Few artistes give the world complete insight into their lives. The ones who do, are often the harshest criticized, but as the saying goes, if you ain’t got no haters, you ain’t poppin’. Jaiga, the artiste formerly known as Super Jigga TC, is probably one of the hardest working entertainers in show biz out of Trinidad and Tobago. Surrounded by a brood of lovely ladies, he’s determined to show them that he’s a man in every way that it counts.
Jaiga with his wife, Samantha.
Terrin Callender is the father of two girls and the husband of a true Trini socialite who makes design industry work look damn easy. Added to that he juggles numerous media projects, including his early morning gig at 96.1WEFM. Jaiga’s a modern day superhero to say the least. Passion propels him though. He’s loved Soca forever. He’s stood firmly for the art form forever, and he won’t cave in under the pressure, he promises. Matter of fact, with his three little ladies looking on and cheering on his efforts every step of the way, how could he?
Earlier this season, he released two soca tracks, ‘Limbo’ and ‘Wining Crook’ – two songs that form part of the Asylum Vikings’ on stage repertoire. Yes, don’t forget that Jaiga, like the late Devon Matthews, is one part of the Asylum Vikings. He certainly enjoys being a part of the unit, which is headed by Bunji Garlin and his wife, Fay Ann Lyons. Their latest project that sees a thorough team spirit employed, has been Fay Ann’s “AzaFit” PART -EE initiative – a carnival exercise pump that starts at the bottom of the Chancellor Hill in Port-of-Spain and sees scores challenge themselves in an ambitious exercise routine, toward the top. He’s definitely a team player and so too is his wife, Samantha. She’s never too far away when it comes to her husband’s performances or efforts involving the Asylum Vikings.
Jaiga’s at the helm of the Great 8.
Last year, Jaiga launched his very own online portal- something he called, The Bass Now Media. Out of that initiative, stemmed something called, “The Great Eight.” He’s been championing an effort t0 make the region and by extension the world, become a bit more in tuned to the soca tracks that are being released, year round, by artistes from across the Caribbean. He says it’s been successful so far, explaining that he receives new music by the ton loads, daily, from a number of artistes from around the region. Soca undoubtedly the Caribbean’s best kept secret, many are realizing the genre’s worth, daily, so we suspect that Jaiga’s gonna be getting more than he bargained for, as word of this portal reaches far and wide.
Trinidad and Tobago is set to stage a revamped International Soca Monarch competition in what is now dubbed The Ultimate Soca Champion competition. The event’s final will be staged on Thursday, February 20th, with the semi final round set for Sunday, February 9th. The announcement was made earlier today by organisers, at a media conference held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
The organisers said the competition will not be split into Groovy/Power categories, however they said there will be special prizes for Best Groovy Soca, Best Power Soca and People’s Champion, based on public votes.
The event will feature the Ultimate Soca Champion reality TV show which organizers say is aimed at giving viewers an intimate look into the competition. “We believe this will help our culture to reach international audiences when packaged properly,” the team said.
In-Person Auditions will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Fernando Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA). Regional/ International Artistes who are not in Trinidad and Tobago, are required to submit video auditions from January 20th at 8:00am to January 26th at 11:59pm.
“We aim to make this a production that captivates audiences worldwide,” said Rome. “The Ultimate Soca Champion Competition will not only elevate soca to international standards but also inspire the next generation of artistes.”
For registration, submission guidelines, and updates, visit ultimatesocachampion.com from Monday January 20th, or email ultimatesocachampion@gmail.com.
There’s another big project coming out of Dwayne Bravo’s 47 Productions in Port-of-Spain, and just like the Pineapple Riddim last month, it features some big names in Soca music.
The Viking of Soca, Bunji Garlin, Grenada’s Skinny Banton, Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child- both St. Vincent and the Grenadines entertainers, grace the ‘Powerful Riddim’- described as a heart-pounding, adrenaline-packed Power Soca riddim that’s guaranteed to light up every fete the season, even with potential for the Road March.
Bunji Garlin deliver’s ‘On De Go’ – a high-octane single that celebrates vibes and undiluted energy, while on Skinny Fabulous’ ‘Like We Rich,’ elements of a grandeur lifestyle, inclusive of living large, partying hard and embracing the high life, are showcased in song. The Vincy BadBoy, Problem Child is also a part of this project with a track called, “Not Behaving,’ undeniably living up to his name. Other artistes on the riddim are Grenadian duo, Lil Natty and Thunda who share their energy with, ‘Wah Dis,” and skinny Banton with ‘Property.” Tommy Sanchez wraps it up, adding a fresh, new vibe with his single, ‘Bend.’
The riddim is being touted as the ultimate soundtrack for the road on Carnival Monday and Tuesday and comes just as Soca megastar, Machel Montano has released, ‘Pardy,’ already getting the nod of approval from die-hard Machel fans.
While the race to the annual Road March anthem of choice in still quite a distance away, several people have already begun the conversation about what’s best for the road. Mical Teja’s ‘Energy’ and ‘Higher Power’ offer masqueraders an infectious, positive energy for the road, while Bunji’s ‘Thousand’ hits hard, delivering high impact and bassy undercurrent that’s hard to ignore.
47 Productions has been strongly contending on the music scene in Trinidad and Tobago in recent years. This year’s Pineapple Riddim, which features, Machel Montano, Lyrikal, Patrice Roberts, Rupee and 47Ronzy, has been well received, with Machel Montano applauding Bravo’s consistency, even as someone invested behind the music scene. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this Carnival season while 47 Productions continues to create space for others to rise,” Bravo had said, at the launch of the riddim in December.
The “Powerful Riddim” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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