Ebuzz News
Archived: "Literal Bliss"- Differentology Director Describes Three Day Video Shoot
Magical. That’s the word used by video director, Nigel Thompson in describing the shooting of Bunji Garlin’s Differentology video which premiered on ETCETERABUZZ this morning. We caught up with Nigel on the eve of the video release and he said the production was magical because it’s very rare that a shoot would play off as this one did.
On set, Nigel Thompson makes magic happen with his Black Ice studios crew.
Describing his crew at Black Ice studios as the ultimate family – a family that he would throw himself beneath a bus for, Thompson said he had all hands on deck to aid in the eventual outcome. Explaining that should there have been more time to play with, there would have been even more to the final production of what we now call the Differentology video, Thompson said despite this, the three days of shooting was literal bliss. “Day two was at the quarry and the sun was blistering hot and there was a point where everyone seemed drained but Bunji was a real trooper. He stood there in the middle of the quarry. We had tents but they were way in the distance. I’ve never had a shoot that ever felt that way- it felt like something great was happening,” he said. Thompson, with a laugh in his voice mused over a memory which he shared with us. He said on day two, with the heat of the sweltering sun bearing down, a female crew member came over with an umbrella to Bunji. “He turned to her and asked her what she was doing and said, nah nah… I not into all that celebrity t’ing.”
Bunji Garlin’s personality is almost mirrored in the new video. His straight face, tough demeanor and sharp features leave a lasting impression as the frames flow to the end of the 4 minute 37 seconds long video. “You know a real performer when he’s shooting and you don’t have to tell him much. We gave him certain innuendoes and he just flowed,” marveled Thompson.
On why the final product took such a long time to complete, he explained there were two consecutive days of shooting however the third date was approximately three weeks after the second as there were some costumes that had to be completed. Proudly, he attested to the creation of every piece of costuming in Trinidad and Tobago, with the exception of a harness which he said was flown in from Canada for the artiste. “All of the weapons you’ll see in the video, the clothing- the gladiator helmets- all of that was made locally. The swords were real,” he said, adding that this augers well for the local film industry as it proves that everything the film makers may need, can be produced in Trinidad and Tobago. Thanking crew member Princess Donela for the support she gave to the team in sourcing the items that were needed, Thompson said they really couldn’t have done it without her help.
Black Ice Studio’s Nigel Thompson.
PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY NIGEL THOMPSON.
On the premise of the storyline, Thompson said he really tried to deliver visuals that were akin to the song. “I think the song itself speaks of carnival on one level but it also speaks metaphorically of who Trinis are. You look around the world and you see various countries and you gather stereotypical thoughts of people – a basic premise of who people are and what they represent across the world. The song highlights us as a party people but it also depicts who we are in a very creative sense. Everybody thinks of carnival relative to the drinking, partying and liming, but it’s not just about that, it’s about the togetherness, the passion, the love- which you rarely see for the rest of the year. I wanted to show this in the same carnival sense,” he explained.
His brother Keron Sheriff Thompson was the producer of the song and Nigel said he is proud of Black Ice Studio. He told us he had told everyone about Sherrif’s talent and now, it has been proven. “At the end of the video I hope everybody feels some sense of pride. These are the kinds of things that we do- the types of creativity we express. As a people, we used to do a lot of these artistic things – we need to keep the creative parts of carnival in the carnival,” he said. Thanking his team, he pointed out the members who he credited for their dedication to Black Ice Studios and to the project. Take a look at the list below.
- Director: Nigel Thompson
- Director Of Photography: Sean “Science” Edghill
- Assistant Director: Roland “Rembunction” Yearwood
- 2nd Assistant Director: Richard Rawlins
- 1st Assistant Camera: Damien Jobity
- 2nd Assistant Camera: Iscah Straker
- Gaffer: Selwyn Henry / Kerron Lemmessy
- Best Boy Electric: Ken Bailey / Selwyn Henry
- Storyboard Artist: Richard Rawlins
- Producer: Nigel Thompson
- Associate Producers: Kerima Rahim, Princess Donelan, Alana Ramlal
- Production Manager: Kerima Rahim
- Grip: Keegan Rudolfo,
- Driver / Transport: Navin Suchit
- Props: Frank Seales,
- Make up: Jennelle Orosco, Steven Taylor, Liz-Ann Jaggernauth, Christopher Rama
- Music Provided by: Rawle “Boobie” Edwards
- Costumes by: K2K Alliance. & Tribe
- Location: “Melau” Provided by TCL / Readymix
Ebuzz News
Dîner en Blanc Set to Bring Parisian Flair to Port-of-Spain on November 14th.
Dîner en Blanc is making its highly anticipated return to Port- of -Spain on Saturday, November 14, 2026, once again bringing its trademark magic to a brand-new secret location. Building on last year’s successful return, this iconic Parisian-inspired pop-up picnic continues to be one of the city’s most beloved social events – an evening where fashion, fine dining, and community come together under the stars.
Always dressed head-to-toe in white, guests will assemble to create the breathtaking tableau the event is known for. From the iconic Napkin Wave, which signals the official start of dinner, to the Sparklers Moment, which marks the end of the meal and the opening of the dance floor, Dîner en Blanc Diner promises a night filled with gourmet delights, vibrant conversation, and an atmosphere unlike anything else in the city.
To be among the first to reserve tickets when Phase 3 (Fan List) opens, guests are invited to join the exclusive Port of Spain Fan List at portofspain.dinerenblanc.com.
beginning of the celebration and the magic that is Dîner en Blanc.
THE THEME: Soirée Parisienne – La Belle Époque
For 2026, Dîner en Blanc Diner celebrates an era of Paris defined by elegance, artistry, and refinement. Guests are invited to embrace an elevated all-white aesthetic, where fashion becomes a form of expression. Tables, styled in pure monochrome, echo the sophistication of historic salons and café culture, while the dining experience draws on the traditions of French gastronomy where cuisine, conversation, and ambiance come together as one.
Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach, hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain, shared their excitement for this year’s edition: “Port of Spain has embraced Dîner en Blanc as one of its signature social experiences. We’re excited to build on that legacy with an evening that’s elegant, inclusive and unforgettable,” noted Meagan.
How the Experience Works
To preserve the event’s tradition and maintain its elegant atmosphere, every guest plays an essential role. Participants must follow a few timeless guidelines:
Dress code: A chic, all-white ensemble is mandatory. Elegance, originality, and creativity are encouraged. Table setting: All table elements like décor must be white to uphold Dîner en Blanc’s signature visual identity.
Secrecy of the location: The venue remains a surprise until the last moment. Guests will meet at designated departure points and be escorted by Dîner en Blanc Diner volunteers to the final location. Leave No Trace: In keeping with the event’s commitment to sustainability, guests must bring home everything they arrived with, leaving the space spotless.
What Guests Should Bring or Choose an almost Hands-Free Option
• A gourmet picnic basket packed with a gourmet meal and proper stemware and white dinnerware. Those who prefer not to pack their own meal may pre-order a catered picnic through the Dîner en Blanc D e- store for onsite pickup.
• As a French-inspired celebration, Dîner en Blanc only serves wine and champagne. However, guests are welcome to bring their own selections; however, for added convenience, wine and champagne can also be pre-purchased through the official Dîner en Blanc e-store, ensuring an effortless and stress-free experience.
About the hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain
At the helm of the 2026 edition of Diner en Blanc – Port of Spain are Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach. Meagan Monsegue is a lifestyle enthusiast and avid global traveller with a natural flair for personal styling and hosting. Her journey with Dîner en Blanc Port of Spain began as a Table Leader in 2016 and has evolved into her role as Co-Host today. Driven by a genuine passion for bringing people together, she brings her distinctive style, energy and love of creating unforgettable moments under the stars to every soirée. Nigel Roach is passionate about bringing together his love of music, fashion, exceptional food and drink, and unforgettable experiences. A natural connector, he thrives on bringing people together, building meaningful relationships and creating elegant events where networking and community come together in a unique atmosphere.
About Diner en Blanc
Dîner en Blanc is more than an event. It’s a global cultural phenomenon that brings friends, old and new, together to celebrate life, food, fashion, and community with a touch of mystery and a sense of spontaneity. Elegantly dressed in white, guests gather at a secret location for a chic, mass picnic, bringing their own tables, chairs, and gourmet baskets. The location remains undisclosed until the very moment of arrival, creating a sense of anticipation and delight. Over the course of the evening, attendees dine, dance, and reconnect with the finer things in life, all while sharing an unforgettable, magical experience in some of their city’s most iconic public spaces.
Today, Dîner en Blanc has grown into an international movement, celebrated cumulatively over its history in more than 120 cities across 40 countries. While Dîner en Blanc Diner International is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, each event is hosted locally by passionate organizers who bring their own flair to the original Parisian concept. Together, these gatherings unite communities worldwide in a celebration of gourmet cuisine, extraordinary entertainment, and the joy of connection. For more info, photos, and videos from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.
Ebuzz News
Stevie Wonder Joins KestheBand On Stage at DC Jazz Fest – A Big Moment for Caribbean Culture.
Internationally loved and embraced Soca band, KesTheBand delivered yet another unforgettable moment for Caribbean music last Saturday, September 5th – this time at the DC Jazz Festival. It was there, in the midst of the enjoyment that a special opportunity presented itself – Kees Dieffentaller would meet the global music icon, Stevie Wonder.
The surprise appearance marked a continuation of a weekend that placed KestheBand and Caribbean music at the center of some of the most significant cultural moments of Labour Day weekend. The set included an uptempo lyrical mashup of “I Just Called To Say I Love You” and “Savannah Grass,” which received thunderous applause from adoring fans.
Crediting his parents in an emotional social media post following their debut at DC Jazz Fest, lead singer, Kees Dieffenthaller shared that the Stevie Wonder hit “was the first record I had on repeat as a child.” The moment was a powerful one as Soca music and a Trinidad and Tobago band that dedicatedly promotes the genre along with their country, came face to face with one of the most influential global artistes in music history.
Just one night earlier, on Friday, September 4th, KesTheBand electrified Soca Fest at Brooklyn museum in New York, where the band was introduced by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. The appearance brought together Caribbean music, culture and community in one of New York’s most prominent Labor Day weekend celebrations and venues.
Kees went on to serve as an Honorary Grand Marshal of the West Indian Day Parade. The honor was shared with dancehall and reggae superstar, Buju Banton.
Kes the Band with New York City Mayor, Zohran Kwame Mamdani
