Ebuzz News
Masqueraders Will Choose Road March in T&T Today. Winner Will Be Set for 2023.
After weeks of debate over what the preferred song for Carnival 2023 Road March, should be, the deciding day is finally here. Masquerade bands in all their glory will assemble their beautifully adorned masqueraders on this Carnival Tuesday, hitting the road to the sounds of sweet Soca music blaring from speakers, at every junction in the capital city and parts beyond. This is the bitter-sweet day many look forward to, annually. The question that lingers remains, who will be the 2023 Road March champion?
Contenders in the race have been selected by and large by the DJs who delivered at carnival fetes throughout the season. They often claim to play just what the people want to hear, however many argue, there are contributions by artistes that are road ready, fete ready, that never make it into the DJs’ carnival ‘must play’ catalogue.It isn’t a new argument but truth be told, the argument is indeed an important one, since, for the many artistes whose music never make it into proper fete rotation, work outside of T&T’s carnival will be nearly, if not completely non existent.
The Road March winner will see his or her booking price increase significantly after the season. That is certainly a perk every artist craves. In the race for the coveted prize this season are, Bunji Garlin, Nailah Blackman with Skinny Fabulous, Machel Montano with Destra Garcia and Nicki Minaj and Patrice Roberts with Machel Montano. The songs, ‘Hard Fete,’ ‘Come Home,’ ‘Shake De Place,’ and ‘Like Yuhself,’ are priority tracks that DJs never fail to deliver. What matters today, as it did on Carnival Monday, is how many times each song is played as masqueraders of each band, cross the judging point or stage.
Ebuzztt spoke with Slam 100.5FM radio DJ, DJ Shaun in early February. Back then he listed six songs he felt, had the power and sweetness to give masqueraders a good time while on the road. Back then, ‘Shake De Place’ was not on his list. Last week Friday, like a power card, Machel Montano unleashed a remix to that song which he initially collaborated with Destra Garcia on. Internationally certified celebrity, Nicki Minaj was added to the excitement, delivering a unique Hip Hop element, with an effort-driven Trini dialect interlaced, in a bid undoubtedly, to seal the deal on the road. All three artistes were spotted atop a truck on the road on Carnival Monday, making it very clear that they want the coveted prize and will push for it come hell or high water.
You tell us, what is your Road March choice?
Ebuzz News
Jamaica’s Mavado to Receive Lifetime Award at IRAWMA Awards This Year.
David Brooks, best known as dancehall artiste, Mavado is set to be honored at this year’s 43rd International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) awards on May 17th, in South Florida. He’ll be presented with the Special Lifetime Achievement Award which represents a celebration of resilience, dominance and legacy.
In a statement, the organizers noted that Mavado is known for his unmistakeable voice, global influence and cultural impact. “Mavado has transcended borders, elevating Dancehall to international acclaim,” the statement reads.
In addition to this night of IRAWMA’s celebration of excellence in reggae and world music, globally renowned dancehall superstar, VYBZ Kartel tops the list of more than 150 nominees with 11 nods, and competing against himself in some of the categories, he is followed by Sean Paul and Shaggy with 8 nominations, each.
On the female side, Spice, Lila Ike, and Shenseea tied with 5 nominations each. Hosted by a dynamic lineup including Comedian Dufton Shepherd, Marcia Jackson, and Oliver Mair, the evening promises electrifying performances, unforgettable tributes, and a room filled with icons, tastemakers, and industry leaders.
In a show of gratitude for his conscious musical contribution, Gramps Morgan will be recognized for his song “People Like You,” highlighted as the most outstanding Spiritually Uplifting Song since the new Millennium.Gramps will join a distinguished class of honorees including Burning Spear, Wayne Armond, and Awilo Longomba—each representing excellence across genres and generations.
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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Caribbean Buzz1 week agoThe Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
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Ebuzz News5 days agoJamaica’s Mavado to Receive Lifetime Award at IRAWMA Awards This Year.
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International Buzz2 days agoTrinidad and Tobago’s Kes The Band Shares Feel Good Soca Vibes on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk.
Abigail Lalchan
22nd February 2023 at 6:53 AM
I find this sound was ketching for me and I hope they win road march