Ebuzz News
New Soca Monarch- Like Show Coming. Organisers to Look At Calendar of Events in Preparation for The Way Forward.
A competition or similar type cultural showcase in carnival, is set to be unveiled in the weeks ahead. Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, revealed the appointment of Star Global Productions Limited, to organize and deliver the large-scale carnival 2025 event. The new event will take the place of the International Soca Monarch – a competition which started in T&T in 1993 but dwindled by 2020.
The Production team consists of The Lollabee Group, businessman, Adrian Chandler and media personality and artiste, Jerome Priscilla. “We are excited to partner with the consortium led by Star Global Productions Limited in reimagining the Soca competition for Carnival 2025,” said Minister Randal Mitchell. “This competition will, not only showcase the best in Soca music but will also play a vital role in enhancing Trinidad and Tobago’s standing as a premier cultural and tourist destination,” he added. The Minister went on to articulate the ministry’s anticipation, saying, “We are eager to bring this vibrant aspect of our Carnival to the forefront, furthering the growth of our creative industries and promoting the rich cultural heritage of our nation.”
Via media release, the Ministry noted that on July 29, 2024, an Expression of Interest (EOl) was issued, inviting individuals and organisations to submit proposals for the development and management of a Soca competition. The EOl closed on August 23, 2024, with eight (8) submissions received. Following the receipt of those submissions, the Ministry issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the interested parties on October 29, 2024, which closed on November 19th 2024. It said a rigorous evaluation process was conducted to select a partner for revitalising the competition and advancing the country’s Tourism, Culture, and Arts industries. “It is to be noted that out of the three (3) submissions received following the issuance of the RFP, Star Global Productions Limited’s proposal stood out as the most comprehensive and strategically aligned with the Ministry’s vision for the Carnival 2025 Soca competition,” stated the media release. It added, “Star Global Productions Limited brings expertise in managing large-scale events and producing culturally significant programming, making them an ideal partner to bring this vibrant competition to life.”
The media release explained that Star Global Productions Limited will now plan, organise and implement its proposal, taking into consideration the calendar of events confirmed for the Carnival 2025 period. “The consortium will enter into discussions with the Ministry to finalize arrangements for the competition,” the statement ended.
For the past four years, many have lamented the decline of the International Soca Monarch. Once owned by Caribbean Prestige Foundation founder, William Munroe, the event was subsequently passed around to other major players in Arts and Culture, Media and Business. The pandemic’s sudden strike in 2019 led to a digitally formatted effort by organizers and now, it is left to be seen whether patronage of the once mammoth Carnival competition, will return to its glory days.
At its inception, soca stars like Machel Montano, Iwer George, Mr. Killa, Fay Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin, Iwer George, Shurwayne Winchester, SuperBlue, Shal Marshall, Voice, Farmer Nappy, Benjai, Blaxx and countless others, delivered spectacular artistry, complete with props and dancers, fireworks and thrilling showmanship, to insatiable audiences who showed their support from the Semi Final showcase at the Arima Velodrome in East Trinidad to the finals on Fantastic Friday at the National Stadium. The memories of those incredible years of high momentum carnival fever, remain etched in the hearts of many.
Ebuzz News
100 Days To T&T Carnival – Big Launch, Big Vibes to Hit Port of Spain, this Friday.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Greatest Show on Earth has, for years, been a tourist attraction. With 100 days to go before the two-day street parade in Port-of-Spain, the excitement is steadily building and with momentum, the National Carnival Commission is moving full speed ahead.
Carnival 2026 will be publicly launched at the Brian Lara Promenade on Friday, November 7th. The NCC, in a media release said the spectacle will begin at 9am and go through the day, transforming the city’s hub into an active thoroughfare featuring all things T&T carnival. Th event will feature traditional Carnival characters, informative workshops and exhibitions, a mini concert from reigning Panorama champions, Republic Bank Exodus Steel Orchestra, and much more. “In bringing Carnival to the city, we’re hoping to bring people to the city to come out and show their support for the culture, for the NCC, the Special Interest Groups, the vendors and small business community, and the Regional Carnivals because we’re all part of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival,” said NCC Chairman, Peter Kanhai.
TEACHING THE YOUTH ABOUT CARNIVAL
This year, the NCC will introduce something they’re calling, “The Children’s Zone,” where school children and their parents and guardians will be able to experience a distinct youth-oriented energy to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival. The zone will feature cultural exhibitions, displays, giveaways and more, even offering youths the opportunity to pen a ‘Love Letter to Carnival.’ “School children would be invited to write what it is they love about Trinidad and Tobago Carnival for a mural that will be displayed at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah for Carnival next year,” the press release explained.
At 4pm, a concert will engage the public with performances by Swappi, Terri Lyons, Orlando Octave, Ravi B, Drupatee, Shal Marshall, Erphaan Alves and other featured cultural acts.
Back in August, at the corporate launch of Carnival, Minister of Culture, the Arts and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, shared her ministry’s vision for carnival.
Ebuzz News
Bob Marley Foundation to Jamaica: “We’ll Rise Again.”
What has been described by the National Hurricane Centre as the most catastrophic hurricane of 2026 – Hurricane Melissa, has moved past Jamaica and now moves onward to Cuba and neighboring territories. In the aftermath of the brutal natural disaster, videos across social media show fallen trees, massive swells, invasive water courses through streets and byways and certainly, infrastructural wreckage. The people of Jamaica, though resilient, are in need of strength and aid to rebuild.
The Bob Marley Foundation and the Bob Marley Museum, in a social media post said despite having gone through the hurricane, “we’re still standing.” The honorary organizations that stand in memory of Jamaica’s most loved icon, Bob Marley, relayed via social media, “The winds may have shaken us, but they could never break our spirit.” Noting that the journey to rebuild will not be an overnight one, the post read, “but together, we’ll rise again- stronger, more united and full of love.”
Consistent in the Marley legacy’s tone and posture of love and unity, the expression continued, “We can’t wait to spread the message of peace and love with you once more and help in whatever way we can. Until then, hold on to hope and remember – every little thing is gonna be alright.”
The government of Jamaica has created an official digital platform for information, and for the global community’s input where relief and assistance is concerned.
Visit https://supportjamaica.gov.jm. The website lists a preliminary needs list, which includes items such as batteries, bedding foam, flashlights, lanterns, mattresses, pillowcases, pillows, mobile storage units, heavy duty garbage bags and certainly much more.
