Ebuzz News
Machel Montano To Perform At The Apollo, NYC.
Machel Montano has been delivering vibrant soca performances outside of T&T, despite quietly sitting out the carnival 2024 season. News has emerged that the artiste will deliver a major show at the iconic Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York, on August 30th.
Coinciding with Labor Day celebrations in New York, the event will likely draw thousands of soca lovers and certainly fans of the artiste himself. Montano recently performed in the Cayman Islands at the ‘Out of This World Music Festival.’ He headlined a cast, which included, Fat Joe, Baby Cham and NeYo. Prior to that, the ‘Mr. Fete’ singer delivered his energy at Culture Fete in Orlando, Florida. In early May, Machel engaged fans in St. Lucia at the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.
Machel Montano’s name has been mentioned on the topic of Caribbean music and particularly, soca music, for the past 40 years. His stage show remains unmatched. “From his chart-topping hits to his infectious energy, Machel Montano knows how to throw a party like no other,” read a statement by his team, as Montano prepares to light up Harlem, New York.
Machel will perform at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, on July 6th. He joins artistes like Tyrese, Big Boi, Tweet and Donell Jones.
Ebuzz News
Jamaican Reggae Artiste, Jah Mason Loses His Son to Gun Violence in Jamaica.
A livestream on TikTok ended suddenly under tragic circumstances when the son of reggae artiste, Jah Mason was shot at point blank range. The victim, Jabari ‘Baba Skeng’ Johnson was reportedly approached and shot execution-style on Monday while live-streaming on TikTok near a shop along Red Hills Road in St. Andrew, Jamaica.
The St. Andrew North Police have launched an investigation into the incident. According to the Jamaica Observer, the young man’s father, Jah Mason has since confirmed the death of his son but at the time, was still coming to terms with the devastating news and preferred not to speak in detail.
According to reports, Johnson was broadcasting live on TikTok when he was approached by a masked individual dressed in black. The assailant shot him in the back of the head at close range, then continued firing after Johnson fell. The gunman then fled the scene.
Johnson’s death marks the fourth killing of a Jamaican TikTok personality in recent months.
Caribbean Buzz
Rising Superstar, Coutain Heads to Tobago for Easter Weekend, Rhthym and Soul Festival.
Like a breath of fresh air, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s very own rising stars has been added to the Easter cast of a major festival happening on the island. Coutain, a reserved Sangre Grande entertainer who’s been making waves, though humbly, is the one of the latest names plugged to entertain visitors to Tobago, and locals alike, at the Buccoo Seafood and Jazz event.
Coutain’s rise to prominence say him take Carnival 2025 by storm, performing at several major events and showcasing a unique essence that’s likable and palatable to all demographics. Songs like ‘Junction,’ ‘Artform’ ‘Jamtown’ with Tano, and ‘Carnival Darling’ with GBM Nutron, form part of the artiste’s enticing catalogue. An organic and true undercurrent that’s proven effective in marketing the artiste, now sees him stand alongside the likes of International superstars, Brian McKnight and Jon Secada in Tobago on April 19th.
The Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival aims to deliver a showcase of rich, cultural engagement this Easter and despite an election shadow, all efforts have remained strong in promoting the importance of showcasing Tobago’s tourism product, to the world.
Last week, the announcement of Buju Banton’s sudden replacement as a result of illness within his camp, led to some concern, however with Stephen Marley now headlining the Easter Sunday, ‘Fusion’ concert event alongside the likes of Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Singing Melody, Kes The Band and others, the show, according to organizers, is gearing up to be a highlight of the calendar year in Tobago.
Coutain, along with former Road March King, Mical Teja and St. Lucia’s Teddyson John, will be among the star studded line-up this Easter weekend in a festival that’s being touted as transformative and energizing on Trinidad’s sister isle.
