Ebuzz News
Archived: Real Life Scenario Unfolds. Soca Artist Proposes ‘Party in De Station.’
The steadfast, though sometimes underestimated, are often the ones who leave the most memorable impression. In Trinidad and Tobago, like many parts of the world, there are youths from all walks of life who are pursuing dreams, and even amid a pandemic that has changed the face of the world as we know it, one young artist from East Dry River, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, says his dreams will be realized.
Kibwee is here to change the game, shuffle the cards and assert himself in the music industry, as one of the most talented vocalists and stage performers, Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, has ever seen. Undaunted by what some may deem, a less than favorable welcome and inclusion in the Soca industry over the past 15 years, Kibwee says now is as good a time as any, to take charge of his destiny.
Armed with a brand new Soca track called, “Station,” the young artist who is no stranger to competitions like the International Soca Monarch and the now defunct, Synergy Soca Star, is on a winning trajectory and he knows it. In fact, his new single comes complete with a story line that many will perhaps find relatable, considering Trinidad and Tobago’s current Covid-19 restrictions.
“Earlier this year, I went to a lime at a housing scheme in Couva. Just about five of us were hanging out and a DJ was in the centre of the field. Other people were there but socially distanced,” said the artist. What he and his friends hadn’t expected however, was the impromptu arrival of the Trinidad and Tobago police who essentially broke up the gathering, citing the pandemic.
Kibwee immediately got the idea to pen the track, saying to himself, “well maybe we should take the party to the station.” He got in studio with WMG Lab Records and together, they concocted a catchy, lyrically entertaining and melodious Soca release that’s as timely as it is enjoyable. “This song was written to help express how we, the fetters, feel about the lockdown,” the artist explained. In the same breath however, he urged folks to be patient and do what is required to get the country back on track, post pandemic.
Versatility in his veins, Kibwee also delivers dancehall and keenly attributes much of his dancehall flavour to the inspiration of Jamaican artist, Vybz Kartel. He however has his eyes set on making waves as far as the mind can perceive and as such, the East Port-of-Spain native intently observes RnB artist, Chris Brown, noting that he is not only exceptional when it comes to his vocals, but he’s a true crowd pleaser on stage. Commenting on the current direction of Soca music, Kibwee says he’s optimistic about the genre and its potential to appeal to a wider audience. “I look at what Voice has been able to do with the lyrics- taking it away from the wine and jam that we are so accustomed to, and it makes me feel good. I know the music will now cross over into a broader market,” he said.
“Station” is now available on all popular streaming platforms and with plans to unleash more music in the weeks and months ahead, this promising youth says his greatest hope at this time, is that the DJs now show him the love, “I’ve sent the song to all of the radio stations so I’m hoping that now, they’ll play the song- give it a chance to be heard by the people, after all, it was created for the people.”
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Ebuzz News
“We Have so Much to Offer the World.” Shurwayne’s Bringing The Authentic Tobago to Carnival.
The most anticipated period on Tobago’s annual event calendar is just about ready to start and one of the island’s most successful entertainers is leading the charge, delivering an event on Thursday, October 29th that will prove truly memorable. Shurwayne Winchester is Tobago’s golden boy. He has taken the Tobago Carnival product personally, believing it’s a good tool to market the island, if truly executed with love and sustainability in mind.
Shurwayne emerged on the Soca scene over 20 years ago and has not slowed down. He has cemented his name in the Caribbean entertainment landscape over many years and he has represented Tobago with immense pride. Despite having moved to Trinidad, the two-time Road March champion remains deeply connected to his home and is set to host Tobago Love The Xperience in honor of that appreciation. “Together with my friend and old Tobago classmate, Lester Duncan, we’re using this event to show the world what Tobago is truly about. For me, it’s about giving back to the place that I came from. There is no prouder moment than being able to do something like this on your home soil. We wanted to offer those visiting the island, something more than the décor and the lights and music,” said the artiste, noting that this year’s theme for Tobago Love The Xperience is The Harvest. “We’re doing something that’s built around the heritage of Tobago. As somebody who grew up here it has always been important for me to do this – to give the foreigners a chance to see the real Tobago, to give them a chance to fall in love with Tobago – the things that they see and the feeling they get when they experience what we have to share.”
Shurwayne believes the events happening at Carnival should embody the island’s underlying energy and attributes. “When they come here for Carnival, what they experience should make them want to return even outside of the Carnival season,” he said.
Tobago Love The Xperience takes place at the Signal Hill Secondary School from 6pm on Thursday. “We want our people to fall in love with our island too. It’s important for us to love where we come from,” said the entertainer. “This event is about heritage and culture. It’s about the history of Tobago. When people enter the venue they will see and feel exactly what a Tobago Harvest is like even as we fete and celebrate the Carnival season,” he said.
An artiste, promoter and ambassador, Shurwayne Winchester’s undying commitment to preserving what’s good about his nation, is commendable. He was one of the artistes who performed most recently at the funeral service held for the late, great Calypso King of the World, The Mighty Sparrow. “We have so much to offer the world and there are men and women who showed us how to do it with class and dignity. They took what we have and shared it well with the rest of the world. Men like Sparrow and Aunty Rose represented in a particular way for T&T and I just think it’s a fundamental part of being a patriot – someone who puts country before anything else.”
Music News
Stepping Into Her Own, Jalessa Says It’s Time for ‘Freedom.’
For 16-year-old rising star, Jalessa Lazarus, this month has been bitter sweet. The teenager is set to release her new single, ‘Freedom,’ but even as she delivers musically, she is reminded of her grandmother who passed away in May this year, after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. “She would always tell me I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” said the youngster as she reminisced on the encouragement, she often received from her family matriarch.
Jalessa Lazarus is a talented, young entertainer in the Soca space, and even as her present focus is on the 2027 CXC examinations, her love for music abounds, and so she is still releasing the Teddy Rhymes penned, ‘Freedom,’ with hope of maintaining her standing in the music space in 2027. “This song is all about expressing yourself – encouraging enjoyment and appreciation for the culture of Trinidad and Tobago. I want people to really get to know what we here in T&T are all about – all that we have and all that we can share with the world,” said the artiste.
The song was produced by Millbeatz Music – a familiar space for the entertainer, as she is also being taught to play the piano and guitar under the Millbeatz Entertainment umbrella – under the tutelage of Kevin Millien. “I’m trying my very best to do both music and school. CXC is serious. I have a time-table that helps me with balancing both my studies and music,” she explained. Jalessa is very aware of the importance of a good education. She has a good head on her shoulders, along with parents who keep her grounded, and guide her every step of the way. “I’m doing Maths, English Language, IT, Social Studies, Principles of Business and Office Administration,” she said, assuring that she will release more music upon the completion of her exams. “I want to be an inspiration to other young entertainers coming behind me. I also want to travel – take my music around the world,” she expressed, adding that she has dreams of stepping into the RnB arena one day – her inspiration being Adele.
A proud student of the artform, under the tutelage of artistes like Preedy, Nailah Blackman, Patrice Roberts and Voice, Jalessa says she loves Soca music and thinks colourful language has no place in the genre. It’s a topic that is fast becoming a cause for concern according to some, this as more artistes experiment with the inclusion of expletives in their music. “I do not support colourful language in Soca. It’s unnecessary and I don’t think it should be used in our music – music that we are sharing with the world,” said the youngster. “I think Soca is a different type of music, from anything else. Music is generally a vibe. It’s therapy for people – our music is all about dancing, freeing up, dressing up in costumes and being happy; it’s happy music,” she added.
Her groovy soca single, ‘Freedom,’ a true expression of her personality and what she wants the world to know about the land of her birth, Jalessa Lazarus continues to reach for the stars, all while drawing awareness to serious issues. “I want to take the time to extend hope and prayers to anyone who’s dealing with any type of cancer this month and everyday onward. God is always with you,” she said.
Rooted in her culture and diligently focused on her future, Lazarus plans on releasing an EP and says even though she will sit out competitions in 2027, she will return after the completion of her CXC exams. Her mother, Phylesha meanwhile expressed immense pride in her daughter’s commitment and took a moment to thank Teddy Rhymes for his support and encouragement. “I don’t think she will be going back into junior competitions but we are looking beyond exams and I want to especially thank Teddy for believing in Jalessa and encouraging her.”
For more on Jalessa Lazarus, follow her on her on Instagram @jalessa_lazarus.
