Ebuzz News
Kalpee, Jimmy October, Freetown Collective, Nailah Blackman, All Heading to SXSW This Year.
The Trinidad and Tobago Music Company Limited (MusicTT) has partnered with Island Wave (FKA Island Stage) to present “Sounds of the Caribbean” at this year’s SXSW in Austin, Texas. The events have already begun.
“Island Wave” is a platform dedicated to bringing music of the Caribbean to the forefront of the international music scene. Pioneered by rising artist Kalpee, who hails from Trinidad and Tobago, the aim was to create a platform for Caribbean artists to come together, to showcase, celebrate and support each other. Last year, the platform was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hosted performances by Kalpee, Tessellate, Mortimer, Sevana, Khalia and others.
This year, on Friday March 18th, the very first physical “Island Wave” stage will take over Flamingo Cantina Austin, Texas as part of the official SXSW festivities. Kalpee will be joined by some of the fastest rising names on the Caribbean music scene; Grammy and Emmy-nominated Tessellated, Soca songstress Nailah Blackman, genre-bending “Magic” singer Jimmy October, Trinbagonian band Freetown Collective and Jaz Elise, the Jamaican contemporary artist who fuses soul, R&B, reggae and dancehall seamlessly.
“I am so very appreciative of all the experiences I have been blessed with, in being able to travel internationally as part of my music career. Through my travels I came to understand that what is lacking in the West Indies, is structure and resources into the creative arts for us to compete with the rest of the world,” said Kalpee. He explained that he realized that by coming together to represent Caribbean music with his peers, the artistes involved could essentially showcase their heritage, musical genres and individuality. “In recognising the importance of having a venue and stage which represents music from the West Indies, SXSW has given Caribbean Music an international platform to showcase on and we are beyond grateful for their support and continued support in committing to Island Wave 2022,23,24 and beyond,” he said.
Separately, Patrice Roberts and the A Team Band will also hit the stage at Flamingo Cantina on March 16th as part of that team’s efforts to showcase soca music to audiences at SXSW.
Caribbean Buzz
Terri Lyons Expands. Artiste Shows Immense Creativity on New RC Mas Monday Wear.
There’s no box to be held in. Terri Lyons is proving that as she moves into the Monday Wear market, partnering with RC Mas ahead of Carnival 2027.
The reigning Calypso Monarch Queen of Trinidad and Tobago and multiple time Queen of Queens, on Thursday, revealed her creative ability in the mas making sector, sharing her design, ‘Purple Paradise’ – a carefully created design that’s all hers.
The entertainer told Ebuzztt she had the idea and went to the masterful, Kinaji Couture, admitting that Kinaji is a force in the market. “She does a lot of bathing suits and prototypes for bands locally, regionally and further abroad. I knew she could do it and she did execute it perfectly. I just added the flowers,” said Lyons.
In 2027, RC Mas will bring Mystical Garden to life and with the band’s theme considered, Lyons’ floral embellishment makes it abundantly clear that her creativity is disciplined and mindful. She shared her process exclusively with Ebuzztt, highlighting the time taken to design with pen and paper before sharing with Kinaji who brought it all together seamlessly. “This was a lot of work. I sat and drew it all out and I stuck every flower and the diamond studs myself,” said Terri, before adding, “I ain’t doing that again,” with a laugh. The artiste said she’ll have extra hands on board to assist in future.
CHECK OUT HER PROCESS HERE
Ebuzz News
The Caribbean Mourns the Passing of Sir Garfield Sobers.
