After two decades in the business, Lil’ Bitts—aka Shivonne Churche-Isaacs—has made a vow she plans to keep: never again will she sit out Carnival. The multi-talented artiste, known for her infectious energy and stage presence, has had a front-row seat to Trinidad and Tobago’s iconic festival season for years, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. She still remembers the shock she felt when she made the decision to skip the parades on Carnival Monday and Tuesday one season, only to end up physically sick. “I got sick—like, literally,” she admits. “I’ll never ignore Carnival’s call again.”

This year, Bitts is more than ready to hit the streets with Yuma for an unforgettable Carnival 2025. The excitement is palpable as she gears up for what’s sure to be a thrilling season, both on and off the road.

Rising to the Occasion with “Brighter Days”

With five songs under her belt and a growing social media presence, Lil’ Bitts is enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Her Instagram and other platforms have become hubs of interaction with fans, opening doors to new collaborations and promotional opportunities. “Social media is the ultimate artiste toolkit,” she says, urging fellow performers to embrace the digital world to connect with their audiences.

One of her most highly anticipated projects is the track “Brighter Days,” which she says has been in the works for three years. Produced by Gaffa Productions, the song has become a personal passion project. “This one is really special,” she shares. “The world needs positivity right now, and I feel like this song is necessary.” She credits the magic of modern technology for making it all come together, working with talented producers like Stemz, District 6 Studios, and Benje Music in hybrid mode from different locations in the region. She’s also collaborated with M1 on a single called “Wetter” for the 2025 season. “We’ve been talking about working together for years, and I’m so happy it’s finally happened,” she says. “M1’s a unique talent; there aren’t a lot of artistes like him.”

A Dream Come True: Chutney and Multi-Cultural Magic

As if things weren’t busy enough, Lil’ Bitts has recently ventured into the world of chutney music. She got a call from the Pungalunks Factory to contribute vocals for a track with Reshma Ramlal, the Warrior Princess herself. The track, “Poowah Nah Ready,” is a dream come true for Bitts, who has always had an affinity for East Indian culture. “When I was a kid, I loved dressing in Indian clothes and watching Bollywood movies. I knew I wanted to do a Chutney song one day, but it had to feel natural. And this—this feels right,” she said. Bitts reflects on how much she’s learned and appreciated about Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural beauty through this experience. “The energy on set, the unity—it was amazing. We’re one people, and that’s something I never want to forget.” The collaboration has already earned a place in the spotlight, with Ramlal making it into the semi-finals of the Chutney Soca Monarch competition.

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.