Ebuzz News
Archived: And The Soca Artiste of 2014 Has Got To Be…..
Bunji Garlin made it to BET’s 106th and Park twice in 2014.
The past year was an epic one for many of Trinidad and Tobago’s entertainment professionals. It was a year of firsts for many and it certainly proved to be the year of Soca music’s pivotal step into the global music industry. This past year saw Bunji Garlin make inroads into the mainstream music market, the likes of which many could feel proud of, whether Trinbagonian or merely a member of the Caribbean Diaspora. Garlin toured the United States with his VP records family, performing on BET twice alongside his wife, Fay-Ann Lyons. Separately though, Machel Montano was also a big headline maker this past season, having pulled the hat trick at the International Soca Monarch in Trinidad by reclaiming his Power Soca Monarch title. He was however beaten in the Groovy category by the man with the big lyrics, production know-how and not to mention, melodious vocals, Kerwin Du Bois.
Machel Montano won the 2014 Soul Train Award for Best International Performance.
Montano was however bent on making his own personal inroads, much like Garlin had begun to do, in 2014. It was this past year that Machel was again nominated for the Soul Train Music award in the category of Best International Performance and in late November, the world found out that he did in fact win the award. He joined Bunji who had also won the award one year earlier, in sealing the deal for Soca music, in the United States. This past year, Machel also announced his role in the Bollywood movie Scandalous, which is currently filming in Trinidad.
Flipo, right, with mega soca star, Machel Montano.
It wasn’t only a good year for these two headliners however. Young up and comer, Flippo rode a pretty awesome wave at the beginning of the year and in the summer, he cemented his name among the masses, releasing additional music outside of the Carnival season, the likes of which fans would lap up, without hesitation. Other artistes like Destra, Olatunji, Kees and Patrice Roberts also enjoyed a successful year in 2014. Patrice Roberts proved that even without a manager in her corner, following the sudden break up with Ian Pantin, she could handle her business. Recently, the young Toco hottie told ETCETERABUZZ that she’s looking forward to a whirlwind Carnival season- this after spending her Christmas holiday overseas where she had performance obligations to fulfil.
Despite being robbed by an armed assailant, Kees Dieffenthaller remains a proud Trinbagonian.
We ended the year with some ups and downs no doubt; one of the sour moments of the year was news of Kees Dieffenthaller being robbed at gunpoint along Ariapita Avenue but on the flip side, the artiste himself said he wouldn’t be deterred by the occurrence, adding that life was meant to be lived and one bad experience didn’t mean that he would love his country any less. In the spotlight just recently and something we think stood out most this season was a photo op shared by Bunji Garlin, Machel Montano and Fay-Ann Lyons. The trio had performed at Major Lazer’s Sunset Festival at the O2 Park in Chaguaramas. Despite the moment shared however, news that Montano and Garlin still remain distant and show no sign of collaborating anytime soon, has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many soca fans.
We rally on into 2015 though, hopeful that this coming season will bring greater music, greater experiences and a more solid and stable platform for up and coming soca artistes like Sekon Sta, Olatunji Yearwood, Erphaan Alves, Patrice Roberts, 5 Star Akil, Tobago’s K Kay, Devon Matthews and the countless others who are giving their all to show the world that Soca music is sweet music, worthy of being heard worldwide.
Finally, we wish to thank all the soca artistes who delivered great music for the world to chip to at various carnivals across the world this year. From Grenada to Barbados, Nottinghill, Toronto, Miami, New York and the world over, Soca is being heard and appreciated. We tip our hats to you all. Soca is ours and you are our vibe generators- no one better than the other, but each one of you and your work, very necessary!
Happy New Year from the ETCETERABUZZ family.
Ebuzz News
C.C Teams Up With Hooligan. Artiste Holds The Faith for More Radio Support.
One female soca artiste says she is praying that one day, God will shine a light on the music industry in Trinidad and Tobago, to afford her and other budding artistes, an opportunity to truly be heard. Not the average ‘new artist,’ Crystal Charles, best known as C.C is the frontline singer of the band, Brass 2 The World. She was recruited to join the ranks of the well-respected brass band, in 2025 and says it’s been the highlight of her career thus far. As the spotlight turns from Christmas into another intense Carnival season, the entertainer who’s been in the industry professionally since 2010, is hoping that a larger cross section of T&T will hear her music.
A short season in play, C.C has unleashed ‘Time’ alongside fellow entertainer, Hooligan. It was produced by Okay Pronto out of New York City, and boasts a strong Afrobeat synergy with Soca. “Hooligan and I just built a vibe and wrote this song on the spot,” she said, adding that it was also her very first experience working with Pronto. “The song is an Afro/Soca/Dancehall blend, with a smooth, sweet vibe,” she explained, noting that the aim is to penetrate not just the short T&T carnival season, but also an international audience. Like many others in the world of Soca, C.C has been patiently waiting her turn and with a powerful vocal tone, she knows she is deserving of consideration. “I’ve been in the business for a long time but I took a break for about 6 years and returned to music. I know stepping away when I did, impacted my growth as an artiste but I am back at it and I know that consistency in important to success.”
Describing her musical style as groovy, passionate, emotional, sweet and RnB infused, C.C does not shy away from her feminine energy. “I’d love to work with Nadia Batson, Patrice Roberts and Machel, someday,” she revealed, explaining that she’s been honing her writing skills, building confidence in this area and learning that believing in herself is necessary to success. “’Time’ is both intimate and infectious. I think it’s a feel-good song that’s perfect for late-night rendezvous and intimate relations,” said the singer, making it clear that this one, while unleashed ahead of Carnival, is risqué and perfectly suited for adults.
C.C – the artiste who wears multiple hats as a businessowner and medical professional, is eager to push into the industry and says she sees herself exploring multiple music genres, and delivering several albums within the next five years. “I’ve learnt that consistency is key. I believe that as an artiste you just have to keep pushing and eventually, when your time comes, and God says yes, nobody can say no. I’m just keeping the faith,” she affirmed.
Follow C.C’s journey as she welcomes the thrill of Carnival 2026 alongside Hooligan and as lead singer of Brass 2 The World. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be for the excitement and the opportunities. I want everyone to follow me on my ride @c.c_theoneandonly on Instagram,” she said.
Music News
No Stopping Tizzy. Antigua’s Soca Star Returns to T&T Ahead of Carnival 2026.
Passion and an undying love for Soca music are the elements that propel one of the region’s most enjoyed female Soca artistes, to keep going. Antigua and Barbuda’s Tizzy has never wavered in her commitment to Soca music. From her hit single, ‘Expose’ some years ago, to present day singles released, ‘Fire Marshall’ and ‘Freak in De Fete,’ the vibrant performer is excited to re-establish herself in Trinidad and Tobago ahead of Carnival 2026.
Set to hit the ground running in the weeks ahead in T&T, the entertainer says her return to the spotlight this year, comes after much personal reflection and decisions made on her brand, and who she wanted to be as she moved forward. “My motivation in this business is life,” said the singer, affirming that she believes her journey in the industry can help others. “Singing soca music – performing, is something I’m very passionate about and I want to positively encourage those looking on at my story, and my journey. I want them to see that even through the highs and the lows, I have been resilient and I keep pushing,” she explained.
In recent time, Tizzy has been working dedicatedly on her sophomore album, ‘Jus Ah Come,’ – something that she is proud to have branded solely as her accomplishment as an artiste. “All of the songs that I released before this album were under ElAkru Music. These new songs are all available on all streaming platforms and I must thank my ElAkru Music family for their support and of course my husband Rohan Hector, who is both my manager and producer,” she shared. The ElAkru Music team remains a consistent part of Tizzy’s musical journey. “As a team we’ve gone through the highs and lows of the business but we’ve never stopped believing. Once you find something that you love and you know who you are, then you will keep doing it and you won’t find it worrisome. It won’t be work alone; it’ll also be fun,” she said with excitement.
Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival, the most anticipated highlight of the regional and international Carnival calendar, Tizzy, like many other regional artistes, is eager to meet and interact with the people who enjoy Soca music. “Soca is a powerful, energetic genre. It’s an expression of what it means to be a Caribbean person. We work 365 days of the year and we look forward to this music- these vibrant songs to release our inhibitions, at least once every year,” she pointed out.
Her two singles, ‘Fire Marshall’ – written by Emerge Media and ‘Freak in De Fete,’ which was written by Barbados’ Jus D, are true expressions of Tizzy’s untamed energy. “I’m looking forward to a great carnival 2026 and beyond,” she said, highlighting that 2025 has already been very good to her, following the love she received during Antigua and Barbuda’s carnival. “I released three songs that were all well received in Antigua. “Big Ben,” “Charge Up” and “When Last,” which featured T&T’s Viking Ding Dong, got a lot of love throughout the season. I couldn’t have hoped for better. I think it was the launch for greater things,” said the artiste.
A strong relationship built over the years with bands in T&T like Destra and Atlantik and even D All Starz, Tizzy feels at home in Trinidad and Tobago. She recently stopped in for a few days, making the rounds to radio stations to release her music. Following that, Tizzy has since unleashed the new video for ‘Freak in De Fete’ and says she plans on unleashing two brand new Power Soca tracks in the days ahead.
For more on Tizzy as she hits the social circuit ahead of T&T’s Greatest Show on Earth, follow her on all social media platforms @therealtizzy. “For business inquiries, folks can reach out via email as well, at ElAkrumusic@gmail.com.”
