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Archived: Maryland is Delivering A Wave of Soca Ecstasy, Led By Team ‘Holli.’ THIS IS WILD.

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Caribbean people all over the world are in tune to the sound and vibe of Soca music and all that comes along with it. While in Trinidad and Tobago, Soca still struggles to get first place status across the airwaves, a team of twenty-something year- olds in Maryland have found that there’s so much curiosity for the genre and its accompanying festivities among generation Z entertainment seekers in their neck of the woods, that they’ve launched an all-Soca radio station, online. 

Andre Noreiga and his diverse team that includes a few other 1st generation West Indians, including two of his friends from Queen’s Royal College in Trinidad, have been heavily involved in the promotion of J’ouvert in Maryland. The Holli J’ouvert brand is exclusively theirs and its now expanding to include Holli Radio- this of course, on the heels of their YouTube Channel that’s been pretty hands on in teaching those out there who’ve been seeking clarity on everything that’s part and parcel of the Carnival festival. “On YouTube, the aim is to create different series to explain the different aspects of our culture, so the first series was the ‘Carnival Ready’ series that pretty much answered a lot of the questions that second generation West Indians would have,” said Andre. 

He and his team have been very observant of the appreciation shown by many children of first-generation Caribbean people – those folks who would’ve migrated to the US, and started a family there. “We realized how interested many of them were after we hosted our first Holli J’ouvert, but they also had a lot of questions. They were unsure of how they should dress, they asked whether they should bring chairs and stuff like that so with the YouTube series, a lot of those kinds of questions were answered,” he explained. Andre said the team even offered a wining tutorial within the YouTube series and also catered to questions surrounding acceptable cultural behaviour.  

Photos from Maryland’s Holli J’ouvert

When it comes to Soca music, Andre admits that migrating to the US led to an increased appreciation for the music of his homeland.. “When I came here, my love for Soca grew, and I think that’s the case with a lot of people in the Diaspora,” he said, telling Ebuzztt that this was exactly why the team decided it was time for an all-soca radio station that everyone- no matter what city, state or country they’re in, could have access to. “Holli Radio is already live online. Soca music lovers can download our app from the App store or the Google Play store,” he confirmed. 

Essentially living, walking protectors of the culture, the Holli team has taken on the challenge of educating while entertaining. Their plan is multidimensional, with an overall aim of marketing Soca music and the carnival culture to folks who may never have even heard about it. Now, with the launch of their digital radio platform, the Holli team is one step closer to making this hope, a reality. 

For more on the Holli J’ouvert brand , check out them out on Instagram and don’t forget to download the Holli Radio app in the App store or Google Play store, today! For even more, visit the Holli Network and check out their YouTube channel.

Ebuzz News

The Caribbean Mourns the Passing of Sir Garfield Sobers.

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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.

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Grammy Award Winning, Morgan Heritage Salutes Jamaica with First Release Since Losing Peetah Morgan.

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Grammy Award-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage returns with “Come Feel The Love,” an uplifting new single written and produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Stephen Marley.

Released on July 10th through Ghetto Youths International, the song serves as a vibrant musical invitation to experience Jamaica through its people, culture, landscapes, and unmistakable spirit. According to a media release the song celebrates the essence of Jamaica through authentic storytelling, using the universal language of reggae to capture the island’s warmth, resilience, beauty, and enduring sense of community.

Led by the unmistakable voices of Gramps Morgan and Mojo Morgan, the single paints vivid images of Jamaica’s natural beauty, from the iconic lignum vitae and soursop trees to Negril’s coastline, Lovers’ Leap, and the communities where generations have shaped one of the world’s most influential musical cultures.

Complementing the song is a visually stunning official music video produced by Filmaica and directed by Fernando Hevia. Filmed entirely on location throughout Jamaica, the visual showcases many of the island’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks. Gramps Morgan’s performance scenes were captured in Negril and at the iconic Lovers’ Leap in St. Elizabeth, both destinations referenced in the lyrics, bringing an added level of authenticity and emotional connection, while celebrating the beauty and diversity of Jamaica.

Built around the infectious refrain, “Come Feel The Love,” the record embodies Jamaica as more than a destination – it is a feeling rooted in family, music, community, and connection.

Celebrating Home.

“Come Feel The Love” marks Morgan Heritage’s first newly recorded release since the ascension of one of its founding members, Peetah Morgan, opening a new chapter for one of reggae’s most celebrated groups while honoring the legacy he helped build. The single reflects the band’s enduring commitment to carrying its message of unity, love, and cultural pride to audiences around the world.

Jamaica has given us so much, our identity, our music, our culture, and our purpose,” said Gramps Morgan. “This song celebrates everything we love about home and invites the world to experience the same warmth and inspiration that continues to shape who we are.”

Mojo Morgan added, “Reggae has always connected people across cultures and generations. ‘Come Feel The Love’ reminds us that Jamaica’s greatest gift isn’t just its beauty, it’s the love, unity, and positive spirit that people feel the moment they arrive.”

The record seamlessly blends Morgan Heritage’s signature harmonies with Stephen Marley’s timeless production, creating a contemporary roots,reggae anthem that honors Jamaica’s traditions while introducing its story to a new generation of listeners.

As one of reggae’s most celebrated families, Morgan Heritage has spent decades carrying Jamaican music to audiences around the world, earning a Grammy Award and building a legacy of socially conscious, spiritually uplifting recordings. Their collaboration with Stephen Marley, one of reggae’s most accomplished artists and producers, brings together two of Jamaica’s most influential musical legacies in a powerful celebration of the island, its people, and its culture.

More than the release of a new single, “Come Feel The Love” represents the beginning of Morgan Heritage’s next chapter, one rooted in the same values that have defined the band for generations while embracing a renewed purpose. As they honor Peetah Morgan’s enduring legacy, the group continues its mission of celebrating Jamaica through music and spreading love, unity, hope, and positivity to audiences around the world.

“Come Feel the Love” is available now on all major digital streaming platforms.

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