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
Dîner en Blanc Set to Bring Parisian Flair to Port-of-Spain on November 14th.
Dîner en Blanc is making its highly anticipated return to Port- of -Spain on Saturday, November 14, 2026, once again bringing its trademark magic to a brand-new secret location. Building on last year’s successful return, this iconic Parisian-inspired pop-up picnic continues to be one of the city’s most beloved social events – an evening where fashion, fine dining, and community come together under the stars.
Always dressed head-to-toe in white, guests will assemble to create the breathtaking tableau the event is known for. From the iconic Napkin Wave, which signals the official start of dinner, to the Sparklers Moment, which marks the end of the meal and the opening of the dance floor, Dîner en Blanc Diner promises a night filled with gourmet delights, vibrant conversation, and an atmosphere unlike anything else in the city.
To be among the first to reserve tickets when Phase 3 (Fan List) opens, guests are invited to join the exclusive Port of Spain Fan List at portofspain.dinerenblanc.com.
beginning of the celebration and the magic that is Dîner en Blanc.
THE THEME: Soirée Parisienne – La Belle Époque
For 2026, Dîner en Blanc Diner celebrates an era of Paris defined by elegance, artistry, and refinement. Guests are invited to embrace an elevated all-white aesthetic, where fashion becomes a form of expression. Tables, styled in pure monochrome, echo the sophistication of historic salons and café culture, while the dining experience draws on the traditions of French gastronomy where cuisine, conversation, and ambiance come together as one.
Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach, hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain, shared their excitement for this year’s edition: “Port of Spain has embraced Dîner en Blanc as one of its signature social experiences. We’re excited to build on that legacy with an evening that’s elegant, inclusive and unforgettable,” noted Meagan.
How the Experience Works
To preserve the event’s tradition and maintain its elegant atmosphere, every guest plays an essential role. Participants must follow a few timeless guidelines:
Dress code: A chic, all-white ensemble is mandatory. Elegance, originality, and creativity are encouraged. Table setting: All table elements like décor must be white to uphold Dîner en Blanc’s signature visual identity.
Secrecy of the location: The venue remains a surprise until the last moment. Guests will meet at designated departure points and be escorted by Dîner en Blanc Diner volunteers to the final location. Leave No Trace: In keeping with the event’s commitment to sustainability, guests must bring home everything they arrived with, leaving the space spotless.
What Guests Should Bring or Choose an almost Hands-Free Option
• A gourmet picnic basket packed with a gourmet meal and proper stemware and white dinnerware. Those who prefer not to pack their own meal may pre-order a catered picnic through the Dîner en Blanc D e- store for onsite pickup.
• As a French-inspired celebration, Dîner en Blanc only serves wine and champagne. However, guests are welcome to bring their own selections; however, for added convenience, wine and champagne can also be pre-purchased through the official Dîner en Blanc e-store, ensuring an effortless and stress-free experience.
About the hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain
At the helm of the 2026 edition of Diner en Blanc – Port of Spain are Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach. Meagan Monsegue is a lifestyle enthusiast and avid global traveller with a natural flair for personal styling and hosting. Her journey with Dîner en Blanc Port of Spain began as a Table Leader in 2016 and has evolved into her role as Co-Host today. Driven by a genuine passion for bringing people together, she brings her distinctive style, energy and love of creating unforgettable moments under the stars to every soirée. Nigel Roach is passionate about bringing together his love of music, fashion, exceptional food and drink, and unforgettable experiences. A natural connector, he thrives on bringing people together, building meaningful relationships and creating elegant events where networking and community come together in a unique atmosphere.
About Diner en Blanc
Dîner en Blanc is more than an event. It’s a global cultural phenomenon that brings friends, old and new, together to celebrate life, food, fashion, and community with a touch of mystery and a sense of spontaneity. Elegantly dressed in white, guests gather at a secret location for a chic, mass picnic, bringing their own tables, chairs, and gourmet baskets. The location remains undisclosed until the very moment of arrival, creating a sense of anticipation and delight. Over the course of the evening, attendees dine, dance, and reconnect with the finer things in life, all while sharing an unforgettable, magical experience in some of their city’s most iconic public spaces.
Today, Dîner en Blanc has grown into an international movement, celebrated cumulatively over its history in more than 120 cities across 40 countries. While Dîner en Blanc Diner International is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, each event is hosted locally by passionate organizers who bring their own flair to the original Parisian concept. Together, these gatherings unite communities worldwide in a celebration of gourmet cuisine, extraordinary entertainment, and the joy of connection. For more info, photos, and videos from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.
Ebuzz News
Stevie Wonder Joins KestheBand On Stage at DC Jazz Fest – A Big Moment for Caribbean Culture.
Internationally loved and embraced Soca band, KesTheBand delivered yet another unforgettable moment for Caribbean music last Saturday, September 5th – this time at the DC Jazz Festival. It was there, in the midst of the enjoyment that a special opportunity presented itself – Kees Dieffentaller would meet the global music icon, Stevie Wonder.
The surprise appearance marked a continuation of a weekend that placed KestheBand and Caribbean music at the center of some of the most significant cultural moments of Labour Day weekend. The set included an uptempo lyrical mashup of “I Just Called To Say I Love You” and “Savannah Grass,” which received thunderous applause from adoring fans.
Crediting his parents in an emotional social media post following their debut at DC Jazz Fest, lead singer, Kees Dieffenthaller shared that the Stevie Wonder hit “was the first record I had on repeat as a child.” The moment was a powerful one as Soca music and a Trinidad and Tobago band that dedicatedly promotes the genre along with their country, came face to face with one of the most influential global artistes in music history.
Just one night earlier, on Friday, September 4th, KesTheBand electrified Soca Fest at Brooklyn museum in New York, where the band was introduced by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. The appearance brought together Caribbean music, culture and community in one of New York’s most prominent Labor Day weekend celebrations and venues.
Kees went on to serve as an Honorary Grand Marshal of the West Indian Day Parade. The honor was shared with dancehall and reggae superstar, Buju Banton.
Kes the Band with New York City Mayor, Zohran Kwame Mamdani
