Ebuzz News
Shurwayne As Enticing As Ever. Ladies Excited Over Artiste’s New Releases.
A legacy of being a real hardcore performer, Soca star Shurwayne Winchester is assuring women all over T&T, the region and the world, that he is prepared to give them all they need… Musically that is!
The entertainer has unleashed four songs, two collaboratively done with new artistes outside of T&T, and two brand new singles that are already making heads roll with excitement. ‘Bam Bam,’ produced by Mang Productions and Stone Livingston, was released last week and has been quickly followed up by ‘Iron Man’ on the Bess Box riddim, produced by Shot Master J and Kyle Phillips with Executive producer credit going to Mr. Bessor. Both songs are what Shurwayne calls, ‘tunes for the ladies.’ He makes it very clear that Carnival is woman and unapologetically argues that the more artistes move away from pleasing women, the less enjoyment we’ll see at fetes.
“Women are the heart and soul of Carnival. We love to see them move and enjoy the music. We have to start with them first, please them and when the hardcore music’s released for the real revelry, they’d have already been fed their sweetness. Then they’ll be ready to unleash their fire,” he said. Laughing at his statement, the artiste revealed a bit of his thought process when he sits down to write. “I always think of being the fetter. I think of how the person in the all-inclusive, or the cooler fete feels in the crowd, listening to the music, whether high on life or something else. I think of the man in the fete with his woman – how she may want to be held and danced with. A lot goes into writing and then when I hit the studio, the vocals are the additives really,” he shared.
One of Trinidad and Tobago’s true performers with unmatched vocals, Shurwayne says no matter what, he knows his place as an artiste, and will maintain his standard as a musician and a human being. “I don’t intend to sacrifice being the man that I am for clout or fame. The standard of artistry I’ve delivered over the years will be my legacy in time to come. For now, I want to continue pleasing and finessing these women. Many men aren’t doing that so I’ll take on the job.”
With still more music in his arsenal, the entertainer said he’s over just doing music for Carnival- for a season. “My aim is catalogue building. The bigger, the stronger the catalogue, the greater the value. I’ve done a lot of music, a lot of collaborations,” he said, recalling that he’s worked with Maxi Priest, Christopher Martin, Busy Signal, Major Laser, Serani, Destra, Baron, Bunji, Lord Nelson, Sparrow, David Rudder, Keida, Ultimate Rejects and so many other artistes. “When it comes to music, I really can’t contain what I have inside me. I have to always let it out. Most times, it’s for the ladies, but when the energy is unleashed, the fellas will always get something to get on bad to.”
Two other singles released in late October, ‘Up In Here’ featuring an artiste from Roatan by the name of Jhaytea and ‘Gyal Love Bend’ with It’s Jus from Barbados, Shurwayne says he believes in bringing new artistes into the spotlight, no matter where they’re from. “We all have something to offer the people. Music isn’t a one size fits all. There’s gonna be something sweet in a song that attracts one listener or 10, and another 5 just may not feel it. That’s why the people who share the music with the world have to understand that it’s not about how they personally feel about the song,” he explained.
From Christmas 2023, into Carnival 2024, Shurwayne’s pumping with adrenaline. Soca Parang, a genre of music with hits also in his arsenal, he says he’s just doing what comes natural to him. “There’s no forcing anything. I’m just doing what I love and I hope the people I’m doing it for will receive it in the same way.” Last weekend he got proof of their enjoyment of some of his new music during a trip to Toronto where he performed at a Soca Junkies event. “The ladies again!” he laughed. “The ladies will always be ready for Shurwayne. I love them for that!”
For more on Shurwayne Winchester, follow him on Instagram @shurwaynewinchester. Subscribe to his Vevo Channel, @shurwaynewinchester.
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Music News
T&T’s Etienne Charles announces 20- City World Tour.
Internationally acclaimed trumpeter, percussionist, composer, bandleader, recording artist and educator Etienne Charlesis set to embark on an ambitious 20-city world tour across Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America, marking a series of highly anticipated debut performances in several new territories.
Photo credit: Luigi Creese
Over the past two decades, Charles has established himself as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary jazz. Since releasing his debut album in 2007, he has produced eleven critically acclaimed recordings and collaborated with legendary artists including Roberta Flack, Marcus Miller, Monty Alexander and Chucho Valdés, while also touring internationally with the SFJAZZ Collective. A proud musical ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago, Charles is known for weaving Caribbean musical traditions, folklore and history into his compositions, creating a sound that bridges cultures and generations.
Fresh off the release of his latest album Gullah Roots and following the success of the chart-topping Creole Orchestra, Charles will bring his distinctive brand of Caribbean-infused jazz to audiences around the globe, introducing several new markets to his genre-blending sound.
Among the highlights of the tour are first-time performances in India, Argentina, Denmark, Colombia, Tunisia and Lake Tahoe, as well as a special appearance in Boone, North Carolina.
India Debut
Charles will make his long-awaited debut in India with performances at Windmills Craftworks in Hyderabad (April 2–3) and Bangalore (April 4–5). Performing with his Creole Soul band, Charles will present a cross-section of music from across his catalogue, blending jazz improvisation with Caribbean rhythms and even offering a special arrangement of a classic Indian song.
“We are delighted to welcome Etienne Charles to India for the first time at Windmills Craftworks, Bangalore and Hyderabad,” said Arhona Chakraborty. “Etienne’s artistry embodies a spirit that bridges cultures, expanding musical dialogue and creating an experience that is both deeply immersive and profoundly moving.”
Colombia Debut
Later in April, Charles will perform in Medellín, Colombia, marking his debut in the country with a performance at El Club de Jazz on April 30 in celebration of International Jazz Day.
“Hosting Etienne Charles in Medellín for International Jazz Day 2026 is a definitive statement for our local scene,” said Christian Salgado of El Club de Jazz. “He represents the pinnacle of contemporary jazz, where technical mastery meets profound musical storytelling.”
Argentina Debut
Charles will also make his debut in Argentina, performing on May 26 at Teatro San Martín in Buenos Aires with a special tribute to jazz legend Miles Davis in celebration of the centennial of his birth. For Charles, Miles has been a musical and style inspiration.
“Etienne Charles is one of my favourite musicians. His musical world is infinitely rich and varied and I couldn’t think of a better artist to celebrate the centennial of our hero Miles Davis and reinterpret his music with an original and exciting voice,” said Eugenio Elias, Artistic Director of DeQuinta Producciones and JALC Global Citizen Jazz Award recipient.
Lake Tahoe Debut
In July, Charles will perform in Lake Tahoe for the first time while also serving as trumpet instructor at the Brubeck Jazz Summit. An avid advocate for music education and youth development, Charles also serves as Artistic Director of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass – Frost School of Music Afro-Caribbean Big Band Sessions, a full-scholarship program training emerging musicians in the rich musical traditions of the Caribbean.
Tunisia Debut
Charles will also make his debut in Tunisia at the Tabarka Jazz Festival, where he will perform with his intimate Creole Quartet, bringing Caribbean musical traditions into conversation with North African audiences.
Denmark Debut
The tour concludes with Charles’ first visit to Denmark, where he will appear as featured soloist, conductor, composer and arranger with the Danish Radio Big Band for a three-concert series titled Caribbean Connection.
Producer Rasmus Holm said Danish audiences are eager to experience Charles’ music. “Étienne brings warmth, depth and an infectious rhythmic energy that truly embodies The Caribbean Connection. We can’t wait to share this powerful meeting between his Caribbean traditions and the sound of Danish Radio Big Band with audiences in Denmark.”
Boone Special Performance
Another key stop on the tour will be a performance at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts in Boone, North Carolina, where Charles will present his multimedia climate change project Earth Tones, combining music, film and storytelling to examine the urgent global conversation around climate change. The performance carries particular resonance for the Boone community, which was severely impacted by flooding during Hurricane Helene.
Return to Lincoln Center
In June, Charles will present Folklore Vol. 2 at the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel room, featuring the world premiere of his new suite inspired by Haitian and Mexican folklore as well as new arrangements from his breakthrough 2009 album, as a part of their Mother Africa season.
Tour Dates
2026
March 19 Holland Center, Omaha, NE
March 28 Regattabar, Boston, MA
April 2-3 Windmills Craftworks, Hyderabad, India
April 4-5 Windmills Craftworks, Bangalore, India
April 15 Gusman Concert Hall, Coral Gables, FL
April 24 Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, Boone, NC
April 30 El Club de Jazz, Medellin, Colombia
May 21 Conjunto Santander, Guadalajara, Mexico
May 23 Teatro Esperanza Iris, Mexico City, Mexico
May 26 Teatro San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
June 5-6 Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York, NY
June 20 Healdsburg Jazz Festival, Healdsburg, CA
July 16-17 Brubeck Jazz Summitt, Lake Tahoe, NV
August 15 Balistreri Vineyards, Denver, CO
August 29-30 Tabarka Jazz Festival, Tabarka, Tunisia
September 6 DC Jazz Fest, Washington, DC
November 5 Tobaksgaarden, Assens, Denmark
November 6 Koncerthuset, Studio 2, Copenhagen, Denmark
November 7 Holbæk Jazzklub, Elværket, Denmark
Ebuzz News
Woman Arrested, Placed on $10 Million Bond After Rihanna’s Home is Targeted.
Police have arrested a 35-year-old, Florida woman in connection with a volley of gunshots fired at Rihanna’s Los Angeles mansion on Sunday afternoon. The woman has been identified as Ivanna Ortiz. A motive was not immediately clear.
According to international media reports, the woman was held after the incident on Sunday, in a parking garage nearby. Rihanna, A$AP Rocky and their three children was said to have been at home at the time of the incident, but no one was shot, according to NBC4.
The Los Angeles Police Department said a woman drove up to the property and fired between seven and nine rounds with what police described as an AR-15-style rifle. At least four rounds struck the house. Ortiz has been placed on a $10 million bond.
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Ebuzz News4 days agoWoman Arrested, Placed on $10 Million Bond After Rihanna’s Home is Targeted.