Ebuzz News
Archived: Not For Fame. Bunji, Fay-Ann Give Back As Ground Empire Is Set In Motion.
Bunji Garlin is confident that new talent abounds
A true artiste is one who, amid honing his craft is easily able to share his knowledge with others, for the development of the craft and the industry of which it belongs. Bunji Garlin and his wife and musical partner, Fay-Ann Lyons are on a mission to share the knowledge- the musical prowess they’ve accumulated over their combined years in the business, with other talented people, wherever they may be. “Trinidad is a very harsh society on new talent- much less young talent,” said Garlin in a chat with ETCETERABUZZ following Sunday night’s Ground Empire gathering at the House of Vikings, in Mucurapo, Trinidad. The team’s aim, he told us, is to ensure that future generations of entertainers in T&T, have a proper passageway into the business.
A shot taken by Garlin at the House of Vikings on Sunday.
Bunji Garlin is by no means doing this for the fame. His passionate sentiments about music and life, as correlated as they are, can be read on any given day via his Instagram account. He means well, we feel, and with that, the Ground Empire steered in tandem with his soul mate, no doubt, is making moves to set up a haven for expressive souls.
On Sunday, three of T&T’s urban radio men turned artistes were at the House of Vikings, taking in the vibe. Jaiga and his co-host at popular urban frequency 96.1WEFM, Shal Marshal, along with Devon Matthews of RED96.7FM, experienced it all, live. According to Bunji, the three who have enjoyed success musically themselves, in recent years, were invited as friends on Sunday, but it wasn’t as if they didn’t benefit as well. “They were also there to mix and mingle with the age groups and explore possibilities,” said Bunji, adding, “It was really like a free vibe hub. Not a place to shy away with your material, but just to create off of each other,” he explained.
Fay-Ann Lyons is at the helm of the Ground Empire, manning the business at The House of Vikings.
Separately, Bunji told us that veteran entertainer, Edwin Ayoung, best known as Crazy, is now being handled by the team at the House of Vikings. Lyons-Alvarez has undoubtedly been very instrumental in the overall transformation of Bunji’s outfit. In a recent radio interview with Shal and Jaiga, Fay-Ann noted that Bunji is her husband and taking care of business ensures that her family is taken care of. Her no-nonsense approach, while sometimes scrutinised is undoubtedly a major part of the international success that Bunji and the Asylum Vikings, have been seeing.
Now, with a season of expressive freedom just weeks away, excitement on the ground is undoubtedly building. Bunji told us new faces will be seen. He noted that underground acts, Revelation and Jungulus were spot on, on Sunday, receiving good responses from those around. “Now we’re going deeper,” said Bunji, assuring that come C2K15, there will be new acts on the Soca train.
Caribbean Buzz
Rising Superstar, Coutain Heads to Tobago for Easter Weekend, Rhthym and Soul Festival.
Like a breath of fresh air, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s very own rising stars has been added to the Easter cast of a major festival happening on the island. Coutain, a reserved Sangre Grande entertainer who’s been making waves, though humbly, is the one of the latest names plugged to entertain visitors to Tobago, and locals alike, at the Buccoo Seafood and Jazz event.
Coutain’s rise to prominence say him take Carnival 2025 by storm, performing at several major events and showcasing a unique essence that’s likable and palatable to all demographics. Songs like ‘Junction,’ ‘Artform’ ‘Jamtown’ with Tano, and ‘Carnival Darling’ with GBM Nutron, form part of the artiste’s enticing catalogue. An organic and true undercurrent that’s proven effective in marketing the artiste, now sees him stand alongside the likes of International superstars, Brian McKnight and Jon Secada in Tobago on April 19th.
The Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival aims to deliver a showcase of rich, cultural engagement this Easter and despite an election shadow, all efforts have remained strong in promoting the importance of showcasing Tobago’s tourism product, to the world.
Last week, the announcement of Buju Banton’s sudden replacement as a result of illness within his camp, led to some concern, however with Stephen Marley now headlining the Easter Sunday, ‘Fusion’ concert event alongside the likes of Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Singing Melody, Kes The Band and others, the show, according to organizers, is gearing up to be a highlight of the calendar year in Tobago.
Coutain, along with former Road March King, Mical Teja and St. Lucia’s Teddyson John, will be among the star studded line-up this Easter weekend in a festival that’s being touted as transformative and energizing on Trinidad’s sister isle.
Ebuzz News
Finally, Marley Consciousness Will Erupt in T&T This Easter.
A near carbon copy of the original and still, a powerful force in reggae music on his own, Stephen Marley graces the shores of Trinidad and Tobago this Easter. The artiste’s imminent arrival has been prompted by the unforeseen postponement of Buju Banton’s appearance in Tobago this year. For true fans of reggae music however, Stephen’s name is a breath of fresh air – a ‘Marley’ having been absent from the local entertainment and concert scene, since 2012.
Stephen, is by all measure, the living, breathing spirit of the late, great, Bob Marley. An eight-time Grammy Award winner, Bob’s second child with wife, Rita Marley has stood firm in the trenches for his father’s mission of empowering mankind through music, melody and lyrical prowess.
The Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival, with organisers, the Tobago Festival Commission, keenly cognizant of the need to inject positive music and energy into the twin island Republic, has chosen this powerhouse entertainer to stand in for Buju at this time, confident that his timeless music, will engage the masses. “Challenge comes with growth. This festival will ultimately blossom into a product that Trinidad and Tobago can essentially be very proud of. As we develop the brand and build from the foundation up, we’re tremendously happy for the outpouring of support we’ve been receiving,” said Kern Cowan – CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission.
The inclusion of the elder Marley on the Easter Sunday ‘Fusion’ cast, amplifies the commitment of the organisers, to ensuring that no stone is left unturned in satisfying the people of Trinidad and Tobago and those who will visit for the holiday weekend. “We’re excitedly moving full speed ahead with systems on overdrive to accommodate our visitors. Tobago is a beautiful destination for anyone interested in absorbing life’s natural blessings. The island truly has it all – beauty, serenity, nature and now, with a product like this one, we’re ultimately showcasing the possibilities,” said Cowan.
Across the Caribbean, tourist destinations are a dime a dozen. The simplicity of Tobago’s eco-focused aesthetic however delivers something unique to those who’ve done the ‘magazine-destinations’ time and time again. “Music is fundamental to life and so we knew that in order to better highlight and market Tobago in its most authentic way, we could not overpower the energy of the island, but rather, compliment it. For that reason, we’ve created a festival that soothes, regenerates and uplifts,” said Cowan.
His father’s voice perfectly synced to his, Stephen Marley will penetrate Trinidad and Tobago at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago, on Easter Sunday. He will be joined by the likes of Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Singing Melody and more. The stage is set for what is being touted as a transformative experience in Trinidad and Tobago.
