Ebuzz News
Soka In Moka Will Be Everything You Want In A Fete, This Sunday. Let’s Go!
This coming Sunday, a spectacular showcase of culture and creativity is set to be unveiled at the Carnival Starter fete- Soka In Moka. Celebrating 25 years of what has been for years, the most anticipated Carnival fete, the organizing committee says Carnival and soca lovers should be prepared to be blown away.
It’s been a journey and a good one at that, with former Trinity College vice principal, Janice Richards highlighting the commitment and love for community and college, shown by alma mater, teachers and students over the years. In its 25thyear, the staple carnival event heads back to the school’s outdoor court area. “Plans for this year’s celebration include décor to commemorate the joy we feel as a community having hosted this event for as long as we have,” said Richards. With tickets priced at $900, Soka in Moka is presently the most affordable premium all inclusive carnival fete in T&T.
Richards is joined by several valuable school alumni and dedicated alma mater. “Every person on our committee volunteers their service and we couldn’t do it without people like Kofi Boxill, Stanton Ragoonanan, Aleishe de Souza, Curlene Marcelle- Mars, Dale Dolly, our site manager Samuel Alexander and Annmarie Narine,” she said. According to Richards, the Soka in Moka All Inclusive has proven to be the school’s most successful fundraiser over the years, aiding substantially in maintaining and refurbishing the facility. “Our largest expense was in 2015 when we spent $300,000 to paint the school’s exterior. Over time, we have raised money from this event that has gone toward refurbishing the basketball court, implementing our school’s security system, outfitting our computer lab, repairing our administrative restrooms and now, we will work towards upgrading our security system at the school.”
Like clockwork, the energy of the carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago is making its grand entry. On Sunday, the event will feature an all-star DJ lineup and major artiste surprises. “This event is always one that offers value for money. Last minute tickets are still available from committee members for those who have procrastinated on making Soka in Moka a must attend this year,” said Richards, adding that over the years, the support received has been worthwhile.
This year, signature gourmet staples, a cocktail bar accompanied by the traditional premium drinks bar, and so much more, await Carnival lovers who live for a good time. “We’re anticipating a dynamic crowd that will bridge the generations on Sunday. One thing’s guaranteed, no other carnival fete offers incomparable safety and a premium experience, like Soka in Moka.”
The artiste lineup this year includes Patrice Roberts and the A Team Band, Raymond Ramnarine and Dil-E-Nadan, D All Starz Band with College Boy Jesse, Viking Ding Dong, Mical Teja, Blaka Dan, Teddyson John, and Olatunji Yearwood.
Caribbean Buzz
$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
Trinidad and Tobago is set to stage a revamped International Soca Monarch competition in what is now dubbed The Ultimate Soca Champion competition. The event’s final will be staged on Thursday, February 20th, with the semi final round set for Sunday, February 9th. The announcement was made earlier today by organisers, at a media conference held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
The organisers said the competition will not be split into Groovy/Power categories, however they said there will be special prizes for Best Groovy Soca, Best Power Soca and People’s Champion, based on public votes.
The event will feature the Ultimate Soca Champion reality TV show which organizers say is aimed at giving viewers an intimate look into the competition. “We believe this will help our culture to reach international audiences when packaged properly,” the team said.
In-Person Auditions will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Fernando Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA). Regional/ International Artistes who are not in Trinidad and Tobago, are required to submit video auditions from January 20th at 8:00am to January 26th at 11:59pm.
“We aim to make this a production that captivates
audiences worldwide,” said Rome. “The Ultimate Soca Champion Competition will not only
elevate soca to international standards but also inspire the next generation of artistes.”
For registration, submission guidelines, and updates, visit ultimatesocachampion.com from Monday January 20th, or email ultimatesocachampion@gmail.com.
Music News
Problem Child, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous Ride New ‘Powerful’ Riddim. 47 Productions Eyes Road March.
There’s another big project coming out of Dwayne Bravo’s 47 Productions in Port-of-Spain, and just like the Pineapple Riddim last month, it features some big names in Soca music.
The Viking of Soca, Bunji Garlin, Grenada’s Skinny Banton, Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child- both St. Vincent and the Grenadines entertainers, grace the ‘Powerful Riddim’- described as a heart-pounding, adrenaline-packed Power Soca riddim that’s guaranteed to light up every fete the season, even with potential for the Road March.
Bunji Garlin deliver’s ‘On De Go’ – a high-octane single that celebrates vibes and undiluted energy, while on Skinny Fabulous’ ‘Like We Rich,’ elements of a grandeur lifestyle, inclusive of living large, partying hard and embracing the high life, are showcased in song. The Vincy BadBoy, Problem Child is also a part of this project with a track called, “Not Behaving,’ undeniably living up to his name. Other artistes on the riddim are Grenadian duo, Lil Natty and Thunda who share their energy with, ‘Wah Dis,” and skinny Banton with ‘Property.” Tommy Sanchez wraps it up, adding a fresh, new vibe with his single, ‘Bend.’
The riddim is being touted as the ultimate soundtrack for the road on Carnival Monday and Tuesday and comes just as Soca megastar, Machel Montano has released, ‘Pardy,’ already getting the nod of approval from die-hard Machel fans.
While the race to the annual Road March anthem of choice in still quite a distance away, several people have already begun the conversation about what’s best for the road. Mical Teja’s ‘Energy’ and ‘Higher Power’ offer masqueraders an infectious, positive energy for the road, while Bunji’s ‘Thousand’ hits hard, delivering high impact and bassy undercurrent that’s hard to ignore.
47 Productions has been strongly contending on the music scene in Trinidad and Tobago in recent years. This year’s Pineapple Riddim, which features, Machel Montano, Lyrikal, Patrice Roberts, Rupee and 47Ronzy, has been well received, with Machel Montano applauding Bravo’s consistency, even as someone invested behind the music scene. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this Carnival season while 47 Productions continues to create space for others to rise,” Bravo had said, at the launch of the riddim in December.
The “Powerful Riddim” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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