Undeniably authentic and superbly talented, a sister of the Caribbean region, is set to island-hop between her homeland, Grenada and over to nearby, Trinidad and Tobago, for what she promises will be a musical experience to remember.
Sabrina Francis sings a melodic fusion of Afro-Caribbean pop, but according to the young performer, the pop is hardly noticeable. In what will be her second visit to Trinidad on September 14th, Sabrina will share her mesmerizing energy with music lovers at Kafe Blue in Port -of- Spain, and as she explained, the show is part of the foundation being laid, for eventual sonic experiences that will ultimately knock the socks off true fans of music and melody.
In Grenada, Francis hosts mountain side shows. “I have been focused on my show, ‘Meet Me at the Mango Tree,’ which is truly a different experience. There’s a shed with a tree in the middle of it and when guests arrive, I give them headphones. They walk a red carpet, sit, and I tell them a story using sounds and songs for one hour and thirty minutes,” she explained, adding, “It’s a very special and unique experience.”
Her execution of events like Meet Me at the Mango Tree, Sunset Sessions and The Wide-Open concert in Grenada, are preparing her for major regionwide showcases. For now, however, Sabrina says she is wetting her feet, getting to know her neighbours better and introducing them to her sound and style. “This past year has been a year of live music. I would like the next year to be a year of collaboration. I want to meet with artistes and producers when I come to Trinidad, to chat and see what the possibilities are because I believe that collaboration in the creative space is just a really great thing for building relationships and creating something new and magical.”
Excited about the release of a brand new single, set for month’s end, Francis said she will deliver the song to her audience at Kafe Blue in Trinidad. “The song is called, ‘Don’t Waste My Time,’ and we recently wrapped the video for it,” she shared, highlighting that her goal for music, as an artiste in these times is simply to deliver sustainable artistry. “With the state of the music industry globally, my goal is to make my music sustainable, so that in 15 years, I could still host a concert and the followers that I’m engaging now will want to come out and enjoy the music for the nostalgia. I want to be an original name and eventually an international name, where possible. I will push for it and do what needs to be done,” said Francis.
Humble and grounded, the artiste who is certainly growing in popularity outside of the Caribbean region as well, said she hopes to one day collaborate with T&T’s Freetown Collective. “I opened for them at a show I did in the UK. I also went to one of their tiny spaces concerts in Trinidad and it reminded me of my Sunset Sessions that I do in Grenada. I really think we’d be aligned musically.”
Freetown Collective
Though atypical when compared to the artistes on the traditional Caribbean music circuit, and even at home in Grenada, Sabrina Francis’ sound is pronounced and undeniably rich. “The support at home has been steady and warm. People really wish me well and I feel like I’m getting more and more recognized. People are meeting and greeting me at the supermarket so I always have to dress well when I’m leaving the house now,” she laughed.
Fellow Grenadian artistes Mr. Killa, Dash, Terror de Governor and others have also thrown tremendous support behind her, over the years. “They’re always willing to come through for their girl and I appreciate that immensely,” she said.
Tickets for her T&T showcase on September 14th, are available online at www.sabrinafrancis.com. She says tickets will also be available at the door and she anticipates seeing music lovers come out to experience an unforgettable show. “I’ll be sharing music and magic. I can’t wait to see everyone.”
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
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.
Anson 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.
A Caribbean tour that started in Trinidad on Saturday and has continued in Grenada, this afternoon, has intrigued GenZ and GenAlphan fans across the Caribbean and internationally, all thanks to digital influencer, IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr.
The 21-year-old Cincinnati, Ohio native who has racked up over 53 million YouTube subscribers touched down in Trinidad on Saturday, much to the excitement of local gaming and streaming fanatics, many of whom are teens and pre-teens.
Accompanied by several Trinidad and Tobago influencers and chaperoned by Machel Montano’s manager, Che Kothari, the vibrant young streamer was shown various parts of Port- of- Spain, Trinidad, and introduced to aspects of the culture often experienced by visitors to T&T, particularly at Carnival time.
From Saheena, to Roti, Bake and Shark and Doubles, IShowSpeed tried several Trinbagonian dishes and even some of the snacks manufactured locally. He was exposed to Carnival culture and traditional carnival characters and further to that, Trinidad and Tobago artistes like Lady Lava, Nessa Preppy and Jimmy October shared in the thrill of his visit. Many young, eager Trinbaonians, inclusive of parents who are familiar with the young influencer, engaged happily with Watkins Jr. throughout Saturday’s trip, all as he streamed the fun, live. Running through the streets as he moved through places like Tragarete Road and Charlotte Street in downtown Port-of-Spain, he was visibly excited to experience the country known especially for the Greatest Caribbean Carnival, the world over.
The trip, though quick, was streamed to some 7 millions online viewers and while some found it difficult to relate to the new wave of digital marketing and influencer branding potential for the small, twin island, others have since been marveling at the fact that this 21-year-old has managed to gift Trinidad and Tobago more publicity in mere hours, than that which Caribbean celebrities have been able to attain, over years in cultural ambassadorship.
Now, he turns his energy to Grenada. He was welcomed to the island by Grenadian cultural ambassador, Mr. Killa on Sunday, and Grenada’s signature Jab is expected to be on full display as the opportunity to reach millions around the world, now presents itself. The tour will continue to other Caribbean tourist destinations, inclusive of Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Bahamas, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Sint Maarten, Dominica, The Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
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