Caribbean Buzz
Shurwayne Says Talent Beats Hype. Artiste Focuses on Legacy.
The age-old adage, ‘talent over hype’ is a point of reference for one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most hard working and dedicated entertainers. From winning major carnival titles to representing Trinidad and Tobago at the World Cup and delivering masterful self-penned songs like ‘Carnival Please Stay’, ‘Band Coming’ and ‘Open De Gate,’ Shurwayne Winchester remains true to self and says no matter what’s happening around him, he is committed to being himself, and doing what he knows is the right thing for him.
In the midst of a short Carnival 2026 season, the artiste who has been a part of the Arima community for many years, says he is excited to once again, deliver one of the Borough’s best carnival fetes- ‘Addiction,’ on February 8th. While the rest of the entertainment fraternity is busy rocking fetes night after night, much like Shurwayne, he’s also been hard at work, building a solid and reputed brand. He believes in his character – and the importance of being an honest human being who places integrity above financial gain. As a direct result, Shurwayne’s event, ‘Addiction’ has adjusted the price of tickets this year to suit the economic times, and further to that, patrons have been offered a second ticket option this year which includes small coolers for their convenience.
Over 20 years in the game, Shurwayne has withstood scrutiny and despite it all, he says he will never compromise himself. In today’s entertainment and marketing landscape where fast talk, likes and social status equates to popularity, and talent I s thrown to the curb in exchange for 20 second TikTok engagement, Shurwayne says now more than ever he stands firm for talent over hype.
“I had to take a look at myself as Shurwayne Winchester – the individual, the man, and then Shurwayne Winchester- the artiste, the brand, and understand what is being asked of me,” he said. “I had to ask myself, ‘what is it I’m willing to give up in exchange for where I want to be, what must I give up to remain relevant in this market space and it all comes down to this – do you want to be a trend? Do you want to believe in your own hype or the hype of other persons around you, or do you want to be an artiste who stands for something?” he rationalized.
Shurwayne has had to revisit this reality countless times throughout his career. A small, close-knit circle of people who he trusts by his side, the Tobago born culture lover says his validation as a great entertainer could never be gained from hype, but rather, longevity and true creativity. “You put in the work, you sweat for it, you are in the pulse of the music, your material has quality and standard – that’s truly how it stands the test of time,” he shared. His perspective on music and artistry, recognition and popularity, fame and bright lights is vastly different from most in the Soca space and he’s fine with that. In fact, Shurwayne says he understands the desire by most, to run after trends. “The hype – you have a large entourage, you’re walking in, people going crazy; or in contrast, you’re walking in by yourself, you’re focused on what you want to do; I’ve never been the former,” he admitted, explaining that he has never wanted to be that person. “I’ve just always wanted to give my fans great music – not for today, but for many years to come.”
Two singles released for Carnival 2026, Shurwayne is humbled by the outpouring of love and support received following the release of the remake of Baron’s ‘Rock It So.’ The video for the collaborative track, which features young, rising Caribbean star, Yung Bredda, has been widely enjoyed across markets. “I will always give my people the best of me, not the hype – the best, not the noise. I must never come across as though I’m better than anybody else. My work must stand out because in the end what counts is the music – the music that represents Trinidad and Tobago, the music that puts us on the map so that when a foreigner decides to take a trip, they want to visit that place that they heard that artiste singing about,” he said.
His Power Soca track, ‘Until the End of the Road,’ is a song he believes has tremendous potential to make fetters move, if given the chance to. Visuals for the high-intensity track immaculately bridge the present-day Trinidad and Tobago, the Carnival experience and humanity, with a futuristic A.I generated concept that’s masterful. “I’m not on the hype. I’m on creativity, longevity and cultural respect,” Shurwayne reiterated, even as he highlighted this piece of creative genius. “I love being who I am. I am not going to change that. My parents said, peace of mind is more valuable than the shiniest penny in your pocket and that peace of mind comes first of all from being God-fearing because only then you’ll understand value.”
After decades in the business, the rag bender, the iron man Shurwayne Winchester remains a force when he takes any stage. His vocal ability, coupled with his knack for engaging audiences and generating memorable experiences in the belly of thick crowds, makes him stand in a category of his own. “There is no reason for me to fear anyone or believe in anything else but hard work, sacrifice and dedication. I believe with that discipline, in the end every goal and desire you have for yourself, will be attained.”
Caribbean Buzz
URAVE- ‘Life Beyond The Creek’ Launches this Weekend in the SouthLand. There’s Never Been Anything Like It.
There’s a major shift happening in entertainment in T&T. The energy is rising. On the heels of Tobago Carnival – a spectacle that has left mas lovers craving more, there’s a band launch on the horizon that promises entertainment lovers a true taste of what Trinidad’s South West peninsula has to offer. URAVE is a brand that’s building community and dedicatedly setting things in motion for the best Borough Festival Point Fortin has ever experienced, in 2027.
Speaking exclusively with Ebuzztt.com, Directors, Kariym Balthazar and Roland Hamilton shared details on ‘Life Beyond The Creek’ – the concept for URAVE’S 2027 Borough Festival presentation. The event takes place at the Clifton Hill Beach Resort on Saturday, November 7th from 9pm.
Two of seven directors who make up a broad team of professionals, their planning for this upcoming event, has been extensive. “We officially kicked off the project in May this year. We’ve put in a lot of work and with a strong team, we are guaranteeing an enhanced Borough Festival,” said Hamilton. He has been a part of the entertainment and promotional landscape in Trinidad and Tobago for the past 15 years. Hamilton said the URAVE brand was conceptualized back in 2015, but opportunity to present it to the people of Point Fortin and those coming into the Borough the way it was conceptualized, has only truly shown itself at this time. “This is not just a band. We’ll also be doing events in the space as well. URAVE will host something like a ‘First Jam’ in the Borough celebrations in 2027 and even our road experience will start off with a brunch event for two hours, with food stations before we hit the streets to play mas. When our masqueraders get off the road, they will enjoy a las’ lap experience too,” he said.
Four mas sections ready for presentation on Saturday, Balthazar told Ebuzztt that this is just the beginning. “We plan on taking URAVE into different spaces – not just Point Fotin Borough Festival, so in the future, URAVE may even be in Carnival in Port -of-Spain,” he said. The four sections are, “Pitch Lake,” “Garden Jewels,” “Fields Road,” and “Columbus Bay,” – all honoring integral aspects of the Southern experience. “I am from La Brea. La Brea and Point Fortin are like brother and sister,” said Hamilton, explaining that the idea is to truly highlight the South Western part of the island by giving those who are unfamiliar an experience of what they have to offer. “Deep South often feels neglected. We don’t have the opportunities or the experiences that others often have. We always have to go into Port-of-Spain to experience mas, so because I would’ve experienced mas so many times, URAVE aims at delivering a higher standard when it comes to experience, so that people who do not frequent Port of Spain, can enjoy what its like in the Borough Festival.”
URAVE stands for Unimaginably, Rhythmic, Audio, Visual, Experience. “These words are at the heart of the brand. The focus is on how people feel, how they are welcomed, and what they leave with. This is not something that is predominant in the Point Fortin Borough space so it is important to us, to establish this standard,” said Hamilton. He says the theme, “Life Beyond the Creek celebrates the beauty, creativity and talent within the South Western peninsula.
The band launch is being touted as one that will showcase exactly what masqueraders can expect on the rod come 2027. Though starting off with more of a Monday Wear mas deliverable, the band will be going hard to ensure the feeling of revelry and fun are high priority. “Years ago, bands like Legacy and Ronnie and Caro, and other big bands would come down from Port-of- Spain, but Borough Day has never had a Point Fortin based mas band involved.
Years ago, Legacy, Ronnie and Caro and other big bands would come down from Port of Spain and they never really had a Point Fortin based mas band involved. Our team has been having discussions with the Point Fortin Borough executives and we’ve been discussing all areas to ensure what we bring enhances the celebration,” said Hamilton, noting that the overall aim is to bring life to the celebration. “We hope even big mas bands will come back into the space after our presentation in 20207,” he said.
The Economics and the People.
All bases covered, inclusive of safety and convenience, Hamilton noted the state of the present economy. Understanding of the economic climate, he said URAVE’S website will go live after the band’s launch on Saturday and those interested in playing will be able to register with the option of securing a payment plan.”
On Saturday night in Point Fortin, fetters can expect a whole lot of energy and Carnival vibes. Atistes inclusive of Farmer Nappy, Trinibaby, Christo and Viking Ding Dong, will be apart of the excitement. “We are creating a safe space for people to come out and have fun. We want to always have a great time. The feeling is very important to us and we will show potential masqueraders just what it will mean to be on the road with URAVE, when we launch the band this weekend,” Hamilton assured.
Follow URAVE online on Instagram for more on what’s to come and be part of the greatest Borough Festival experience in 2027.
Caribbean Buzz
The International Soca Monarch Will Return in 2027. Trinidad and Tobago Takes on the World. Wadicks Weighs In.
The ground has been calling for it – the return of the International Soca Monarch competition in Trinidad and Tobago. Now there’s news that the the competition will return in Carnival 2027 under the theme, Trinidad and Tobago vs The World.
One artiste, true to the authenticity of the culture, says it’s great news. Ebuzztt caught up with Wadicks earlier on Friday, just after the news broke. “This is something very good for artistes to test themselves – to see how best they are in representing the country when it comes to Soca music. It’s good for people to gauge themselves against their cohorts and it’s been a while since artistes have been able to really do that,” he said.
The competition’s official date is yet to be revealed, however if tradition is marinated, it will be held on Friday, February 5th. Scorch Limited and Scorch Events will produce the show. “For 2027, the competition returns with a bold, international dimension, placing Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca talent against artistes from around the world in a celebration of the genre’s growing global reach,” said a media statement issued. Details surrounding venue and participation requirements will be forthcoming.
For Wadicks and many other Soca artistes who occupy the space, the music delivered ahead of the competition is of dire importance. “I will jump in once the people gravitate to the music. The people must not be wondering what song this artiste is singing when they hit the stage in the competition. You don’t want to enter with a song the people don’t know,” he emphasized.
In the early years of the international Soca Monarch competition, under the stewardship of Mr. William Munroe, the International Soca Monarch was a monument in Carnival. Radio stations were heavily engaged and money spent on major advertising campaigns that saw emerging and seasoned artistes interviewed and their music placed on intentional rotation as a result of paid advertising. Whether this approach will be taken, as the effort to re-establish the solidity of Trinidad and Tobago in this area gets underway, is left to be seen. “No matter what, it starts with the people. Once the people accept the event and come out to enjoy it… but the marketing of the event is very important too. It’s a huge undertaking and if Scorch can get the people who come to their events and all the other people who love the culture, that would be fantastic to get T&T back to where it once was when it comes to the ISM,” said Wadicks. He has one song already bubbling ahead of Carnival 2027 and plans to release a second next week. “I have ‘Thickerz’ out already and I’m releasing a rum tune next week,” said the artiste cheerfully. He’s never in a bad mood.
With Grenada’s Soca Monarch now leading as the poster child of what Soca Monarch should look and feel like, Wadicks says he thinks the Spice Isle does a great job of showing the world just what true enjoyment of the music looks like. “They have no fashion statement – Grenada has no respect for clothes as compared to Trinidad where it’s more about fashion than enjoyment. In Grenada you could come out in any colour and after the party, patrons leaving dirty and sweaty, having had a time,” he said with a laugh.
Prize monies a major factor when it comes to competitions in Trinidad and Tobago, Wadicks says he doesn’t believe this should be the defining factor in any artiste’s decision to enter the competition. “The Soca Monarch brings out the best in an artiste when it comes to interacting with the people and getting the people to accept the challenge of a command. Artistes have to be able to move the crowd ; Besides being strong vocally, their ability to command the crowd must be on point,” he highlighted, adding, “We as the representatives of the culture should be pushing to bring back the Soca Monarch to where it was, but of course, not everybody will think like me.”
On the tempo of the Soca that’s required for big flag crews and real mayhem to return to big venues in T&T, Wadicks agrees that the sweetness that’s currently trending must subside. “Once the tempo starts to escalate things will get better. ‘De t’ing too sweet, especially for a short season,” he said frankly.
The Scorch team at the helm of the 2027 production says this production will have “no backroom and no bacchanal,” with an expert panel of music industry experts, cultural commentators and soca veterans scoring creativity, lyrics, stage presence, overall impact and a specially introduced aspect – the Sparrow Tribute. “The Mighty Sparrow belonged to both sides of this battle, so every finalist – home side and away side must pay tribute to the Calypso King of the World somewhere in their Fantastic Friday presentation,” explains an accompanying ISM27 deck issued to the media.
The word is out and the people have gotten exactly what they’ve been asking for. What’s left to see now is just who supports with cultural passion and pride at the forefront, and who chooses not to.
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