Ebuzz News
Jalessa Is The Future. Young T&T Talent Ready for Junior Soca Monarch, Next Tuesday.
Beautiful and immensely talented, Trinidad and Tobago Soca star on the rise, Jalessa Lazarus is set to perform in the upcoming semi- finals of the Junior Soca Monarch competition. ‘Waistline,’ a track written by Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop and produced by Millbeats Entertainment, hears the 14-year-old speak on youths her age enjoying carnival, albeit without the vulgarity. She is conscious and smart. In fact, now being tutored at a private secondary institution, Jalessa balances her budding music career with academics and other performance art subjects that she enjoys.
“I enrolled Jalessa in a private secondary school when I realized how tiring it became for her with 18 subjects. Now she has the flexibility to do what she enjoys doing, and focuses on four primary subjects,” explained her mother, Phylicia. The young entertainer’s family has been extremely supportive of her pursuits over the years. “As a parent, I felt it was important for me to step up and do what was necessary for my child’s wellbeing. She is enrolled in guitar, vocal training with Tiffany Paul, piano lessons and at dance with Xtreme Dance Academy as well,” said Lazarus.
For Jalessa, the journey continues to be an exciting one. Surrounded by her musical peers like Yung Kymani, Wizabella, Zachary Ransom and others, Jalessa says the energy is always positive. “We have each other’s back and no matter what; we know we are all winners,” said the Arima born youngster. Beyond this, Jaleesa is looking forward to the release of a new collaborative single done with another youngster in the business. “I’m just looking forward to performing for audiences, sharing my talent and partaking in the competition,” she said, explaining that her desire is always to do her best and become better than she was before.
Coached in piano and guitar by Kevin Millien, Jalessa Lazarus is working her way into the world of music in a dynamic way. Her strong personal ambitions, strengthened by the love and support of her family, pushes her to new heights annually. “I’d like to work with Preedy and Patrice Roberts one day,” she said, noting that along with Soca artiste, Voice, these two singers are in fact, her influences in music.
Amid ongoing concern over school bullying in Trinidad and Tobago, and across the world, the young entertainer says she hopes this can be addressed with intention by authorities. “Jalessa was the victim of bullying as a child. Her father died before she was born and she was harassed about it at school,” said her mother. “What I did then, was reassure my child of her worth and I explained that bullies simply need love.”
On February 23rd, Jalessa will be a part of a meet and greet event at Solange Fashion, East Gates Mall, Trincity. “It’s an opportunity for kids her age and younger to come out and interact with her,” said her mom. For Phylicia, the support and earnest encouragement of her child, comes second nature. “I encourage every parent who seen a talent in their child, to push them into their purpose. Do not wait until they are older. Support them and do it now,” she urged, highlighting that gifts always make way for those who possess them.
As the Carnival season in T&T heats up and Jalessa prepares for the finals of the Junior Soca Monarch competition on February 25th, she is anticipating the support from all of T&T. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be and I’m very excited to once again be a part of the carnival experience,” said the young singer.
For more on Jalessa, follow her on Instagram @jalessa_lazarus.
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.
Ebuzz News
Trinidad and Tobago’s Voice Will Rep for Soca at Best of the Best 2026. Artiste’s Inclusion Shows Soca’s Global Reach.
He had one of the most memorable Carnival seasons with a Soca track that stole the hearts of Soca lovers in 2026 and now Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis is set to represent hard for the Soca music genre at the upcoming ‘Best of the Best’ Music Festival in Miami on May 26th. His appearance will be his debut to the highly anticipated festival and already, the energy is high.
Voice represents the bridge between Millennial Soca and GenZ vibes. ‘Cyah Behave Mehself’ was lapped up like good Caribbean food at Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago back in February, and it is expected to do the same as the international summer season approaches.
Set to take place on May 26th at Museum Park, Downtown Miami, Voice’s inclusion on the cast underscores the Soca genre’s continued global reach within a predominantly reggae and dancehall showcase. Known for his high energy performances and melodic songwriting, the Trinidad and Tobago three -time Soca Monarch King has built an extensive catalogue of hits that that has proven to resonate with a global audience.
Organizers say anticipation for Voice’s performance at Best of the Best, is high. “Fans are looking forward to a dynamic set that brings soca’s signature energy to the festival stage.”
Best of the Best Music Fest remains one of North America’s premiere Caribbean music events, drawing fans from across the region and Diaspora for a full day of live performances. This year’s lineup includes, Sizzla Kalonji, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Rajah Wild, Skeng, Vanessa Bling, among others.
