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 |
Caribbean Buzz
Charly Black, Kevin Lyttle Release ‘Summer Banger’ Produced by Global Hitmaker, Walshy Fire.
Two of the Caribbean’s most legendary hitmakers have joined forces for what is shaping up to be one of the Caribbean’s biggest records of the year.
Dancehall superstar Charly Black, whose global smash “Gyal You A Party Animal” has amassed more than one billion streams worldwide, joins forces with St. Vincent Soca hit maker, Kevin Lyttle, whose timeless international hit “Turn Me On” has generated hundreds of millions of streams. That single remains one of the most recognizable Caribbean songs ever recorded.
The single, “Island Ting,” unites the music of Jamaica and St. Vincent & The Grenadines, celebrating the beauty, confidence, and irresistible energy of island women. More than just a song, “Island Ting” is a celebration of the Caribbean, its vibrant diaspora, and everyone around the world who embraces the region’s unmatched culture, music, and love of celebration.
Blending irresistible Dancehall and Soca influences with an unmistakable tropical vibe, the record is poised to become the soundtrack of the summer, says a media release issued.
Produced by well known international producer, Walshy Fire, with the instrumental crafted by acclaimed producer Jason Julian, “Island Ting” is already making waves across the streaming landscape. The single has secured significant editorial playlist support from Apple Music and Spotify, with Spotify further backing the release through premium placement on its coveted Mobile Home Banner – one of the platform’s most prominent promotional spaces for new music.
Industry insiders are already tipping “Island Ting” as one of the Caribbean’s defining songs of the summer, with momentum expected to carry through Notting Hill Carnival, into Trinidad Carnival 2027, and beyond. From beach parties and festivals to clubs, radio, and playlists around the world, the record has all the ingredients of a timeless Caribbean anthem.
“Island Ting” is available now on all major streaming and digital platforms.
Ebuzz News
Seven Songs. One Big Artiste. Grenada’s Spice Mas Better Be Ready for Skinny Banton.
Spice Mas, like every other carnival, is seasonal, but for Carriacou, Grenada artiste, Skinny Banton, music isn’t. He has unleashed seven songs in 2026, and like clockwork he’s locked in and ready to deliver his energy, good vibes and storytelling strengths to audiences celebrating another memorable Spice Mas experience this year.
For Skinny Banton, whose real name is Shirlan George, Grenada’s Jab culture is fuel to his fire. In the past, songs like ‘Soak It Good’ and ‘Wrong Again,’ brought him tremendous acclaim across the region and internationally. This season, The Jambalasse project is anticipated to be one of the artiste’s most powerful contributions, signaling his intentionality to promote his country’s authentic culture, wherever he goes. “With this project we’re trying to keep the history, while celebrating the present by revamping a song that was done by Moss International 35 years ago,” he said. That song was called ‘Jambalasse Rule,’ released in 1991. “We revamped the riddim because it was one of the first songs considered to be an original Jab Jab song from Grenada, at that time,” he explained.
Proud of his personal efforts to keep the awareness on Grenada’s cultural traditions, Skinny Banton advocates for the continued celebration of these traditions and understands his role as an artiste. “No matter what we face as artistes in this space, we stay true to our mission. I have several songs that the people will enjoy in Spice Mas and beyond. One of my personal favourites is ‘Pain,’ a song I would like to share with my fans in Trinidad and Tobago when Carnival 2027 comes around,” he said.
Strengthening Others
Other tracks released by Skinny include, ‘When Yuh Eating,’ ‘Right Up,’ ‘Black Fuh Juvay,’ ‘Can’t Stop Us,’ ‘Carnival Traffic’ featuring Jamaican artiste, I Octane, ‘My Behaviour,’ featuring Tonic X and ‘Water Line Burst,’ collaboratively done with Nicki Akull. “The collaborations done with Tonic X and Nicki Akull mean a lot to me. They are upcoming artistes who I share good vibes with. When I was younger and had hopes of connecting and collaborating with bigger artistes, it was not easy,” he recalled, adding that it often felt daunting. He says because he understands the feeling, he is happy to be able to help these up-and-coming entertainers. “This was just my way of giving them strength and encouragement. I feel like nobody takes you seriously when you don’t have a foot in the door – they refuse to embrace you because you are not known. I want them to keep pushing after this,” he added.
Dedicated and refocused, Skinny Banton is pushing full speed ahead. “I’m doing music videos for most of the songs. I already have a video for ‘Black Fuh Juvay,’ which has been uploaded to YouTube and all other streaming platforms, and the video for ‘My Behaviour’ with Tonic X is also out,” he said. Grateful to Jamaican artiste, IOctane for the strength given to him on their collaboration on the single, ‘Carnival Traffic,’ Skinny said this particular song is one that he loves, and he hopes the people will, as well.
For the past three years, the artiste had been approached by upcoming entertainer, Nicki Akull for the single they eventually brought forward this year. “Waterline Buss – Nicki Akull’s persistence and determination really brought this song into existence,” he said, happy to have eventually come around to making it happen. Even with such a vast number of singles released, Skinny Banton says he is ready to work with artistes across the Diaspora. “I’m still creating, still working and I’m looking forward to establishing more ground in the Soca community and around the world.”
Social Media, Music and Trends.
Certainly attuned to the necessary promotional adjustments that many artistes have been forced to adopt, Skinny Banton says he hopes that despite the rise in social media content distribution, true talent and good music is not sacrificed. “I feel like content creation online should not take away from artistes creating and delivering great music, because without the content, the music should still stand on its own, and with the content, the people still need the music,” he shared. “I also feel like a lot of trends are created from making yourself an online spectacle and not the music being able to sustain itself, so you may get attention for what you post as content, but the music you’re posting the content for sometimes does not have enough substance to sustain itself for longevity,” he rationalized.
Thoughtful, conscious and truly talented, Skinny Banton is a necessary part of the Caribbean’s creative landscape. His storytelling ability, coupled with his appreciation for the art and vocal capacity, makes him an artiste everyone should tap in to. “I want to encourage the young artistes to stay focused and keep pushing and never be discouraged by the many things that’s said on social media. They must work hard to establish their business to suit them, because every artiste will do things differently, when it comes to the business; Never be discouraged by the naysayers,” he advised. He thanked his fans for their love and support over the years. “People who’ve been supporting from day one and continue to support, as well as the new supporters I’ve gotten along the way – thank you. To the DJs and radio personalities, I appreciate you. One hand doesn’t clap. Thank you for keeping my songs on rotation and I hope you all continue to support me.”