Music News
Chynee Wants The Ladies to Ben’. Artiste Delivers Pure Hype As Carnival Heats Up.
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.”
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.
Ebuzz News
Jaiga’s Next 10 Artistes Boosted Big Time With Guaranteed Stag Stage Showcase.
It’s a major show of confidence – taking 15 relatively new artistes and giving them the opportunity to showcase on Carnival Wednesday February 11th and Thursday, February 12th at Roxy Roundabout in Port- of-Spain. Stag has teamed up with The Next 10 – a new talent search project that highlighted those less seen, in 2026. It’s the brainchild of well known radio personality and artiste, Terrin ‘Jaiga’ Callender.
Jaiga has always been a man of tremendous foresight when it comes to the Soca music industry. He brought many artistes to the forefront years ago with Synergy TV Soca star. Since that time, many have been calling for productions like it, to amplify the efforts of rising stars.
Among the 15 singers who’ll be featured on Stag Stage this year are, Mr. Lee, Keshav, Rishaun G, Mela and Zebee and Keone. In a chat with Ebuzztt, Jaiga expressed immense gratitude to Carib Brewery and the Stag brand for supporting the initiative. Born out of sheer passion and encouraged by the raw talent he heard by those who presented their music this past season, the radio personality and artiste packaged the music and delivered the new songs on social media. The feedback was positive and from there, interviews with the artistes followed. Behind the scenes, Jaiga saw the potential for the artistes to be promoted in a bigger way. Stag Stage will offer the entertainers a place in T&T’s carnival 2026.
Stay tuned to Ebuzztt. Stag Stage highlights from the initial presentation of the 15 artistes will be featured throughout the season, as we get ready for the LIVE show in Port of Spain on February 11th and 12th.
Ebuzz News
C.C Teams Up With Hooligan. Artiste Holds The Faith for More Radio Support.
One female soca artiste says she is praying that one day, God will shine a light on the music industry in Trinidad and Tobago, to afford her and other budding artistes, an opportunity to truly be heard. Not the average ‘new artist,’ Crystal Charles, best known as C.C is the frontline singer of the band, Brass 2 The World. She was recruited to join the ranks of the well-respected brass band, in 2025 and says it’s been the highlight of her career thus far. As the spotlight turns from Christmas into another intense Carnival season, the entertainer who’s been in the industry professionally since 2010, is hoping that a larger cross section of T&T will hear her music.
A short season in play, C.C has unleashed ‘Time’ alongside fellow entertainer, Hooligan. It was produced by Okay Pronto out of New York City, and boasts a strong Afrobeat synergy with Soca. “Hooligan and I just built a vibe and wrote this song on the spot,” she said, adding that it was also her very first experience working with Pronto. “The song is an Afro/Soca/Dancehall blend, with a smooth, sweet vibe,” she explained, noting that the aim is to penetrate not just the short T&T carnival season, but also an international audience. Like many others in the world of Soca, C.C has been patiently waiting her turn and with a powerful vocal tone, she knows she is deserving of consideration. “I’ve been in the business for a long time but I took a break for about 6 years and returned to music. I know stepping away when I did, impacted my growth as an artiste but I am back at it and I know that consistency in important to success.”
Describing her musical style as groovy, passionate, emotional, sweet and RnB infused, C.C does not shy away from her feminine energy. “I’d love to work with Nadia Batson, Patrice Roberts and Machel, someday,” she revealed, explaining that she’s been honing her writing skills, building confidence in this area and learning that believing in herself is necessary to success. “’Time’ is both intimate and infectious. I think it’s a feel-good song that’s perfect for late-night rendezvous and intimate relations,” said the singer, making it clear that this one, while unleashed ahead of Carnival, is risqué and perfectly suited for adults.
C.C – the artiste who wears multiple hats as a businessowner and medical professional, is eager to push into the industry and says she sees herself exploring multiple music genres, and delivering several albums within the next five years. “I’ve learnt that consistency is key. I believe that as an artiste you just have to keep pushing and eventually, when your time comes, and God says yes, nobody can say no. I’m just keeping the faith,” she affirmed.
Follow C.C’s journey as she welcomes the thrill of Carnival 2026 alongside Hooligan and as lead singer of Brass 2 The World. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be for the excitement and the opportunities. I want everyone to follow me on my ride @c.c_theoneandonly on Instagram,” she said.
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