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
Kymani Marley Set to Release Anticipated New Album, on August 28th. Latest Single, “A Little Bit,” Delves Deep.
Ky-Mani Marley returns with “A Little Bit (I’m Okay),” the fourth and final single ahead of his highly anticipated new album, Love and Energy, which is slated for an August 28th release, and available to pre-save now on all digital platforms via his Konfrontation Muziklabel in partnership with New York-based DubShot Records.
Written by Ky-Mani, his daughter Imani Marley, and longtime collaborator Shaquel Leon, “A Little Bit (I’m Okay)” turns a deeply personal chapter in Marley’s life into an honest reflection on mistakes, uncertainty, resilience and ultimately, acceptance. Rather than pretending everything is perfect, Ky-Mani lands somewhere more real: life can take you down roads you never expected, force you to question yourself and leave you carrying lessons you never asked for — and you can still come through it able to say, I’m okay.
“A Little Bit (I’m Okay)” became a crowd favorite during the European leg of Ky-Mani’s recent Love and Energy summer tour. A live video for the song, which premiered on his YouTube channel, captures an intimate performance filmed at the Toulouse Rio Loco Festival in France this past June, alongside behind-the-scenes footage from the road.
Built around a classic one-drop reggae rhythm and the distinctive cry of pedal steel guitar from musician Tal Morris, the track was produced by Ky-Mani Marley, Anthony Smith, and Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown. Ky-Mani opens the song with a vulnerable look at the roads that shaped him. “I’ve been walking roads with no clear signs, trying to read between the wrong and the right lines. I took some turns I didn’t plan, just trying to figure out who I am– made some mistakes I can’t erase, but that’s alright.”
For Marley, the message is not about having life completely figured out. It is about making peace with the journey. “‘A Little Bit (I’m Okay)’ came from a real place in my life,” he said, adding, “I was going through some things, questioning things, looking at choices I made and roads I had taken. Sometimes life doesn’t go the way you planned, and you don’t always have all the answers. But you learn, you grow and you keep moving. For me, being able to say ‘I’m okay’ doesn’t mean everything is perfect – it means I’ve made peace with where I’ve been and I’m grateful for where I am. That feeling runs through Love and Energy. This album is probably one of the most honest reflections of where I am today,”
That sentiment sits at the heart of Love and Energy, a 14-song collection accompanied by two spoken-word reflections, marking Ky-Mani’s first solo studio album in more than a decade. Throughout the project, Marley explores the experiences, relationships, struggles and growth that have shaped both the artiste and the man he is today, while staying rooted in the reggae foundation that has defined his musical journey.
Caribbean Buzz
Times Square, New York, The Place to Be for Caribbean Culture on August 30th.
On August 30th, a major Caribbean event is popping off in the heart of New York. Tropicalfete Inc. is at it again, delivering its 5th annual Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival in Times Square, New York. That’s big deal!
The free, family-friendly event will transform the place that’s often dubbed, the Crossroads of the World, into a vibrant showcase of Caribbean music, dance, and artistic expression. On August 30th, it kicks off at 1pm along Broadway, between W46th and W47th streets. TropicalFete says those coming out are encouraged to wear carnival costumes, wave their national flags, and “celebrate the rich diversity of Caribbean culture.”
The event will be hosted by Vibes Man Redman and Katherine Charles, and will feature an exciting lineup of acclaimed performers, headlined by legendary Billboard chart-topping soca artiste, Rupee.
Rupee made history in late 2004 as the first Barbadian-born artiste, and one of just two soca acts, to reach the Billboard Hot 100 with his global hit, “Tempted to Touch,”which was later Certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Rupee’s catalogue of soca anthems also includes “Jump,” which has won Road March titles (the song judged to be most popular) at Caribbean carnivals in Boston, Brooklyn, Miami, Toronto, and at Barbados’ Cropover.
The artiste will be honored at the Tropicalfete Pop-Up Carnival by city and state officials for his contributions to Caribbean culture through music and his courageous advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness. During the event, Rupee will receive a Mayoral Certificate of Recognition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office. He will also be awarded a Proclamation on behalf of the New York City Council. Additionally, New York State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Roxanne Persaud will present him with a State Proclamation, while Assembly Member Brian Cunningham will recognize him with a New York State Assembly Proclamation.
Tropicalfete’s Pop-Up Carnival’s non-stop entertainment schedule will also include a performance by Mapy, “The Violin Queen.” Born on Réunion Island, raised in Paris and now based in Brooklyn, Mapy delivers electrifying performances that blend classical violin with Caribbean rhythms and hip-hop beats. Her impressive resume includes performances at the Grammy Awards, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the St. Kitts Music Festival.
Carnival masquerade traditions from all over the Caribbean representing traditional, folkloric, ole (satirical), and pretty mas will also be highlighted.
Tropicalfete Steel Pan Ensemble comes to light up Times Square with an unforgettable set of high-energy. The ensemble will be joining forces with Soca superstar Rupee performing together with one of his songs Give Thanks which is a special treat for the audience. Tropicalfete Stilting Unit and Mas will also be bringing the color, movement, culture, and excitement of Carnival to the heart of New York City.
Attendees can also look forward to a high-energy soca fitness workout with Mandy and a performance by the dynamic rythem Section – Riddim Explosion. DJ Patrick and DJ Eric will provide the recorded musical selections.
The Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival has become one of Tropicalfete’s signature cultural events, attracting thousands of residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts each year. Through music, dance, and interactive performances, the event celebrates Caribbean heritage while promoting education and community engagement.
“Tropicalfete’s Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival continues to unite communities by bringing the energy, creativity, and traditions of the Caribbean directly into the heart of New York City,” said Alton Aimable, Executive Director of Tropicalfete. “As we celebrate our fifth year, we invite everyone to experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of Carnival while embracing the diversity that makes our city so unique.
-
Caribbean Buzz1 week agoLe Brunch, The Most Stylish Event Takes Place in East Trinidad, This Independence Weekend.
-
Ebuzz News1 week agoT&T Gets The Gift of Music with ‘Sweet Pan Morning,’ Ahead of Independence.
-
Caribbean Buzz5 days agoAisha Manrique is The Voice of the Caribbean Music Awards.
-
Caribbean Buzz5 days agoCollabr: Born in the Caribbean, Built for Creators Everywhere.