Ebuzz News
San Fernando Brings A Stush Soiree to City Month this November.
The energy of South Trinidad leads the way into T&T’s Carnival 2025 season, as San Fernando City Month takes centre-stage in November. A number of events are being planned under the patronage of the city’s mayor,Councillor Robert L Parris. Organizers are preparing for what will be, a fantastic month ahead. One major event on the list of community building initiatives, is a brunch mixer dubbed, Stush. “This event offers an opportunity for everyone to meet and greet each other in an informal setting,network and possibly collaborate,” says Wendy H. Lewis. Her company, Khalabash Productions is at the helm of event production throughout San Fernando City Month.
Stush follows the mayor’s boat ride, ‘Soiree on D’ Seas,’ which takes place on Saturday, November 2nd. The November 10th all inclusive brunch will deliver sumptuous cuisine of great variety, as well as delightful cocktails and premium drinks. Added to that, live entertainment will be provided by a few Southern favorites. “We’re honored to have three-time Chutney Soca Monarch winner, GI, along with veteran Soca artiste, KMC, the consummate Groovy Soca performer, Farmer Nappy, along with the Point Fortin Vibes Nation Rhythm section and the South United Tassa Drummers,” said Lewis. She says these entertainers were specifically chosen as homegrown entertainers of the Southland, allowing them each the chance to be seen, heard and appreciated by their San Fernando supporters.
Lewis says proceeds from events hosted during San Fernando City Month will benefit community projects and causes within the city. “Stush is the first of many annual events to come. We are already planning for the Stush Carnival all-inclusive in 2025,” she said, adding, “We feel it is important for businessmen and women of all levels and variations to foster community collaboration, learn from each other to the benefit of our city. This event promises to engage our community’s leaders and those who are on their way up the ladder, encouraging synergistic dialogue and hopefully leveraging on knowledge and direction.”
With over three decades of experience in event planning, Wendy Lewis is dedicated to making this event and all others under her stewardship for San Fernando City month, a tremendous success. “I want to reiterate that Stush is a brunch event, which begins at 10 am and ends at 2pm. We look forward to having our community’s influencers, leaders, and supporters come out early and enjoy the assortment of food, drinks and further build community, as one,” she said. The event is being hosted at the base of the San Fernando Hill and DJs include the Hitman Howie Tee along with Sensational Sammy. “It’s an all -white affair, and we can’t wait to welcome our beautiful people of San Fernando and environs to celebrate our city and make essential connections with each other, for further growth and betterment in our community.”
For further information on Soiree, Stush and other events being held during San Fernando City Month, visit @khalabashproductions on Instagram or call 868-269-3567.
Caribbean Buzz
Skinny Banton Sets the Tone with ‘Liquor’ ; Reminds Real Revelers of Vibes in Store.
As Carnival 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago looms, one of the Caribbean’s most unique and intriguing male artistes, Skinny Banton, is gearing up to make his mark in a big way. With his latest release, Liquor, already causing waves, the Grenadian-born artist is proving he’s here to stay, bringing his personal style, and down- home Caribbean spirit to a global audience.
It’s been five years since his unforgettable hit, Wrong Again, took the world by storm and the track remains a fan favorite to this day. Its infectious energy and authentic vibe solidified Skinny as an artiste to watch, and since then, his music has resonated with listeners across the region and internationally. His ability to blend catchy rhythms with meaningful lyrics has made him a staple in Caribbean music, while his sound remains a perfect blend of traditional influences and contemporary flair.
The Jab culture of Grenada has always been a source of inspiration for the Carriacou native. But it’s not just one island or one genre that defines him. Skinny draws from the wider Caribbean experience, creating music that speaks to all the islands, enticing the international crowd along the way. As he explains, his music isn’t confined to one place or one story; It’s about sharing the universal joy of the Caribbean with the world.
“Music is for everyone,” says Skinny. “It’s not about where you’re from. It’s about connecting people from different walks of life through rhythm, melody, and energy. When people come to Carnival, they’re looking for an experience that will stay with them forever, and I want to be a part of that.”
Ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025 Carnival, Liquor is quickly becoming one of those intrinsic songs. With its irresistible beat and carefree lyrics, the song is a celebration of the Caribbean spirit — the good times, the laughter, and yes, the drinks that fuel the party. “This is a song for the drinkers, the ones who bring the vibes to the Carnival with every sip they take,” Skinny laughs. “But remember — everything in moderation! You don’t want to be the one ruining the vibes for everyone else.”
Last year, Carriacou, the artiste’s home island, was devastated by Hurricane Beryl. Amid that unfortunate circumstance, he stood up with a sense of determination to draw awareness to the plight of those left to clean up and get their lives back to normal. His popularity as an entertainer, aided somewhat in that effort as he was able to assist with food and necessities for those affected. Through his artistry, Skinny continues to shine a spotlight on his roots, celebrating the vibrant culture and resilience of his community.
In Trinidad recently, he reconnected with fans of his music, sharing the new songs ahead of the 2025 Carnival season. “Music is the universal language,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what language you speak. What matters is that it makes you feel something — and that’s what I try to give. The people know good music. They need music to lift their spirits, make them move, and sing along,” he explained, adding, “That’s what I strive to provide — music that resonates, that connects, music that brings people together.”
To stay connected with Skinny Banton and get the latest on his upcoming music and Carnival appearances, follow him on Instagram and Facebook @skinnybanton.
Caribbean Buzz
Scorch 101 Soca Hit List Sends Soca Lovers Crazy.
Soca music lovers from all around the world tuned in to Trinidad and Tobago radio station Scorch 101 FM on Friday as the station delivered what can only be described as a deep dive into the music genre. With 101 days to go to Carnival 2025 the team at Scorch Radio pushed out a plan to ensure listeners from around the world tuned in, and that they did.
The Internet could not get enough of the music that is so often attached only to the carnival culture. A list of what the Scorch team considers 101 of the top Soca tracks based on criteria such as danceability, cultural impact, lyrical content, music production, and versatility brought out Soca enthusiasts from every nook and cranny across the Internet. In one day, Scorch radio penetrated the Diaspora and brought people together, though via the Internet, to banter heartily over whether the choices were or were not valid.
Judges on the panel included DJ Adam, Travis World, and DJ Private Ryan among others. Scorch Radio CEO Kwesi ‘Hoppy’Hopkinson steered the event, giving his views throughout the day on the music that would be shared with listeners worldwide. In the end, the most impactful Soca single would be Machel Montano and Destra Garcia’s ‘It’s Carnival.’ Delivered in 2003, the collaboration between these two accomplished Soca artistes maintain a powerful presence at carnival fetes held around the world, annually. The song however, did not capture that year’s Road March in Trinidad and Tobago. That year, Fay Ann Lyons stole the show with ‘Display,’ a song that did not make it to the Scorch Radio 101 Soca Hit List. The multiple title holder’s ‘Meet SuperBlue’ was positioned at #90 on the Scorch 101 Soca Hit List.
The single-day Soca showcase perplexed some who questioned the rationale behind the choices and the placement on the list. Kevin Little’s globally known, ‘Turn Me On,’ made it to #2 while Rupee’s “Jump” was given the third spot on the list. The 2010 Road March “Palance,”made the list at #4.
Whether agreed upon in its entirety or not, the Scorch Radio team created an effective campaign that ignited the energy of Soca music lovers globally.
