Caribbean Buzz
Integrity over Sexualization. New Soca Artistes Rreecey and Eggy Dan Stand Firm.
Imagine being told that in order to be seen and heard, as an upcoming female artiste in the Soca music industry, physical exposure is necessary. Somewhat daunted by this, New York based artiste, Rreecey says she finds herself caught between being passionately driven and angered.
A new single, ‘Stink and Dutty,’ done collaboratively with her friend and fellow artiste, Eggy Dan, Rreecey says she’s been open to marketing and promoting her music, using all available tools, however she makes it clear, she is not in the business of selling her body, arguing that women should not be made to suffer for their integrity.
The sexualization of women in the music industry is not new, nor is it exclusive to Soca music. Other female artistes, among them, Alison Hinds, have spoken out on the hyper-sexualization of the music industry, but to no avail. Despite this challenge now faced, Rreecey says she will press on, promising to continue her momentum with hopes that she can prove herself worthy of airplay and event bookings in the Carnival season ahead.
‘Stink and Dutty’ was written by Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop, one of the Caribbean region’s most requested songwriters. The duo say they’ve found tremendous support in Shaft’s camp, highlighting that with Jason, they’ve been given great music, and even better advice. “Jason is really good at what he does and he guides you really well. He’s a good one,” said Eggy Dan.
Having recently survived a major car accident, Eggy, whose real name is Marvin Lewis, is on the road to recovery. “I’m not back to my usual self just yet but I am doing physical therapy.” He was lucky to survive a car accident on Mother’s Day this year, suffering a severe back injury. “It’s been very hard. I haven’t been working, but with the release of the new single, we made the sacrifice needed recently, visiting Tobago for a promotional run, ahead of Tobago’s carnival,” he said. That experience however, altered his view on the business somewhat, lamenting that people in the industry are very good at making false promises. “There is a lack of proper accountability in the Soca music business, with no redress available to upcoming artistes. People behind the scenes are taking on certain roles and giving assurances, but they’re doing it for money, not for the love of the artform,” said Rreecey.
New Music with Millbeatz
Their trip to T&T last month was not wasted. The duo recorded new music at Millbeatz Music and are excited for the unveiling of these projects. “We’re looking toward the end of the year and we’re excited to share these new songs with Soca lovers,” said Rreecey. They plan on releases two groovy soca track individually, in the next few months. The New York based entertainer explained that she has taken on the task of personally becoming acquainted with leaders in the industry, including event promoters, in a bid to manage risk, after unfortunate experiences in the recent past.
Friends and fans of the artistes have been very observant of their growth. “It’s always great to get the feedback of the people who’ve seen our development over time. Sometimes it’s difficult to maneuver as new artistes, and it doesn’t help when seasoned artistes refuse to share their knowledge and offer advice,” said the young female artiste. Eggy however recalled fellow entertainer, Preedy’s words of support to him. “Preedy told us it won’t be easy but he said we should just keep pushing.”
For both these entertainers, there is a strong will and desire to create long- lasting music. “I want my music to live on. I don’t want to create disposable music. That doesn’t make sense,” said Eggy. Rreecey says despite the challenges that present itself for new artistes choosing Soca music as their outlet, she remains steadfast in her approach. “It’s really tough in New York now, with a lot of promoters becoming artistes and even hiring themselves. This could hurt the culture because if legitimate artistes who take this craft seriously, are continuously overlooked, what can we expect in 10 years?”
No matter the challenge, the New York based team of Rreecey and Eggy Dan is pushing through. Visuals and additional marketing, a major part of their promotional thrust in the months ahead, the artistes are working dedicatedly to bring good music, enjoyable vibes and long-lasting quality to the Soca scene.
“Preedy told us it won’t be easy but he said we should just keep pushing.”
Eggy Dan
Caribbean Buzz
The Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
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 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.
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.
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