Regional Collaborations and the Digital Age of Music
Bitts is no stranger to cross-island collaborations. In 2024, she worked with DJ Ky from Barbados on “Watchin It,” which has made its way into T&T’s 2025 Carnival season. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. “DJ Ky and I have a special vibe,” she says. “He’s also behind the production of ‘Wetter’ with M1.”
She’s also released “Sample,” a track produced by Advokit Productions and co-written with Azaryah and Kit Israel. For Bitts, writing her own music has become a priority. “There’s something deeply personal about writing your own lyrics,” she explains. “But I remain open to working with other writers too—it’s all about the connection.”
Evolution in the Soca Industry
M1 and Bitts have collaborated on ‘Wettah.’
Reflecting on her 20-year journey in the Soca music industry, Bitts can’t help but marvel at how much the business has changed. From the days of burning CDs and hand-delivering them to DJs, to now, where social media reigns supreme, the evolution is evident. “When I started, you had to hustle hard to get your music heard. Now, your social media pages are your promo kit.”
She also notes the changes in the way artists present themselves. “Back in the day, nobody had stylists or makeup artistes. You’d go buy your clothes, or make them yourself,” she says with a laugh. “Now, it’s a whole glam squad. For new artistes, I say invest in yourself early—learn how to do things for yourself.”
Balancing Radio, Music, and Media
In addition to her work as an artiste, Lil’ Bitts is also making waves in the radio world. She’s currently hosting at Boom94FM in T&T. “I studied broadcasting at the age of 17,” she reveals. “Radio is challenging, but I’m up for it.”
Despite the challenges, Bitts is focused on growth. She’s hopeful that “Brighter Days,” her latest release, will bring positivity to those who need it most. “I want this song to remind people that despite our struggles, there are always brighter days ahead.”
With her passion, versatility, and drive, it’s clear that Lil’ Bitts is in her prime—and Carnival 2025 is about to witness a whole new level of energy from the unstoppable entertainer.
Trinidad and Tobago is set to stage a revamped International Soca Monarch competition in what is now dubbed The Ultimate Soca Champion competition. The event’s final will be staged on Thursday, February 20th, with the semi final round set for Sunday, February 9th. The announcement was made earlier today by organisers, at a media conference held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
Soca artiste Voice is one of many big name artistes who’ve won big in the old International Soca Monarch Competition.
The organisers said the competition will not be split into Groovy/Power categories, however they said there will be special prizes for Best Groovy Soca, Best Power Soca and People’s Champion, based on public votes.
The event will feature the Ultimate Soca Champion reality TV show which organizers say is aimed at giving viewers an intimate look into the competition. “We believe this will help our culture to reach international audiences when packaged properly,” the team said.
In-Person Auditions will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Fernando Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA). Regional/ International Artistes who are not in Trinidad and Tobago, are required to submit video auditions from January 20th at 8:00am to January 26th at 11:59pm.
“We aim to make this a production that captivates audiences worldwide,” said Rome. “The Ultimate Soca Champion Competition will not only elevate soca to international standards but also inspire the next generation of artistes.”
For registration, submission guidelines, and updates, visit ultimatesocachampion.com from Monday January 20th, or email ultimatesocachampion@gmail.com.
In South Florida, Caribbean culture finds a second home with a number of major caribbean centric events hosted throughout the year. On Sunday, February 2nd, the 2nd annual Reggae Genealogy Music Festival takes centre stage as the pulsating sounds and multifaceted history of that country, is set to be showcased.
The event will take place from 4pm to 9pm at the northeast parking lot of the the Broward Mall in the City of Plantation. Via media release, Ebuzztt learnt that the area will be transformed into a lively concert venue where attendees will enjoy an immersive journey through Jamaica’s unparalleled musical legacy in celebration of Reggae Month.
Produced by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, this family-friendly showcase will begin by tracing the early beginnings of popular Jamaican music, prior to Jamaican independence from Britain in 1962, to the present, touching on mento, ska, nyabinghi, rocksteady, lovers rock, dub, reggae and dancehall. Performers including industry legends like Ernie Smith, Eric “Monty” Morris, Wayne Armond, Ambelique and more will perform musical features alongside the Code Red Band and lead singer Bobby Rose, as well as dancers from Carimer Theatre, captivating the audience with a slew of hits from yesteryear.
Cedella Marley with Rita Marley and others. Photo: RJ Reed.
In Act I, the story will be narrated by effervescent Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair, whose theatrical background will lend levity to the early evening events. Later, in Act II, the showcase will also highlight the influence of Jamaican music on genres such as dub, pop, reggaeton and Afrobeats, in a current and future musical journey curated and performed in part by DJ GQ of Y100. Entertainers like Bigg G, Phil Watkins, VP Records diva Shuga and more will lend contemporary musical stylings to the night.
Ahead of this rhythmic melding of entertainment and learning, attendees are encouraged to come out early to enjoy free museum tours, events and activities, food and shopping in the event area as well as inside the mall.
Gates for the Reggae Genealogy concert open at 4 p.m. with showtime at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $15 for early purchase to $75 for full-priced VIP. Find tickets, sponsorship, vendor and volunteer information at www.reggaegenealogy.org
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