Ebuzz News
Sound Forge Delivering 7 Carnival Shows Over 7 Days as They ‘Defend We Culture.’
There’s now a buzz across Trinidad and Tobago as event promoters, inclusive of artistes who are bent on keeping the spirit of Carnival and Soca music, alive, are announcing events at venues dubbed, ‘safe zones’ for vaccinated patrons, across the country.
Beginning on February 22nd, the Sound Forge which stands at Lot 6, Christopher Samuel Drive, Mucurapo, will host something called, ‘Defend We Culture.’ It’s a bold statement being made by the team as they prepare to stage seven shows over a seven day period.
“We know that this is not an ideal situation, but we felt as though so much has been missed over the past two years as not just us, but the world has had to adapt to our ‘new normal’,” said Sound Forge’s Communications Consultant, Leisel Douglas. She explained that the team saw a unique opportunity to utilise the Sound Forge to ‘Defend the Culture’ and its magic during this time. It’s the most viable option against losing the essence of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture and not proofing it for generations to come.
Partnering with various stakeholders, Sound Forge has put together an impressive calendar featuring many aspects of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival. Douglas said the experience will feature traditional Carnival characters, soca artistes, calypsonians, and a Carnival Village. Shows start on February 22nd with Freetown Collective and run throughout Carnival week culminating with David Rudder’s High Mas on Carnival Monday, February 28th. Sound Forge will partner with the Port- of- Spain City Corporation for a fusion of pan and calypso carded for Carnival Friday, February 25th. Also headlining shows are Preedy and 3 Canal with the A-Team Band commanding Saturday’s offering.
“The venue is a verified safe zone and prep work is ongoing to facilitate the events,” Douglas explained. “We did Kes last year, so a lot of what we need is already in place. Seats will be socially distanced, sanitisation stations available throughout the venue, proof of vaccination for entry is a must, and we intend to go below even what is considered a safe capacity for the venue,” she said.
Tickets for show access both physically and virtually went on sale on Monday February, 7th. Tickets for the physical access are only available at the box office located at the venue. For additional details, follow @sound.forge on Instagram.
Ebuzz News
Patrice Roberts Pulls 10K Plus Crowd At Flava Village in Port-of-Spain.
The national Carnival Commission says more than 10,000 patrons came out to Flava Village at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Thursday night to see female Soca artiste, Patrice Roberts.
An event dubbed, ‘Always Us,’ held as a free showcase for Carnival lovers, delivered a number of truly entertaining soca stars, among them, Shal Marshall, Shurwayne Winchester, Nadia Batson, Farmer Nappy and Mical Teja. The NCC, in a media statement said, “an estimated 8,000 people filled the popular Carnival venue, with an additional 2,000patrons enjoying the show from viewing screens along The Drag, creating an electric Carnival atmosphere despite heavy rainfall earlier in the day.”
With her usual high energy performances, Patrice held the attention of fans throughout the night.The concert was described by the artiste as a heartfelt “thank you” to her fans and
supporters. NCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Keiba Jacob-Mottley, said the organisation welcomed the opportunity to partner with Roberts. “We commend Patrice for her decision to give back in this meaningful way and applaud her commitment to ensuring that high-quality local entertainment remains accessible to everyone during the Carnival season, Mottley said, adding, “Our collaboration reinforces the NCC’s focus on creating memorable Carnival experiences that celebrate our artistes while removing financial barriers for the public,” she added.
The NCC CEO noted that the Flava Food Village, one of two signature Carnival villages at the
Savannah, alongside the John Cupid Carnival Village, is offered as a vibrant, inclusive space
where patrons can enjoy food, culture, and nightly performances free of charge. She added
that other NCC events, such as “Welcome to the Gayelle” represent the continuing work at
delivering a successful Carnival 2026.
David Baptiste, President of the Carnival Entrepreneurs Association, described the night as a milestone for vendors at the Savannah. “Last night was truly beautiful and something I have never seen before – an event of this magnitude in terms of crowd size, and people supporting the vendors. Many vendors sold out last night. We need more of this, and I am looking forward to the next event. Events like these boost business for our vendors at the Savannah and make them truly feel like they are a part of the Carnival festival,” Baptiste said.
Ebuzz News
Squeezy Rankin’s Pivot. Artiste Goes Hard into Calypso to Change Mindsets.
From dancehall music with rough lyrical content to social commentary that aims at changing mindsets, East Trinidad native, Squeezy Rankin says he has found his true calling in Calypso music. The entertainer is on the road to the preliminary round of the Calypso Monarch Competition later this month, with a single called ‘Rat Race’ – this, one year after ‘Justice’ influenced younger audiences to take a stronger look at the Calypso genre, something that he hopes he can continue to do as his journey in music continues.
In a recent radio interview, the reigning Young King, whose real name is Anthony La Fleur, said prior to 2025, he had not done music professionally in 13 years. Jumping back into the spotlight, he said, was a bit intimidating, but the exposure last year has prepared him for 2026 and the artiste is expected to confidently claim his space in the Calypso Monarch competition this year.
As real as it gets, Squeezy Rankin- a man on the ground, has always fought for his place in the music industry locally. Now, as Calypso music embraces him even more, he says he believes he’s found his place. “I plan on releasing two songs during the year because I want to change the narrative that Calypso music is old people music,” he said, adding that his hope is that urban radio stations see the value in sharing topics of social commentary, such as ‘Justice’ and ‘Rat Race’- songs deep in meaning and valuable beyond measure, in the greater scheme of things.
Determined to change mindsets one song at a time, Squeezy Rankin says his strong suit is certainly social commentary and he will not, at any time, delve into political commentary. “I was advised by someone who is deep in politics to stay out of it and I literally listened. You know sometimes we hear people, but we aren’t listening. I thought about what he said, and it made sense. I literally listened, even though they say I don’t listen,” he said with a laugh.
‘Rat Race’ was written by Squeezy and Angelo Pantin with production by Q-Ban Production.
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