Ebuzz News
Archived: Swappi Puts Ice In His Bucket- Donates to ALS
While for some the ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) ice bucket challenge is seen as a brilliant marketing ploy to get the world in tuned to the seriousness of the illness, there is now concern growing in the Caribbean that some may be using the phenomenon for their own personal gain, as merely a publicity stunt. The latest T&T based celebrity who has offered his support to the cause is Marvin Davis, best known in the soca world as Swappi. In a well orchestrated and videotaped scenario, the ‘Bucket’ singer has not just one bucket but four, dumped on his head, this after challenging the likes of Destra Garcia, Penny Gomez, Ravi B, Bunji Garlin and even Kees Dieffenthaller among others, to do the same.
Swappi has four buckets of ice thrown on him.
Last week, many across Trinidad and Tobago began dissuading the action, instead calling on their counterparts on the island to deliver something of equal worth to a local charity of some sort- the concept of being a bandwagonist nation, a constant cry. Soca artiste, Bunji Garlin in his usual thoughtful sentimentality expressed hesitance toward the challenge, posing questions about ALS, asking where he would be able to donate and the possibility of getting hypothermia, his body having been exposed to various temperatures in recent days and weeks. Despite his hesitation however, others, like Swappi, have been eager to show off their ability to beat the challenge.
Trinidad and Tobago television and radio personality, Samantha John, the Island People crew, sportsman, Kenwyn Jones, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt and Grenada’s Kerani James, have all taken up the challenge, supposedly donating to the charity. On Twitter, the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society meanwhile, has requested that persons and organisations donate to their cause, if the ice bucket challenge is accepted and delivered on.
The ALS ice bucket challenge began after 29- year- old Pete Frates, a former Division one college athlete with Boston College Baseball, who suffers with ALS, participated in the challenge and posted a video online. The phenomenon has raised in excess of $70 million for the charity to date.
CHECK OUT SWAPPI IN ACTION
Caribbean Buzz
Rising Superstar, Coutain Heads to Tobago for Easter Weekend, Rhthym and Soul Festival.
Like a breath of fresh air, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s very own rising stars has been added to the Easter cast of a major festival happening on the island. Coutain, a reserved Sangre Grande entertainer who’s been making waves, though humbly, is the one of the latest names plugged to entertain visitors to Tobago, and locals alike, at the Buccoo Seafood and Jazz event.
Coutain’s rise to prominence say him take Carnival 2025 by storm, performing at several major events and showcasing a unique essence that’s likable and palatable to all demographics. Songs like ‘Junction,’ ‘Artform’ ‘Jamtown’ with Tano, and ‘Carnival Darling’ with GBM Nutron, form part of the artiste’s enticing catalogue. An organic and true undercurrent that’s proven effective in marketing the artiste, now sees him stand alongside the likes of International superstars, Brian McKnight and Jon Secada in Tobago on April 19th.
The Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival aims to deliver a showcase of rich, cultural engagement this Easter and despite an election shadow, all efforts have remained strong in promoting the importance of showcasing Tobago’s tourism product, to the world.
Last week, the announcement of Buju Banton’s sudden replacement as a result of illness within his camp, led to some concern, however with Stephen Marley now headlining the Easter Sunday, ‘Fusion’ concert event alongside the likes of Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Singing Melody, Kes The Band and others, the show, according to organizers, is gearing up to be a highlight of the calendar year in Tobago.
Coutain, along with former Road March King, Mical Teja and St. Lucia’s Teddyson John, will be among the star studded line-up this Easter weekend in a festival that’s being touted as transformative and energizing on Trinidad’s sister isle.
Ebuzz News
Finally, Marley Consciousness Will Erupt in T&T This Easter.
A near carbon copy of the original and still, a powerful force in reggae music on his own, Stephen Marley graces the shores of Trinidad and Tobago this Easter. The artiste’s imminent arrival has been prompted by the unforeseen postponement of Buju Banton’s appearance in Tobago this year. For true fans of reggae music however, Stephen’s name is a breath of fresh air – a ‘Marley’ having been absent from the local entertainment and concert scene, since 2012.
Stephen, is by all measure, the living, breathing spirit of the late, great, Bob Marley. An eight-time Grammy Award winner, Bob’s second child with wife, Rita Marley has stood firm in the trenches for his father’s mission of empowering mankind through music, melody and lyrical prowess.
The Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival, with organisers, the Tobago Festival Commission, keenly cognizant of the need to inject positive music and energy into the twin island Republic, has chosen this powerhouse entertainer to stand in for Buju at this time, confident that his timeless music, will engage the masses. “Challenge comes with growth. This festival will ultimately blossom into a product that Trinidad and Tobago can essentially be very proud of. As we develop the brand and build from the foundation up, we’re tremendously happy for the outpouring of support we’ve been receiving,” said Kern Cowan – CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission.
The inclusion of the elder Marley on the Easter Sunday ‘Fusion’ cast, amplifies the commitment of the organisers, to ensuring that no stone is left unturned in satisfying the people of Trinidad and Tobago and those who will visit for the holiday weekend. “We’re excitedly moving full speed ahead with systems on overdrive to accommodate our visitors. Tobago is a beautiful destination for anyone interested in absorbing life’s natural blessings. The island truly has it all – beauty, serenity, nature and now, with a product like this one, we’re ultimately showcasing the possibilities,” said Cowan.
Across the Caribbean, tourist destinations are a dime a dozen. The simplicity of Tobago’s eco-focused aesthetic however delivers something unique to those who’ve done the ‘magazine-destinations’ time and time again. “Music is fundamental to life and so we knew that in order to better highlight and market Tobago in its most authentic way, we could not overpower the energy of the island, but rather, compliment it. For that reason, we’ve created a festival that soothes, regenerates and uplifts,” said Cowan.
His father’s voice perfectly synced to his, Stephen Marley will penetrate Trinidad and Tobago at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago, on Easter Sunday. He will be joined by the likes of Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Singing Melody and more. The stage is set for what is being touted as a transformative experience in Trinidad and Tobago.
