Caribbean Buzz
Newspaper Report Misleading. Mr. Killa Will Not Perform at International Soca Monarch In Trinidad.
Despite reports yesterday that Trinidad and Tobago’s crowned 2019 International Soca Monarch King, Grenada’s Mr. Killa would be performing at the competition next week Friday, there is word today that this is totally untrue.
The artist whose real name is Hollice Mapp, officially withdrew from the competition last week, citing several issues that were left untreated by the organizing committee at ISM. To date, Ebuzztt understands that both parties have met, however sources close to Mr. Killa told us that the artist has no intention of performing at the competition.
On Thursday, the Newsday newspaper in Trinidad and Tobago, reported that the artist would in fact be performing. The Caribbean Prestige Foundation and ISM have since issued the following statement:
Caribbean Buzz
Mother’s Day In Focus: Women Encouraged to Realize Their Divine Role.
There is a divine feminine energy that resides in every woman on the planet. This spiritual energy, while sometimes hidden, is powerful beyond measure, and as Mother’s Day comes into focus, Trinidad and Tobago’s Empress Aje says the time has come, once again, to encourage the country’s women to stand in the beauty and strength of their being.
Her effort to highlight this innate strength is seen in the annual production of her event, ‘The Iba Music Festival.’ Now in its fourth year, the creative showcase returns with love and empowerment at its core. “I don’t think women truly understand what they possess. My effort is to remind women of who they are, the contributions they can make. They must understand that they have a lot of power in their hands- power that can ultimately reach out to change the direction of both men, and children.”
Empress Aje is a woman of impeccable standard who holds fast to the Yoruba tradition. Strengthened by the African teachings of this tradition, she operates solely by spiritual guidance from ‘my ancestors,’ as she explains. Her assignment this Mother’s Day weekend brings the likes of illustrious entertainers, Nisa, Jaron Nurse, Farmer Nappy, Collis Duranty, Stephanie Joseph, Naomi Sinette and Darren Sheppard with NLCB Fonclaire, into focus. Aje will also be a part of the musical lineup, serenading all women on Saturday.
Expanding on her belief in the importance of promoting the divine feminine power in Trinidad and Tobago, Empress Aje says, “More women should be placed in strategic areas of our country’s political landscape.” She believes these women must however understand who they are and add value to the positions they attain.
A prompt 6:30pm commencement carded for Saturday, May 11th’s, Iba Music Festival, Empress Aje assures that variety is at the core of the show. “The event offers great musical variety. As the creative director, I’ve carefully chosen each element of the showcase to deliver positive vibrations on who we are celebrating this weekend.” Added to the live entertainment, the Festival, which is being hosted in the Amphitheatre area, also hosts a number of creative vendors who are being given the opportunity to share their work with patrons. “Initially, I did have second thoughts about hosting the event this year, however I was encouraged to deliver, and I am happy that I listened. Everything has fallen into place,”she said.
Over the past four years, the Iba Music Festival moved from the Little Carib Theatre to the Naparima Bowl. The event was also hosted virtually during the pandemic and even amid that challenge, Empress Aje, a former corporate employee, explained that she was propelled by a higher power, to keep promoting this positive celebration of feminine energy. “In 2022, I was guided to move the show to South. We had artistes like Freetown Collective and Queen Omega, and the event made an enormous impact. We’ve remained in South since that time,” she explained, noting that patrons can expect nothing but good energy, love and enjoyment ahead of Mother’s Day.
“Historically, women were the ones who held the homes together. That has changed, not because of universal law, but because of man’s law and that is probably why we are in the problems we are in now,” said the event organiser. She encourages women to stand up to their divine calling – to once again be true nurturers and solid role models for their children. “If mothers would start back to raise their children and realize their role where family life is concerned, things around us will change,” she emphasized.
For further information on the Iba Music Festival, those interested can call 868-770-1241.
Caribbean Buzz
Rodney ‘FireBall’ King Is On A Mission; Combining Cultures of T&T and Grenada with Soca First.
Radio in the Caribbean is big vibes. There are a number of major players in the game and among them has been the legendary, Trinidad and Tobago voice of Rodney ‘Fireball’ King. The radio mic man whose name is cemented in the history of urban radio in the Caribbean, is making some major moves and we’re here for it!
Though based in T&T, King recently revealed that beginning on Monday, April 29th, he’ll be joining Grenada’s 101.1 Soca First- a station that’s said to be one of Grenada’s most influential frequencies. With the aim of revolutionizing and delivering a fresh fusion of T&T and Grenada’s culture, music and overall entertainment vibe, King will be introducing something he calls, ‘Operation Shell Down.’
Twenty-five years of experience on his side, Rodney spearheads this initiative, which he says seeks to foster regional unity and necessary cultural exchange, on a scale that is yet to be achieved. “Through this effort, Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique will experience an infusion of diverse cultural elements, including cuisine, music, and poetry, from both Trinidad and Grenada,” he said, explaining that he feels this is an historic time because the move with strengthen each country’s potential to earn and exchange value, while enriching communities across the Caribbean.
