Caribbean Buzz
Skinny Fabulous Is A Monster. Come ‘Find Out.’ Artiste Says Get Ready for Non Stop Hits.
Riding a wave of success that has been both humbling and exciting, St. Vincent and The Grenadines born entertainer, Skinny Fabulous says he’s mashing gas now. Explaining that the Soca music industry leaves very little room for any artiste to slow down, Skinny, whose real name is Gamal Doyle, is set to release an album at the end of January. Before that however, he’s unleashing hard hitting soca each week for the next few weeks, kicking it off with a powerplay – a single called, ‘Find Out.’
“This song is on the same riddim as Bunji Garlin’s ‘Thousand,’” explained the artiste. His song adds the to the rhythm’s fervor, solidifying the energy with a ricochet effect that indirectly summons the masses to create sweet mayhem like only hardcore Carnival lovers can. Produced by St. Lucia’s Stratosphere Music- the team that took home the island’s 2024 Road March title alongside, Ricky T with ‘Look Something to Talk About,’ Skinny and Bunji’s tracks are an extension to that single’s success on the Wham 2 Dem Riddim. “I heard it in St. Lucia and I immediately took a liking to it,” he said, explaining that immediately thereafter, work began on his placement on the already successful riddim. ‘Find Out,’ is by no stretch of the imagination, a Carnival 2025 monster already. The reaction across the airwaves, on social media and at events, has been proof enough. “It’s a song that’s easy to like. Sometimes you have to listen to a song four times to love it. This one, you like it immediately,” he highlighted, adding, “It’s also a bit edgy in terms of the language. I don’t mind pushing the envelope and I know it will provoke opinion, whether good or bad. So far, it’s been all good,” he said.
Power Soca now the less invasive sound on the Carnival fete circuit in Trinidad and Tobago, Skinny Fabulous says ‘Find Out,’ speaks to those who are unaware of the revelry, the ones who dare to get in the centre of the big fete crowd where true fetters stay ready. “I’m speaking to the people. Throughout the islands, from Grenada to St. Vincent, St Lucia, Jamaica, Dominica, the revelers are not interested too much in the fashion show brand of partying. When they party, they party hard. Even in the uptown parties, there is real revelry. Trinidad was originally like that- shorts and sneakers and get on bad,” he said thoughtfully, reiterating that this song speaks to that energy, warning those who dare to step into that zone, that they’d surely ‘Find Out’ if they mess around and get in.
An artiste who isn’t afraid to share his success with a dedicated team, Skinny Fabulous has been collaborating with artistes, producers and other creatives in the industry for some time. His album, which he says will feature more unreleased music than his last album, shares writing credit with various writers from across the region. “I am a part of many vehicles that drive the genre that is Soca. I am not trying to be the sole engineer of what makes it global. I am just doing my part as part of a fleet of people who will eventually take the sound global,” he said.
Explaining that this album is much riskier and certainly ambitious, he revealed that fans can expect a fusion of African, Jamaican and Trinidad and Tobago beats and rhythms, which he assures will satisfy the musical palette of his fanbase, far and wide.
As he looks toward the much-anticipated T&T carnival in the year ahead, Skinny Fabulous says when it comes to music releases, he is scheduled to drop new songs each week, for the next month. “In our industry it’s unfortunate, but the goal is always to kind of maintain and it’s a task. A man like 50 Cent, made an album about two decades ago and he’s still singing that music; We can’t do that,” he rationalized.
Despite this reality, Skinny Fabulous, like many of the entertainers in Soca, gets the gratification he needs when the people respond positively to the music they dedicatedly deliver. ‘Find Out’ is just the start of what Skinny Fabulous assures will be a season to remember.
Caribbean Buzz
5 Reasons We’d Recommend YUMA For The Carnival Thrill Everyone Deserves.
Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025 Carnival season was pretty much a blockbuster movie – a critically acclaimed experience that nobody could’ve possibly been truly prepared for. Three months of full-fledged, hyper-energetic ecstasy culminated with the traditional mas on the road experience that many travel from parts far and wide to enjoy, annually. This year, YUMA provided an experience for not only seasoned masqueraders, but many newcomers who’ve already co-signed with friends and family, to do it again, and again, and again.
1. COSTUME DESIGN AND QUALITY:
For quite a number of years, the YUMA brand has maneuvered the carnival landscape, with its designers like Rawle Permanand and Marie Collette, delivering exquisite costumes for the road. This year was no different. The costume quality and beauty stood effectively, leaving very little, if anything more to be desired. The band’s ‘Echoes of IERE’ theme featured sections like Marie Collette’s ‘Poui’ in a choice of a vivacious hot pink or an eye-catching bright yellow. Collette herself paraded the streets of Port-of-Spain on Carnival Tuesday in the full hardline ensemble in her choice of bright yellow. The beauty and quality of her costume was unmistakeable. Other sections included Flambeaux, Hibiscus, Magnificent 7, Masala, Nariva, Riddim, Iere, Emperor, Echoes, Castara, Doux Doux Dahlin, Bucco and Bae-Go- rounding off the total street design showcase to 14. When it came time to show off and show out, the vibrance of the intricate designs and captivating kaleidoscope of colour, could not be ignored.
2. PROFESSIONALISM AND EFFICIENCY
Whether in part owed to its partnerships with brands like Digicel, Dasani, Hennessy, Johnnie Walker, Maybelline New York, Ocean Spray, VISA, Red Bull, Coca Cola, Shine Distributors, Skins, Hai Trim and Feathers, Carib, Jose Cuervo and Guinness, or simply its distinct and intentional effort to provide its masqueraders with the very best money can buy, YUMA once again delivered on customer satisfaction. From the costume collection where masqueraders received backpacks, which held a variety of goodies inside, inclusive of two branded aluminum cups and other necessities that would be appreciated for the road experience, and beyond, to the effort shown by drink attendants and security staff to minimize discomfort in any way, and of course, the detail and attention paid to their lunch stop, many basked in the YUMA vibe and professionalism throughout the two-day experience.
3. MUSIC SELECTION AND VIBE
Music selection is a big deal. The YUMA DJ selection proved top tier on Carnival Monday and Tuesday with the likes of Whitney Husbands, DJ Linx, Kevon X, Major Penny, DJ Jel, Selector Snappy and Deejay Kareem and others pleasing masqueraders with tunes from ‘tune land.’ Soca was the order and the DJs did not disappoint.
4. THE PEOPLE WHO BRING THE VIBE
YUMA has always been known to be the band of the superstars. This year was no different, with a slate of popular faces in the mix, inclusive of influencers like Anil and Kineta James, Neicey bwoss, model, Mela, Charlotte Wingham, Carnival Sabrina, cricketer, Dwayne Bravo, and others. Soca artistes like Jadel, Lyrikal, Lady Lava, Voice, The A Team Band and others were also a part of the vibe. “As an artiste, I can say the artistes were treated amazing. We got VISA bands for YUMA and I loved the fact that YUMA had The A Team band LIVE. That was so entertaining and masqueraders appreciated that so much. A lot of mas bands do not bring that live band element to the road and that live band on the road, did it for me,” Jadel told Ebuzztt. She also said the drinks truck was on point. “I had no problems with the drinks at all, the courtesies extended were amazing. The whole vibe- the energy was just love – love and happiness and unity,” she added.
5. READY- FOR- ANYTHING MASQUERADERS
With social media and trend-setting being the kill-joy for many in the carnival space, it would be remiss of us not to mention the fact that on the road, masquerading was the order in YUMA. While there were moments for the ‘gram’ and TikTok, this did not take away from the overall energy of the people on the road. Beautiful women, handsome men – all up for the thrill of the carnival roadshow experience, immersed themselves in the music of the season and showed off their effervescent nature, making it abundantly clear that YUMA just might be THE band to truly bring the VIBES, not just in 2025 but way into the years ahead.
Caribbean Buzz
Lil’ Bitts Vows Never to Miss de Mas Again as She Prepares for a Jam-packed 2025 Season
After two decades in the business, Lil’ Bitts—aka Shivonne Churche-Isaacs—has made a vow she plans to keep: never again will she sit out Carnival. The multi-talented artiste, known for her infectious energy and stage presence, has had a front-row seat to Trinidad and Tobago’s iconic festival season for years, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. She still remembers the shock she felt when she made the decision to skip the parades on Carnival Monday and Tuesday one season, only to end up physically sick. “I got sick—like, literally,” she admits. “I’ll never ignore Carnival’s call again.”
This year, Bitts is more than ready to hit the streets with Yuma for an unforgettable Carnival 2025. The excitement is palpable as she gears up for what’s sure to be a thrilling season, both on and off the road.
Rising to the Occasion with “Brighter Days”
With five songs under her belt and a growing social media presence, Lil’ Bitts is enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Her Instagram and other platforms have become hubs of interaction with fans, opening doors to new collaborations and promotional opportunities. “Social media is the ultimate artiste toolkit,” she says, urging fellow performers to embrace the digital world to connect with their audiences.
One of her most highly anticipated projects is the track “Brighter Days,” which she says has been in the works for three years. Produced by Gaffa Productions, the song has become a personal passion project. “This one is really special,” she shares. “The world needs positivity right now, and I feel like this song is necessary.” She credits the magic of modern technology for making it all come together, working with talented producers like Stemz, District 6 Studios, and Benje Music in hybrid mode from different locations in the region. She’s also collaborated with M1 on a single called “Wetter” for the 2025 season. “We’ve been talking about working together for years, and I’m so happy it’s finally happened,” she says. “M1’s a unique talent; there aren’t a lot of artistes like him.”
A Dream Come True: Chutney and Multi-Cultural Magic
As if things weren’t busy enough, Lil’ Bitts has recently ventured into the world of chutney music. She got a call from the Pungalunks Factory to contribute vocals for a track with Reshma Ramlal, the Warrior Princess herself. The track, “Poowah Nah Ready,” is a dream come true for Bitts, who has always had an affinity for East Indian culture. “When I was a kid, I loved dressing in Indian clothes and watching Bollywood movies. I knew I wanted to do a Chutney song one day, but it had to feel natural. And this—this feels right,” she said. Bitts reflects on how much she’s learned and appreciated about Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural beauty through this experience. “The energy on set, the unity—it was amazing. We’re one people, and that’s something I never want to forget.” The collaboration has already earned a place in the spotlight, with Ramlal making it into the semi-finals of the Chutney Soca Monarch competition.
