It was not a real Carnival fete until Neil Iwer George came to the stage. Like a savior, the water lord swooped in to save Soka In Moka’s vibe on Sunday, reminding all and sundry that Trinidad and Tobago Carnival’s major requirement is, and will always be, Power Soca music.
The event, which kicked off at 4pm and welcomed fetters to another venue just across the savannah from the school’s court venue where it had been held for many years, attracted a sizable crowd on January 1st.
Soka In Moka, after two years off, returned with a slate of in-demand artistes, among them, Nadia Batson, Viking Ding Dong, Patrice Roberts and the Boss, Neil Iwer George. Well known band, Dil E Nadan kicked off the performances and ended their set just after 6pm. That was followed by DJ Linx and hosts Whitney Husbands and Jason Williams’ attempt to warm up the crowd of patrons. The all inclusive event attracted a mature crowd with a sprinkling of youth in the mix, and as such, the cooler fete vibe could not be expected at Soka in Moka. Groovy soca trending across the airwaves and on social media, several artistes who performed would receive half-hearted crowd response, whether owed to the slow tempo of the music, or patrons’ unfamiliarity with the new songs.
The All Starz Band- a staple at Soka In Moka, took the stage with young entertainer, College Boy Jesse, at the helm. He began his set by paying tribute to his predecessor Blaxx, who passed away in March 2022. The reaction to Jesse’s tribute was warm, many singing along to the refrains of the patriotic artist who has certainly left an indelible mark on the soca music industry. As the event got into a rhythm, new music from College Boy Jesse failed to move the mature fetters, most simply looking on, hardly swaying to the rhythm of the beat. This is not to say that the young artist did not deliver, because he certainly did. Whether his music had been heard by the crowd enough prior to their attendance, was the big question.
The subsequent introduction of artistes, Viking Ding Dong and Jaiga increased momentum at Moka. By that time, those who’d been sipping on drinks, began swaying a bit more, turning the event into less of a concert and little by little, more of a fete.
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.
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