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.
Caribbean Buzz
Trinidad and Tobago, First to Host Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, This September.
After three celebrated years at Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre, the Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) expands beyond the awards stage with the launch of the inaugural Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, a destination celebration taking place September 18-20, 2026, in Trinidad & Tobago.
This year’s celebration unfolds under the theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, honoring the rhythms, voices, and cultural traditions that have shaped generations and continue to influence music around the world.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
The Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, marking a milestone moment as the celebration expands into the Caribbean region for the first time.
The Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will transform CMA from a single-night awards ceremony into a multi-day celebration bringing together artists, fans, industry professionals, creators, tastemakers, media, and cultural leaders from across the Caribbean and around the world.
What’s In Store
The Elite Weekend Experience will feature a series of events celebrating music, culture, and community throughout the destination. Festivities will include an exclusive Welcome Reception, pre-show experiences, the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, the official after-party, a special steelpan concert presented by Stars and Steel, and additional programming designed to celebrate Trinidad & Tobago’s cultural influence. Additional programming, partnerships, performers, presenters, and special announcements will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The move to Trinidad & Tobago marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Caribbean Music Awards, while honoring the city where it all began. New York was the ideal birthplace for the Awards, home to one of the world’s largest and most influential Caribbean diaspora communities. It was there that the Caribbean Music Awards established its identity, built its audience, and proved there was a global appetite for a world-class celebration dedicated solely to Caribbean music and culture.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
Over the past three years, Brooklyn’s iconic Kings Theatre became more than just the home of the Caribbean Music Awards. It became the launchpad for a movement that united artists, industry leaders, fans, and cultures from across the Caribbean and beyond, under one roof. The energy, ambition, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless hustle that define New York City helped shape the DNA of the Caribbean Music Awards, and that spirit will remain embedded in the brand no matter where it travels.
Now, with a strong foundation established, the Caribbean Music Awards begins the next phase of its evolution by bringing the celebration directly to the Caribbean. As the inaugural host destination for the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, Trinidad & Tobago sets the stage for a long-term vision that will see the Awards partner with tourism boards and host destinations to spotlight a different Caribbean nation in future years. By rotating throughout the region, the Caribbean Music Awards aims to celebrate each destination’s unique culture, support tourism, create economic impact, and further strengthen the Caribbean’s creative economy while continuing to unite the global diaspora through music.
Majah Hype Returns, This Time With Nailah.
Bringing even more excitement to this year’s celebration, internationally celebrated Caribbean artiste, Nailah Blackman and acclaimed comedian, entertainer, and cultural personality Majah Hype will host the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, bringing their unique energy, charisma, and deep connection to Caribbean culture to the stage.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
For Majah Hype, the 2026 ceremony marks his fourth consecutive year hosting the Caribbean Music Awards, making him one of the longest-standing personalities connected to the celebration. Having witnessed the Awards grow from its early years at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre into a global platform for Caribbean excellence, Majah continues to bring the humor, passion, and cultural pride that have made him one of the Caribbean diaspora’s most beloved entertainers.
“Four years hosting the Caribbean Music Awards? Mi feel like dem haffi give me my own seat at this point!” said Majah Hype. “But seriously, being part of this journey from day one has been a blessing. I’ve watched this celebration grow, seen the incredible talent come through, and witnessed how much this moment means to our people. To see it expand from Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre to Trinidad & Tobago is something special. Caribbean culture is powerful, the talent is endless, and mi ready fi celebrate everybody who continues to carry our music and our culture to the world.”
For Nailah Blackman, this year’s ceremony represents a new chapter in her relationship with the Caribbean Music Awards. Having experienced the event as an attendee, performer, nominee, and winner, Nailah now steps into the role of host while continuing to be recognized as one of the leading voices in Caribbean music.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
“The Caribbean Music Awards has been a special part of my journey,” said Nailah Blackman. “I’ve experienced this celebration as a fan, as a performer, as a nominee, and as a winner, and now being able to step into the role of host is truly an honor. To do it in Trinidad, surrounded by our people and our culture, makes this moment even more meaningful. I’m excited to celebrate the incredible artists who continue to push Caribbean music forward.”
Since launching in 2023, the Caribbean Music Awards has grown into one of the premier platforms celebrating Caribbean musical excellence, honoring artists across Dancehall, Reggae, Soca, Konpa, Chutney Soca, Zess, Dennery, Gospel, and emerging Caribbean genres. Last year’s ceremony marked a historic milestone with its BET broadcast debut, further expanding the Awards’ reach and strengthening its position as a leading global celebration of Caribbean music.
Following the announcement of more than 250 nominees across more than 40 categories earlier this year, anticipation continues to build toward what promises to be one of the biggest Caribbean Music Awards celebrations yet. This September, the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will bring together the sounds, stories, and cultures that have defined generations of Caribbean creativity, inviting audiences from around the world to experience this year’s theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, from the heart of one of the region’s most influential cultural destinations.
Caribbean Buzz
Terri Lyons Expands. Artiste Shows Immense Creativity on New RC Mas Monday Wear.
There’s no box to be held in. Terri Lyons is proving that as she moves into the Monday Wear market, partnering with RC Mas ahead of Carnival 2027.
The reigning Calypso Monarch Queen of Trinidad and Tobago and multiple time Queen of Queens, on Thursday, revealed her creative ability in the mas making sector, sharing her design, ‘Purple Paradise’ – a carefully created design that’s all hers.
The entertainer told Ebuzztt she had the idea and went to the masterful, Kinaji Couture, admitting that Kinaji is a force in the market. “She does a lot of bathing suits and prototypes for bands locally, regionally and further abroad. I knew she could do it and she did execute it perfectly. I just added the flowers,” said Lyons.
In 2027, RC Mas will bring Mystical Garden to life and with the band’s theme considered, Lyons’ floral embellishment makes it abundantly clear that her creativity is disciplined and mindful. She shared her process exclusively with Ebuzztt, highlighting the time taken to design with pen and paper before sharing with Kinaji who brought it all together seamlessly. “This was a lot of work. I sat and drew it all out and I stuck every flower and the diamond studs myself,” said Terri, before adding, “I ain’t doing that again,” with a laugh. The artiste said she’ll have extra hands on board to assist in future.
CHECK OUT HER PROCESS HERE
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Caribbean Buzz1 week agoTerri Lyons Expands. Artiste Shows Immense Creativity on New RC Mas Monday Wear.
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Caribbean Buzz4 days agoTrinidad and Tobago, First to Host Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, This September.
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