Caribbean Buzz
He Turned Negative into Positive. Now, He’s Opening For Buju , Beres, Anthony B and Luciano.
He is living proof that there is always a way out of poverty and crime. Black Loyalty, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s prophetic, reggae musicians, says he made a vow, a long time ago, that he would not be a statistic.
The La Horquetta, Arima native will form part of the reggae cast billed for the upcoming Redemption concert being held at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain. The event takes place on Saturday, May 6th. “There is a great need for more shows of this nature, more shows like Redemption,” said the singer. “Concerts like these offer the youth an example of what they should strive for,” he added.
Keon Jones his real name, the entertainer many know for the hit single, ‘On My Way,’ is excited for the opportunity to grace a major concert stage in his homeland. “I have been patiently waiting for this moment. People can look forward to seeing something unique- something they’ve never before seen from a Trinidad and Tobago reggae artiste,” he assured.
Years of dedication to his craft, strongly encouraged by his mother, who he also credits with his spiritual affinity, Black Loyalty is set to deliver powerfully on show night. A part of the music industry professionally for approximately nine years, he recalls his growth, explaining that he had the benefit of being around his neighbor, fellow artiste, Squeezy Rankin and even Calypsonian Rootsman. “Growing up, I made up my mind to be around the right people, and even though I wasn’t really pushed in the music, things began to change for me.”
Despite the challenge of an undefined music industry in Trinidad and Tobago, the masterful vocalist believes this opportunity afforded, at this time, will open doors to him. “One of the major challenges I face is being known in places like Finland and Zambia, but not performing in these places,” he said, noting that there are hindrances when it comes to effectively making it out into these markets. “Trinidad does not have a music industry. Trinidad has a body of people who do events and shows. Jamaica has an industry and they have labels and a body of people who manage artistes as soon as the artistes are on the rise,” he pointed out.
Still, Black Loyalty remains focused on his purpose. “One of the artistes I’ve been inspired by is Jimmy Cliff. I listened to his music from my early years. I looked at his way of writing, his delivery. Bob Marley was also a great inspiration; likewise, Peter Tosh, Johnny Osborne and Alton Ellis,” he explained. The artiste says he feels it is important for influential singers like Buju Banton, Luciano, Anthony B and others to share their messages with the people. “Men like Buju Banton who would have been to prison, even as a positive artiste; artistes who’ve been through certain things are exemplars for the younger artistes, educating us all on tribulations that anyone can face and overcome.”
A Roots, Rock, Reggae musician, Black Loyalty says he believes music controls a person’s attitude – “a person’s algorithm.” He says music can alter moods significantly. “Whenever you hear a song, it puts you in a mood so if the mood of that song is violent, even if you edit out the violence, it would not take away from the message that the song is sending. If the mood is love, when you hear the song, you will feel love. If the mood of the music is righteousness and positivity, people who want to feel that, will listen to that. Nobody who wants to feel a positive energy will put on a song with violent lyrics. Each type of music has its place,” he suggested.
A new single, “Woman I Love You,” recently released, Black Loyalty anticipates delivering it on the Redemption stage. “I will try to leave a positive impact because the people- the country needs it right now. The country needs more artistes like ‘Black Loyalty’ right now to speak to the youth. Not everybody with wealth and power can speak to the youths. A youth man can listen to my story or another artiste’s story and learn from it,” he said, adding, “When you tell me there is no way out of a certain life, I cannot agree because I am a living example that there is a way out. People see me today and say they can’t believe how far I’ve reached. I’ve turned negativity into positivity.”
Gates open at 7pm and showtime on May 6th, is promptly at 8pm. Black Loyalty will open for reggae music heavyweights, Buju Banton, Anthony B, Beres Hammond and Luciano at Redemption 8.
Caribbean Buzz
Trinidad and Tobago, First to Host Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, This September.
After three celebrated years at Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre, the Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) expands beyond the awards stage with the launch of the inaugural Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, a destination celebration taking place September 18-20, 2026, in Trinidad & Tobago.
This year’s celebration unfolds under the theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, honoring the rhythms, voices, and cultural traditions that have shaped generations and continue to influence music around the world.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
The Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, marking a milestone moment as the celebration expands into the Caribbean region for the first time.
The Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will transform CMA from a single-night awards ceremony into a multi-day celebration bringing together artists, fans, industry professionals, creators, tastemakers, media, and cultural leaders from across the Caribbean and around the world.
What’s In Store
The Elite Weekend Experience will feature a series of events celebrating music, culture, and community throughout the destination. Festivities will include an exclusive Welcome Reception, pre-show experiences, the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, the official after-party, a special steelpan concert presented by Stars and Steel, and additional programming designed to celebrate Trinidad & Tobago’s cultural influence. Additional programming, partnerships, performers, presenters, and special announcements will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The move to Trinidad & Tobago marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Caribbean Music Awards, while honoring the city where it all began. New York was the ideal birthplace for the Awards, home to one of the world’s largest and most influential Caribbean diaspora communities. It was there that the Caribbean Music Awards established its identity, built its audience, and proved there was a global appetite for a world-class celebration dedicated solely to Caribbean music and culture.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
Over the past three years, Brooklyn’s iconic Kings Theatre became more than just the home of the Caribbean Music Awards. It became the launchpad for a movement that united artists, industry leaders, fans, and cultures from across the Caribbean and beyond, under one roof. The energy, ambition, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless hustle that define New York City helped shape the DNA of the Caribbean Music Awards, and that spirit will remain embedded in the brand no matter where it travels.
Now, with a strong foundation established, the Caribbean Music Awards begins the next phase of its evolution by bringing the celebration directly to the Caribbean. As the inaugural host destination for the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, Trinidad & Tobago sets the stage for a long-term vision that will see the Awards partner with tourism boards and host destinations to spotlight a different Caribbean nation in future years. By rotating throughout the region, the Caribbean Music Awards aims to celebrate each destination’s unique culture, support tourism, create economic impact, and further strengthen the Caribbean’s creative economy while continuing to unite the global diaspora through music.
Majah Hype Returns, This Time With Nailah.
Bringing even more excitement to this year’s celebration, internationally celebrated Caribbean artiste, Nailah Blackman and acclaimed comedian, entertainer, and cultural personality Majah Hype will host the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, bringing their unique energy, charisma, and deep connection to Caribbean culture to the stage.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
For Majah Hype, the 2026 ceremony marks his fourth consecutive year hosting the Caribbean Music Awards, making him one of the longest-standing personalities connected to the celebration. Having witnessed the Awards grow from its early years at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre into a global platform for Caribbean excellence, Majah continues to bring the humor, passion, and cultural pride that have made him one of the Caribbean diaspora’s most beloved entertainers.
“Four years hosting the Caribbean Music Awards? Mi feel like dem haffi give me my own seat at this point!” said Majah Hype. “But seriously, being part of this journey from day one has been a blessing. I’ve watched this celebration grow, seen the incredible talent come through, and witnessed how much this moment means to our people. To see it expand from Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre to Trinidad & Tobago is something special. Caribbean culture is powerful, the talent is endless, and mi ready fi celebrate everybody who continues to carry our music and our culture to the world.”
For Nailah Blackman, this year’s ceremony represents a new chapter in her relationship with the Caribbean Music Awards. Having experienced the event as an attendee, performer, nominee, and winner, Nailah now steps into the role of host while continuing to be recognized as one of the leading voices in Caribbean music.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
“The Caribbean Music Awards has been a special part of my journey,” said Nailah Blackman. “I’ve experienced this celebration as a fan, as a performer, as a nominee, and as a winner, and now being able to step into the role of host is truly an honor. To do it in Trinidad, surrounded by our people and our culture, makes this moment even more meaningful. I’m excited to celebrate the incredible artists who continue to push Caribbean music forward.”
Since launching in 2023, the Caribbean Music Awards has grown into one of the premier platforms celebrating Caribbean musical excellence, honoring artists across Dancehall, Reggae, Soca, Konpa, Chutney Soca, Zess, Dennery, Gospel, and emerging Caribbean genres. Last year’s ceremony marked a historic milestone with its BET broadcast debut, further expanding the Awards’ reach and strengthening its position as a leading global celebration of Caribbean music.
Following the announcement of more than 250 nominees across more than 40 categories earlier this year, anticipation continues to build toward what promises to be one of the biggest Caribbean Music Awards celebrations yet. This September, the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will bring together the sounds, stories, and cultures that have defined generations of Caribbean creativity, inviting audiences from around the world to experience this year’s theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, from the heart of one of the region’s most influential cultural destinations.
Caribbean Buzz
Terri Lyons Expands. Artiste Shows Immense Creativity on New RC Mas Monday Wear.
There’s no box to be held in. Terri Lyons is proving that as she moves into the Monday Wear market, partnering with RC Mas ahead of Carnival 2027.
The reigning Calypso Monarch Queen of Trinidad and Tobago and multiple time Queen of Queens, on Thursday, revealed her creative ability in the mas making sector, sharing her design, ‘Purple Paradise’ – a carefully created design that’s all hers.
The entertainer told Ebuzztt she had the idea and went to the masterful, Kinaji Couture, admitting that Kinaji is a force in the market. “She does a lot of bathing suits and prototypes for bands locally, regionally and further abroad. I knew she could do it and she did execute it perfectly. I just added the flowers,” said Lyons.
In 2027, RC Mas will bring Mystical Garden to life and with the band’s theme considered, Lyons’ floral embellishment makes it abundantly clear that her creativity is disciplined and mindful. She shared her process exclusively with Ebuzztt, highlighting the time taken to design with pen and paper before sharing with Kinaji who brought it all together seamlessly. “This was a lot of work. I sat and drew it all out and I stuck every flower and the diamond studs myself,” said Terri, before adding, “I ain’t doing that again,” with a laugh. The artiste said she’ll have extra hands on board to assist in future.
CHECK OUT HER PROCESS HERE
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