Ebuzz News
Miami J’ouvert Brings the Revelry. No Crumbs Were Left.
Miami Carnival is anticipated by true Caribbean culture lovers across the US, annually. This year, with Covid-19 restrictions eased significantly, the fetters came out in full force at the annual J’ouvert celebration. The Miami Dade County Fairgrounds venue was chosen by the organizing committee for this year’s festivities, however, as large as the venue is, the traffic could not be avoided as revelers sought parking around the area. On the inside however, all pre-event stress would be immediately forgotten.
With a 7am start time, many were seen entering later on in the morning, possibly having attended other events on Friday night. By 11am, the crowds were thick inside the venue and the paint, powder and water were being thrown around as is the norm. Gyration and Soca the order of the day, scantily clad women paraded through the J’ouvert mas bands – among them, Mascots International, Red Ants J’ouvert, D’ Junction, Freaks Mas, Wassi Ones and Riverland Mas and Gen X, among others. A total of 24 J’ouvert bands paraded the enclosed route, allowing masqueraders to have the time of their lives in a safe area, free of motorists.
Much like any other Caribbean J’ouvert, there were countless sightings of traditional J’ouvert characters, inclusive of Dame Lorraine, Minstrels and even Grenada’s untouchable, oil-drenched Jab character, chain and all. Children were also seen in the care of their Caribbean parents, partaking in the event. The cultural mixture was undeniable, with a plethora of Caribbean people serving up their individual essence, at what just might be one of the most blended caribbean carnivals in North America.
This year, our sightings of artistes on the road in the J’ouvert was near non existent. Motto of St. Lucia was the only entertainer we saw enjoying the fun. He told Ebuzztt.com that he came out to enjoy the festivities as he usually does, and that he sure did.
Later today, masqueraders in their beautiful costumes will take the Fairgrounds venue by storm once again. The Caribbean display of love and energy will be showcased to this part of the world. Artistes carded to hit the main stage include Patrice Roberts, Teddyson John, Iwer George, Nadia Batson, Skinny Fabulous, Julien Believe, The A Team Band and others.
Caribbean Buzz
$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
Trinidad and Tobago is set to stage a revamped International Soca Monarch competition in what is now dubbed The Ultimate Soca Champion competition. The event’s final will be staged on Thursday, February 20th, with the semi final round set for Sunday, February 9th. The announcement was made earlier today by organisers, at a media conference held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
The organisers said the competition will not be split into Groovy/Power categories, however they said there will be special prizes for Best Groovy Soca, Best Power Soca and People’s Champion, based on public votes.
The event will feature the Ultimate Soca Champion reality TV show which organizers say is aimed at giving viewers an intimate look into the competition. “We believe this will help our culture to reach international audiences when packaged properly,” the team said.
In-Person Auditions will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Fernando Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA). Regional/ International Artistes who are not in Trinidad and Tobago, are required to submit video auditions from January 20th at 8:00am to January 26th at 11:59pm.
“We aim to make this a production that captivates
audiences worldwide,” said Rome. “The Ultimate Soca Champion Competition will not only
elevate soca to international standards but also inspire the next generation of artistes.”
For registration, submission guidelines, and updates, visit ultimatesocachampion.com from Monday January 20th, or email ultimatesocachampion@gmail.com.
Music News
Problem Child, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous Ride New ‘Powerful’ Riddim. 47 Productions Eyes Road March.
There’s another big project coming out of Dwayne Bravo’s 47 Productions in Port-of-Spain, and just like the Pineapple Riddim last month, it features some big names in Soca music.
The Viking of Soca, Bunji Garlin, Grenada’s Skinny Banton, Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child- both St. Vincent and the Grenadines entertainers, grace the ‘Powerful Riddim’- described as a heart-pounding, adrenaline-packed Power Soca riddim that’s guaranteed to light up every fete the season, even with potential for the Road March.
Bunji Garlin deliver’s ‘On De Go’ – a high-octane single that celebrates vibes and undiluted energy, while on Skinny Fabulous’ ‘Like We Rich,’ elements of a grandeur lifestyle, inclusive of living large, partying hard and embracing the high life, are showcased in song. The Vincy BadBoy, Problem Child is also a part of this project with a track called, “Not Behaving,’ undeniably living up to his name. Other artistes on the riddim are Grenadian duo, Lil Natty and Thunda who share their energy with, ‘Wah Dis,” and skinny Banton with ‘Property.” Tommy Sanchez wraps it up, adding a fresh, new vibe with his single, ‘Bend.’
The riddim is being touted as the ultimate soundtrack for the road on Carnival Monday and Tuesday and comes just as Soca megastar, Machel Montano has released, ‘Pardy,’ already getting the nod of approval from die-hard Machel fans.
While the race to the annual Road March anthem of choice in still quite a distance away, several people have already begun the conversation about what’s best for the road. Mical Teja’s ‘Energy’ and ‘Higher Power’ offer masqueraders an infectious, positive energy for the road, while Bunji’s ‘Thousand’ hits hard, delivering high impact and bassy undercurrent that’s hard to ignore.
47 Productions has been strongly contending on the music scene in Trinidad and Tobago in recent years. This year’s Pineapple Riddim, which features, Machel Montano, Lyrikal, Patrice Roberts, Rupee and 47Ronzy, has been well received, with Machel Montano applauding Bravo’s consistency, even as someone invested behind the music scene. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this Carnival season while 47 Productions continues to create space for others to rise,” Bravo had said, at the launch of the riddim in December.
The “Powerful Riddim” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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Music News1 week agoThe Power of People. Rae Credits Motto, Darryl Gervais for Her Rise in Soca. Delivers ‘Throw Waist.’
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Caribbean Buzz5 days ago$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
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Music News5 days agoProblem Child, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous Ride New ‘Powerful’ Riddim. 47 Productions Eyes Road March.