Ebuzz News
Kernal , Shurwayne, Sekon Sta – Scarborough Riddim Amplifies Tobago’s Energy.
As the energy surrounding the upcoming Tobago carnival increases, there’s a riddim that’s aiding in the acknowledgement of the smaller of the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Tobago is seriously buzzing these days.
On Saturday, an event called, ‘Bago Jam’ launched the Tobago Carnival experience. Calling on revelers and culture lovers to revel in Paradise, the event brought the energy of Soca to the fore, with performances by Iwer George, Farmer Nappy, The A Team Band, Leslie Ann Ellis, D’Ziah and the artistes of the Scarborough Riddim- Shurwayne Winchester, Kernal Roberts, Zan, Sekon Sta, Chingee and Adana.
The riddim, which was produced by Stems Production, Chinese Laundry and Rishi Mahato, is described as a party riddim, inspired and dedicated to Tobago. The artistes on the riddim have done tremendous justice to it, with Kernal injecting the refrain, ‘Outside Nice,’ Sekon Sta pushing hard with ‘One Jam’, Chingee beckoning, ‘Come Nah’, Zan and Adana collaboratively complying with the single, ‘We Reach,’ and finally, Shurwayne sealing the deal with a song that’s already being described as the anthem for ‘Bago Carnival,’ – ‘To Be Gonian.’
On Saturday, the six artistes, backed by the A Team Band, presented their tracks as one unit, each bringing a special sweetness to the event that was free and open to the public at Shaw Park in Scarborough. On stage, Sekon Sta ignited big energy, signaling the true start of the festival that will unfold toward the end of October.
Shurwayne– a son of the soil, reminded his countrymen of the beauty that lies in Tobago. “Yuh see this riddim. The Scarborough riddim came out of love,” he said, adding, “This song is written for you. Look out fuh yuh neighbour, look out fuh yuh friend, look out fuh yuh street, look out fuh yuh co-workers, look out fuh yuh family, look out fuh yuh district,” he pleaded as the crowed raised their hands, mobile phone lights on, in unison. His plea comes as Trinidad and Tobago grapples with a murder toll that has surpassed the number of days on the calendar year.
Tobago carnival now officially launched, the festival, which is now the final carnival on the global carnival calendar, is expected to bring much needed tourism to the island.
Ebuzz News
Culture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
A move in line with government’s commitment to creating balance and encouraging expansion in T&T’s overall cultural experience; This is how the country’s Culture and Community Development Minister responded this afternoon to criticism meted out to government as word spread that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy would no longer be used as a fete venue.
Minister Michelle Benjamin, declaring her support for the Prime Minister said residents living in close proximity to the cricket academy, have voiced their concerns regarding the excessive sound levels generated by large scale events. Major carnival fetes have seen patron attendance exceeding 10,000 in recent years, according to promoters.
Opened in 2017, the Tarouba sporting facility is managed by the Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago. UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee, speaking on the issue with the Trinidad Express said events hosted outside of the stadium have led to wear and tear of the facility. He explained that annual costs for the overall maintenance of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, exceed $10million.
The Promoter’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago meanwhile, has condemned the move, saying, the government’s sudden ban on the use of UDeCOTT facilities for soca and other Carnival related events is destructive and short-sighted. Questioning the “real intent behind the move,” the association argues that the move is viewed as a top-down decision, made without consultation with the sector. Arguing that several promoters have already secured the venue ahead of Carnival 2026, the TTPA said, “For all those affected, tickets have been sold, venues advertised, and patrons have made travel and accommodation plans to align with confirmed events.” The organization is questioning how this move benefits the entire country.
Culture Minister Gives Reassurance
In her statement, Minister Benjamin explained that citizens should view the decision as part of the government’s broader vision to not only expand carnival beyond its traditional footprint, but to ensure the wellbeing of all communities. “As part of the expansion of Carnival, we are not saying that we are stopping fetes. What we are doing is working to identify and promote more appropriate spaces that can enhance the experience, while reducing any negative impact that could possibly arise.”
The Minister said the ultimate aim is to ensure that carnival continues to thrive as a celebration of creativity, unity and national identity. She said Carnival must reflect the rhythm of T&T’s people while striking the right balance between culture, community and progress.
Ebuzz News
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad will no longer be a venue option for events other than cricket. This announcement comes as preparations are well underway, by promoters for Carnival 2026.
The decision made by the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDECOTT) now leaves some promoters scrambling, as the decision takes place with immediate effect.
UDECOTT claims that the facility was not meant to facilitate fete events, noting that maintenance costs amount to approximately $15 million annually.
Carnival events like Xperience, Stink N Dutty, and last year’s inaugural MEGA concert headlined by Machel Montano, attract in excess of 10,000 patrons according to promoters, leaving questions as to where such massive audience numbers can be contained, along with parking facilitation.
The carnival events, while staged in the stadium’s car park, has led to significant wear and tear and damage to the facility, according to UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee. In an interview with the Trinidad Express newspaper, he is quoted as saying, “The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is for cricket. That is the purpose of it. It was not built for fetes.” He went on to affirm, “It’s for cricket and we will use it for cricket only. So there are to be no fetes at the stadium.”
For quite some time, there have been concerns raised by carnival stakeholders, regarding the need for viable venues across the country, for the delivery of large scale events.
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Ebuzz News4 days agoThe Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
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Ebuzz News3 days agoCulture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
