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.”
Press Release: ETCETERA THE COMPANY
Ebuzz News
Seven Songs. One Big Artiste. Grenada’s Spice Mas Better Be Ready for Skinny Banton.
Spice Mas, like every other carnival, is seasonal, but for Carriacou, Grenada artiste, Skinny Banton, music isn’t. He has unleashed seven songs in 2026, and like clockwork he’s locked in and ready to deliver his energy, good vibes and storytelling strengths to audiences celebrating another memorable Spice Mas experience this year.
For Skinny Banton, whose real name is Shirlan George, Grenada’s Jab culture is fuel to his fire. In the past, songs like ‘Soak It Good’ and ‘Wrong Again,’ brought him tremendous acclaim across the region and internationally. This season, The Jambalasse project is anticipated to be one of the artiste’s most powerful contributions, signaling his intentionality to promote his country’s authentic culture, wherever he goes. “With this project we’re trying to keep the history, while celebrating the present by revamping a song that was done by Moss International 35 years ago,” he said. That song was called ‘Jambalasse Rule,’ released in 1991. “We revamped the riddim because it was one of the first songs considered to be an original Jab Jab song from Grenada, at that time,” he explained.
Proud of his personal efforts to keep the awareness on Grenada’s cultural traditions, Skinny Banton advocates for the continued celebration of these traditions and understands his role as an artiste. “No matter what we face as artistes in this space, we stay true to our mission. I have several songs that the people will enjoy in Spice Mas and beyond. One of my personal favourites is ‘Pain,’ a song I would like to share with my fans in Trinidad and Tobago when Carnival 2027 comes around,” he said.
Strengthening Others
Other tracks released by Skinny include, ‘When Yuh Eating,’ ‘Right Up,’ ‘Black Fuh Juvay,’ ‘Can’t Stop Us,’ ‘Carnival Traffic’ featuring Jamaican artiste, I Octane, ‘My Behaviour,’ featuring Tonic X and ‘Water Line Burst,’ collaboratively done with Nicki Akull. “The collaborations done with Tonic X and Nicki Akull mean a lot to me. They are upcoming artistes who I share good vibes with. When I was younger and had hopes of connecting and collaborating with bigger artistes, it was not easy,” he recalled, adding that it often felt daunting. He says because he understands the feeling, he is happy to be able to help these up-and-coming entertainers. “This was just my way of giving them strength and encouragement. I feel like nobody takes you seriously when you don’t have a foot in the door – they refuse to embrace you because you are not known. I want them to keep pushing after this,” he added.
Dedicated and refocused, Skinny Banton is pushing full speed ahead. “I’m doing music videos for most of the songs. I already have a video for ‘Black Fuh Juvay,’ which has been uploaded to YouTube and all other streaming platforms, and the video for ‘My Behaviour’ with Tonic X is also out,” he said. Grateful to Jamaican artiste, IOctane for the strength given to him on their collaboration on the single, ‘Carnival Traffic,’ Skinny said this particular song is one that he loves, and he hopes the people will, as well.
For the past three years, the artiste had been approached by upcoming entertainer, Nicki Akull for the single they eventually brought forward this year. “Waterline Buss – Nicki Akull’s persistence and determination really brought this song into existence,” he said, happy to have eventually come around to making it happen. Even with such a vast number of singles released, Skinny Banton says he is ready to work with artistes across the Diaspora. “I’m still creating, still working and I’m looking forward to establishing more ground in the Soca community and around the world.”
Social Media, Music and Trends.
Certainly attuned to the necessary promotional adjustments that many artistes have been forced to adopt, Skinny Banton says he hopes that despite the rise in social media content distribution, true talent and good music is not sacrificed. “I feel like content creation online should not take away from artistes creating and delivering great music, because without the content, the music should still stand on its own, and with the content, the people still need the music,” he shared. “I also feel like a lot of trends are created from making yourself an online spectacle and not the music being able to sustain itself, so you may get attention for what you post as content, but the music you’re posting the content for sometimes does not have enough substance to sustain itself for longevity,” he rationalized.
Thoughtful, conscious and truly talented, Skinny Banton is a necessary part of the Caribbean’s creative landscape. His storytelling ability, coupled with his appreciation for the art and vocal capacity, makes him an artiste everyone should tap in to. “I want to encourage the young artistes to stay focused and keep pushing and never be discouraged by the many things that’s said on social media. They must work hard to establish their business to suit them, because every artiste will do things differently, when it comes to the business; Never be discouraged by the naysayers,” he advised. He thanked his fans for their love and support over the years. “People who’ve been supporting from day one and continue to support, as well as the new supporters I’ve gotten along the way – thank you. To the DJs and radio personalities, I appreciate you. One hand doesn’t clap. Thank you for keeping my songs on rotation and I hope you all continue to support me.”
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JrDynamite Gets Real On New Single “Fake Energy.”
