Ebuzz News
Archived: Love Up De Local. New Venture Puts Kaiso and Comedy Centre Stage in Trinidad Beginning, Wednesday.
The true culture of Trinidad and Tobago will be showcased year round. It’s an assurance being given by organisers of a new weekly event, which kicks off on Wednesday, April 19th at Q Place, in Port-of-Spain. The organisers of the cultural effort, The Soca Parliament of which entertainer, Blackie is a part, have revealed plans to fill the void recently left behind when ‘De Du Pub” formerly, “The Mas Camp” in Woodbrook, was burnt down.
The event, “Kaiso and Comedy Wednesdays” is, according to Blackie, aimed at maintaining and building the audience of Kaiso music lovers who’ve loyally supported the art form throughout the years. Under the Soca Parliament banner- a coordinated effort of like minded people who are all apart of Blackman’s social circle, the weekly staging of the comedy and Kaiso showcase will kick off at 8:30pm and end at 12 midnight each Wednesday. “Security is something we are aware, people are most concerned about, so those coming out can rest assured that there is adequate parking on the compound of the club and we’re maintaining a time that’s considered safe, for most,” he explained.
Spokesperson for The Soca Parliament, soca artiste, Blackie.
Blackie says he’s had the idea for quite a while, having approached the club’s owner, Anthony John, since last August with a request for use of the facility. He says he understands the need for this entertainment outlet, especially for the mature Kaiso music lovers. “There really isn’t much available for people who enjoy Kaiso music- and there definitely is a market. Mas Camp was that home for Kaiso, in the minds of many, so while I am personally saddened by the tragic situation that took place last month, this effort to bring ‘Kaiso and Comedy Wednesdays’ to life from April 19th, is likely to encourage people to come out and enjoy the local music and entertainment again,” said Blackie.
The entertainers will all be backed by Vincent Rivers and the Soca Unit and patrons will be treated to a slate of comical local Calypsonians, who Blackie feels have been denied a space to show off their talent, for a very long time.“There are some really good humorous Calypsonians out there. Fellas like Alpha and Kid Kalaloo and so many others- they will be showcased at Q Place every Wednesday starting on April 19th.”
This isn’t Blackie’s first promotional effort. He’s been a part of event promotions in the past, key among them, the staging of an event called, “Caribbean Soca Fest,” which was held at the National Stadium in 2007. He understands the needs of the people and says he will work hard to ensure that patrons get exactly what they want when they come out to a show such as this one. “When I did Caribbean Soca Fest, I went through every artiste’s repertoire and I told them exactly what I wanted them to perform. I’ll be doing the same thing this time around, so that the people get the hits they love- the hit songs they want to hear,” he explained.
Excited about the prospects that lie ahead for an event of this calibre, Blackman and his team anticipate the inclusion of acts from across the Caribbean, in the lineup, as time progresses. Q Place, which is located just above the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Union along Wrightson Road, in the downtown Port–of- Spain area, is an ideal spot for the weekly event. “It’s a central location for people from any direction,” said Blackman, reiterating that all systems are in place to ensure that patrons are safe throughout the night.
Blackie says each show will see well-known entertainers such a Baron, Explainer and Scrunter, closing off performances before the real partying begins. On April 19th, the cast includes, Johnny King, Myron B, Sexy Suzie, Kid Kalaloo, D’Saint, Dr. Rhythm and Knots Landing, with MC duties being done by Tommy Joseph.
| Media Release | etceterathecompany |
Reggae
New ‘Jamrock’ Documentary Celebrates Unforgettable Moments. Cruise Returns to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa, This Year.
Ahead of its 11th annual voyage in November, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise shares its story through a new film. VIBE premiered All in the Same Boat, a documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Reshma B and produced by Boomshots TV that traces Marley and his manager Dan Dalton’s brainchild from a bold, outsider idea into one of the most culturally significant movements in reggae and dancehall today.
With over a decade’s worth of unforgettable moments pulled from the last 10 voyages, this 30+ minute documentary captures the spirit of a global reggae community built on shared identity, resilience, and reverence for Jamaican culture. It features iconic performances, real conversations with the artistes and DJs, and the heartbeat of it all: the “Jamrockers.” These are die-hard reggae lovers from over 40 countries who pull up every year for one reason – to feel that irreplaceable connection to Jamaican culture and keep the Marley message of “One Love” alive.
Having successfully navigated challenges including extreme weather and a global pandemic, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise continues to thrive. Its 11th staging will return for its annual voyage from November 11th to the 16th, sailing from Miami aboard Norwegian Joy.
Stacked from foundation to future, this year’s lineup brings together reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley (Traffic Jam Set), Burning Spear, Sizzla, Capleton, Beenie Man, Protoje, Barrington Levy, Elephant Man, Junior Reid, Lila Iké, Ding Dong & the Ravers Clavers, Tony Matterhorn “Man on the Moon”, Gyptian, 450, Richie Spice, Ghost, Mr. Lexx, Professor Nuts, L.U.S.T., Sister Carol, Sevana, Flourgon, Johnny P, and Jemere Morgan are confirmed.
The cruise’s famed Sound Clash at Sea will return alongside powerhouse sound systems including Stone Love (Geefus), King Jammy, Silverhawk Sound, Rory Stone Love, Renaissance Sound, Federation Sound, Warrior Sound, Rampage Sound, Kingston12 HiFi and Souljah1 Muzik, preserving a cornerstone of Jamaican music culture in its most authentic form.
Jamrock is a Premiere Reggae Event
The Jamrock experience has evolved into the premier reggae event at sea—one that continues to redefine how the culture is celebrated on a global stage. The five-day experience continues to immerse guests in the full spectrum of Jamaican life—from Nyabinghi sunrise sessions and sound bath meditations to dancehall workshops, fitness programming, and curated culinary offerings led by acclaimed Chef Lumley. A new addition this year includes a live theatrical production by legendary playwright Oliver Samuels, adding yet another layer to the cruise’s ever-expanding cultural canvas.
Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the cruise will return to Jamaica with renewed purpose, maintaining its distinction as the only chartered cruise with two Jamaican port stops. That commitment translates into tangible impact, generating millions annually for the island’s tourism and cultural economy while reinforcing a direct connection between the music, the people, and the place that birthed it.
As All in the Same Boat makes clear, Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is a movement with its own rhythm, one that continues to bring the diaspora home, while inviting the world in. Since its inception in 2014, the mission remains the same: to create a space where reggae lives, breathes, and connects us all.
The documentary made its debut during the 10th annual cruise and later screened at Art Basel in support of hurricane relief efforts led by the Marley family’s Ghetto Youths Foundation. Damian Marley and Dan Dalton were executive producers of the film.
Music News
Popcaan Teams Up with the Legendary, Junior Reid on Brand New Single.
