Ebuzz News
Archived: Dancehall Presence at BET Awards Leaves Soca Lovers Calling For Soca Inclusion
Social media was abuzz overnight as soca scientists and their cohorts contemplated over when ‘soca would reach’. It’s a question that has bounced around for years and with one common answer often given, the question we at ETCETERABUZZ now pose is whether soca enthusiasts have supported soca music and their stakeholders enough in the past, to give it that boost that would encourage international recognition. Bunji Garlin, among other entertainers in past conversations with us have consistently remarked that they firmly believe the Caribbean genre will only stand alongside dancehall and other well recognised genres on the international scene, when locals truly rally in support of the music throughout the year. The 2013 BET awards highlighted Jamaica’s dancehall culture in a performance that rocked the venue and even saw stars like Gabrielle Union, India Arie and Trinidad and Tobago born rapper, Nicki Minaj singing and dancing along to the music of big name Caribbean acts like Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Dawn Penn and Chaka Demus & Pliers who were supported on stage by the Massive B duo of Jabba and Bobby Konders. Caribbean energy prevailed as Jamaica showed its authentic vibe, bringing the Nokia Centre in Los Angeles, to life like nothing else could.
The stage was all about Jamaica when the spotlight focused on the Caribbean.
In recent weeks, local entertainers have been releasing new soca music. Destra Garcia dropped a wicked single called ‘Handle The Ride’. Likewise, Cassi has released “Whole Day” and Shurwayne Winchester, “Wine Gyal Wine”. Ravi B has released the GBM produced, “Gyul Wukkin” and Kerwin Du Bois “Forget About It” while Soca taipan, Machel Montano has delivered a track called, “Bruk It”. These songs are however receiving a less than welcoming embrace at home in Trinidad by radio powerhouses who are tasked with the job of delivering the music to the people. This in itself, according to Trinidad and Tobago artistes, has been at the centre of the Soca music stagnancy.
Jamaica’s Beenie Man and Elephant Man perform at the 2013 BET Awards.
Today, after a night that has left many talking about Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago’s people bemoan the reality that the island’s precious creation that is Soca music, has once again been left behind. Recent inroads made by Bunji Garlin and certainly Machel Montano have given hope but is it enough? Carnival 2014 will be launched by the National Carnival Commission in T&T in July – offering an eight month long season ahead of the actual parade dates of March 3rd and 4th. What is now left to be seen is whether a longer season will bear a longer span for Soca airplay accommodation on the various frequencies… a larger mixture of artistes and a greater possibility that the music can create a greater buzz throughout the Caribbean and internationally, than ever before. The onus, is on us!
BET AWARDS 2013 RECAP: SPOTLIGHT ON JAMAICA
[box color=”black” icon=”star”][youtube width=”600″ height=”350″]RPGlpRjumR0[/youtube][/box]
Ebuzz News
Dîner en Blanc Set to Bring Parisian Flair to Port-of-Spain on November 14th.
Dîner en Blanc is making its highly anticipated return to Port- of -Spain on Saturday, November 14, 2026, once again bringing its trademark magic to a brand-new secret location. Building on last year’s successful return, this iconic Parisian-inspired pop-up picnic continues to be one of the city’s most beloved social events – an evening where fashion, fine dining, and community come together under the stars.
Always dressed head-to-toe in white, guests will assemble to create the breathtaking tableau the event is known for. From the iconic Napkin Wave, which signals the official start of dinner, to the Sparklers Moment, which marks the end of the meal and the opening of the dance floor, Dîner en Blanc Diner promises a night filled with gourmet delights, vibrant conversation, and an atmosphere unlike anything else in the city.
To be among the first to reserve tickets when Phase 3 (Fan List) opens, guests are invited to join the exclusive Port of Spain Fan List at portofspain.dinerenblanc.com.
beginning of the celebration and the magic that is Dîner en Blanc.
THE THEME: Soirée Parisienne – La Belle Époque
For 2026, Dîner en Blanc Diner celebrates an era of Paris defined by elegance, artistry, and refinement. Guests are invited to embrace an elevated all-white aesthetic, where fashion becomes a form of expression. Tables, styled in pure monochrome, echo the sophistication of historic salons and café culture, while the dining experience draws on the traditions of French gastronomy where cuisine, conversation, and ambiance come together as one.
Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach, hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain, shared their excitement for this year’s edition: “Port of Spain has embraced Dîner en Blanc as one of its signature social experiences. We’re excited to build on that legacy with an evening that’s elegant, inclusive and unforgettable,” noted Meagan.
How the Experience Works
To preserve the event’s tradition and maintain its elegant atmosphere, every guest plays an essential role. Participants must follow a few timeless guidelines:
Dress code: A chic, all-white ensemble is mandatory. Elegance, originality, and creativity are encouraged. Table setting: All table elements like décor must be white to uphold Dîner en Blanc’s signature visual identity.
Secrecy of the location: The venue remains a surprise until the last moment. Guests will meet at designated departure points and be escorted by Dîner en Blanc Diner volunteers to the final location. Leave No Trace: In keeping with the event’s commitment to sustainability, guests must bring home everything they arrived with, leaving the space spotless.
What Guests Should Bring or Choose an almost Hands-Free Option
• A gourmet picnic basket packed with a gourmet meal and proper stemware and white dinnerware. Those who prefer not to pack their own meal may pre-order a catered picnic through the Dîner en Blanc D e- store for onsite pickup.
• As a French-inspired celebration, Dîner en Blanc only serves wine and champagne. However, guests are welcome to bring their own selections; however, for added convenience, wine and champagne can also be pre-purchased through the official Dîner en Blanc e-store, ensuring an effortless and stress-free experience.
About the hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain
At the helm of the 2026 edition of Diner en Blanc – Port of Spain are Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach. Meagan Monsegue is a lifestyle enthusiast and avid global traveller with a natural flair for personal styling and hosting. Her journey with Dîner en Blanc Port of Spain began as a Table Leader in 2016 and has evolved into her role as Co-Host today. Driven by a genuine passion for bringing people together, she brings her distinctive style, energy and love of creating unforgettable moments under the stars to every soirée. Nigel Roach is passionate about bringing together his love of music, fashion, exceptional food and drink, and unforgettable experiences. A natural connector, he thrives on bringing people together, building meaningful relationships and creating elegant events where networking and community come together in a unique atmosphere.
About Diner en Blanc
Dîner en Blanc is more than an event. It’s a global cultural phenomenon that brings friends, old and new, together to celebrate life, food, fashion, and community with a touch of mystery and a sense of spontaneity. Elegantly dressed in white, guests gather at a secret location for a chic, mass picnic, bringing their own tables, chairs, and gourmet baskets. The location remains undisclosed until the very moment of arrival, creating a sense of anticipation and delight. Over the course of the evening, attendees dine, dance, and reconnect with the finer things in life, all while sharing an unforgettable, magical experience in some of their city’s most iconic public spaces.
Today, Dîner en Blanc has grown into an international movement, celebrated cumulatively over its history in more than 120 cities across 40 countries. While Dîner en Blanc Diner International is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, each event is hosted locally by passionate organizers who bring their own flair to the original Parisian concept. Together, these gatherings unite communities worldwide in a celebration of gourmet cuisine, extraordinary entertainment, and the joy of connection. For more info, photos, and videos from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.
Ebuzz News
Stevie Wonder Joins KestheBand On Stage at DC Jazz Fest – A Big Moment for Caribbean Culture.
Internationally loved and embraced Soca band, KesTheBand delivered yet another unforgettable moment for Caribbean music last Saturday, September 5th – this time at the DC Jazz Festival. It was there, in the midst of the enjoyment that a special opportunity presented itself – Kees Dieffentaller would meet the global music icon, Stevie Wonder.
The surprise appearance marked a continuation of a weekend that placed KestheBand and Caribbean music at the center of some of the most significant cultural moments of Labour Day weekend. The set included an uptempo lyrical mashup of “I Just Called To Say I Love You” and “Savannah Grass,” which received thunderous applause from adoring fans.
Crediting his parents in an emotional social media post following their debut at DC Jazz Fest, lead singer, Kees Dieffenthaller shared that the Stevie Wonder hit “was the first record I had on repeat as a child.” The moment was a powerful one as Soca music and a Trinidad and Tobago band that dedicatedly promotes the genre along with their country, came face to face with one of the most influential global artistes in music history.
Just one night earlier, on Friday, September 4th, KesTheBand electrified Soca Fest at Brooklyn museum in New York, where the band was introduced by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. The appearance brought together Caribbean music, culture and community in one of New York’s most prominent Labor Day weekend celebrations and venues.
Kees went on to serve as an Honorary Grand Marshal of the West Indian Day Parade. The honor was shared with dancehall and reggae superstar, Buju Banton.
Kes the Band with New York City Mayor, Zohran Kwame Mamdani
