Ebuzz News
Stephen Marcelle Is More Than Just ‘The Other Guy.’ ‘Trini Sweet’ Sees Him Push Forward.
The mission is clear, and the moves are deliberate. On Sunday, alongside his bandmates in Dil-E-Nadan, Stephen Marcelle graced the stage at Soka in Moka to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the iconic event. His latest track, ‘Trini Sweet,’ made its debut at the all-inclusive fete, adding another layer to the artist’s rising star. But for Stephen, this is just the beginning. As Carnival 2025 looms large on the horizon, he’s preparing for the breakthrough that will transform him into the artist he’s always dreamed of becoming.
“I’ve been with Dil-E-Nadan for over ten years now, and the experience has been incredible. The opportunities I’ve received have been invaluable, but my ultimate goal is to make Stephen Marcelle a household name,” he shares with unwavering determination.
Balancing multiple roles as a healthcare professional, PhD student, and artist, Stephen is dedicating himself to building a robust music catalogue while sharpening his marketing game. “I’ve put out songs over the years, but as an artist, you need to properly market yourself and your work. It’s been challenging with my schedule, but now I’m making it a priority,” he admits. With junior management responsibilities at the North West Regional Health Authority, a busy touring schedule with Dil-E-Nadan, and his academic commitments, Stephen has become a master of time management. “I’m ready for the challenge,” he asserts.
This November, he took his talent overseas, performing with Dil-E-Nadan in Amsterdam. It was yet another chance to showcase his versatility as a Trinidad and Tobago-born artist on an international stage. “I’ve been performing a Dutch song – I’ve done it in Suriname, and I did it in Amsterdam. The crowds are always amazed that I can perform in their language,” he reveals. Stephen is eager to continue expanding his global reach, embracing new markets and cultures beyond the Caribbean.
His new single, ‘Trini Sweet,’ penned by the legendary Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop and produced by Lunatix Productions, is a love letter to the essence of Trinidad and Tobago. “The song captures the unique sweetness of our country – from the food and freedom to the warmth of our people and culture. When foreigners visit, they can’t help but agree: Trinidad and Tobago is paradise,” he says, proudly.
Of course, Stephen doesn’t shy away from the challenges his homeland faces. “Yes, crime is an issue, and the blame game will continue. But we all have a part to play in the solution. Despite that, T&T is still a beautiful place, and there’s no place like home.”
This Carnival season, Stephen is stepping into the spotlight with fierce determination. “I’m entering competitions this year, and my focus is on strengthening my personal brand. Not only does that benefit me, but it also benefits the Dil-E-Nadan brand. I want to be known for more than just ‘the other guy.’ I know what I need to do, and I’m doing it,” he says.
A true cultural ambassador, Stephen’s love for Trinidad and Tobago’s music scene is undeniable. He was crowned Emancipation Calypso Monarch in 2012 and Young King Calypso Monarch in 2013, and has been a consistent semi-finalist at Skinner Park for seven years. “I’ve also been writing calypso for children’s competitions, and that’s something I’m committed to expanding on,” he shares. These days, Stephen uses his time wisely, writing new material during his flights as he travels for work and performances. “I don’t sleep on the plane; I write, study, or work. There’s always something to do.”
Stephen Marcelle is more than just a bandmate or a healthcare professional. He is an artist with a story to tell and a sound that deserves to be heard. As he continues to carve his path in the industry, he’s confident that one day, Trinbagonians and Soca lovers across the Caribbean will no longer refer to him as “the other guy” but as Stephen Marcelle, a name that will echo through the halls of soca history.
Ebuzz News
Jamaica’s Mavado to Receive Lifetime Award at IRAWMA Awards This Year.
David Brooks, best known as dancehall artiste, Mavado is set to be honored at this year’s 43rd International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) awards on May 17th, in South Florida. He’ll be presented with the Special Lifetime Achievement Award which represents a celebration of resilience, dominance and legacy.
In a statement, the organizers noted that Mavado is known for his unmistakeable voice, global influence and cultural impact. “Mavado has transcended borders, elevating Dancehall to international acclaim,” the statement reads.
In addition to this night of IRAWMA’s celebration of excellence in reggae and world music, globally renowned dancehall superstar, VYBZ Kartel tops the list of more than 150 nominees with 11 nods, and competing against himself in some of the categories, he is followed by Sean Paul and Shaggy with 8 nominations, each.
On the female side, Spice, Lila Ike, and Shenseea tied with 5 nominations each. Hosted by a dynamic lineup including Comedian Dufton Shepherd, Marcia Jackson, and Oliver Mair, the evening promises electrifying performances, unforgettable tributes, and a room filled with icons, tastemakers, and industry leaders.
In a show of gratitude for his conscious musical contribution, Gramps Morgan will be recognized for his song “People Like You,” highlighted as the most outstanding Spiritually Uplifting Song since the new Millennium.Gramps will join a distinguished class of honorees including Burning Spear, Wayne Armond, and Awilo Longomba—each representing excellence across genres and generations.
Caribbean Buzz
The Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
It’s a brand new concept being brought to life, in Point Fortin, however its impact, according to organizers, is already proving immense. The annual Point Fortin Borough celebrations, culminates this weekend and on Sunday, an event with a bigger purpose at heart, is anticipated to draw a massive crowd to fete, for the greater good.
Naya George and Anson George spoke exclusively with Ebuzztt.com ahead of the all inclusive experience. They’re excited to see their vision come to life. Anson, a well known name on the carnival and entertainment circuit, is known for his strong involvement in the BeachHouse Carnival brand. “It’s going to be on par with BeachHouse,” he assured, asserting ‘Flowers’ as the new ‘must attend’ fete in Borough Day festivities. “There are other events happening on Sunday in Point Fortin but there’s no other event of this caliber, happening,” said Anson, explaining that a few tickets are still available for those who still want to get in.
For Naya, the effort is less about business, and more about purpose. “We are partying with a purpose. We want to let people know that this isn’t just about feting. This is the only party that’s happening in Point Fortin that’s giving back to Point Fortin,” he explained, adding that proceeds will go toward investment in the young people. “The first set of projects will be at the Point Fortin West Secondary School where the event is being held. We are going to revitalize the sports programme, playing field restoration, sporting equipment and that kind of stuff, to ensure the youths have a place to find themselves in the area of sports. Flowers is the premiere fund raiser to do these things,” said George.
Set to welcome fete lovers from 5pm on Sunday at the Point Fortin West Secondary School, Flowers will feature a cast of talented artistes, inclusive of Nadia Batson and Lyrikal. “We want to raise fund in style and with high quality at heart, hence the reason the event’s caliber is high. This is going to be a first for Point Fortin,” said Naya George.
The Point Fortin Borough experience is widely attended, with a series of cultural events leading up to the weekend of excitement that is anticipated by locals and visitors alike, each year. “Flowers has set the tone for the Borough Day evolution I think,” said Naya George. “Fusion came to an end last night,” noted Anson. He said the cultural extravaganza, which was similar to Carnival’s Flava Village, was a huge success and noted the wide variety of cultural traditions, shared between April 25th and April 30th. “If people can jump on a plane to experience Grenada carnival, we are certain they can come from West and North Trinidad to enjoy the Point Fortin Borough activities,” said Anson, making it clear that ahead of the upcoming weekend, hotel and guest house occupancy is already high.
“Borough is like a second carnival,” said Anson. He said there are fetes happening throughout the day on Friday. “When you come, you get a taste of everything you get in carnival. You get the fetes, the all inclusive, the jouvert, the street food, the culture,” he highlighted, and this year, for the very first time, fans of culture, creativity and altruism, will fete with purpose at Flowers – a distinct, top tier, premium all inclusive experience in the heart of the borough.
Tickets for the event are available online at Stacy’s House Of Hair – Point Fortin, Atherley’s By The Park – San Fernando, Terminal 4 – Long Circular Mall and online at theticketgeneral.com.