Caribbean Buzz
Seafood, Soca, RnB and Reggae Combined. Tobago Is THE Place To Be This Easter as The Biggest Festival Unfolds.
Already a hub of Easter weekend excitement annually, The Tobago Festival Commission has taken a dynamic approach to delivering more to the benefit of the island’s people and those who will visit for the long weekend. “Buju Banton, Gramps Morgan and Wayne Wonder, together with other artistes of that calibre, will be the icing on the cake, on Easter Sunday. Before they bring down the curtains, we’ve aligned a slate of top tier entertainers who’ll deliver unparalleled showmanship and not to mention, music that bridges generational gaps and fills voids,” said one representative for the Festival Commission.
One month ahead of the festival, plans are underway to welcome the biggest names in reggae music to the island, with anticipation heightened among many on the ground in Tobago. “Buju Banton remains an undeniable force in music. His energy is unlike that of any other reggae entertainer and we’re very happy to be hosting him this Easter,” said the organizer.
On Thursday, April 17th, Sinach, an internationally recognized gospel singer, graces Tobago’s shores. The Nigerian singer, songwriter and worship leader became the first singer-songwriter to top the Billboard Christian Songwriter’s charts for 12 consecutive weeks. Nine studio albums to her credit, the artiste stands strongly enveloped in a catalogue of hits which include, ‘Way Maker,’ ‘He Did It Again,’ ‘This is My Season,’ and ‘I Know Who I Am.’ Together with the incomparable Tobagonian singers, Positive and Blessed Messenger, and award-winning Guyanese singer/songwriter/producer, Samuel Medas, the Easter weekend will ultimately be blessed with ‘Melodies from Heaven,’ – an invitation to all of T&T, in what is believed can be a transformative experience.
The Bucco Seafood Jazz experience adds to the appeal of the weekend thrill on Saturday, April 19th with international artistes, Jon Secada and Brian McKnight billed to perform, along with the incredibly talented, and youthfully dynamic, Mical Teja. “This weekend is about revisiting the elements of music, food and overall destination satisfaction. As a tourism product, Tobago stands strong in the Caribbean region, however, we understand the need to increase and accelerate our deliverables, as to entice global destination seekers,” explained the organizer. The Rhythm and Soul Festival is ideally a product that organizers believe is necessary for the growth of Tobago as a tourism product in the region. “For our people here on the island, it’s more than just entertainment; It’s employment, it’s independence, it’s developing something from scratch that we can be proud to produce annually.”
The island is abuzz with excitement. Last summer, Buju Banton performed at several sold-out concerts in the United States. He is billed to take reggae music to Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood for the first time ever, on June 7th. “To say that we are bringing our Caribbean brother back to the region for a spectacular performance, just before he headlines that major Las Vegas show, is heartwarming. Tobago is a destination of surprises and as we look toward the horizon in the aftermath of this festival and all that will come after that, we are prepared to stand strong with our people and make the best of what we have here,” said the spokesperson.
Tickets for the weekend-long festival are available online at www.islandetickets.com. “We’re excited about this. Ticket sales are going well and interest in the product is high. For those who haven’t already made plans to come over from Trinidad, we urge you to get the ball rolling. Time is of the essence and you won’t want to miss this weekend of fun, great music, serenity and positive energy. It’ll be a weekend like nothing you’ve experienced before,” said the organizer.
For more on the Rhythm and Soul festival, follow @tobagofestivals on Instagram and Facebook.
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.
CHECK OUT HER PROCESS HERE
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