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.
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.