Caribbean Buzz
Rane Is Ready! Artiste Steps In Strong into Carnival 2025.
Talented and humble enough to know that she’s still got work to put in, Rane Blackman is making every opportunity count. The US based soca artiste is reeling off the success of a single released for Barbados’ Cropover this year- a track called, ‘Careless,’ produced by Barbados’ DJ Ky. She said she never expected the single to do as well as it did,and now she is leveraging on that unexpected boost, maintaining her standard and pushing hard into 2025.
Rane Blackman is a woman of tremendous tact. Personable, passionate and undeniably driven, the T&T born artiste who also wears a military hat as a member of the US military, says she takes nothing for granted. In 2024, having delivered three singles for T&T Carnival, she made her way back to the US where she opened for Nadia Batson at her Artform event in New York City and subsequent to that, she hit the stage at Vibes with Voicey on Labor Day in New York. Her growth over the past few years is owed in part to continued networking and strategic planning. In fact, when the opportunity arose for Rane to enter the Bajan Cropover market, she jumped at the chance. “Careless did really well in Barbados. I worked with DJ Ky who is a well-known producer there and that really helped me to get a foot in the door with other artistes, songwriters and DJs. I really think it’s beneficial for artistes to collaborate with producers and other creatives outside of their traditional spaces,” said Rane, highlighting that doing so, shows an artiste’s versatility and ability to delve into other musical sounds.
Her music over the past few years have been carefully selected, blending well on the Groovy music vein. In fact, in 2024, one single in particular, ‘Let We Go,’ on the Sass Riddim, after being road-remixed by producer and DJ Shot Master J, was picked up by someone in Spain and used in Zumba choreography, which subsequently led to the song being shared and used around several countries, including Germany. “I allow my music to do what it will. My songs have always been received well outside of the traditional Soca spaces,” said the artiste, adding, “Right now, ‘Let We Go’ is playing hard in Korea and Japan. It feels good to know that people who do not event speak English, are enjoying my music.”
Earlier this year, Rane took a leap of faith with an idea she had for a live interaction with Soca music lovers around the world. She told her team she wanted to showcase the real ‘behind the scenes’ of the industry of which she’s a part. She decided to call it ‘Behind the Soca’ and invited fellow creatives in the Soca space to share experiences and history about being in the industry on Instagram Live, with her as a host. The show, which was initially marketed as a bi-weekly programme, took off. “The reception has been overwhelming. Sometimes the interviews go on for hours and it’s because the viewers are so engaged,” said Rane. “The history shared by some of the artistes has been really educational for me as well,” she admitted, highlighting that she has spoken with people like songwriter Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop, producer David Millien of Millbeatz Entertainment, artiste and promoter, Rome and even dancehall and Soca sensation, Lady Lava.
Effectively marrying her artistic ability with her understanding of what online audiences crave, Rane has created a show that she says works well for the exposure of everyone involved, including herself. “Since I started doing the show, I’ve had to go from twice per month to weekly because people are eager to be part of it,” she said, noting that guest requests by fellow creatives, have been consistent.
Now, as Trinidad and Tobago carnival 2025 opens its curtains, Rane is ready to rumble once again, delivering four singles, the Barbados favorite, ‘Careless,’ ‘Doh Fraid,’ which was produced by Nyce Nation, ‘So Hot’ produced by Body Rock and Shot Master J and finally, ‘Free Up,’ which was written by Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop and produced by Keelan “Azaryah” Callender. “So Hot’ has been doing really well,” said the artiste, recalling the words of the late Devon Matthews. “Devon once told me it’s the song we least expect to take off, that often surprises us.”
Rane Blackman is definitely an artiste to watch in the season ahead, this as she cements her name in the industry one single at a time. “No matter what, I’ll continue to pour my heart and soul into this music because this music is the joy that sustains so many of us, every day.”
As the artiste’s journey continues apace, she encourages music lovers to follow her @muzic_rane on Instagram.
Caribbean Buzz
Lil’ Bitts Vows Never to Miss de Mas Again as She Prepares for a Jam-packed 2025 Season
After two decades in the business, Lil’ Bitts—aka Shivonne Churche-Isaacs—has made a vow she plans to keep: never again will she sit out Carnival. The multi-talented artiste, known for her infectious energy and stage presence, has had a front-row seat to Trinidad and Tobago’s iconic festival season for years, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. She still remembers the shock she felt when she made the decision to skip the parades on Carnival Monday and Tuesday one season, only to end up physically sick. “I got sick—like, literally,” she admits. “I’ll never ignore Carnival’s call again.”
This year, Bitts is more than ready to hit the streets with Yuma for an unforgettable Carnival 2025. The excitement is palpable as she gears up for what’s sure to be a thrilling season, both on and off the road.
Rising to the Occasion with “Brighter Days”
With five songs under her belt and a growing social media presence, Lil’ Bitts is enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Her Instagram and other platforms have become hubs of interaction with fans, opening doors to new collaborations and promotional opportunities. “Social media is the ultimate artiste toolkit,” she says, urging fellow performers to embrace the digital world to connect with their audiences.
One of her most highly anticipated projects is the track “Brighter Days,” which she says has been in the works for three years. Produced by Gaffa Productions, the song has become a personal passion project. “This one is really special,” she shares. “The world needs positivity right now, and I feel like this song is necessary.” She credits the magic of modern technology for making it all come together, working with talented producers like Stemz, District 6 Studios, and Benje Music in hybrid mode from different locations in the region. She’s also collaborated with M1 on a single called “Wetter” for the 2025 season. “We’ve been talking about working together for years, and I’m so happy it’s finally happened,” she says. “M1’s a unique talent; there aren’t a lot of artistes like him.”
A Dream Come True: Chutney and Multi-Cultural Magic
As if things weren’t busy enough, Lil’ Bitts has recently ventured into the world of chutney music. She got a call from the Pungalunks Factory to contribute vocals for a track with Reshma Ramlal, the Warrior Princess herself. The track, “Poowah Nah Ready,” is a dream come true for Bitts, who has always had an affinity for East Indian culture. “When I was a kid, I loved dressing in Indian clothes and watching Bollywood movies. I knew I wanted to do a Chutney song one day, but it had to feel natural. And this—this feels right,” she said. Bitts reflects on how much she’s learned and appreciated about Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural beauty through this experience. “The energy on set, the unity—it was amazing. We’re one people, and that’s something I never want to forget.” The collaboration has already earned a place in the spotlight, with Ramlal making it into the semi-finals of the Chutney Soca Monarch competition.
Caribbean Buzz
$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
Trinidad and Tobago is set to stage a revamped International Soca Monarch competition in what is now dubbed The Ultimate Soca Champion competition. The event’s final will be staged on Thursday, February 20th, with the semi final round set for Sunday, February 9th. The announcement was made earlier today by organisers, at a media conference held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
The organisers said the competition will not be split into Groovy/Power categories, however they said there will be special prizes for Best Groovy Soca, Best Power Soca and People’s Champion, based on public votes.
The event will feature the Ultimate Soca Champion reality TV show which organizers say is aimed at giving viewers an intimate look into the competition. “We believe this will help our culture to reach international audiences when packaged properly,” the team said.
In-Person Auditions will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Fernando Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA). Regional/ International Artistes who are not in Trinidad and Tobago, are required to submit video auditions from January 20th at 8:00am to January 26th at 11:59pm.
“We aim to make this a production that captivates
audiences worldwide,” said Rome. “The Ultimate Soca Champion Competition will not only
elevate soca to international standards but also inspire the next generation of artistes.”
For registration, submission guidelines, and updates, visit ultimatesocachampion.com from Monday January 20th, or email ultimatesocachampion@gmail.com.
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