There’s no such thing as a box when it comes to creativity. That’s the reality seen by one of Trinidad and Tobago’s entertainers who’s delivered and continues to share music that does not keep him boxed into any one genre. Gvon released a brand-new Chutney Soca single on Friday. He believes the entertainment landscape is ripe for the return of some semblance of normalcy and with that, this Southside entertainer is pulling up his socks.
The past two years have been uncertain for many Caribbean artistes and entertainment stakeholders. Gvon, a relatively longstanding member of the fraternity with 12- years-worth of work put in, says he’s eager to be a part of any revival the industry sees going forward. Already, he has unleashed two brand new Soca Parang singles for the Christmas season, along with a Soca track in anticipation of Carnival 2022. Earlier this week, news emerged that carnival stakeholders were meeting to discuss the possibility of hosting Carnival in T&T next year. Gvon, like many in the industry, is keeping his ears peeled.
Gvon says his new track is really a love song.
Even without confirmation though, the artist- the son of one of the founding members of the T&TEC Gayatones, is committed to bringing the music. “‘Bring D’ Rum’ is not a rum song. It’s a love song,” said the San Fernando based artist. As funny as his words may sound, he’s very serious, explaining that this tune is all about love… albeit, for rum. It certainly isn’t the first Chutney soca anthem laced with lyrics that highlight a drink that’s enjoyed by many in the Caribbean and certainly worldwide.
Gvon has been off the Chutney Soca radar for quite some time, having placed most of his energy over the years into developing himself as a Soca artist, and while he admits to having started off as a Chutney Soca entertainer, he also makes it very clear that the pull to Soca was as natural as breathing. “I just love music. I don’t have a specific genre of choice, but there’s something about Soca music that just fills my soul,” he said. Now Gvon returns, and is promising that he’ll be first in line to sign up should there be a 2022 Chutney Soca Monarch competition in T&T.
Amid the rigors of present-day circumstances, Gvon, whose real name is Sajivan Gayadeen, says the pandemic has taught him a great deal about time. “I’ve learnt that time is the most valuable thing. We have lost two years and that’s something we should never forget. It’s taught me the importance of humility; And by now everyone should understand the importance of being appreciative of everything in their lives, no matter how little it may seem to be.”
With plans for the release of a couple additional songs in the coming months, Gvon who owns Trini Mascots Party Rentals says plans are underway to assist artistes and others in entertainment. A new company- Gvon Entertainment, is set to come on stream soon, and he says it will focus on helping artistes and others in the industry develop themselves with the right tools and the expertise of the right people. For now, however, Gvon is excited to bring some Chutney Soca love to one and all with the release of, ‘Bring D’ Rum,’ a track that many would agree, has come right on time. And what’s better, the song comes complete with its own music video.
For more on Gvon, follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter @gvon.music.
Trinidadian superstar Machel Montano has dropped the sizzling video for “Her Mudda”with the Virgin Islands’ Pumpa ahead of Trinidad & Tobago’s annual Carnival. The single appears on Montano’s upcoming studio album,One Degree Hotter, which is set for for release later this month via his record label, Monk Music.
“With its striking visuals directed by D. Padmore and ColorMeStadic, pulsating rhythms produced by Stadic & Jonny Blaze, and vibrant performances throughout, “Her Mudda” is a testament to the infectious spirit of soca music and the power of dance,” a media release issued by the team, highlights.
Pumpa and Machel have collaborated on “Yuh Mudda.”
“Her Mudda” along with Machel’s recently released singles – “Fling It Up” ft. Davido, “Pepper Vine” ft. Lady Lava and Drupatee, “PARDY”, “The Truth”, “Bumpa”, and “Fallen Fetters” with Skinny Fabulous – will all be featured on One Degree Hotter.
The album’s title is a play on words, not only referencing his hot streak of hit records, but also a nod to his recent completion of a Master’s degree in Carnival Studies at the University of Trinidad & Tobago.
“After two years earning my Master’s degree in Carnival Studies, immersing myself in my culture, and studying where we’ve come from, I’m more inspired than ever about where we can go next. I couldn’t wait to get back in the studio and work on my next album, fueled by everything I’ve learned. ‘One Degree Hotter’ is a double entendre—it marks my Master’s degree, but also my mission to turn up the heat on my music and take it to the corners of the globe,” Machel said.
“Songs like ‘Fling It Up’ ft. Davido and ‘Pepper Vine’ with Lady Lava and Drupatee reflect that vision—pushing Soca forward by connecting it with the global sounds of Africa and India. To me, this album represents a step forward in the evolution of my sound and mission,” he adds.
One Degree Hotter follows Machel’s 2021 star-studded album The Wedding Album, which featured Afro B, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Teddy Riley, Vybz Kartel and many more.
The announcement follows Machel’s appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk, a major milestone for the Soca genre as Machel made history becoming the first soca artist to perform on the platform. The video has garnered over 1 million views in the short time since its release. NPR spoke on the significance of Machel’s performance saying, “Montano’s performance is the first to bring soca, the high energy dance music of the Caribbean, to the Tiny Desk. The genre was born in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1970s when calypso artist Lord Shorty (who later chose the name Ras Shorty I) added traditional Indian percussion instruments and rhythms to calypso music — itself a fusion that incorporates elements of African, Venezuelan, French and American music.”
In preparation for the 2025 Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, Machel Montano will defend his Calypso Monarch crown. Fans have already deemed the musical maestro’s single “PARDY” one of the top contenders for the coveted Road March race, which if he wins, Montano will be tied with the legendary Lord Kitchener for the most all time at 11 titles.
One ‘Drink Champs’ appearance has landed internationally acclaimed dancehall artiste, Beenie Man, in hot water. The ‘Gyal Dem Sugar’ singer appeared on the popular US platform recently, after returning to the US after many years, having been previously barred from entry.
”I love Trinidad. I love Trinidad but dog don’t eat doubles. I don’t eat anything that dog don’t eat,” he told hosts Nore and DJ EFN. The duo had asked the entertainer whether he ate the Trinidad and Tobago delicacy. He went on to say that while the popular street food is nice, and he’s had it a couple times, even outlining the ‘triples’ version, he said he would not eat it because if it’s thrown to the dogs, they refuse to eat it.
Today, in a swift denouncement of an artiste that has been on many stages in T&T for decades, the people of Trinidad and Tobago have demanded an apology. On popular radio station, Vibe CT 105FM, hosts Ken Simmons and George Gonzales debated the matter, George calling for DJs to desist from playing the artiste’s music until a proper apology is received. Many callers echoed his sentiments.
Beenie Man was barred from US entry since 2015, along with artistes like Aidonia, Bounty Killer, Sizzla, and Mavado. His travel limitation continued even after Aidonia and Mavado’s visas were restored. In 2011, Beenie Man’s visa was temporarily restored, but by 2015, he was angain barred entry to the United States. On December 26th, 2024, the artiste publicly announced that his Visa had been reinstated.
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