Caribbean Buzz
Archived: Problem Child is Winning and The Soca World is Watching. Artist Expresses Curiosity!
He’s one of the Caribbean’s most humble talents but ahead of the Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent born songwriter and artist, Problem Child is prepared to show the world just what he’s got, recently explaining to EBUZZTT exclusively that he’s got a very smart strategy that he cannot reveal just yet, but one that will certainly be recognised as time rolls on. Today, the singer celebrates his birthday.
Problem Child was one of the Soca artistes aboard the Soca on the Seas cruise in October.
We met up with Problem aboard the Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas in October. He was a part of the contingent hired by the Soca On The Seas team to deliver Soca music on their first ever Afro Soca cruise to the Bahamas. He did not fail to execute. In fact, Problem Child was among the artistes who represented with a level of pride that proved to us that Soca is definitely in good hands. The artist has released two major anthems heading into Carnival 2019 with plans to possibly unleash a few more. He recorded with production powerhouse, Precision Productions recently, a project that also saw him pen lyrics for a song delivered by Patrice Roberts who he refers to as his sister.
In our chat, Problem revealed that it was Patrice, who gave him the opportunity he needed. Together, they unleashed a song called, “A Little Wine” and since that time, he has written a lot more anthems for Roberts and other artistes, including Shal Marshall.
In 2018, Problem Child’s name began calling in Trinidad and Tobago. It wasn’t the first time but there certainly was some level of attention being paid to the artist. He had written all three tracks, including his own on the 2AM Project. He said he’d made the conscious decision to release the single done by Patrice and Kees first, telling EBUZZTT that he studies people’s behaviour and knew it would create a stir. Next up, he worked with Shal on ‘Splinters’ a song that essentially caused mayhem on the soca scene. “Shal is a natural born competitor, so there was no doubt in my mind that he was going to execute that song,” said Problem. His song came later. ‘Middle of Something’ was released in the aftermath of the success of both Kees and Patrice’s ‘Like it Like That’ and Shal’s ‘Splinters’ and according to Problem, what he piggybacked on was the fact that he knew his name would be credited for the songwriting of the other two singles. He said he knew people would then become curious to hear the third track and so it proved effective. All three songs on the 2AM project were on consistent rotation throughout T&T’s carnival 2018 season and even thereafter.
Problem Child is a prolific Soca songwriter. He wrote Shal Marshal’s hit single ‘Splinters’.
A seafood lover, the very health conscious artist told EBUZZTT that he’s curious to see what will happen in 2019. “I’m not anticipating anything really. I’m just very curious.” He knows his two tracks, “Good Up, Good Up” and “Love De Road” are doing well, and he has since released another- a song called “Whole Heart” on the 10X Over riddim. He also has other projects in the pipeline, some involving music that he is personally involved in and others that he is not. Amid that, Problem is set to deliver his first album- a volume of work he’ll call, “Problem is A Problem.”
Proud to be a part of the Soca music fraternity, the entertainer told EBUZZTT that he feels the genre is doing very well.
“I think it’s growth has a lot to do with social media where we are not depending on certain people to take it to where it needs to go. If you have talent and your work is properly put together and showcased via social media, now you stand a better chance. “
On the topic of soca music’s rotation at Carnival particularly, the ‘Party Animal’ singer said he feels it for programme directors, lamenting that the seasonality of the genre has its downside. He said each year he releases approximately nine tracks for St. Vincent’s carnival and he has just as much for Trinidad and Tobago carnival. He, however, says he understands that many of those songs simply cannot receive the rotation he’d like, no matter how good they may be. He plans on releasing at least two more songs for Trinidad and Tobago’s 2019 season and says he is curious to see what will take place then.
Problem Child is a huge fan of his country’s authentic Carnival vibe.
St. Vincent his homeland, the social media stunner who keeps his female fans intrigued with some of the most exotic looking photos, told us St. Vincent’s carnival is as authentic a carnival, as there could be. “It’s a lot less commercial than T&T’s carnival and there is a lot of vibes in Vincy carnival. It almost looks like a riot,” he said laughing. “Nobody ever gets hurt though,” he said almost immediately. The artist explained that much of the energy and enthusiasm experienced in St. Vincent at carnival time is probably owed to the humility of the people, explaining that the partygoers are not able to dress and ball out with bottles like the people in Trinidad and Tobago do, so what they do is party hard. He says Grenada’s carnival closely mirrors St. Vincent’s, telling us, “There are some semi stush events, but if the right people get into the event, it can escalate quickly.”
Here are 3 things you may not have known about Problem Child:
- He’s left-handed.
- He doesn’t live in St. Vincent. He lives in New York and he’s lived there since before he sang “Party Animal.”
- He hasn’t missed St. Vincent’s Carnival since 2005.
Problem visits Trinidad and Tobago in November when he will do his promotional run ahead of Carnival 2019. Join us in wishing him good health, strength and happiness as he celebrates another year of life, today.
Please share this story with your friends. Let them all know that Ebuzztt’s got the Caribbean scoop!
Caribbean Buzz
Times Square, New York, The Place to Be for Caribbean Culture on August 30th.
On August 30th, a major Caribbean event is popping off in the heart of New York. Tropicalfete Inc. is at it again, delivering its 5th annual Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival in Times Square, New York. That’s big deal!
The free, family-friendly event will transform the place that’s often dubbed, the Crossroads of the World, into a vibrant showcase of Caribbean music, dance, and artistic expression. On August 30th, it kicks off at 1pm along Broadway, between W46th and W47th streets. TropicalFete says those coming out are encouraged to wear carnival costumes, wave their national flags, and “celebrate the rich diversity of Caribbean culture.”
The event will be hosted by Vibes Man Redman and Katherine Charles, and will feature an exciting lineup of acclaimed performers, headlined by legendary Billboard chart-topping soca artiste, Rupee.
Rupee made history in late 2004 as the first Barbadian-born artiste, and one of just two soca acts, to reach the Billboard Hot 100 with his global hit, “Tempted to Touch,”which was later Certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Rupee’s catalogue of soca anthems also includes “Jump,” which has won Road March titles (the song judged to be most popular) at Caribbean carnivals in Boston, Brooklyn, Miami, Toronto, and at Barbados’ Cropover.
The artiste will be honored at the Tropicalfete Pop-Up Carnival by city and state officials for his contributions to Caribbean culture through music and his courageous advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness. During the event, Rupee will receive a Mayoral Certificate of Recognition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office. He will also be awarded a Proclamation on behalf of the New York City Council. Additionally, New York State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Roxanne Persaud will present him with a State Proclamation, while Assembly Member Brian Cunningham will recognize him with a New York State Assembly Proclamation.
Tropicalfete’s Pop-Up Carnival’s non-stop entertainment schedule will also include a performance by Mapy, “The Violin Queen.” Born on Réunion Island, raised in Paris and now based in Brooklyn, Mapy delivers electrifying performances that blend classical violin with Caribbean rhythms and hip-hop beats. Her impressive resume includes performances at the Grammy Awards, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the St. Kitts Music Festival.
Carnival masquerade traditions from all over the Caribbean representing traditional, folkloric, ole (satirical), and pretty mas will also be highlighted.
Tropicalfete Steel Pan Ensemble comes to light up Times Square with an unforgettable set of high-energy. The ensemble will be joining forces with Soca superstar Rupee performing together with one of his songs Give Thanks which is a special treat for the audience. Tropicalfete Stilting Unit and Mas will also be bringing the color, movement, culture, and excitement of Carnival to the heart of New York City.
Attendees can also look forward to a high-energy soca fitness workout with Mandy and a performance by the dynamic rythem Section – Riddim Explosion. DJ Patrick and DJ Eric will provide the recorded musical selections.
The Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival has become one of Tropicalfete’s signature cultural events, attracting thousands of residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts each year. Through music, dance, and interactive performances, the event celebrates Caribbean heritage while promoting education and community engagement.
“Tropicalfete’s Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival continues to unite communities by bringing the energy, creativity, and traditions of the Caribbean directly into the heart of New York City,” said Alton Aimable, Executive Director of Tropicalfete. “As we celebrate our fifth year, we invite everyone to experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of Carnival while embracing the diversity that makes our city so unique.
Caribbean Buzz
Aisha Manrique is The Voice of the Caribbean Music Awards.
The stage is being prepared for what is ultimately the most anticipated staging of the Caribbean Music Awards on September 19th, 2026. For the very first time since its inception three years ago, the event moves from New York, to Trinidad and Tobago where superstars from across the Caribbean region and internationally, will gather. It’s a meaningful moment for many people, but one person in particular, feels immensely excited and proud to be at the centre of it all.
Aisha Manrique is the voice of the Caribbean Music Awards. Her tone, expression, sound and articulation, which has narrated the entire show for the past three years, aligns seamlessly with brand Caribbean along with the overall delivery of this powerful celebration of Caribbean creativity and beauty. “I am extremely excited that the Caribbean Music Awards is being held at home in Trinidad and Tobago this year,” said the South, Trinidad native.
Three years ago, Aisha landed the opportunity of a lifetime to become the Voice of God for the Caribbean Music Awards. The former Marketing Officer was essentially screened after a series of meetings and panel interviews, The Caribbean Music Awards would eventually agree to welcoming Trinidad born, Aisha Manrique into the organization. Added to that, the team, after doing their research on Manrique, offered her the opportunity to be the Head Writer for the production. Now in its fourth year, Aisha is the person who writes and narrates the entire production for show night, inclusive of nomination packages, host and presenter scripts and all else. “It’s a lot of work but I am tremendously grateful to be doing what I love,” she expressed.
The 2026 staging of the CMA’S in T&T is a welcomed experience for Aisha. “Having my team with me to be able to prepare in terms of making this moment at home, memorable, is something I’m looking forward to. Every year despite efforts to glam up and be a part of the show with makeup and everything else, I would announce behind the scenes in sneakers and jeans because of the rush as a result of the rigorous production schedule in addition to the intense traffic amid the excitement of Labour Day weekend.”
Manrique says this year she’s looking forward to wearing a gown and getting some photos taken while doing the work that she has dedicatedly done for the past three years, behind the scenes. “I can at least be a part of the glamorous side of things this year,” she laughed.
From San Fernando to the world, Aisha’s journey has been one filled with lessons and testimonies. An entrepreneur now, having answered her life’s calling a few years ago, Aisha says her mother’s insistence on key things, has shaped her path. “As a young child I would envision myself standing in front of thousands and thousands of people and using my voice. My first audience was made up of my uncles and grandmother. I remember my mother waking me up at 5am every morning to work on pronunciation, breathing and posture. Of course, as a child I wasn’t happy about that but now, I appreciate it so much.”
Her mother has since passed away, however Aisha Manrique is inspiring many these days, having been taught the principles of life, focus and dedication, by the woman who was her tower of strength throughout her life.
A Communications and Confidence Strategist, Public Speaking Coach, Copywriter, International Voiceover Talent and Live Announcer, Vocal Health Instructor, Master Storyteller, Aisha Manrique is moving onward with a distinct level of pride in how she serves. Her company, Voicey Versa Productions Ltd. is a Caribbean-based production and training company transforming how individuals and organizations use their voice, communication and stories to make an impact. She trains and coaches professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, public figures, and performers to express and create compelling messages that resonate, convert, and inspire, equipping them with the skills to speak with confidence, clarity and authority. Her mother would be proud.
“My plan for my business is to better position the company as a safe space for persons to use their voices. If there’s someone who just wants to preach a sermon with a message, or if a person wants to post a video on social media and they need more confidence to engage broader audiences, Voicey Versa will be that safe space to learn,” she said, adding, “There are many people walking around with struggles internally and they are being silenced because of self-sabotage, imposter syndrome and negative thinking. I know what that feels like,” she noted.
Crediting several experiences throughout her life for her present success, Aisha says there is immense power in pushing past fear. At 15-years-old she attended the Rotary Leadership Awards Conference, where Secondary schools from across the Caribbean were represented by students. It was during that experience that her fear would be counteracted, having stood up when others did not, having been called upon to respond by one of the event’s sponsors, Percy Parker Williams. “He gave me a challenge to come up with a concept for an ad- a men’s cologne. He said he would give me 15 minutes. I said I just needed 1 minute and the whole auditorium erupted,” she recalls. “I created an ad and delivered in a seductive, female voice right there on the spot. The crowd cheered me on and Mr. Parker said I had something special. He awarded me a scholarship to pursue broadcasting and I’ve never looked back,” said Aisha.
There are many testimonies of her journey’s alignment to her gift and natural calling, but for Aisha Manrique, her life’s work is enshrined in God’s grace, having continued to use her gift to the service of others in her life. On September 19th, as Caribbean artistes and other creatives enjoy the fruit of their hard work and creativity in Port-of-Spain, her voice will tell the world at large, just how special they are.
