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Former Calypso Monarch, Helon Francis, Calls for Rebranding of Calypso.

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A former Calypso Monarch says Calypso, as an element of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture, must be rebranded. It is something Helon Francis believes, will save the artform. A new calypso rendition called, “Mighty,” released last week, the 2018 Calypso King is walking in his truth, honestly expressing his innermost feelings, even as the country presents what’s being called, “The Mother of All Carnivals.”

Francis’ latest release is an anthem of patriotic assertion. He wills his fellow nationals to remember the fabric from which they’ve been cut, urging thoughtfulness and recollection of past achievements, notable moments in history and even the everyday living of the everyday man. A powerfully interwoven string of words, bound by simple melodies and rhythms, Helon’s contender for the crown is a masterpiece. 

As a citizen who hails from Cascade, Francis’ passionate plea for a return to the brotherhood and patriotism that once was, offers a glimmer of hope this carnival. It is safe to say that in the traditional calypso arena, scathing political attacks and insensitive innuendo, are usually the components that bind chorus and verse, taking many to the finals on Dimanche Gras Sunday. Helon says, this time around, he chose to highlight beauty, potential and desire for better. 

“This song describes our people. We are now at a point where we must re-evaluate ourselves and our situation, especially coming out of what was a global depression. It is important that I remind our people of who we are because sometimes, hard times can bring you to a point where you forget your abilities,” said Francis. He says he prefers to focus his energy and music on enlightening the people of his country at this time. 

Helon Francis has given us, ‘Mighty’ for 2023.

The song was written by Francis. He understands music well, having studied and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. Now, armed with that academic knowledge, a deep- rooted desire to direct change in his way, and an undeniable creative gift, Helon is pushing a positive agenda, with high hopes of breathing new life into Calypso and country. 

In 2018, he won the Calypso Monarch with a song entitled, “Change.” Well experienced in the art of Calypso composition and delivery, Francis anticipates his return to Skinner Park this year. He has been through the necessary stages, having won Young Kings in 2016 and before that, delivering from youth into adolescence. Now an adult, he is focused on empowering others like him for a better Trinidad and Tobago. 

Admittedly, Francis is appreciative of the kaleidoscope of creativity that’s seen in the calypso arena. “I appreciate every artist, because we need the kaleidoscope of calypsonians to make a thriving industry,” he said. He however believes that the future of the industry must be left to the youth, those even younger than him. 

“Youth drives the popularity of any music. Without a young crop of budding calypsonians, we are not going to go forward the way we need to,” the artist advised, suggesting that efforts be made to rebrand the genre, considerate of the advanced state of the world we now occupy. “If we don’t make the right changes, when it comes to branding, theme, variety, calypsonians and calypso itself, we’re not going to move forward. We have to take risks,” he emphasized.

Helon hopes to see a new era of calypsonians between the ages of 18 and 25 become involved in what some may call the heartbeat of carnival, calypso music. For now, he is presenting positive music with purpose. It is through that effort he feels the best result will emerge. 

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Ebuzz News

Caribbean Fashion Is A Big Deal. Designer, Ecliff Elie Expands With Women In Mind.

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Caribbean fashion is top tier. In a world of copy and paste designs, Caribbean brands like the incomparable Ecliff Elie, stand in a class of their own. Earlier this month, the menswear brand made a major announcement and whether you’ve heard or not, we’re here to tell you, this is huge.

The Ecliff Elie brand will now be delivering its seamless, tailored appeal to women. The brand is known for its precision tailoring and disciplined garment construction so with that at its foundation, women can now feel the complete effect of the Ecliff Elie touch. The company steps out into this aspect of its business after what it says has been years of delivering this service privately to women. Dubbed ‘Bespoke — Tailored for Women,’ Ecliff Elie is now offering the service, at scale.

The introduction reflects a focused extension of Elie’s established approach to tailoring – one built on proportion, control, and consistency. Each garment is developed through a guided process that considers posture, movement, and presence, ensuring that the final result aligns with how the individual operates and presents herself.

From custom blazers to trousers, skirts, and dresses, customers will now be able to get their custom designed Ecliff Elie apparel, through a consultation-led process where every decision—from cut to finish—is deliberate. The company says fabric selection will be approached with the same level of discipline, with materials chosen for structure, performance, and longevity, allowing each piece to maintain its standard over time.

“This is not a new direction,” Elie states. “It is a continuation of work I have done over time, now introduced with structure and clarity.”

With more than three decades of experience, Ecliff Elie has consistently positioned presentation as a defining factor in how individuals are perceived. His work has guided clients across industries to approach style as a matter of precision and intent rather than preference.

“When the garment is correct, everything changes,” he adds. “You move differently. You carry yourself differently. That is the standard.”

As more women continue to operate at the highest levels across business, leadership, and professional environments, the demand for tailoring that reflects both authority and individuality has grown. This offering responds to that shift with a process designed to deliver consistency, clarity, and control.

Through Bespoke — Tailored for Women, Ecliff Elie continues to refine his approach while maintaining a clear focus on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a disciplined standard of execution.

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Music News

Producer Advocates for More Positive Content. Leads The Way With ‘The Only 1’ Riddim.

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One music producer in Trinidad and Tobago is calling on all artistes to create more meaningful music. He’s however advocating for positive content and says the time has come to counteract the negative as much as possible. 

Khadeem Edwards is the man formerly known as Twin Island Studio, but he switched gears around 2023, after what he describes as a rebirth. He now runs Xklusiv Music Productions and earlier this year, saw the success of his Relief Riddim- a project that featured the likes of Skinny Fabulous, Rae, Dev and Mr. Lee. In the aftermath of that, he’s pushing more positive energy with a new project called, The Only 1 Riddim, and this time he has worked with several talented artistes, among them, Christo and Island Boy Preedy. 

Producer, Khadeem Edwards

For Edwards, the mission of creating music is one that’s as important as it is necessary. He firmly believes that music’s influence can be uplifting or damaging, and because of that belief, he is advocating for change. “As a producer, I know that my work influences people. Because of that, I’ve made the conscious decision to work on this particular project with the intention to influence people positively,” said Edwards. The Only 1 Riddim is a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B and Soul music. By its acoustic nature, the production demands lyrics that are soulful, sweet and life-giving. “We were given emotions, and music plays with these emotions. If you have an aggressive style of music and you consume that frequently, that aggression will begin to develop in you as a person. For this riddim, I’ve incorporated Afrobeats so we can still dance, but the harmonies deliver on the typical R&B and Soul sounds.” 

The release of the songs on The Only 1 Riddim coincided with the celebration of Mother’s Day. Edwards explained that each song is meant to stir something inside the soul of the listener and engage them in a way that promotes love. “I think it’s important for listeners to be offered a choice when it comes to music. There’s a great opportunity for our artistes to bring forward more music that counteracts the negative, and I think the onus is on the people who hold the power to promote positive music, to do just that,” said Edwards. His expression comes in the aftermath of several incidents of violence in Trinidad and Tobago in recent weeks, which have been linked to gang warfare. Many across society have argued that music which perpetuates criminality plays a powerful role in the end result that often spikes the murder toll. 

LFS Music returns to the music scene with ‘Sweet Love.’

Artiste support weighs heavily on the overall thrust to deliver music that’s needed for a better outcome in today’s society. Edwards says between the marketing and promotional efforts and the consumer’s reaction to the music, a lot can happen. “Delivering music takes a big toll on all artistes as well as the producer. Marketing costs and all other associated costs are heavy. What’s sad is that after all those expenses, the consumer hardly ever makes a purchase. They rip pirated versions or stream for free. A song is 99 cents on iTunes. When you pay for the music, you feed the artiste and the producer. We need more people to buy the music and support our artistes,” he urged. 

A single acceptance of a new life by Khadeem Edwards a few years ago altered his life’s direction. “I accepted Jesus Christ. I wasn’t perfect and I’m still not perfect, but I’m working towards perfection, being a better person, and I believe any artiste, any person, can do the same,” he said. He hopes The Only 1 Riddim will decrease the sense of urgency presently consuming many across the world. “My hope for this project is for all of us to really slow down. The world is moving really fast and we need to slow down and appreciate the people who truly matter. The songs on this riddim express that. I believe that if we listen to this style of music, we’ll slow down, reminisce, capture a vibe of love and appreciation for the people we love, and return to tenderness and vulnerability.” 

Brooklyn based artiste, Maki is also apart of the new project.

Plans are afoot to generate more music that promotes the positives of life. Edwards and his team at Xklusiv Music Productions are answering a call that runs deeper than the eye can see. “The bonus track on this riddim will be a gospel single and in that song, The Only 1 will ultimately be God. I’m pleased to be doing this and I hope that its value will be appreciated.” 

The artistes on The Only 1 Riddim are Christo with “Woman,” Maki who delivers “D Only One,” Preedy who sings “Fight No More,” Mr. Lee with “Take Care,” Temisha from the US Virgin Islands, who sings “Paradise,” and LFS Music returns with “Sweet Love.” 

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