Elevation requires separation. For Richard Valentine, the entertainer known as Chynee, or to some, Macoy – his earlier years in music have led him on a journey of development as an artiste. Years after winning the Synergy Soca Star competition, the East, Trinidad native is back in the mix, releasing new Soca music and connecting the dots as he builds a career that he knows he’ll be proud of.
“In 2009, I was young. When I won the Synergy Soca Star competition, it was a whirlwind for me. I performed at major fetes like Licensing Fete, Insomnia, UWI Fete and even Alternative Concepts- my most memorable because I actually shared the stage with Chinese Laundry and Machel Montano, but it was all happening really fast,” he admitted, explaining that he feels that despite being crowned the competition’s winner, he was not mature enough then, to grow and learn the essentials of the music business. Fast Forward to 2025 and Chynee is now on the road to a potentially memorable carnival season in T&T. “Over the past few years, I’ve been working on my development, recording a lot of music and working behind the scenes with many producers. I’m in the process of completing an EP,” he said, adding, “I challenged myself to just record music with the understanding that when the time is right, each of the projects would be shared with the world, as professionally packaged as possible.”
Chynee is also known as Macoy.
Years ago, while still a youth in Trinidad and Tobago, Chynee had very little understanding of marketing strategies. He simply enjoyed performing and was pretty good at delivering vibrant, memorable performances. He would however grow to understand that the music industry is sustained by other essential variables, among them, marketing and branding. “I realized that a lot of times artistes would go into the studio with what they believed were great songs, but they would fail to get the attention they hoped for because their marketing and branding just weren’t enough,” he said.
Over the years, Chynee has worked with producers like Badjohn Republic, Zig Boi Entertainment, Backyard Studios, Klase Productions and even Richard ‘Charsu’ Ahong – one of the country’s most prolific music producers. These days however, he’s hard at work with Sangre Grande’s Chainlinxxx Productions. Their latest project, ‘Ben’ has already been released and Chynee says it’s been an amazing journey working alongside Chainlinxxx. “As an artiste, I’ve come to realize the importance of team work. You really do go further when you’ve got a progressive team of people. I have to thank Chainlinxxx, also Unique Productions – a very talented youngster by the name of Allen Sylvester who’s doing the video and editing for ‘Ben.’ I am also happy to be working with Edward Salandy of E-Video and Photography. They did my photoshoot, which I’m really satisfied with.” With support coming from other entertainers in the industry like Fadda Moses and rapper, Vetta, Chynee says he is grateful for his team.
Amid a State of Emergency in Trinidad and Tobago, the entertainer has been pensive. “I’m a strong believer in prayer and praying for others. It’s worth more when you pray for other people than when you just pray for yourself, but I also believe that action works in tandem with prayer. We must be vigilant,” he said, adding that he believes something drastic had to be done for a better Trinidad and Tobago. “I hope it works in favor of all of us,” he shared.
The Macoya born entertainer whose sobriquet, Macoy entertains the idea of being ‘the real thing’ and plays on the root of his place of birth, is excited for the season ahead. A second single done collaboratively with a new female artiste by the name of Majestic, is also in the pipeline. “She’s a very talented young lady with an amazing voice,” he highlighted, eager to be a part of her entry onto the Soca scene.
As Chynee navigates the season, he says he will do as he always has – observe and learn from the artistes who’ve mastered their craft and those who’ve built great brands and mastered the art of marketing themselves. “I’m naturally a theatrical performer. I will always go the extra mile to leave a lasting impression on the crowd. When I think of Iwer George and what he brings to any stage, I get excited. The crowd loves him and that’s what I would like to experience in my career,” he said.
For now, however, Chynee – The Real Macoy is focused on building his name, igniting the hearts of Soca lovers with good music and delivering a dynamic performance style that will leave a lasting memory.
It might be a complete surprise to see James Saunders on your television screen delivering the sports news and then hear his voice in song, on the radio. For the average fan who grew to love his bubbly personality as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most popular sport anchors, the transition may feel sudden. The truth is, the Moruga-born media personality has been balancing both worlds for nearly two decades – it’s just that, finally, more people are catching on.
“Fake Energy,” a track released in June that recognised Men’s Mental Health, received a lot of love on social media and introduced him to a whole new audience. Speaking with Ebuzztt, the singer pointed out that very rarely are men asked, “How are you… really?” He hopes his new single helps create space for genuine vulnerability, and aids in changing the narrative about what being “strong” really means.
“If we can make those conversations normal, we’ll save lives. We smile publicly while privately carrying disappointment, rejection, loneliness, or self-doubt. If this song gives someone permission to check on a friend, or realize they aren’t alone, then it’s already a success in my eyes,” he shared.
The lyrics hit home on a personal level; he has endured stretches of having to show up for work and family while masking private pain. “It reminds me that music is about more than just entertainment; it sparks the kind of dialogue people have been dodging for years, including me.”
Known by followers for his fire freestyling talent, the entertainer who goes by the sobriquet Jr. Dynamite traces his musical gift back to his late father who was a DJ. Growing up around his record collection exposed him to everything from reggae and dancehall to soul, gospel and calypso. He soon realised music was a tool to tell stories, create memories and bring people together. Today he lists Bunji Garlin, Tiko Angelos, and Vybz Kartel as his “lyrical heroes,” while crediting Papa San, Prodigal Son and Damian Marley for influencing him inspirationally. Over the years James has performed at The Pilgrimage (Trinidad’s biggest gospel festival), The Lime Tobago, and across the Caribbean including Barbados, Anguilla, Grenada, St. Vincent and Saint Martin. He’s also sung on stages as far as Canada and Brazil.
Juggling all of thathas meant sleep often takes a backseat. The sacrifice, he says, feels worth it. “When you’re passionate about something, you make time for it. I never wanted to look back one day and wonder, ‘What if I had given my music a real chance?”
Guided by his Christian faith, he’s careful not to make his music feel like a lecture. He keeps it real; highlighting anxiety, disappointment, and relationships. Nothing is off limits. On the hardest day of their lives, he wants his listeners to press play and feel inspired, believing that “tomorrow can be better.”
Never one to sit still, James, who has penned more songs than he could recall during this interview, is already putting the finishing touches on his new project, an EP due to drop later this year. He calls it his most personal body of work: a collection of melodic stories tackling purpose, perseverance, faith, and identity meant to make you reflect and even shed some tears. “There are songs that will remind you that no matter what life throws at you, there is always hope on the other side.”
When he looks back at his journey, he is proud to have had the courage to pursue his passions despite the setbacks and the naysayers. He even teased that a few international collabs are coming soon. “I don’t want to say too much on that right now,” he said. “I knew this was bigger than a hobby when I found myself writing songs to process life’s experiences and encourage people. Music isn’t just something I do, it is part of who I am.”
Want more? Check out his brand new love release titled “You & Me.”
Grammy Award-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage returns with “Come Feel The Love,” an uplifting new single written and produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Stephen Marley.
Released on July 10th through Ghetto Youths International, the song serves as a vibrant musical invitation to experience Jamaica through its people, culture, landscapes, and unmistakable spirit. According to a media release the song celebrates the essence of Jamaica through authentic storytelling, using the universal language of reggae to capture the island’s warmth, resilience, beauty, and enduring sense of community.
Led by the unmistakable voices of Gramps Morgan and Mojo Morgan, the single paints vivid images of Jamaica’s natural beauty, from the iconic lignum vitae and soursop trees to Negril’s coastline, Lovers’ Leap, and the communities where generations have shaped one of the world’s most influential musical cultures.
Complementing the song is a visually stunning official music video produced by Filmaica and directed by Fernando Hevia. Filmed entirely on location throughout Jamaica, the visual showcases many of the island’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks. Gramps Morgan’s performance scenes were captured in Negril and at the iconic Lovers’ Leap in St. Elizabeth, both destinations referenced in the lyrics, bringing an added level of authenticity and emotional connection, while celebrating the beauty and diversity of Jamaica.
Built around the infectious refrain, “Come Feel The Love,” the record embodies Jamaica as more than a destination – it is a feeling rooted in family, music, community, and connection.
Celebrating Home.
“Come Feel The Love” marks Morgan Heritage’s first newly recorded release since the ascension of one of its founding members, Peetah Morgan, opening a new chapter for one of reggae’s most celebrated groups while honoring the legacy he helped build. The single reflects the band’s enduring commitment to carrying its message of unity, love, and cultural pride to audiences around the world.
“Jamaica has given us so much, our identity, our music, our culture, and our purpose,” said Gramps Morgan. “This song celebrates everything we love about home and invites the world to experience the same warmth and inspiration that continues to shape who we are.”
Mojo Morgan added, “Reggae has always connected people across cultures and generations. ‘Come Feel The Love’ reminds us that Jamaica’s greatest gift isn’t just its beauty, it’s the love, unity, and positive spirit that people feel the moment they arrive.”
The record seamlessly blends Morgan Heritage’s signature harmonies with Stephen Marley’s timeless production, creating a contemporary roots,reggae anthem that honors Jamaica’s traditions while introducing its story to a new generation of listeners.
As one of reggae’s most celebrated families, Morgan Heritage has spent decades carrying Jamaican music to audiences around the world, earning a Grammy Award and building a legacy of socially conscious, spiritually uplifting recordings. Their collaboration with Stephen Marley, one of reggae’s most accomplished artists and producers, brings together two of Jamaica’s most influential musical legacies in a powerful celebration of the island, its people, and its culture.
More than the release of a new single, “Come Feel The Love” represents the beginning of Morgan Heritage’s next chapter, one rooted in the same values that have defined the band for generations while embracing a renewed purpose. As they honor Peetah Morgan’s enduring legacy, the group continues its mission of celebrating Jamaica through music and spreading love, unity, hope, and positivity to audiences around the world.
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