasar, the 11 time reigning Parang Queen of T&T, is the brainchild of La Casa de Fusión (The House of Fusion). Latin Fusion Music Festival will be a part of La Casa de Fusión’s annual fundraiser, which aims to raise funds to create the first Parang Training Institute in Trinidad and Tobago. Through that initiative, Jaggasar and her supporting team hope to assist youth, and enforce community development.
Saturday’s show will start at 7pm, and will feature a guest performance by the incredible, Baron.
El Alma de Parranda- the name of the institute being formed, will be the formalization of 30 years of work done with the nation’s youth. Jaggasar has produced several concerts, tutored and established parang groups, as well as young calypsonians. She has worked with schools across the country and says the institute will provide knowledge and training on the Parang art-form, using parang music as a medium to teach the Spanish language.
The festival also includes a dance competition, “Bailando” and invites dance schools, dancers and enthusiasts to enter for an opportunity to win cash prizes of between $2,0000 and $5,0000.
Ebuzz News
Miami Broward Carnival Host Committee Elects New Officers.
The Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee is pleased to announce the election of its new officers for the 2024–2026 term. These dedicated leaders are committed to preserving and enhancing the vibrant traditions of Miami Carnival, further solidifying its status as one of South Florida’s most highly anticipated cultural events. The newly elected officers for the 2024–2026 term are:
Board members include: Carl DeCruise, Nicholas Jack, Anthony Joseph,Raymond Luke, Jeanette Haynes, Marlene Gregoire, Gilda Swasey, Larson Phipps, Ruthven Williams, Sydney Roberts, Dallas Michael.
About Miami Carnival
Miami Carnival is the ultimate cultural experience, blending the vibrant elements of Caribbean Carnival with the beauty of South Florida. Held annually over Columbus Day Weekend in October, the festival features four signature events: Junior Carnival, Panorama, J’ouvert, and the iconic Costumed Parade & Concert. Each year, Miami Carnival attracts thousands of visitors and participants from around the world, celebrating Caribbean culture through music, art, and community.
The Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to hosting a safe, family-friendly festival that fosters community pride, civic engagement, and cultural exchange. It provides a platform for Caribbean people in South Florida to share their culture, promote multiculturalism, and drive economic cooperation in the region.
This year, Miami Carnival proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary with a spectacular display of Caribbean culture, creative self-expression, and entrepreneurial spirit. Named one of the Top 100 Events in South Florida, Miami Carnival is a thoughtfully curated celebration featuring pageantry, music, food, arts and crafts, and cultural experiences. Miami Carnival brought the vibrancy of Caribbean culture to life, capturing the essence of community, unity, and joy.
The newly elected officers aim to strengthen the legacy of Miami Carnival, fostering cultural appreciation and community connection while continuing to drive significant economic impact for the region. With their guidance, Miami Carnival will remain a celebration of heritage and a symbol of the unity and vibrancy of the Caribbean diaspora.
“As Chair of the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee, I am deeply honored to lead a talented and dedicated team in continuing the rich legacy of Miami Carnival. This celebration is more than a festival—it is a dynamic showcase of Caribbean culture, community pride, and artistic excellence.Over the years, Miami Carnival has evolved into a globally recognized event highlighting our heritage’s vibrancy and the unifying power of music, art, and culture. Our 40th-anniversary celebration exemplified our community’s resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. “Looking ahead, our new leadership team is focused on elevating this cherished tradition, ensuring it thrives as a symbol of cultural pride and an engine of economic growth for South Florida. I am excited to build on this legacy, foster cultural exchange, and uphold Miami Carnival as a dynamic platform that unites people while driving cultural and economic impact for our region.” — Joan Hinkson-Justin
About the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee:
The Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee is a non-profit organization dedicated to organizing safe, family-friendly festivals that highlight the beauty and diversity of Caribbean culture. Its mission includes fostering community pride, promoting cultural exchange, and building economic cooperation in South Florida’s multi-ethnic and multicultural environment.
Miami Carnival 2025 takes place from October 10th-12th, 2025. For more information about Miami Carnival, visit: MiamiCarnival.org.
Ebuzz News
New Soca Monarch- Like Show Coming. Organisers to Look At Calendar of Events in Preparation for The Way Forward.
A competition or similar type cultural showcase in carnival, is set to be unveiled in the weeks ahead. Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, revealed the appointment of Star Global Productions Limited, to organize and deliver the large-scale carnival 2025 event. The new event will take the place of the International Soca Monarch – a competition which started in T&T in 1993 but dwindled by 2020.
The Production team consists of The Lollabee Group, businessman, Adrian Chandler and media personality and artiste, Jerome Priscilla. “We are excited to partner with the consortium led by Star Global Productions Limited in reimagining the Soca competition for Carnival 2025,” said Minister Randal Mitchell. “This competition will, not only showcase the best in Soca music but will also play a vital role in enhancing Trinidad and Tobago’s standing as a premier cultural and tourist destination,” he added. The Minister went on to articulate the ministry’s anticipation, saying, “We are eager to bring this vibrant aspect of our Carnival to the forefront, furthering the growth of our creative industries and promoting the rich cultural heritage of our nation.”
Via media release, the Ministry noted that on July 29, 2024, an Expression of Interest (EOl) was issued, inviting individuals and organisations to submit proposals for the development and management of a Soca competition. The EOl closed on August 23, 2024, with eight (8) submissions received. Following the receipt of those submissions, the Ministry issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the interested parties on October 29, 2024, which closed on November 19th 2024. It said a rigorous evaluation process was conducted to select a partner for revitalising the competition and advancing the country’s Tourism, Culture, and Arts industries. “It is to be noted that out of the three (3) submissions received following the issuance of the RFP, Star Global Productions Limited’s proposal stood out as the most comprehensive and strategically aligned with the Ministry’s vision for the Carnival 2025 Soca competition,” stated the media release. It added, “Star Global Productions Limited brings expertise in managing large-scale events and producing culturally significant programming, making them an ideal partner to bring this vibrant competition to life.”
The media release explained that Star Global Productions Limited will now plan, organise and implement its proposal, taking into consideration the calendar of events confirmed for the Carnival 2025 period. “The consortium will enter into discussions with the Ministry to finalize arrangements for the competition,” the statement ended.
For the past four years, many have lamented the decline of the International Soca Monarch. Once owned by Caribbean Prestige Foundation founder, William Munroe, the event was subsequently passed around to other major players in Arts and Culture, Media and Business. The pandemic’s sudden strike in 2019 led to a digitally formatted effort by organizers and now, it is left to be seen whether patronage of the once mammoth Carnival competition, will return to its glory days.
At its inception, soca stars like Machel Montano, Iwer George, Mr. Killa, Fay Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin, Iwer George, Shurwayne Winchester, SuperBlue, Shal Marshall, Voice, Farmer Nappy, Benjai, Blaxx and countless others, delivered spectacular artistry, complete with props and dancers, fireworks and thrilling showmanship, to insatiable audiences who showed their support from the Semi Final showcase at the Arima Velodrome in East Trinidad to the finals on Fantastic Friday at the National Stadium. The memories of those incredible years of high momentum carnival fever, remain etched in the hearts of many.
