Caribbean Buzz
Archived: Lyrikal talks J’ouvert Violence in New York- Says Soca Could Change Things.
It’s been two weeks since New York’s West Indian Day Parade; Two weeks since two people, one of them a Trinidad and Tobago national who had lived merely 17 years on the face of this planet, were killed in gun violence in the pre-West Indian Day Parade, J’ouvert celebrations. In the aftermath of the incident, there is now discussion among New York state authorities as to whether the J’ouvert should be cancelled altogether. For one Trinidad and Tobago Soca star who resides in Brooklyn, if the actual elements of J’ouvert aren’t added to the pre-dawn event, it makes no sense whatsoever.
Ebuzztt.com spoke with Lyrikal- the man who has, in recent years, amassed a pretty loyal following and proven his worth with a catalogue of Soca hits that speaks volumes. He’s a ‘Brooklyn boy’ and reps hard for West Indians in that part of the US. He’s also Trini to the bone and understands the importance of the Carnival culture to not just Trinbagonians residing in New York, but also people from across the West Indies. In the aftermath of the two murders this year, Lyrikal is however saying, the organisers of the festival should deliver what J’ouvert really is, to the pre-dawn festivity.
“Everywhere else, J’ouvert is J’ouvert, except New York. New York doesn’t have any music trucks. There’s nothing for revellers to do so you’re bringing a whole bunch of people, including gang affiliated members- because their presence is very heavy in New York as everyone knows, and there’s really nothing for them to do. They are just gathering there and standing up,” he said.
Lyrikal says real J’ouvert elements should be added in New York.
He acknowledges that there are pan bands in the pre-dawn J’ouvert, however in the same breath, he said, “but the people aren’t really into that.” Explaining that many Americans have become intrigued by the J’ouvert and the overall festival itself over the years, Lyrikal says it’s all because of the soca music- a natural gravitation of sorts, to the vibe Soca invokes. “But if they come to experience that and there is none of that, all they’re doing is standing up on a street corner, so what else is there to do if they’re just standing there drinking and they probably see somebody that they have beef with?,” he questioned. The soca artiste admits that the crime rate surrounding the J’ouvert, has been high, in recent years but feels this can be curbed if the people who come out to experience the fun of a real J’ouvert, are given exactly what they yearn for, when they gather.
“I’m not agreeing with them to totally shut down the J’ouvert, but as of now, it doesn’t make any sense without the music.”
Lyrikal says he does not attend the J’ouvert celebrations in Brooklyn and never gives it a second thought. He says without the soca music element added to the equation, the likelihood of violence and further tarnishing of the overall West Indian Day Parade, is highly likely.
Caribbean Buzz
The Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
It’s a brand new concept being brought to life, in Point Fortin, however its impact, according to organizers, is already proving immense. The annual Point Fortin Borough celebrations, culminates this weekend and on Sunday, an event with a bigger purpose at heart, is anticipated to draw a massive crowd to fete, for the greater good.
Naya George and Anson George spoke exclusively with Ebuzztt.com ahead of the all inclusive experience. They’re excited to see their vision come to life. Anson, a well known name on the carnival and entertainment circuit, is known for his strong involvement in the BeachHouse Carnival brand. “It’s going to be on par with BeachHouse,” he assured, asserting ‘Flowers’ as the new ‘must attend’ fete in Borough Day festivities. “There are other events happening on Sunday in Point Fortin but there’s no other event of this caliber, happening,” said Anson, explaining that a few tickets are still available for those who still want to get in.
For Naya, the effort is less about business, and more about purpose. “We are partying with a purpose. We want to let people know that this isn’t just about feting. This is the only party that’s happening in Point Fortin that’s giving back to Point Fortin,” he explained, adding that proceeds will go toward investment in the young people. “The first set of projects will be at the Point Fortin West Secondary School where the event is being held. We are going to revitalize the sports programme, playing field restoration, sporting equipment and that kind of stuff, to ensure the youths have a place to find themselves in the area of sports. Flowers is the premiere fund raiser to do these things,” said George.
Set to welcome fete lovers from 5pm on Sunday at the Point Fortin West Secondary School, Flowers will feature a cast of talented artistes, inclusive of Nadia Batson and Lyrikal. “We want to raise fund in style and with high quality at heart, hence the reason the event’s caliber is high. This is going to be a first for Point Fortin,” said Naya George.
The Point Fortin Borough experience is widely attended, with a series of cultural events leading up to the weekend of excitement that is anticipated by locals and visitors alike, each year. “Flowers has set the tone for the Borough Day evolution I think,” said Naya George. “Fusion came to an end last night,” noted Anson. He said the cultural extravaganza, which was similar to Carnival’s Flava Village, was a huge success and noted the wide variety of cultural traditions, shared between April 25th and April 30th. “If people can jump on a plane to experience Grenada carnival, we are certain they can come from West and North Trinidad to enjoy the Point Fortin Borough activities,” said Anson, making it clear that ahead of the upcoming weekend, hotel and guest house occupancy is already high.
“Borough is like a second carnival,” said Anson. He said there are fetes happening throughout the day on Friday. “When you come, you get a taste of everything you get in carnival. You get the fetes, the all inclusive, the jouvert, the street food, the culture,” he highlighted, and this year, for the very first time, fans of culture, creativity and altruism, will fete with purpose at Flowers – a distinct, top tier, premium all inclusive experience in the heart of the borough.
Tickets for the event are available online at Stacy’s House Of Hair – Point Fortin, Atherley’s By The Park – San Fernando, Terminal 4 – Long Circular Mall and online at theticketgeneral.com.
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