Caribbean Buzz
Archived: Why Everyone Loves Bunji Garlin- and Why He Won’t Fail.
Bunji and his wife, Fay Ann at Sunday’s Santimanitay J’ouvert.
As the web remains abuzz with images of Bunji Garlin’s most recent venture, ‘Santimanitay J’ouvert’ proving an awesome first time event on Sunday morning, reviews are also coming in about the artiste’s down to earth demeanor. Together with his wife and team, the Asylum Vikings front man, who’s among those who’re leading the way for soca music’s global recognition, delivered an incredible experience in St. Joseph, Trinidad- making us all feel that he’s got what it takes to sway popular opinion if he so desires.
Bunji Garlin has been working the entertainment circuit in quite a peculiar way. Just a few years ago his name was nowhere among those who were advertised for posh fetes that boasted an experience outside of the traditional and authentic in Trinidad and Tobago, and then with one song, Bunji Garlin became the artiste everyone wanted to get their hands on. On Sunday morning, after weeks of advertising the Santimantitay J’ouvert event on his socials, Garlin made us all remember just who he is, the man he remains to this day.
From as early as 4am, cars could be seen entering the scenic Ortinola Estate. There was easy parking access, and as the crowds came and early signs of sunlight peaked through the clouds, the blare of soca music, a little alcohol, together with a few good friends, were enough to kick things into gear. Artiste and radio personality, Jaiga and a team inclusive of his wife, Sam were in the mix early on, enjoying the vibe and getting in on the mud and paint action. Later, a cool, humble Bunji, made his way through the crowd, greeting his patrons and taking videos of them as they enjoyed themselves. This was all that it took for fans to become even more supportive of the Wallerfield born entertainer. Not a photographer in sight, except for the amateurs with the their smartphones in hand, and with a no holds barred kind of energy in the air, the J’ouvert thrill that real carnival lovers anticipate annually, preceded the 2018 festival in a truly magical way.
Among the entertainers at Santimanitay were the iconic, Austin ‘SuperBlue’ Lyons, Blaxx, Slaughter, Fay Ann Lyons and Bunji himself. One patron told Ebuzztt that he’d been visiting from Barbados and would be really looking forward to the event next year. Vibe 66 Entertainment’s Rondell Roberts- the promoter of Bae Wednesdays, held on Ash Wednesday annually, was spotted having the time of his life at the J’ouvert party. US based songwriter and artiste, the internationally acclaimed, Angela Hunte was also there, lending her support to her fellow artiste. No division, no trouble, nothing but good vibes and awesome people made up Santimanitay, proving that Bunji Garlin has what it takes to reach the people in a way that only he can. Now… who say Bunji for Prime Minister 😜…
Caribbean Buzz
Charly Black, Kevin Lyttle Release ‘Summer Banger’ Produced by Global Hitmaker, Walshy Fire.
Two of the Caribbean’s most legendary hitmakers have joined forces for what is shaping up to be one of the Caribbean’s biggest records of the year.
Dancehall superstar Charly Black, whose global smash “Gyal You A Party Animal” has amassed more than one billion streams worldwide, joins forces with St. Vincent Soca hit maker, Kevin Lyttle, whose timeless international hit “Turn Me On” has generated hundreds of millions of streams. That single remains one of the most recognizable Caribbean songs ever recorded.
The single, “Island Ting,” unites the music of Jamaica and St. Vincent & The Grenadines, celebrating the beauty, confidence, and irresistible energy of island women. More than just a song, “Island Ting” is a celebration of the Caribbean, its vibrant diaspora, and everyone around the world who embraces the region’s unmatched culture, music, and love of celebration.
Blending irresistible Dancehall and Soca influences with an unmistakable tropical vibe, the record is poised to become the soundtrack of the summer, says a media release issued.
Produced by well known international producer, Walshy Fire, with the instrumental crafted by acclaimed producer Jason Julian, “Island Ting” is already making waves across the streaming landscape. The single has secured significant editorial playlist support from Apple Music and Spotify, with Spotify further backing the release through premium placement on its coveted Mobile Home Banner – one of the platform’s most prominent promotional spaces for new music.
Industry insiders are already tipping “Island Ting” as one of the Caribbean’s defining songs of the summer, with momentum expected to carry through Notting Hill Carnival, into Trinidad Carnival 2027, and beyond. From beach parties and festivals to clubs, radio, and playlists around the world, the record has all the ingredients of a timeless Caribbean anthem.
“Island Ting” is available now on all major streaming and digital platforms.
Caribbean Buzz
The Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
It’s a brand new concept being brought to life, in Point Fortin, however its impact, according to organizers, is already proving immense. The annual Point Fortin Borough celebrations, culminates this weekend and on Sunday, an event with a bigger purpose at heart, is anticipated to draw a massive crowd to fete, for the greater good.
Naya George and Anson George spoke exclusively with Ebuzztt.com ahead of the all inclusive experience. They’re excited to see their vision come to life. Anson, a well known name on the carnival and entertainment circuit, is known for his strong involvement in the BeachHouse Carnival brand. “It’s going to be on par with BeachHouse,” he assured, asserting ‘Flowers’ as the new ‘must attend’ fete in Borough Day festivities. “There are other events happening on Sunday in Point Fortin but there’s no other event of this caliber, happening,” said Anson, explaining that a few tickets are still available for those who still want to get in.
For Naya, the effort is less about business, and more about purpose. “We are partying with a purpose. We want to let people know that this isn’t just about feting. This is the only party that’s happening in Point Fortin that’s giving back to Point Fortin,” he explained, adding that proceeds will go toward investment in the young people. “The first set of projects will be at the Point Fortin West Secondary School where the event is being held. We are going to revitalize the sports programme, playing field restoration, sporting equipment and that kind of stuff, to ensure the youths have a place to find themselves in the area of sports. Flowers is the premiere fund raiser to do these things,” said George.
Set to welcome fete lovers from 5pm on Sunday at the Point Fortin West Secondary School, Flowers will feature a cast of talented artistes, inclusive of Nadia Batson and Lyrikal. “We want to raise fund in style and with high quality at heart, hence the reason the event’s caliber is high. This is going to be a first for Point Fortin,” said Naya George.
The Point Fortin Borough experience is widely attended, with a series of cultural events leading up to the weekend of excitement that is anticipated by locals and visitors alike, each year. “Flowers has set the tone for the Borough Day evolution I think,” said Naya George. “Fusion came to an end last night,” noted Anson. He said the cultural extravaganza, which was similar to Carnival’s Flava Village, was a huge success and noted the wide variety of cultural traditions, shared between April 25th and April 30th. “If people can jump on a plane to experience Grenada carnival, we are certain they can come from West and North Trinidad to enjoy the Point Fortin Borough activities,” said Anson, making it clear that ahead of the upcoming weekend, hotel and guest house occupancy is already high.
“Borough is like a second carnival,” said Anson. He said there are fetes happening throughout the day on Friday. “When you come, you get a taste of everything you get in carnival. You get the fetes, the all inclusive, the jouvert, the street food, the culture,” he highlighted, and this year, for the very first time, fans of culture, creativity and altruism, will fete with purpose at Flowers – a distinct, top tier, premium all inclusive experience in the heart of the borough.
Tickets for the event are available online at Stacy’s House Of Hair – Point Fortin, Atherley’s By The Park – San Fernando, Terminal 4 – Long Circular Mall and online at theticketgeneral.com.