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
The Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
It’s a brand new concept being brought to life, in Point Fortin, however its impact, according to organizers, is already proving immense. The annual Point Fortin Borough celebrations, culminates this weekend and on Sunday, an event with a bigger purpose at heart, is anticipated to draw a massive crowd to fete, for the greater good.
Naya George and Anson George spoke exclusively with Ebuzztt.com ahead of the all inclusive experience. They’re excited to see their vision come to life. Anson, a well known name on the carnival and entertainment circuit, is known for his strong involvement in the BeachHouse Carnival brand. “It’s going to be on par with BeachHouse,” he assured, asserting ‘Flowers’ as the new ‘must attend’ fete in Borough Day festivities. “There are other events happening on Sunday in Point Fortin but there’s no other event of this caliber, happening,” said Anson, explaining that a few tickets are still available for those who still want to get in.
For Naya, the effort is less about business, and more about purpose. “We are partying with a purpose. We want to let people know that this isn’t just about feting. This is the only party that’s happening in Point Fortin that’s giving back to Point Fortin,” he explained, adding that proceeds will go toward investment in the young people. “The first set of projects will be at the Point Fortin West Secondary School where the event is being held. We are going to revitalize the sports programme, playing field restoration, sporting equipment and that kind of stuff, to ensure the youths have a place to find themselves in the area of sports. Flowers is the premiere fund raiser to do these things,” said George.
Set to welcome fete lovers from 5pm on Sunday at the Point Fortin West Secondary School, Flowers will feature a cast of talented artistes, inclusive of Nadia Batson and Lyrikal. “We want to raise fund in style and with high quality at heart, hence the reason the event’s caliber is high. This is going to be a first for Point Fortin,” said Naya George.
The Point Fortin Borough experience is widely attended, with a series of cultural events leading up to the weekend of excitement that is anticipated by locals and visitors alike, each year. “Flowers has set the tone for the Borough Day evolution I think,” said Naya George. “Fusion came to an end last night,” noted Anson. He said the cultural extravaganza, which was similar to Carnival’s Flava Village, was a huge success and noted the wide variety of cultural traditions, shared between April 25th and April 30th. “If people can jump on a plane to experience Grenada carnival, we are certain they can come from West and North Trinidad to enjoy the Point Fortin Borough activities,” said Anson, making it clear that ahead of the upcoming weekend, hotel and guest house occupancy is already high.
“Borough is like a second carnival,” said Anson. He said there are fetes happening throughout the day on Friday. “When you come, you get a taste of everything you get in carnival. You get the fetes, the all inclusive, the jouvert, the street food, the culture,” he highlighted, and this year, for the very first time, fans of culture, creativity and altruism, will fete with purpose at Flowers – a distinct, top tier, premium all inclusive experience in the heart of the borough.
Tickets for the event are available online at Stacy’s House Of Hair – Point Fortin, Atherley’s By The Park – San Fernando, Terminal 4 – Long Circular Mall and online at theticketgeneral.com.
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