The cheat code to succeeding at everything you touch as a creative, is passion – pure, lingering passion. That’s one Trinbagonian creative’s final analysis of the inroads he’s personally made over the years. Now, jumping from behind the engineering of sounds we know and love from Soca artistes across the length and breadth of the region, to expressing his very own internal truths, Stephon Gabriel is once again following passion.
Stephon has produced for many artists and has released a project of his own.
Gabriel Creative Studios in Couva, is the playground created by this sound engineer. He left his position at Microsoft years ago, to follow his passion, he says, this after returning to T&T, having studied music at USC. “I’ve been in the music industry for over 15 years. From the age of 14, I knew music lived in me. I was the guy at school everyone would come to, to record love songs for their girlfriends,” he recalled with a chuckle. He says those formative years influenced what he would later become. “I got a guitar for my 14th birthday and it was set from there. Since that time, I’ve been heavily involved in both music and film. I’ve worked on a few featured films, including work done as part of the crew on ‘Home and Again’ here in Trinidad,” he said, adding that on the music side of things, he’s worked in some capacity with most of the big names in Soca.
Jumping head-first now into territory he has strongly assisted with, but has never been in the spotlight for, Gabriel releases a new single called, ‘Soft Touch.’ “This song came about because I wanted to express myself. It started with one of my producers I work with – Jumaane, who sent me a couple tracks and I put aside a particular one and then on one random night I listened to it and got to writing. That was three months ago,” he recalled. Now, the track finally completed, after great collaboration with like-minded musicians, Gabriel says he’s eager for the world to hear it.
A mixture of exploration and passion, Gabriel’s latest creative effort adds to his ongoing dedication to effectively positioning Caribbean artistes for international opportunities. “I have a publishing arm of my company called ‘Just In Time Music,’ which aims to bridge the gap between Caribbean creatives and Hollywood and the world,” Gabriel explained, adding, “I have agents out there who work with me to get our music placed into movies and television shows.”
The music producer said he began creating independent songs strictly for film and because it was so well received, he was able to secure several deals, in a relatively short space of time. “I went on to extend the service to creatives here in Trinidad and Tobago but part of the challenge has been educating others on publishing and other aspects of that side of the business,” he admitted.
Optimistic and dedicated, Stephon Gabriel has proceeded to do what he can, to teach others about the ins and outs of the global music industry. He set up a TikTok account, educating fellow Caribbean creatives with tips and other valuable information pertinent to royalties, masters, publishing and the like. “StephanGabrial868 is the channel and as I continue with that effort, I’ll say one of my goals is to one day be able to go to my distributor and choose “Soca” as the genre for the music I deliver,” he said.
Armed with his skills as a music and film professional, Stephon Gabriel’s pushing every envelope – passionately following his heart even into artistry, understanding that anything is possible in today’s world. “I’ve worked on hundreds, maybe thousands of songs for people. My voice is in a lot of songs as well. As a creative you love to do what you love and there are limitations on what you can do on someone else’s song,” he said, noting that doing this new single of his own, offered him the opportunity to do it his way.
“Earlier this year I did what I call a re-imagine of Kees’ ‘Cocoa Tea’ and I went left with it, changing the instruments and posting it online in January. It was surprising to see that it was so well received; I got a lot of engagement online,” he recalled.
Passionate and ready for whatever may come, Stephon has gone all out on the release of ‘Soft Touch.’ “It’s being released with a video and I just want to say the song isn’t a release for ‘carnival’ per say. It’s a song for global appreciation. It’s a groove that can be enjoyed all year long.”
‘Soft Touch’ was written by Gabriel with production collaboratively done by Jumaane, Jaydot, Amiel Duncan and Gabriel himself. The song was mastered by Andre Stewart.
At a time when the Soca landscape is constantly evolving and newer artistes are often focused on creating music for the party, soca artiste Terron is taking a different approach with his song, “Know A Place,” a heartfelt tribute to the beauty, culture and spirit of Trinidad and Tobago.
For Terron, the song is more than a musical release. It is a personal expression of gratitude and connection to a country that has remained close to his heart, despite spending much of his life abroad. Having migrated to the United States of America as a child, Terron grew up far from his birthplace. The distance, however, never diminished his appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago. Instead, his visits back home became treasured experiences filled with moments he looked forward to and still holds dear. Those visits offered opportunities to reconnect with the people, places and cultural experiences that made Trinidad and Tobago feel special to him. That enduring connection is at the heart of “Know A Place.”
While many emerging artistes focus on creating music that dominates parties and create viral moments, Terron is embracing a subject that is less commonly explored by artistes at the beginning of their careers: music that celebrates national identity and contributes to the broader conversation about nation building. His deliberate choice reflects his appreciation for the country and his desire to celebrate what makes it unique.
Through music, Terron hopes to remind listeners that the value of Trinidad and Tobago extends beyond its world-renowned Carnival celebrations. It is also found in the country’s natural beauty, cultural richness and people. “Know A Place” invites listeners to reflect on what Trinidad and Tobago means to them, whether they live in the twin-island republic or carry memories of home from thousands of miles away. For those in the diaspora, the song offers an opportunity to reconnect with familiar feelings and experiences and for those at home, it serves as a reminder to appreciate the beauty and character of the place they call their own.
Terron’s approach also speaks to the wider role of music in shaping how a country sees itself and how the rest of the world experiences it. “Soca music has always been a powerful vehicle for expressing Caribbean identity,” shares Terron. It is his hope that this song will reinforce why T&T should be appreciated and cherished.
Shot over the course of four days, the project, which was released on October 9, features sights from Paramin, DDI, Chaguaramas, San Fernando, Tobago, and Port of Spain. “Know A Place” is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful way to celebrate a country is to tell its story.
There’s a major shift happening in entertainment in T&T. The energy is rising. On the heels of Tobago Carnival – a spectacle that has left mas lovers craving more, there’s a band launch on the horizon that promises entertainment lovers a true taste of what Trinidad’s South West peninsula has to offer. URAVE is a brand that’s building community and dedicatedly setting things in motion for the best Borough Festival Point Fortin has ever experienced, in 2027.
Speaking exclusively with Ebuzztt.com, Directors, Kariym Balthazar and Roland Hamilton shared details on ‘Life Beyond The Creek’ – the concept for URAVE’S 2027 Borough Festival presentation. The event takes place at the Clifton Hill Beach Resort on Saturday, November 7th from 9pm.
URAVE’s Kariym Balthazar
Two of seven directors who make up a broad team of professionals, their planning for this upcoming event, has been extensive. “We officially kicked off the project in May this year. We’ve put in a lot of work and with a strong team, we are guaranteeing an enhanced Borough Festival,” said Hamilton. He has been a part of the entertainment and promotional landscape in Trinidad and Tobago for the past 15 years. Hamilton said the URAVE brand was conceptualized back in 2015, but opportunity to present it to the people of Point Fortin and those coming into the Borough the way it was conceptualized, has only truly shown itself at this time. “This is not just a band. We’ll also be doing events in the space as well. URAVE will host something like a ‘First Jam’ in the Borough celebrations in 2027 and even our road experience will start off with a brunch event for two hours, with food stations before we hit the streets to play mas. When our masqueraders get off the road, they will enjoy a las’ lap experience too,” he said.
Four mas sections ready for presentation on Saturday, Balthazar told Ebuzztt that this is just the beginning. “We plan on taking URAVE into different spaces – not just Point Fortin Borough Festival, so in the future, URAVE may even be in Carnival in Port -of-Spain,” he said. The four sections are, “Pitch Lake,” “Garden Jewels,” “Fields Road,” and “Columbus Bay,” – all honoring integral aspects of the Southern experience. “I am from La Brea. La Brea and Point Fortin are like brother and sister,” said Hamilton, explaining that the idea is to truly highlight the South Western part of the island by giving those who are unfamiliar an experience of what they have to offer. “Deep South often feels neglected. We don’t have the opportunities or the experiences that others often have. We always have to go into Port-of-Spain to experience mas, so because I would’ve experienced mas so many times, URAVE aims at delivering a higher standard when it comes to experience, so that people who do not frequent Port of Spain, can enjoy what its like in the Borough Festival.”
URAVE stands for Unimaginably, Rhythmic, Audio, Visual, Experience. “These words are at the heart of the brand. The focus is on how people feel, how they are welcomed, and what they leave with. This is not something that is predominant in the Point Fortin Borough space so it is important to us, to establish this standard,” said Hamilton. He says the theme, “Life Beyond the Creek celebrates the beauty, creativity and talent within the South Western peninsula.
Roland Hamilton says URAVE was conceptualized in 2015.
The band launch is being touted as one that will showcase exactly what masqueraders can expect on the rod come 2027. Though starting off with more of a Monday Wear mas deliverable, the band will be going hard to ensure the feeling of revelry and fun are high priority. “Years ago, bands like Legacy and Ronnie and Caro, and other big bands would come down from Port-of- Spain, but Borough Day has never had a Point Fortin based mas band involved.
Years ago, Legacy, Ronnie and Caro and other big bands would come down from Port of Spain and they never really had a Point Fortin based mas band involved. Our team has been having discussions with the Point Fortin Borough executives and we’ve been discussing all areas to ensure what we bring enhances the celebration,” said Hamilton, noting that the overall aim is to bring life to the celebration. “We hope even big mas bands will come back into the space after our presentation in 2027,” he said.
The Economics and the People.
All bases covered, inclusive of safety and convenience, Hamilton noted the state of the present economy. Understanding of the economic climate, he said URAVE’S website will go live after the band’s launch on Saturday and those interested in playing will be able to register with the option of securing a payment plan.”
On Saturday night in Point Fortin, fetters can expect a whole lot of energy and Carnival vibes. Artistes inclusive of Farmer Nappy, Trinibaby, Christo and Viking Ding Dong, will be apart of the excitement. “We are creating a safe space for people to come out and have fun. We want to always have a great time. The feeling is very important to us and we will show potential masqueraders just what it will mean to be on the road with URAVE, when we launch the band this weekend,” Hamilton assured.
Follow URAVE online on Instagram for more on what’s to come and be part of the greatest Borough Festival experience in 2027.
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