Ebuzz News
It’s Time for Tobago to Shine. Producer Does the Unthinkable Before ‘Bago Carnival.
As the entertainment spotlight in Trinidad and Tobago turns to the smaller of the twin islands, Tobago, major moves are being made by some, to amplify the upcoming Tobago carnival. One music producer, Diamond Dale who’s based in Boston, has been hard at work, delivering a project collaborated on with well-known Tobago entertainment hub, Jade Monkey, a project he says is proudly Tobago.
The Jade Monkey Carnival project has illuminated four Tobagonian artistes. Diamond Dale says the project started off ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025 carnival season, however efforts to complete it failed then, as both he and many artistes approached, were absorbed in the season’s bustling activity. Shurwayne Winchester was the lone artiste who had voiced a song on the production and Dale recalls Shurwayne later asking him to share the riddim with another artiste out of Tobago. “He shared it with Mikie Tower – a Tobago artiste and producer, and Mikie went into the studio,” said Dale. One thing led to another and before long, the riddim had been sturdily supported by four Tobagonian artistes. “I hadn’t realized it until one day while driving, it hit me. I called Shurwayne and I asked him if he’d realized that the riddim was all Tobagonian artistes. I suggested that it be released for Tobago Carnival this year and he agreed.”
Now, as momentum builds for the fourth installment of the festival, Tobago’s Mikie Tower, Verse, J- Kez and Shurwayne Winchester are set to share their energy on the Jade Monkey Carnival Project. “It’s a Bouyon flavoured riddim, mixed in with the traditional Soca sound. With the explosion of Bouyon around the region and even internationally, it’s as good a time as any, to deliver music that fuses our Trinbagonian sound with what’s hot,” said the executive producer. With the assistance of Dominican producer, Dada, the riddim was completed with each song written by the respective artiste. “I’m really happy to be a part of something that’s home grown- a powerful show of camaraderie among artistes from Tobago who respect each other and are giving something to show the world that Tobago’s artistes are just as good as every artiste in the region,” said Diamond Dale. He says he hopes this effort will help build more confidence in Tobago’s artistes. “I would definitely encourage producers and songwriters to engage the Tobago artistes more. They have the ability to do just what the Trinidad acts are doing, but they need to be given the same opportunities.”
Tobago Carnival 2025 climaxes on October 24th through the 26th. “This festival belongs to the people of Tobago and it’s a representation of the rich tapestry of cultural traditions and creativity they possess. I’m really happy about this and I think it just might have been God’s work because the way it turned out being all Tobago artistes on this riddim, is nothing short of remarkable,” he said.
The project will be released this week and even as several popular entertainers sprinkle their special Soca sauce on the scene, Diamond Dale and the Tobago artistes on the Jade Monkey Carnival Project are confident that the people of Tobago will enjoy their contributions to the carnival. “There’s enough room for everyone. It’s important for us to help each other grow and Tobago’s annual carnival has the ability to offer its people that opportunity.”
Expressing a strong sense of gratitude for the opportunity, Diamond Dale said, “I’m really grateful to Shurwayne for believing in me. He gave me the encouragement to get into production and it’s been a dream come true. He opened doors for me and I hope what I’ve done here with this riddim, will open doors for these Tobago artistes because, quite frankly, they deserve it.” He extended his immense gratitude to the management at Jade Monkey for their role in investing and supporting the project.
Ebuzz News
Jamaica’s Mavado to Receive Lifetime Award at IRAWMA Awards This Year.
David Brooks, best known as dancehall artiste, Mavado is set to be honored at this year’s 43rd International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) awards on May 17th, in South Florida. He’ll be presented with the Special Lifetime Achievement Award which represents a celebration of resilience, dominance and legacy.
In a statement, the organizers noted that Mavado is known for his unmistakeable voice, global influence and cultural impact. “Mavado has transcended borders, elevating Dancehall to international acclaim,” the statement reads.
In addition to this night of IRAWMA’s celebration of excellence in reggae and world music, globally renowned dancehall superstar, VYBZ Kartel tops the list of more than 150 nominees with 11 nods, and competing against himself in some of the categories, he is followed by Sean Paul and Shaggy with 8 nominations, each.
On the female side, Spice, Lila Ike, and Shenseea tied with 5 nominations each. Hosted by a dynamic lineup including Comedian Dufton Shepherd, Marcia Jackson, and Oliver Mair, the evening promises electrifying performances, unforgettable tributes, and a room filled with icons, tastemakers, and industry leaders.
In a show of gratitude for his conscious musical contribution, Gramps Morgan will be recognized for his song “People Like You,” highlighted as the most outstanding Spiritually Uplifting Song since the new Millennium.Gramps will join a distinguished class of honorees including Burning Spear, Wayne Armond, and Awilo Longomba—each representing excellence across genres and generations.
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.
