Ebuzz News
Archived: And The REAL Big Winners of Carnival 2017 ARE…
Think you know who the real winners of Carnival 2017 are? We give you the RUNDOWN…
It’s barely been a week since we said goodbye to Carnival 2017 and many of us are already putting things in place for T&T Carnival 2018 ; But before we move on to next year, we have to admit, Carnival 2017 was filled with some unique moments. Ebuzztt has compiled carnival 2017’s biggest winners and best moments – moments that will likely live on in our memories for many years to come.
- The Highlight of Our Rose
Calypso Rose has been honored for her lifetime of service, by the government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Even when her Songs “Abatina” and “Leave Me Alone” were released, it was hardly imagined that Tobago born, international Calypso songbird, Calypso Rose, would make the impact she eventually did, in carnival 2017. Amid the festive enjoyment in Trinidad and Tobago came word that the Calypso Queen of the world had won herself the Victoires de la Musique- the French Grammy. She had done so after her platinum selling album Far From Home, was voted Album of the Year. She subsequently performed at Machel Montano’s Machel Monday concert event in Trinidad, before a crowd estimated at over 10,000.
Toward the end of Carnival 2017, Trinidad and Tobago’s government announced that Rose would be honored with diplomatic status and a Caribbean Airlines aircraft would be named after her, for her lifetime service to Trinidad and Tobago.
- Vikings x MM
The Vikings and the MONK make amends.
The infamous promotional image took social media by storm mere weeks before Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Many doubted but many were optimistic. Bunji Garlin and Machel Montano together on a track? Both sides had found mutual ground and came together for ‘Buss Head’- a song which saw the pair find common vocal ground and balance. While many expected more, the unity of the artistes seemed to stand at the fore of the single, lending to a season that promoted more love and less division. Montano and Garlin’s first performance of the song came at the much anticipated and well attended Soaka carnival fete at O2 Park. Their meeting on stage buried, to some extent, talk of a ‘business arrangement’, with many seeing the collaboration for what it seemed to be even at the end of Carnival- a new found relationship. They appeared at numerous fetes on stage together and symbolic of their strengthened relationship was the headline performance of Bunji Garlin at Montano’s blockbuster Carnival event- Machel Monday.
- Terri Lyons Roars
Terri Lyons was joined on stage at ISM 2017, by her father, Superblue.
PHOTO CREDIT: @islandereventstt on IG.
She came from the jungle and we heard her roar loud and clear in 2017. Often referred to as Fay-Ann’s little sister or Superblue’s daughter, Terri Lyons made a name for herself this year. With a tune many heralded as a powerhouse for Soca Monarch and Road March, “De Lion” proved to many, that Terri Lyons is capable of standing on her own and holding her own, on stage. She appeared at numerous fetes including– Army Fete, certainly one of the biggest Carnival events. Her second release with Skinny Fabulous, a track called, ‘Recruit’ showed the young entertainer’s versatility and was heavily praised by Soca music pundits. Solidifying her stellar season, Terri placed 4th place in both the Calypso Monarch Finals and Calypso Young Queens this year with her contribution – “The Destructive Phrase.”
- Voice Proved he was Far From Finished
Voice earned the Soca Monarch title for a second year in 2017. PHOTO CREDIT: LizBliz.
While the Hasely Crawford Stadium saw a much smaller crowd assemble within this year, the International Soca Monarch contestants all brought their ‘A’ game as they vied for the coveted crown. Notwithstanding a questionable technical glitch, and strong competitors, Voice, the reigning champ, again won the hearts of the judges and the people when he performed his early release, ‘Far From Finished’, in the end, retaining his title. Showing great humility throughout the season and even after the wi this year, it’s safe to say, Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis has a bright future ahead.
- Ultimate Rejects No More
MX Prime and the Ultimate Rejects killed it this past carnival.
PHOTO CREDIT: UK Soca Scene.
From the moment “Full Extreme” was released back in December 2016, it was an instant hit. It didn’t need to grow on many of us, it had instantaneously stamped its name as a force to be reckoned with. The lyrics “We Jammin’ Still” “We Doh Business” and “Hold Dem and Wuk dem” became Carnival 2017 taglines. Written, produced and performed by Ultimate Rejects – a humble team of talented artists, the undisputed Carnival 2017 anthem perfectly described the culture of Trinidad and Tobago’s people. The Ultimate Rejects was a staple in almost every fete and was the people’s choice for the Road March title, from the onset. Opting to stay out of the International Soca Monarch Competition, where many thought they would have been a sure win, UR, eventually went not to take the Rad March title, with ‘Full Extreme’ being played at judging points, 556 times on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. The song had also made history, being played the most times EVER, in carnival’s Road March history. Now they’re off to SXSW Music Festival in Austin Texas this month where they will be performing a 40-minute Caribbean Dance Music set.
Caribbean Buzz
Trinidad and Tobago, First to Host Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, This September.
After three celebrated years at Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre, the Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) expands beyond the awards stage with the launch of the inaugural Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, a destination celebration taking place September 18-20, 2026, in Trinidad & Tobago.
This year’s celebration unfolds under the theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, honoring the rhythms, voices, and cultural traditions that have shaped generations and continue to influence music around the world.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
The Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, marking a milestone moment as the celebration expands into the Caribbean region for the first time.
The Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will transform CMA from a single-night awards ceremony into a multi-day celebration bringing together artists, fans, industry professionals, creators, tastemakers, media, and cultural leaders from across the Caribbean and around the world.
What’s In Store
The Elite Weekend Experience will feature a series of events celebrating music, culture, and community throughout the destination. Festivities will include an exclusive Welcome Reception, pre-show experiences, the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, the official after-party, a special steelpan concert presented by Stars and Steel, and additional programming designed to celebrate Trinidad & Tobago’s cultural influence. Additional programming, partnerships, performers, presenters, and special announcements will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The move to Trinidad & Tobago marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Caribbean Music Awards, while honoring the city where it all began. New York was the ideal birthplace for the Awards, home to one of the world’s largest and most influential Caribbean diaspora communities. It was there that the Caribbean Music Awards established its identity, built its audience, and proved there was a global appetite for a world-class celebration dedicated solely to Caribbean music and culture.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
Over the past three years, Brooklyn’s iconic Kings Theatre became more than just the home of the Caribbean Music Awards. It became the launchpad for a movement that united artists, industry leaders, fans, and cultures from across the Caribbean and beyond, under one roof. The energy, ambition, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless hustle that define New York City helped shape the DNA of the Caribbean Music Awards, and that spirit will remain embedded in the brand no matter where it travels.
Now, with a strong foundation established, the Caribbean Music Awards begins the next phase of its evolution by bringing the celebration directly to the Caribbean. As the inaugural host destination for the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, Trinidad & Tobago sets the stage for a long-term vision that will see the Awards partner with tourism boards and host destinations to spotlight a different Caribbean nation in future years. By rotating throughout the region, the Caribbean Music Awards aims to celebrate each destination’s unique culture, support tourism, create economic impact, and further strengthen the Caribbean’s creative economy while continuing to unite the global diaspora through music.
Majah Hype Returns, This Time With Nailah.
Bringing even more excitement to this year’s celebration, internationally celebrated Caribbean artiste, Nailah Blackman and acclaimed comedian, entertainer, and cultural personality Majah Hype will host the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, bringing their unique energy, charisma, and deep connection to Caribbean culture to the stage.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
For Majah Hype, the 2026 ceremony marks his fourth consecutive year hosting the Caribbean Music Awards, making him one of the longest-standing personalities connected to the celebration. Having witnessed the Awards grow from its early years at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre into a global platform for Caribbean excellence, Majah continues to bring the humor, passion, and cultural pride that have made him one of the Caribbean diaspora’s most beloved entertainers.
“Four years hosting the Caribbean Music Awards? Mi feel like dem haffi give me my own seat at this point!” said Majah Hype. “But seriously, being part of this journey from day one has been a blessing. I’ve watched this celebration grow, seen the incredible talent come through, and witnessed how much this moment means to our people. To see it expand from Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre to Trinidad & Tobago is something special. Caribbean culture is powerful, the talent is endless, and mi ready fi celebrate everybody who continues to carry our music and our culture to the world.”
For Nailah Blackman, this year’s ceremony represents a new chapter in her relationship with the Caribbean Music Awards. Having experienced the event as an attendee, performer, nominee, and winner, Nailah now steps into the role of host while continuing to be recognized as one of the leading voices in Caribbean music.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
“The Caribbean Music Awards has been a special part of my journey,” said Nailah Blackman. “I’ve experienced this celebration as a fan, as a performer, as a nominee, and as a winner, and now being able to step into the role of host is truly an honor. To do it in Trinidad, surrounded by our people and our culture, makes this moment even more meaningful. I’m excited to celebrate the incredible artists who continue to push Caribbean music forward.”
Since launching in 2023, the Caribbean Music Awards has grown into one of the premier platforms celebrating Caribbean musical excellence, honoring artists across Dancehall, Reggae, Soca, Konpa, Chutney Soca, Zess, Dennery, Gospel, and emerging Caribbean genres. Last year’s ceremony marked a historic milestone with its BET broadcast debut, further expanding the Awards’ reach and strengthening its position as a leading global celebration of Caribbean music.
Following the announcement of more than 250 nominees across more than 40 categories earlier this year, anticipation continues to build toward what promises to be one of the biggest Caribbean Music Awards celebrations yet. This September, the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will bring together the sounds, stories, and cultures that have defined generations of Caribbean creativity, inviting audiences from around the world to experience this year’s theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, from the heart of one of the region’s most influential cultural destinations.
Caribbean Buzz
Terri Lyons Expands. Artiste Shows Immense Creativity on New RC Mas Monday Wear.
There’s no box to be held in. Terri Lyons is proving that as she moves into the Monday Wear market, partnering with RC Mas ahead of Carnival 2027.
The reigning Calypso Monarch Queen of Trinidad and Tobago and multiple time Queen of Queens, on Thursday, revealed her creative ability in the mas making sector, sharing her design, ‘Purple Paradise’ – a carefully created design that’s all hers.
The entertainer told Ebuzztt she had the idea and went to the masterful, Kinaji Couture, admitting that Kinaji is a force in the market. “She does a lot of bathing suits and prototypes for bands locally, regionally and further abroad. I knew she could do it and she did execute it perfectly. I just added the flowers,” said Lyons.
In 2027, RC Mas will bring Mystical Garden to life and with the band’s theme considered, Lyons’ floral embellishment makes it abundantly clear that her creativity is disciplined and mindful. She shared her process exclusively with Ebuzztt, highlighting the time taken to design with pen and paper before sharing with Kinaji who brought it all together seamlessly. “This was a lot of work. I sat and drew it all out and I stuck every flower and the diamond studs myself,” said Terri, before adding, “I ain’t doing that again,” with a laugh. The artiste said she’ll have extra hands on board to assist in future.
