Ebuzz News
Archived: Fay Ann Takes Charge of The International Soca Monarch Competition. ‘Power’ Segment Will Return. Blaxx, Patrice, Swappi Praise Decision.
Things just got interesting. “Power is back”- the words of 38-year-old Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez, in the wake of news that she’d been appointed to head the International Soca Monarch Competition. Her new portfolio will afford her the opportunity to make strategic changes, to better the show, as seen fit.
The announcement, made by National Carnival Commission Chairman, Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters, Lyons-Alvarez’s uncle, has since gone viral. Peters has also disclosed that while finances to be allocated to the competition, have not yet been decided, the event’s semi finals will return to the Arima Velodrome, while the finals will take place at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
Lyons-Alvarez last took part in the competition in 2011. To this day, she remains the only female to have ever won the Power leg of the competition. Both she and her husband, Bunji Garlin, removed themselves from the competition, citing unfavorable contractual stipulations in the ISM contract at the time.
Blaxx Praises ViQueen’s Appointment
In an immediate response on the appointment, fellow soca artiste, Dexter ‘Blaxx’ Stewart said a better person could not have been chosen for the post. “Personally I had no intentions of going back into the Soca Monarch but, I think having senior artistes in the competition is very beneficial to the culture. I will say this, I will be entering this year! Just the mere fact that Fay Ann is running it, I can vouch, she is one of the most astute, straight up persons in this business,” said Blaxx. He said while many criticized her, he felt that Fay Ann would do the best job at handling the competition.
“She is a no grin, no smile person. I don’t care how the other artists feel but brother, what a choice! That girl will be one hell of an administrator. I am one of the oldest artistes in the industry and I will say this : they could not have made a better choice.”- Blaxx
Separately, Blaxx said he was certain that Gypsy too, would do a great job at the helm of the NCC. He spoke of Grenada’s Soca Monarch competition, saying that the Spice Isle has made their competition a part of the island’s tourism product and it has been tremendously successful. “A lot of our things that we have taken for granted, they have made it amazing,” he said.
Patrice Roberts, Swappi, Give The Thumbs Up to Fay Ann’s Appointment.
Meanwhile, fellow female soca heavyweight, Patrice Roberts in a quick chat with EBUZZTT while working out at the gym, said she was happy to see a female now standing at the helm of such a major carnival competition.
“I think she has what it takes to take Soca Monarch where it could possibly be. She has been in the industry and in Soca monarch for a while and I am honestly happy for her and even more happy to see a female being the chairman of the ISM.” – Patrice Roberts.
Patrice, who has unleashed a slew of hits for Carnival 2019, said she could not confirm whether she would be taking part in the competition. She said her head had not been on that, when we spoke with her.
Likewise, Swappi, who has been having a pretty incredible pre-carnival 2019 season, said he is very happy and confident that Fay Ann Lyons will do a great job. ” There is no ifs, ands or maybes. I know she will do a great job. She always strikes gold at everything she does. She is a warrior. She has a warrior’s spirit in her. I can afford to say Power Soca is back and the whole energy of the competition is back!” He said he is still unsure as to whether he would re-enter, having been emotionally affected by previous years of inclusion in the competition.
Ebuzz News
Dîner en Blanc Set to Bring Parisian Flair to Port-of-Spain on November 14th.
Dîner en Blanc is making its highly anticipated return to Port- of -Spain on Saturday, November 14, 2026, once again bringing its trademark magic to a brand-new secret location. Building on last year’s successful return, this iconic Parisian-inspired pop-up picnic continues to be one of the city’s most beloved social events – an evening where fashion, fine dining, and community come together under the stars.
Always dressed head-to-toe in white, guests will assemble to create the breathtaking tableau the event is known for. From the iconic Napkin Wave, which signals the official start of dinner, to the Sparklers Moment, which marks the end of the meal and the opening of the dance floor, Dîner en Blanc Diner promises a night filled with gourmet delights, vibrant conversation, and an atmosphere unlike anything else in the city.
To be among the first to reserve tickets when Phase 3 (Fan List) opens, guests are invited to join the exclusive Port of Spain Fan List at portofspain.dinerenblanc.com.
beginning of the celebration and the magic that is Dîner en Blanc.
THE THEME: Soirée Parisienne – La Belle Époque
For 2026, Dîner en Blanc Diner celebrates an era of Paris defined by elegance, artistry, and refinement. Guests are invited to embrace an elevated all-white aesthetic, where fashion becomes a form of expression. Tables, styled in pure monochrome, echo the sophistication of historic salons and café culture, while the dining experience draws on the traditions of French gastronomy where cuisine, conversation, and ambiance come together as one.
Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach, hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain, shared their excitement for this year’s edition: “Port of Spain has embraced Dîner en Blanc as one of its signature social experiences. We’re excited to build on that legacy with an evening that’s elegant, inclusive and unforgettable,” noted Meagan.
How the Experience Works
To preserve the event’s tradition and maintain its elegant atmosphere, every guest plays an essential role. Participants must follow a few timeless guidelines:
Dress code: A chic, all-white ensemble is mandatory. Elegance, originality, and creativity are encouraged. Table setting: All table elements like décor must be white to uphold Dîner en Blanc’s signature visual identity.
Secrecy of the location: The venue remains a surprise until the last moment. Guests will meet at designated departure points and be escorted by Dîner en Blanc Diner volunteers to the final location. Leave No Trace: In keeping with the event’s commitment to sustainability, guests must bring home everything they arrived with, leaving the space spotless.
What Guests Should Bring or Choose an almost Hands-Free Option
• A gourmet picnic basket packed with a gourmet meal and proper stemware and white dinnerware. Those who prefer not to pack their own meal may pre-order a catered picnic through the Dîner en Blanc D e- store for onsite pickup.
• As a French-inspired celebration, Dîner en Blanc only serves wine and champagne. However, guests are welcome to bring their own selections; however, for added convenience, wine and champagne can also be pre-purchased through the official Dîner en Blanc e-store, ensuring an effortless and stress-free experience.
About the hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain
At the helm of the 2026 edition of Diner en Blanc – Port of Spain are Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach. Meagan Monsegue is a lifestyle enthusiast and avid global traveller with a natural flair for personal styling and hosting. Her journey with Dîner en Blanc Port of Spain began as a Table Leader in 2016 and has evolved into her role as Co-Host today. Driven by a genuine passion for bringing people together, she brings her distinctive style, energy and love of creating unforgettable moments under the stars to every soirée. Nigel Roach is passionate about bringing together his love of music, fashion, exceptional food and drink, and unforgettable experiences. A natural connector, he thrives on bringing people together, building meaningful relationships and creating elegant events where networking and community come together in a unique atmosphere.
About Diner en Blanc
Dîner en Blanc is more than an event. It’s a global cultural phenomenon that brings friends, old and new, together to celebrate life, food, fashion, and community with a touch of mystery and a sense of spontaneity. Elegantly dressed in white, guests gather at a secret location for a chic, mass picnic, bringing their own tables, chairs, and gourmet baskets. The location remains undisclosed until the very moment of arrival, creating a sense of anticipation and delight. Over the course of the evening, attendees dine, dance, and reconnect with the finer things in life, all while sharing an unforgettable, magical experience in some of their city’s most iconic public spaces.
Today, Dîner en Blanc has grown into an international movement, celebrated cumulatively over its history in more than 120 cities across 40 countries. While Dîner en Blanc Diner International is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, each event is hosted locally by passionate organizers who bring their own flair to the original Parisian concept. Together, these gatherings unite communities worldwide in a celebration of gourmet cuisine, extraordinary entertainment, and the joy of connection. For more info, photos, and videos from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.
Ebuzz News
Stevie Wonder Joins KestheBand On Stage at DC Jazz Fest – A Big Moment for Caribbean Culture.
Internationally loved and embraced Soca band, KesTheBand delivered yet another unforgettable moment for Caribbean music last Saturday, September 5th – this time at the DC Jazz Festival. It was there, in the midst of the enjoyment that a special opportunity presented itself – Kees Dieffentaller would meet the global music icon, Stevie Wonder.
The surprise appearance marked a continuation of a weekend that placed KestheBand and Caribbean music at the center of some of the most significant cultural moments of Labour Day weekend. The set included an uptempo lyrical mashup of “I Just Called To Say I Love You” and “Savannah Grass,” which received thunderous applause from adoring fans.
Crediting his parents in an emotional social media post following their debut at DC Jazz Fest, lead singer, Kees Dieffenthaller shared that the Stevie Wonder hit “was the first record I had on repeat as a child.” The moment was a powerful one as Soca music and a Trinidad and Tobago band that dedicatedly promotes the genre along with their country, came face to face with one of the most influential global artistes in music history.
Just one night earlier, on Friday, September 4th, KesTheBand electrified Soca Fest at Brooklyn museum in New York, where the band was introduced by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. The appearance brought together Caribbean music, culture and community in one of New York’s most prominent Labor Day weekend celebrations and venues.
Kees went on to serve as an Honorary Grand Marshal of the West Indian Day Parade. The honor was shared with dancehall and reggae superstar, Buju Banton.
Kes the Band with New York City Mayor, Zohran Kwame Mamdani
