Toronto was awaken and shaken up with Caribbean energy on Saturday, as the annual Caribana festival climaxed with revelers hitting the streets all day long, and later, the OVO Festival at Eco Beach presenting a slate of Caribbean music makers that certainly held their own.
Machel Montano in thrill mode.
Chart topping international rapper, Drake delivered the caribbean flavor at the event that his record label has had running for seven years and counting, presenting caribbean soca lovers with their king, Machel Montano. The soca heavyweight who’s been making headlines in recent days with the launch of Bazodee- a film he stars in, in addition to a recent prime time interview on NYC’s Hot97FM, plus a VIBE magazine interview, is said to have revved up the vibe, something that’s pretty much the norm, later introducing Jamaican artiste, Mavado to the massive crowd who’d come out to experience the festival.
Angela Hunte performs at Ovo Fest
Also on the cast at OVO were Angela Hunte who’s “Party Done” refrain was a hit as expected, and the 2016 Soca Monarch King of Trinidad and Tobago, Voice. Former Groovy Soca King, Olatunji Yearwood was also there as was Jamaica’s Sean Paul. Sunrise saw and felt the sensational energy of Kees Dieffenthaller, who, in an Instagram post surprised fans with his appearance at the mammoth event. He even hashtagged the word #surprise, making it known that he’d practically kept this one a secret all along.
Beenie Man is down with Zika
Dancehall hit maker of 26 years, Beenie Man was carded to appear as one of the show’s featured acts, however he was not granted a Canadian Visa and subsequently disclosed that he was down and out with the Zika virus. In other parts of Toronto, Trinidad and Tobago soca stars made their presence felt. Shurwayne Winchester, KI, Ronnie McIntosh, Jahmoun, Bass, Fay Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin were all in the city, living up to all expectations, delivering fun and caribbean joy to carnival lovers in TDot.
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.
The Caribbean is mourning the loss of one of its greatest sporting icons following the death of Sir Garfield Sobers, the Barbadian cricket legend widely regarded as one of the finest players the game has ever known. He was 89.
Cricket West Indies confirmed Sir Garfield’s passing on Friday. According to reports, he died at his home in Barbados after a period of illness, just days before his 90th birthday.
Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, on July 28, 1936, Sir Garfield became one of the most influential figures in the history of West Indies cricket. His achievements on the field, coupled with the dignity and pride with which he represented the Caribbean, earned him admiration across generations and around the world. He was knighted in 1975 for his services to cricket and was later named a National Hero of Barbados, one of the country’s highest honours.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the Caribbean and the wider cricketing community. In a statement, Cricket West Indies said, “A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers.”
Fellow Bajan National hero, Rihanna shared her sentiments in a voice message.
Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow also honoured the Barbadian legend, saying, “Sir Garfield Sobers has completed his final innings, but his legacy will forever endure in the hearts of our region, and the story of the cricketing world.”
Sir Garfield’s influence extended far beyond the cricket field. Throughout his life, he became a symbol of Caribbean excellence, inspiring generations of athletes and earning respect as one of the region’s greatest ambassadors.
His passing marks the end of an extraordinary era, but his legacy will continue to live on in Barbados, throughout the Caribbean and wherever the game of cricket is played.
error: This content is protected. if you wish to use this content in anyway please contact us.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.