Caribbean Buzz
Eggy Dan Jumps Into Carnival with ‘Shaft’ Penned, ‘Frolic.’
Soca music is as multi-dimensional as the many artistes who enter the arena. New artiste on the scene, Eggy Dan brings a ragga soca energy that’s been a part of his existence, his entire life. New York based, Trinidad born, the entertainer, fueled by natural-born talent and an unshakeable passion for music, unleashes a new single, written by well-respected songwriter, Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop.
At the age of 8, Marvin Lewis knew he was born to sing. He grew up in Paradise Heights, Morvant, in Trinidad where the energy of the neighbourhood was encouragement enough. “I would walk through the community chanting, always singing,” he said, recalling how even back then he would always enter small community competitions. In 2002, Lewis migrated to the United States. He began recording professionally in 2012 and with persistence and sheer passion, the artiste, Eggy Dan has made it onto major Carnival stages across the US.
“Music is my livelihood. I sing and I write music,” he said, explaining that his aim is to penetrate all markets – not just the Carnival market in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Working closely with fellow US based artiste, Reecey, Eggy Dan has written and delivered singles like ‘Afro Wine’ with Reecey, and prior to that, ‘Moksha’ and ‘Wet.’ He knows there is a space on the entertainment landscape for an artiste like him.
Committed to honing his crafts – writing and performance, Eggy is pushing hard and promising increased consistency. “Frolic was written by Shaft,” he said, highlighting that the energy of the single is upbeat and stimulating. “I feel it’s always good to work with other creatives. As much as I am a songwriter, I believe it’s necessary to feel different musical energies and collaborate with other creatives in the space. That’s how we grow!”.
A second track, collaboratively done with Rreecey, is also expected to be released soon. “That single is called, ‘Stink Waist.’ She brings the sweet vocals and I deliver the grit,” he explained, making it absolutely clear that together, their team is creatively a duo to watch.
Last week, Eggy returned to T&T where he released ‘Frolic,’ hitting radio stations across the country and even performing in the lead up to Tobago’s Carnival. “Being back home was great. It was great to feed off the energy of the people. I’ll be back in the New Year!” he assured.
‘Frolic’ was produced by Shaft and Lunatix Productions in Trinidad, with mastering done by Andrew Denny.
Check out Eggy Dan on Instagram @eggydan_music.
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.
Caribbean Buzz
Jamaican Music and Culture Takes Centre Stage in South Florida, in February.
In South Florida, Caribbean culture finds a second home with a number of major caribbean centric events hosted throughout the year. On Sunday, February 2nd, the 2nd annual Reggae Genealogy Music Festival takes centre stage as the pulsating sounds and multifaceted history of that country, is set to be showcased.
The event will take place from 4pm to 9pm at the northeast parking lot of the the Broward Mall in the City of Plantation. Via media release, Ebuzztt learnt that the area will be transformed into a lively concert venue where attendees will enjoy an immersive journey through Jamaica’s unparalleled musical legacy in celebration of Reggae Month.
Produced by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, this family-friendly showcase will begin by tracing the early beginnings of popular Jamaican music, prior to Jamaican independence from Britain in 1962, to the present, touching on mento, ska, nyabinghi, rocksteady, lovers rock, dub, reggae and dancehall. Performers including industry legends like Ernie Smith, Eric “Monty” Morris, Wayne Armond, Ambelique and more will perform musical features alongside the Code Red Band and lead singer Bobby Rose, as well as dancers from Carimer Theatre, captivating the audience with a slew of hits from yesteryear.
In Act I, the story will be narrated by effervescent Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair, whose theatrical background will lend levity to the early evening events. Later, in Act II, the showcase will also highlight the influence of Jamaican music on genres such as dub, pop, reggaeton and Afrobeats, in a current and future musical journey curated and performed in part by DJ GQ of Y100. Entertainers like Bigg G, Phil Watkins, VP Records diva Shuga and more will lend contemporary musical stylings to the night.
Ahead of this rhythmic melding of entertainment and learning, attendees are encouraged to come out early to enjoy free museum tours, events and activities, food and shopping in the event area as well as inside the mall.
Gates for the Reggae Genealogy concert open at 4 p.m. with showtime at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $15 for early purchase to $75 for full-priced VIP. Find tickets, sponsorship, vendor and volunteer information at www.reggaegenealogy.org
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