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“Learn The Business behind the Music.” – Belmont Artiste to Entertainers.

Published

2 years ago

on

Approx. 3 min read

As the world turns, so do opportunities to deliver music to global audiences. This is the knowledge one entertainer has acquired over time, persistently and ambitiously honing his craft and building his arsenal of resources and knowledge. Kwesi Paul is the artiste known as Shottalinkz and while he’s yet to make a major breakthrough in the music business in Trinidad and Tobago, he has managed to successfully attain a VPAL music distribution deal and is focused on the lucrative possibilities that are available via music streaming. 

A father of two, the Cascade native who now resides in Belmont, is best known for his incredibly gifted touch on Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, the steelpan. “I am a musician. I play the steelpan and I’ve arranged for more than 17 steel orchestras in Trinidad and Tobago,” he revealed. He highlighted career highpoints, among them, working alongside the late St. Lucian Nobel Prize winner, Sir Derek Walcott. “I worked with Sir Walcott in 2005 on a play called, ‘Steel.’ I was the Musical Director for Desperados Steel Orchestra, which was a part of the play,” he said. Added to that, the father of two recalls working with Machel Montano and Sharlon Bailey- the son of the Mighty Shadow, among others. “Most recently, I worked with an artiste by the name of Tension. He is the brother of Kernal Roberts. I produced his first Soca track. 

Paul says he knows his ability to easily deliver on the steelpan, is his gift, something passed on from his father. In 2020, having been exposed to vocal production and benefitting from production training, he expanded his vision and built a home studio, where he would go on to produce music for artistes locally and internationally. It was during that time that he began his vocal journey, exposing himself to yet another area of music that called out to him.

At his very own KSP Studios in Belmont, Paul has successfully produced songs for artistes in Ghana, Canada, Germany and even France. In 2023, he released two Soca singles, ‘Mash Up De Party,’ and a collaboration with an artiste called, ‘Mad Dog Fresh,’- that track is entitled, ‘Mud, Oil and Powder.’ 

Paul says he is without management at this time, and understands the importance that this portfolio holds. “I am self- motivated and I’m inspired by my children, but I do understand the importance of a good manager. It is a difficult task to do it all on your own.” 

Certainly not an artiste who boxes himself into any one genre, Paul says he is capable of singing RnB, Hip Hop and Dancehall. He will however deliver two new Soca tracks for Carnival 2024. “I’ve released ‘Big and Serious’ – a Power Soca track produced by Level High Studios and I’ve written and produced a Groovy Soca track called, “What Ah Want.” He says these are the songs he will contribute to the carnival season. 

No matter how the wind blows, Paul says he believes knowledge on the business of music, is imperative to any artiste’s growth in the sector. “From the very beginning, my plan has always been to build an international audience. A lot of artistes like me suffer from a lack of support from the local radio stations. People do not get an opportunity to hear our music and absorb it. I’m focused more on the streaming services internationally to get my music heard, and I believe it will be beneficial to me.” 

He says that while he knows things happen differently for people, he knows music is his calling and he will do what is necessary to share his sound with the world. “You have to have information and some kind of insight about what the industry is about. When you find out and become knowledgeable on it, you understand how to operate in it,” he explained.  

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Ebuzz News

Buju Banton’s Remarks Spark Now-Viral Response, from Wayne Wonder’s Team.

Published

4 weeks ago

on

17th March 2026

By

Approx. < 1 min read

On the heels of the release of new material, Buju Banton recently rode through Brooklyn with comedian, Queensflip on a dollar cab. The candid discourse has however landed the veteran reggae and dancehall artiste in a viral war of words it would appear, as someone speaking on behalf of fellow entertainer, Wayne Wonder is now challenging Buju’s utterances.

In a post shared on social media on Monday, Buju Banton is lambasted on behalf of Wayne Wonder, with the spokesperson alleging that Buju was responsible for the removal of Wayne Wonder’s name on credits for his 1992 hit single, ‘Murderer.’

Buju’s utterances was owed to questions asked by QueensFlip on the matter of his relationship with Wayne Wonder.

In response, a representative, now understood to be the wife of Wayne Wonder, countered Buju’s sentiments, harshly criticizing Buju’s character and alluding to dishonesty and unfair treatment meted out to her husband.

Buju recently released a new song called X Rated.

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Music News

T&T’s Etienne Charles announces 20- City World Tour.

Published

1 month ago

on

13th March 2026

By

Approx. 4 min read

Internationally acclaimed trumpeter, percussionist, composer, bandleader, recording artist and educator Etienne Charlesis set to embark on an ambitious 20-city world tour across Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America, marking a series of highly anticipated debut performances in several new territories.

Ettienne Charles
Photo credit: Luigi Creese

Over the past two decades, Charles has established himself as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary jazz. Since releasing his debut album in 2007, he has produced eleven critically acclaimed recordings and collaborated with legendary artists including Roberta Flack, Marcus Miller, Monty Alexander and Chucho Valdés, while also touring internationally with the SFJAZZ Collective. A proud musical ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago, Charles is known for weaving Caribbean musical traditions, folklore and history into his compositions, creating a sound that bridges cultures and generations.

Fresh off the release of his latest album Gullah Roots and following the success of the chart-topping Creole Orchestra, Charles will bring his distinctive brand of Caribbean-infused jazz to audiences around the globe, introducing several new markets to his genre-blending sound.

Among the highlights of the tour are first-time performances in India, Argentina, Denmark, Colombia, Tunisia and Lake Tahoe, as well as a special appearance in Boone, North Carolina.

India Debut

Charles will make his long-awaited debut in India with performances at Windmills Craftworks in Hyderabad (April 2–3) and Bangalore (April 4–5). Performing with his Creole Soul band, Charles will present a cross-section of music from across his catalogue, blending jazz improvisation with Caribbean rhythms and even offering a special arrangement of a classic Indian song.

“We are delighted to welcome Etienne Charles to India for the first time at Windmills Craftworks, Bangalore and Hyderabad,” said Arhona Chakraborty. “Etienne’s artistry embodies a spirit that bridges cultures, expanding musical dialogue and creating an experience that is both deeply immersive and profoundly moving.”

Ettienne Charles represents the pinnacle of contemporary jazz, says Christian Salgado of El Club de Jazz. Photo: Luigi Creese

Colombia Debut

Later in April, Charles will perform in Medellín, Colombia, marking his debut in the country with a performance at El Club de Jazz on April 30 in celebration of International Jazz Day.

“Hosting Etienne Charles in Medellín for International Jazz Day 2026 is a definitive statement for our local scene,” said Christian Salgado of El Club de Jazz. “He represents the pinnacle of contemporary jazz, where technical mastery meets profound musical storytelling.”

Argentina Debut

Charles will also make his debut in Argentina, performing on May 26 at Teatro San Martín in Buenos Aires with a special tribute to jazz legend Miles Davis in celebration of the centennial of his birth. For Charles, Miles has been a musical and style inspiration.

“Etienne Charles is one of my favourite musicians. His musical world is infinitely rich and varied and I couldn’t think of a better artist to celebrate the centennial of our hero Miles Davis and reinterpret his music with an original and exciting voice,” said Eugenio Elias, Artistic Director of DeQuinta Producciones and JALC Global Citizen Jazz Award recipient.

Lake Tahoe Debut

In July, Charles will perform in Lake Tahoe for the first time while also serving as trumpet instructor at the Brubeck Jazz Summit. An avid advocate for music education and youth development, Charles also serves as Artistic Director of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass – Frost School of Music Afro-Caribbean Big Band Sessions, a full-scholarship program training emerging musicians in the rich musical traditions of the Caribbean.

Tunisia Debut

Charles will also make his debut in Tunisia at the Tabarka Jazz Festival, where he will perform with his intimate Creole Quartet, bringing Caribbean musical traditions into conversation with North African audiences.

Denmark Debut

The tour concludes with Charles’ first visit to Denmark, where he will appear as featured soloist, conductor, composer and arranger with the Danish Radio Big Band for a three-concert series titled Caribbean Connection.

Producer Rasmus Holm said Danish audiences are eager to experience Charles’ music. “Étienne brings warmth, depth and an infectious rhythmic energy that truly embodies The Caribbean Connection. We can’t wait to share this powerful meeting between his Caribbean traditions and the sound of Danish Radio Big Band with audiences in Denmark.”

Boone Special Performance

Another key stop on the tour will be a performance at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts in Boone, North Carolina, where Charles will present his multimedia climate change project Earth Tones, combining music, film and storytelling to examine the urgent global conversation around climate change. The performance carries particular resonance for the Boone community, which was severely impacted by flooding during Hurricane Helene.

Return to Lincoln Center

In June, Charles will present Folklore Vol. 2 at the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel room, featuring the world premiere of his new suite inspired by Haitian and Mexican folklore as well as new arrangements from his breakthrough 2009 album, as a part of their Mother Africa season.

Tour Dates

2026

March 19 Holland Center, Omaha, NE

March 28 Regattabar, Boston, MA

April 2-3 Windmills Craftworks, Hyderabad, India

April 4-5 Windmills Craftworks, Bangalore, India

April 15 Gusman Concert Hall, Coral Gables, FL

April 24 Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, Boone, NC

April 30 El Club de Jazz, Medellin, Colombia

May 21 Conjunto Santander, Guadalajara, Mexico

May 23 Teatro Esperanza Iris, Mexico City, Mexico

May 26 Teatro San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina

June 5-6 Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York, NY

June 20 Healdsburg Jazz Festival, Healdsburg, CA

July 16-17 Brubeck Jazz Summitt, Lake Tahoe, NV

August 15 Balistreri Vineyards, Denver, CO

August 29-30 Tabarka Jazz Festival, Tabarka, Tunisia

September 6 DC Jazz Fest, Washington, DC

November 5 Tobaksgaarden, Assens, Denmark

November 6 Koncerthuset, Studio 2, Copenhagen, Denmark

November 7 Holbæk Jazzklub, Elværket, Denmark

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