Ebuzz News
Juneteenth Weekend Set To Be Lit With Carnival Excitement in DC.
The metropolitan region known as the DMV (Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia) will feel the energy of Hookie Weekend from June 16th to 20th 2022. The weekend-long extravaganza produced by Hookie Life Entertainment will feature a full Caribbean Carnival-style experience, according to a press statement issued.
This upcoming ‘Juneteenth weekend’, a wide range of Hookie Weekend attendees will enjoy and exercise the freedom associated with Carnival celebrations and have the opportunity to express themselves through the weekend’s famous ‘dutty’ and ‘pretty’ mas events in DC.
On Saturday June 18th, the famous Hookie Weekend early morning tradition, ‘Lion’s Pride J’ouvert’ takes place from 7AM at the Rosecroft Raceway. Regarded as the best J’ouvert event in the DMV, Lion’s Pride offers an authentic West Indian experience complete with branded t-shirts and swag packages for registrants who are known to revel in paint and powder, to powerful music blasting from a big truck, as is the norm in all Carnival festivals of this nature.
On June 19th, the excitement continues at the Rosecroft Raceway with the beloved ‘Riddim & Road’ from 2PM.This Hookie Weekend innovative mas concept has been remixing the traditional Mas model by allowing its masqueraders to be the costume designer. Attendees can participate in this alternative road experience by wearing old costumes from previous international carnivals, ‘Monday Wear’ options or even their own inspired costume creations.
In addition to recycling or repurposing old costumes, for 2022 Riddim & Road registrants can also purchase a brand new costume from the exclusive ‘Afrobeat’ sections by Scion Carnival.
Lion’s Pride J’ouvert and Riddim & Road join the upcoming long weekend’s slate of events, which also include the kick-off party ‘Release Therapy’ featuring Adam O, the premium Caribbean pool party ‘Hookie DC Arcade’ featuring Kes The Band, Kranium, Voice and Mr Killa, the pumping party ‘Shine DC’ and the new Hookie Weekend cool down event ‘Oasis’.
Caribbean Buzz
Rising Superstar, Coutain Heads to Tobago for Easter Weekend, Rhthym and Soul Festival.
Like a breath of fresh air, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s very own rising stars has been added to the Easter cast of a major festival happening on the island. Coutain, a reserved Sangre Grande entertainer who’s been making waves, though humbly, is the one of the latest names plugged to entertain visitors to Tobago, and locals alike, at the Buccoo Seafood and Jazz event.
Coutain’s rise to prominence say him take Carnival 2025 by storm, performing at several major events and showcasing a unique essence that’s likable and palatable to all demographics. Songs like ‘Junction,’ ‘Artform’ ‘Jamtown’ with Tano, and ‘Carnival Darling’ with GBM Nutron, form part of the artiste’s enticing catalogue. An organic and true undercurrent that’s proven effective in marketing the artiste, now sees him stand alongside the likes of International superstars, Brian McKnight and Jon Secada in Tobago on April 19th.
The Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival aims to deliver a showcase of rich, cultural engagement this Easter and despite an election shadow, all efforts have remained strong in promoting the importance of showcasing Tobago’s tourism product, to the world.
Last week, the announcement of Buju Banton’s sudden replacement as a result of illness within his camp, led to some concern, however with Stephen Marley now headlining the Easter Sunday, ‘Fusion’ concert event alongside the likes of Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Singing Melody, Kes The Band and others, the show, according to organizers, is gearing up to be a highlight of the calendar year in Tobago.
Coutain, along with former Road March King, Mical Teja and St. Lucia’s Teddyson John, will be among the star studded line-up this Easter weekend in a festival that’s being touted as transformative and energizing on Trinidad’s sister isle.
Ebuzz News
Finally, Marley Consciousness Will Erupt in T&T This Easter.
A near carbon copy of the original and still, a powerful force in reggae music on his own, Stephen Marley graces the shores of Trinidad and Tobago this Easter. The artiste’s imminent arrival has been prompted by the unforeseen postponement of Buju Banton’s appearance in Tobago this year. For true fans of reggae music however, Stephen’s name is a breath of fresh air – a ‘Marley’ having been absent from the local entertainment and concert scene, since 2012.
Stephen, is by all measure, the living, breathing spirit of the late, great, Bob Marley. An eight-time Grammy Award winner, Bob’s second child with wife, Rita Marley has stood firm in the trenches for his father’s mission of empowering mankind through music, melody and lyrical prowess.
The Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival, with organisers, the Tobago Festival Commission, keenly cognizant of the need to inject positive music and energy into the twin island Republic, has chosen this powerhouse entertainer to stand in for Buju at this time, confident that his timeless music, will engage the masses. “Challenge comes with growth. This festival will ultimately blossom into a product that Trinidad and Tobago can essentially be very proud of. As we develop the brand and build from the foundation up, we’re tremendously happy for the outpouring of support we’ve been receiving,” said Kern Cowan – CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission.
The inclusion of the elder Marley on the Easter Sunday ‘Fusion’ cast, amplifies the commitment of the organisers, to ensuring that no stone is left unturned in satisfying the people of Trinidad and Tobago and those who will visit for the holiday weekend. “We’re excitedly moving full speed ahead with systems on overdrive to accommodate our visitors. Tobago is a beautiful destination for anyone interested in absorbing life’s natural blessings. The island truly has it all – beauty, serenity, nature and now, with a product like this one, we’re ultimately showcasing the possibilities,” said Cowan.
Across the Caribbean, tourist destinations are a dime a dozen. The simplicity of Tobago’s eco-focused aesthetic however delivers something unique to those who’ve done the ‘magazine-destinations’ time and time again. “Music is fundamental to life and so we knew that in order to better highlight and market Tobago in its most authentic way, we could not overpower the energy of the island, but rather, compliment it. For that reason, we’ve created a festival that soothes, regenerates and uplifts,” said Cowan.
His father’s voice perfectly synced to his, Stephen Marley will penetrate Trinidad and Tobago at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago, on Easter Sunday. He will be joined by the likes of Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Singing Melody and more. The stage is set for what is being touted as a transformative experience in Trinidad and Tobago.
