Ebuzz News
Rising Artiste, Phia Collaborates with Orlando Octave on Sensual Romantic Single.
There’s a new face to entertainment that’s rearing its head in the Caribbean. Slowly but surely, the fusion of global sounds we’ve all been familiarized with, along with traditional Caribbean sounds, are effortlessly going mainstream. Orlando Octave, a seasoned artiste in the entertainment industry in Trinidad and Tobago, along with up-and-coming sensation, Phia, have tapped into that energy, synergizing to create a song that has every bit of potential to go global.
Phia has been waiting for her turn. She’s delivered music in the past, feeding off of the entertainers and musicians she’s met along the way. A huge fan of the Afrobeat vibe, the young artiste believes it’s a gateway through which she can persevere onto a global stage. Having met Octave at Pengco Studio in Trinidad, the 22-year-old took the opportunity to spark dialogue on the potential for collaboration. “Orlando is such an awesome, positive, generous person. I really have to thank him for his dedication to this project and his wisdom along the way,” she said. The pair have unleashed, “My Side,” – a romantic Dancehall and Afrobeat infused single that speaks of love and relationship. “It’s a love song; A love song that emphasizes how much you want the one you love to stay at your side,” explained the young entertainer.
Over the past year, Phia has been focusing on the music she’s compiling for the release of an album. “I’ve really been writing a lot, playing around with different sounds and genres- basically trying to express my truest self through my music,” she said, revealing that as a young artiste, her goal is to inspire people with her music, sharing with the world just who she is as an individual and a passionate artiste.
“My Side” was released at the end of September and has been distributed to all major music streaming platforms for sale and download. “Following this release, another track called, ‘Foolish’ will be shared with the world,” she said, noting that her aim is to release music consistently as she hones her craft and creates her own dynamic space in the music industry.
As a young creative, Phia has shown immense dedication. The support of family, friends and music partners in her life, has helped her stay the course. She however shared that she feels more must be done in the Caribbean, to foster and nurture creative development among the region’s youth. “The creative industries can be a major help in our Caribbean economies. There’s always so much focus on the traditional aspects of education when in truth and in fact, so many Caribbean youths are dying for the chance to be seen and heard through their art,” said Phia. Careful with her words, the budding entertainer said she is hopeful that leaders would pay closer attention to the passionate cries of young people who desire direction and true support to see their dreams come true.
Excited about the direction of music globally, as more and more artistes experiment with genres, often fusing them, Phia is riding the wave. “It’s amazing to see how music genres from different cultural backgrounds can come together and make an awesome track. I’m really glad that Afrobeat and Hip Hop and other genres are fusing. It’s an awesome thing to see two or more genres blended and eventually bringing smiles to people from all walks of life, around the world.”
‘My Side’ was collaboratively written by both Orlando and Phia with production of the track done by Randal Alexander of PengCo Music.
To learn more about Phia, follow her on Instagram @phiazworld.
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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