Ebuzz News
DJ Lila and Dad, Ziggy Rankin Release Powerful Remake and It’s Just On Time.
An internationally acclaimed hit single that has been covered by a host of artistes including RnB singer, Kelly Rowland, and even sampled by Janet Jackson is now making its debut in the Caribbean.
Delivering what can only be summed up as the right message at the right time, Trinidad and Tobago artist, Ziggy Rankin has released a major collaboration cover for the 70’s single, “O-o-h Child.”
The track’s release on Friday in Trinidad and Tobago comes amid plans to execute a full campaign designed to shake up both parents and youths across the Caribbean and essentially, the world.
For this project, Rankin’ chose his very own daughter, popular female Caribbean DJ- DJ Lila, who is also known for her delivery of music within the growing Trinibad music sub-genre. Together, the duo purposefully recorded the single, which was originally sung by Chicago soul family group the Five Stairsteps. “Because of the times we’re in, this song is really important. Everybody should be looking out for everybody,” said Ziggy. He went on to say, “Parents have to be there for their children- encouraging them more than ever right now because these children are facing something that most of us never experienced.”
The production for the cover single was done by well-known music producer and audio engineer, Parry Jack out of New York city. Admitting to the song’s lyrical power, Ziggy said “O-o-h Child” is an extension in song, of a family sticking together, and a father speaking to his daughter with words of encouragement and support. “We have to let our children know that although they may not be able to do the things they want to right now, this too shall pass. We have to let them know that if they keep God close to their hearts and pray, everything will work out,” he said. Jack explaind that the song was recreated to deliver a Caribbean sound and energy. “It’s delivered from a fresh perspective. The whole beat is different. The way Ziggy sounds is different. I didn’t want to come in and do anything too close to the original. The only thing that I used from the original is the chord structure,” he said.
Less than a month away from her 18th birthday, Lila who collaborates with her father for the very first time, says it’s been a tough year for her. “School is really different. Online classes are hard to keep up with; I’m also a DJ and this pandemic has really slowed down my business as well,” she explained. Despite the obvious setbacks, she believes a song like this is important to spread some optimism to everyone who’s been challenged by lockdowns and restrictions. “People are really struggling but I want to encourage everyone to stay strong. God is in charge and everything happens for a reason,” she said. Highlighting that her flow in the single patterns the Trinibad style to some degree, Lila said she’s excited to play it at any event in the near future. “We really have to stay positive. This pandemic is just a minor setback for a major comeback,” said the teen.
The Caribbean cover version of “O-o-h Child,” by Ziggy Rankin and DJ Lila is now available for streaming on all streaming platforms for the world to enjoy.
Press Release: Etcetera The Company
Caribbean Buzz
$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
Trinidad and Tobago is set to stage a revamped International Soca Monarch competition in what is now dubbed The Ultimate Soca Champion competition. The event’s final will be staged on Thursday, February 20th, with the semi final round set for Sunday, February 9th. The announcement was made earlier today by organisers, at a media conference held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
The organisers said the competition will not be split into Groovy/Power categories, however they said there will be special prizes for Best Groovy Soca, Best Power Soca and People’s Champion, based on public votes.
The event will feature the Ultimate Soca Champion reality TV show which organizers say is aimed at giving viewers an intimate look into the competition. “We believe this will help our culture to reach international audiences when packaged properly,” the team said.
In-Person Auditions will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Fernando Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA). Regional/ International Artistes who are not in Trinidad and Tobago, are required to submit video auditions from January 20th at 8:00am to January 26th at 11:59pm.
“We aim to make this a production that captivates
audiences worldwide,” said Rome. “The Ultimate Soca Champion Competition will not only
elevate soca to international standards but also inspire the next generation of artistes.”
For registration, submission guidelines, and updates, visit ultimatesocachampion.com from Monday January 20th, or email ultimatesocachampion@gmail.com.
Music News
Problem Child, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous Ride New ‘Powerful’ Riddim. 47 Productions Eyes Road March.
There’s another big project coming out of Dwayne Bravo’s 47 Productions in Port-of-Spain, and just like the Pineapple Riddim last month, it features some big names in Soca music.
The Viking of Soca, Bunji Garlin, Grenada’s Skinny Banton, Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child- both St. Vincent and the Grenadines entertainers, grace the ‘Powerful Riddim’- described as a heart-pounding, adrenaline-packed Power Soca riddim that’s guaranteed to light up every fete the season, even with potential for the Road March.
Bunji Garlin deliver’s ‘On De Go’ – a high-octane single that celebrates vibes and undiluted energy, while on Skinny Fabulous’ ‘Like We Rich,’ elements of a grandeur lifestyle, inclusive of living large, partying hard and embracing the high life, are showcased in song. The Vincy BadBoy, Problem Child is also a part of this project with a track called, “Not Behaving,’ undeniably living up to his name. Other artistes on the riddim are Grenadian duo, Lil Natty and Thunda who share their energy with, ‘Wah Dis,” and skinny Banton with ‘Property.” Tommy Sanchez wraps it up, adding a fresh, new vibe with his single, ‘Bend.’
The riddim is being touted as the ultimate soundtrack for the road on Carnival Monday and Tuesday and comes just as Soca megastar, Machel Montano has released, ‘Pardy,’ already getting the nod of approval from die-hard Machel fans.
While the race to the annual Road March anthem of choice in still quite a distance away, several people have already begun the conversation about what’s best for the road. Mical Teja’s ‘Energy’ and ‘Higher Power’ offer masqueraders an infectious, positive energy for the road, while Bunji’s ‘Thousand’ hits hard, delivering high impact and bassy undercurrent that’s hard to ignore.
47 Productions has been strongly contending on the music scene in Trinidad and Tobago in recent years. This year’s Pineapple Riddim, which features, Machel Montano, Lyrikal, Patrice Roberts, Rupee and 47Ronzy, has been well received, with Machel Montano applauding Bravo’s consistency, even as someone invested behind the music scene. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this Carnival season while 47 Productions continues to create space for others to rise,” Bravo had said, at the launch of the riddim in December.
The “Powerful Riddim” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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Music News1 week agoThe Power of People. Rae Credits Motto, Darryl Gervais for Her Rise in Soca. Delivers ‘Throw Waist.’
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Caribbean Buzz5 days ago$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
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Music News5 days agoProblem Child, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous Ride New ‘Powerful’ Riddim. 47 Productions Eyes Road March.