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
Caribbean Buzz
Trinidad and Tobago, First to Host Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, This September.
After three celebrated years at Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre, the Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) expands beyond the awards stage with the launch of the inaugural Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, a destination celebration taking place September 18-20, 2026, in Trinidad & Tobago.
This year’s celebration unfolds under the theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, honoring the rhythms, voices, and cultural traditions that have shaped generations and continue to influence music around the world.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
The Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, marking a milestone moment as the celebration expands into the Caribbean region for the first time.
The Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will transform CMA from a single-night awards ceremony into a multi-day celebration bringing together artists, fans, industry professionals, creators, tastemakers, media, and cultural leaders from across the Caribbean and around the world.
What’s In Store
The Elite Weekend Experience will feature a series of events celebrating music, culture, and community throughout the destination. Festivities will include an exclusive Welcome Reception, pre-show experiences, the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, the official after-party, a special steelpan concert presented by Stars and Steel, and additional programming designed to celebrate Trinidad & Tobago’s cultural influence. Additional programming, partnerships, performers, presenters, and special announcements will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The move to Trinidad & Tobago marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Caribbean Music Awards, while honoring the city where it all began. New York was the ideal birthplace for the Awards, home to one of the world’s largest and most influential Caribbean diaspora communities. It was there that the Caribbean Music Awards established its identity, built its audience, and proved there was a global appetite for a world-class celebration dedicated solely to Caribbean music and culture.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
Over the past three years, Brooklyn’s iconic Kings Theatre became more than just the home of the Caribbean Music Awards. It became the launchpad for a movement that united artists, industry leaders, fans, and cultures from across the Caribbean and beyond, under one roof. The energy, ambition, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless hustle that define New York City helped shape the DNA of the Caribbean Music Awards, and that spirit will remain embedded in the brand no matter where it travels.
Now, with a strong foundation established, the Caribbean Music Awards begins the next phase of its evolution by bringing the celebration directly to the Caribbean. As the inaugural host destination for the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, Trinidad & Tobago sets the stage for a long-term vision that will see the Awards partner with tourism boards and host destinations to spotlight a different Caribbean nation in future years. By rotating throughout the region, the Caribbean Music Awards aims to celebrate each destination’s unique culture, support tourism, create economic impact, and further strengthen the Caribbean’s creative economy while continuing to unite the global diaspora through music.
Majah Hype Returns, This Time With Nailah.
Bringing even more excitement to this year’s celebration, internationally celebrated Caribbean artiste, Nailah Blackman and acclaimed comedian, entertainer, and cultural personality Majah Hype will host the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, bringing their unique energy, charisma, and deep connection to Caribbean culture to the stage.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
For Majah Hype, the 2026 ceremony marks his fourth consecutive year hosting the Caribbean Music Awards, making him one of the longest-standing personalities connected to the celebration. Having witnessed the Awards grow from its early years at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre into a global platform for Caribbean excellence, Majah continues to bring the humor, passion, and cultural pride that have made him one of the Caribbean diaspora’s most beloved entertainers.
“Four years hosting the Caribbean Music Awards? Mi feel like dem haffi give me my own seat at this point!” said Majah Hype. “But seriously, being part of this journey from day one has been a blessing. I’ve watched this celebration grow, seen the incredible talent come through, and witnessed how much this moment means to our people. To see it expand from Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre to Trinidad & Tobago is something special. Caribbean culture is powerful, the talent is endless, and mi ready fi celebrate everybody who continues to carry our music and our culture to the world.”
For Nailah Blackman, this year’s ceremony represents a new chapter in her relationship with the Caribbean Music Awards. Having experienced the event as an attendee, performer, nominee, and winner, Nailah now steps into the role of host while continuing to be recognized as one of the leading voices in Caribbean music.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
“The Caribbean Music Awards has been a special part of my journey,” said Nailah Blackman. “I’ve experienced this celebration as a fan, as a performer, as a nominee, and as a winner, and now being able to step into the role of host is truly an honor. To do it in Trinidad, surrounded by our people and our culture, makes this moment even more meaningful. I’m excited to celebrate the incredible artists who continue to push Caribbean music forward.”
Since launching in 2023, the Caribbean Music Awards has grown into one of the premier platforms celebrating Caribbean musical excellence, honoring artists across Dancehall, Reggae, Soca, Konpa, Chutney Soca, Zess, Dennery, Gospel, and emerging Caribbean genres. Last year’s ceremony marked a historic milestone with its BET broadcast debut, further expanding the Awards’ reach and strengthening its position as a leading global celebration of Caribbean music.
Following the announcement of more than 250 nominees across more than 40 categories earlier this year, anticipation continues to build toward what promises to be one of the biggest Caribbean Music Awards celebrations yet. This September, the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will bring together the sounds, stories, and cultures that have defined generations of Caribbean creativity, inviting audiences from around the world to experience this year’s theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, from the heart of one of the region’s most influential cultural destinations.
Caribbean Buzz
Terri Lyons Expands. Artiste Shows Immense Creativity on New RC Mas Monday Wear.
There’s no box to be held in. Terri Lyons is proving that as she moves into the Monday Wear market, partnering with RC Mas ahead of Carnival 2027.
The reigning Calypso Monarch Queen of Trinidad and Tobago and multiple time Queen of Queens, on Thursday, revealed her creative ability in the mas making sector, sharing her design, ‘Purple Paradise’ – a carefully created design that’s all hers.
The entertainer told Ebuzztt she had the idea and went to the masterful, Kinaji Couture, admitting that Kinaji is a force in the market. “She does a lot of bathing suits and prototypes for bands locally, regionally and further abroad. I knew she could do it and she did execute it perfectly. I just added the flowers,” said Lyons.
In 2027, RC Mas will bring Mystical Garden to life and with the band’s theme considered, Lyons’ floral embellishment makes it abundantly clear that her creativity is disciplined and mindful. She shared her process exclusively with Ebuzztt, highlighting the time taken to design with pen and paper before sharing with Kinaji who brought it all together seamlessly. “This was a lot of work. I sat and drew it all out and I stuck every flower and the diamond studs myself,” said Terri, before adding, “I ain’t doing that again,” with a laugh. The artiste said she’ll have extra hands on board to assist in future.
CHECK OUT HER PROCESS HERE
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Caribbean Buzz1 week agoTerri Lyons Expands. Artiste Shows Immense Creativity on New RC Mas Monday Wear.
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Caribbean Buzz4 days agoTrinidad and Tobago, First to Host Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, This September.
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Lifestyle11 hours agoDîner en Blanc Returns to Port-of-Spain with New Hosts and a Fresh Spark of Elegance.