Thirty-five pounds lost on a journey of accountability, Trinidad and Tobago Soca trendsetter, Ding Dong is out the gate early, already delivering two songs ahead of Tobago carnival 2025. Intentional and extremely strategic, the DJ and artiste, says he’s doing what he has to, to be able to give fans a full range of music, no matter demographic or vibe.
Over the past few years, Andre Holder has consistently delivered for Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, ensuring that he has not only been a mainstay to the festival, but an ambassador of the new sound of Soca music. A frontline artiste with de All Starz Band, Ding Dong takes his artistry seriously, explaining that he dutifully works with a new producer and songwriter each year.
As he prepares for this year’s Tobago Carnival and Trinidad Carnival 2026, he has turned to songwriter Emmanuel Rudder and producer, Richard Gosine. “I’ve released ‘Wanna Party’ on the Guitar Man riddim,” said the artiste, explaining that the riddim, which also features Salty and Ms. Kerlz, is Gosine’s breakthrough project. “He’s been on the scene, but this is actually his first project and the riddim is named after him,” he highlighted. ‘Wanna Party’ is just one of a series of songs Ding Dong plans on releasing for Tobago carnival in October. “These songs will essentially make the transition into Trinidad’s carnival, but I’ve been observing the growth of Tobago’s festival and we’re making Tobago the focus for now.”
A second single, ‘Mas Band Thoughts’ was released on September 12th. Featuring DJ Spider, the track was produced by both DJ Spider and Darien Bailey, and hears the entertainer manipulate his vocals to introduce listeners to something less invasive, and possibly, a little more enticing. For Ding Dong, the journey is to be reveled in. “I’ve been setting up my repertoire in a specific way. I started off with 105 BPM and each season, I’ve tried to catch four songs in a BPM before moving on to a higher BPM. Right now, I’m hitting 115- 130. I need two more songs at 130 and then I’ll move into Power Soca to have a well- rounded set,” he said, making it abundantly clear that it’s all strategic.
Discipline has been a key component to the success of this radio disc- jockey turned all-out Soca artiste. Fueled by an undeniable love for music, Ding Dong has set himself in a category that some see as unbeatable. Now, bent on ensuring that his body can further his ambitions on stage, he’s pushing hard for a better physical weight. “Documenting my weight-loss journey has shown people that patience and discipline is the key to growth in life, I think. I’m showing the relationship between mind, body, soul and fitness. The journey is not easy,” he admits, highlighting that for him, sleep- a necessary component, is often difficult to attain. “As an entertainer, sleep is hard and the body needs sleep to repair itself when you’re on a fitness journey. When your body is accustomed to being up during peak season, reverting to sleeping at night becomes difficult. I call it the party body and you can’t change that because you’ll be tired at events when that time comes around again.
Big plans and equally big songs in store for fans of Soca music, the young, well-loved entertainer is aspiring for greatness. “I’m giving my repertoire a little more maturity when it comes to the catalogue. The aim is to make the catalogue of music diverse,” he reiterated, encouraging variety and enjoyment for the seasons of revelry ahead, first in Tobago and then in Trinidad, come February 2026.
The Caribbean is mourning the loss of one of its greatest sporting icons following the death of Sir Garfield Sobers, the Barbadian cricket legend widely regarded as one of the finest players the game has ever known. He was 89.
Cricket West Indies confirmed Sir Garfield’s passing on Friday. According to reports, he died at his home in Barbados after a period of illness, just days before his 90th birthday.
Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, on July 28, 1936, Sir Garfield became one of the most influential figures in the history of West Indies cricket. His achievements on the field, coupled with the dignity and pride with which he represented the Caribbean, earned him admiration across generations and around the world. He was knighted in 1975 for his services to cricket and was later named a National Hero of Barbados, one of the country’s highest honours.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the Caribbean and the wider cricketing community. In a statement, Cricket West Indies said, “A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers.”
Fellow Bajan National hero, Rihanna shared her sentiments in a voice message.
Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow also honoured the Barbadian legend, saying, “Sir Garfield Sobers has completed his final innings, but his legacy will forever endure in the hearts of our region, and the story of the cricketing world.”
Sir Garfield’s influence extended far beyond the cricket field. Throughout his life, he became a symbol of Caribbean excellence, inspiring generations of athletes and earning respect as one of the region’s greatest ambassadors.
His passing marks the end of an extraordinary era, but his legacy will continue to live on in Barbados, throughout the Caribbean and wherever the game of cricket is played.
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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