Ebuzz News
Phia Is Unique. Artiste All Set For Queen’s Hall.
Youth’s on her side and positive energy propels her spirit. Twenty-three year old Phia Smith is a dedicated artiste and performer who hones her craft, delivering RnB, Pop and Soul self-penned songs to the world. She’s gearing up to share her gift with a Trinidad and Tobago audience on May 29th at Queen’s Hall in Port-of-Spain. She hopes her move will inspire other young artistes to step out and pursue their dreams.
Phia’s been in the shadows of bigger artistes like Orlando Octave, who’ve worked with her at PengCo Music. Producer, Randal Alexander has effectively molded the young entertainer’s sound, over the years. “My sound is very unique and I like to think of it as a special sound, considering that I’m not doing the traditional Caribbean genres– soca, calypso, reggae or dancehall,” she says.
She loves all the Caribbean music genres, but Phia says that from as early as she can remember, she’s been drawn to the international soft sounds of RnB, Soul and Pop. “I felt it was time to create a platform for myself, to showcase my voice and style to those who’ll listen. I’m hoping that the music authorities here in the Caribbean will now see the need to create spaces and opportunities for artistes like me,” she announced, referring to artistes who are untraditional.
Phia’s concert, “Purple Reign,” will double up as an album release concert – the entertainer explaining that her new album and all of the songs on it, will be shared with her Queen’s Hall audience on show night.
HER EXPRESSION
“Royalty is at the core of my expression here, and I’m really hoping that those coming out to the event will grasp my overall effort to have them find their love for music again, fall in love with lyrics that come from the heart- relatable lyrics that almost everyone has experienced, or will likely experience in their lifetime.”
The young entertainer’s album is called “Emotions Aside.” Next week Wednesday – May 29th, she will perform alongside a live band, something she anticipates. “My aim is to show people here at home and internationally, just how much talent there is here in Trinidad and Tobago. We’re so versatile, so creative, and I feel like everyone should hear and see what we have to offer the world.”
Other artistes billed to grace the stage include Umi Marcano and Orlando Octave– both of whom have collaborated with the young singer, in the past. “I’m very excited to meet and share my love for music with everyone who’ll be at Queen’s Hall. This is something I’ve waited a long time to do and I truly hope it encourages others who have been blessed with the gift of music, to create their own spaces, and opportunities,” said Phia.
For more information on Phia, music lovers are encouraged to visit www.phiazworld.com.
Ebuzz News
C.C Teams Up With Hooligan. Artiste Holds The Faith for More Radio Support.
One female soca artiste says she is praying that one day, God will shine a light on the music industry in Trinidad and Tobago, to afford her and other budding artistes, an opportunity to truly be heard. Not the average ‘new artist,’ Crystal Charles, best known as C.C is the frontline singer of the band, Brass 2 The World. She was recruited to join the ranks of the well-respected brass band, in 2025 and says it’s been the highlight of her career thus far. As the spotlight turns from Christmas into another intense Carnival season, the entertainer who’s been in the industry professionally since 2010, is hoping that a larger cross section of T&T will hear her music.
A short season in play, C.C has unleashed ‘Time’ alongside fellow entertainer, Hooligan. It was produced by Okay Pronto out of New York City, and boasts a strong Afrobeat synergy with Soca. “Hooligan and I just built a vibe and wrote this song on the spot,” she said, adding that it was also her very first experience working with Pronto. “The song is an Afro/Soca/Dancehall blend, with a smooth, sweet vibe,” she explained, noting that the aim is to penetrate not just the short T&T carnival season, but also an international audience. Like many others in the world of Soca, C.C has been patiently waiting her turn and with a powerful vocal tone, she knows she is deserving of consideration. “I’ve been in the business for a long time but I took a break for about 6 years and returned to music. I know stepping away when I did, impacted my growth as an artiste but I am back at it and I know that consistency in important to success.”
Describing her musical style as groovy, passionate, emotional, sweet and RnB infused, C.C does not shy away from her feminine energy. “I’d love to work with Nadia Batson, Patrice Roberts and Machel, someday,” she revealed, explaining that she’s been honing her writing skills, building confidence in this area and learning that believing in herself is necessary to success. “’Time’ is both intimate and infectious. I think it’s a feel-good song that’s perfect for late-night rendezvous and intimate relations,” said the singer, making it clear that this one, while unleashed ahead of Carnival, is risqué and perfectly suited for adults.
C.C – the artiste who wears multiple hats as a businessowner and medical professional, is eager to push into the industry and says she sees herself exploring multiple music genres, and delivering several albums within the next five years. “I’ve learnt that consistency is key. I believe that as an artiste you just have to keep pushing and eventually, when your time comes, and God says yes, nobody can say no. I’m just keeping the faith,” she affirmed.
Follow C.C’s journey as she welcomes the thrill of Carnival 2026 alongside Hooligan and as lead singer of Brass 2 The World. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be for the excitement and the opportunities. I want everyone to follow me on my ride @c.c_theoneandonly on Instagram,” she said.
Music News
No Stopping Tizzy. Antigua’s Soca Star Returns to T&T Ahead of Carnival 2026.
Passion and an undying love for Soca music are the elements that propel one of the region’s most enjoyed female Soca artistes, to keep going. Antigua and Barbuda’s Tizzy has never wavered in her commitment to Soca music. From her hit single, ‘Expose’ some years ago, to present day singles released, ‘Fire Marshall’ and ‘Freak in De Fete,’ the vibrant performer is excited to re-establish herself in Trinidad and Tobago ahead of Carnival 2026.
Set to hit the ground running in the weeks ahead in T&T, the entertainer says her return to the spotlight this year, comes after much personal reflection and decisions made on her brand, and who she wanted to be as she moved forward. “My motivation in this business is life,” said the singer, affirming that she believes her journey in the industry can help others. “Singing soca music – performing, is something I’m very passionate about and I want to positively encourage those looking on at my story, and my journey. I want them to see that even through the highs and the lows, I have been resilient and I keep pushing,” she explained.
In recent time, Tizzy has been working dedicatedly on her sophomore album, ‘Jus Ah Come,’ – something that she is proud to have branded solely as her accomplishment as an artiste. “All of the songs that I released before this album were under ElAkru Music. These new songs are all available on all streaming platforms and I must thank my ElAkru Music family for their support and of course my husband Rohan Hector, who is both my manager and producer,” she shared. The ElAkru Music team remains a consistent part of Tizzy’s musical journey. “As a team we’ve gone through the highs and lows of the business but we’ve never stopped believing. Once you find something that you love and you know who you are, then you will keep doing it and you won’t find it worrisome. It won’t be work alone; it’ll also be fun,” she said with excitement.
Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival, the most anticipated highlight of the regional and international Carnival calendar, Tizzy, like many other regional artistes, is eager to meet and interact with the people who enjoy Soca music. “Soca is a powerful, energetic genre. It’s an expression of what it means to be a Caribbean person. We work 365 days of the year and we look forward to this music- these vibrant songs to release our inhibitions, at least once every year,” she pointed out.
Her two singles, ‘Fire Marshall’ – written by Emerge Media and ‘Freak in De Fete,’ which was written by Barbados’ Jus D, are true expressions of Tizzy’s untamed energy. “I’m looking forward to a great carnival 2026 and beyond,” she said, highlighting that 2025 has already been very good to her, following the love she received during Antigua and Barbuda’s carnival. “I released three songs that were all well received in Antigua. “Big Ben,” “Charge Up” and “When Last,” which featured T&T’s Viking Ding Dong, got a lot of love throughout the season. I couldn’t have hoped for better. I think it was the launch for greater things,” said the artiste.
A strong relationship built over the years with bands in T&T like Destra and Atlantik and even D All Starz, Tizzy feels at home in Trinidad and Tobago. She recently stopped in for a few days, making the rounds to radio stations to release her music. Following that, Tizzy has since unleashed the new video for ‘Freak in De Fete’ and says she plans on unleashing two brand new Power Soca tracks in the days ahead.
For more on Tizzy as she hits the social circuit ahead of T&T’s Greatest Show on Earth, follow her on all social media platforms @therealtizzy. “For business inquiries, folks can reach out via email as well, at ElAkrumusic@gmail.com.”
