Ebuzz News
Archived: Swappi Speaks Out As Veteran Fire Fete Promoter Walks Away From The Blaze
Tropix Entertainment’s boss, Cliff Harris says he will not be hosting Fire Fete in 2015. He’d been contemplating things following what he coined losses in 2014 and even prior. The veteran promoter who has been at the helm of several major fetes in T&T and across the Caribbean told ETCETERABUZZ, “people just don’t want to go to these kinds of fetes anymore.” The realness of his sentiment echoed a sense of sadness, a truth that seemed eerie. Fire Fete will, as we’ve learnt from sources, be promoted by another entity, however we understand that the ‘Big Fete’ dynamic may be traded in to some extent.
Swappi is saddened by the loss of the Power soca element within T&T’s carnival.
Now, while Army Fete 2015 definitely has its place on the Carnival calendar, remaining a true revellers’ Carnival fete, others like WASA and the seemingly defunct, Liscensing fete, have lost their sting no doubt, many having retired their sneakers and merino vests… trading them in instead for stiletto heels and cocktail dresses… yes to fetes! Needless to say, one entertainer isn’t too happy about the way things seem to progressing. ‘Bucket’ hit maker, Swappi 4D says this is sad. “The type of music we used to do.. it’s dying.” said Swappi with an untainted sense of truth in his voice. He reminded us that the people who are true supporters of these “grassroots” fetes are the true fetters- the people who come out to jump, run and generally have the time of their lives. He said the music has changed, it has slowed down drastically.
Acknowledging that the desire to take the music to international audiences may be at the heart of the artistes’ general redirection, Swappi told ETCETERABUZZ that it was important for artistes to remember their roots – that being carnival and the people of the grassroots carnival circuit. “Power soca music is dying,” he lamented, this as he appealed to his fellow entertainers in the business to remember the greatness of the Power Soca element within carnival. “If there’s no more power, there’s no more carnival,” said Swappi, his words hitting hard as he spoke.”Power Soca music is from our forefathers. It’s from the Super Blue and the Sparrow, Ronnie Mc Intosh…,” he said trailing off. The young artiste noted that those elder artistes paved the way for the Ragga soca era and later the introduction of his style of soca music- a style that while sometimes laced with a dancehall influence, maintains a sense of excitement that cannot be found in Groovy soca music. “It’s something we shouldn’t turn our backs on,” he emphasized, adding that personally, he always makes sure that power soca music is a staple in his contributions each season.
Swappi says the slower paced music has affected the atmosphere at traditional big fetes.
Noting that the change in the music has led to an overall change in the atmosphere at fetes, where instead of getting sweaty with excitement, patrons stand in one place and opt to pose for photos, Swappi called on his fellow artistes to keep the Power Soca music alive. He then made a plea for patrons to fete like they once did. “I want them to put their hands in the air, jump, wave and fete like there’s no tomorrow,” he said cheerfully. He referred to the International Soca Monarch competition this past season, saying that proof of the Power category’s demise, was quite visible at the event.
Swappi says one of his biggest fears, relative to this situation is that very soon, Trinidad and Tobago fete lovers will have to cross the seas, making their way to islands like Grenada, Barbados and St. Vincent for the true spirit of carnival, where big fetes reign and big flags, casual attire and sneakers are the overall elements of a true fetters’ enjoyment!
Swappi has already released four singles ahead of the 2015 season in T&T. His most recent release was a track called ‘Sweat’.
NEW MUSIC
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.
