Ebuzz News
Taller Dan Makes Bold Claim to Space in Caribbean Culture. “I’m Building Something Bigger Than Myself.”
New artistes are rising to the challenge in the Caribbean music space and the energy cannot be denied. Soca music’s undeniable growth over the years has fueled many, and among the new generation of singers stands an artiste who calls himself, Taller Dan. He’s Trini-Brooklynian as he calls it, and he’s here to make you look, listen and move.
In a chat with Ebuzztt, the young entertainer explained that he’s been in the music business for approximately 10 years, making it abundantly clear that music is intrinsically a part of him. Known to some as Young Melo, the artiste who recently unleashed a single called, “Butterflies,” produced by super producer Boogi Rankss, says his aim, like that of many others, is to ultimately take his sound to every corner of the world, pushing limits of creativity with his art, fashion and storytelling.
On social media, Taller Dan engages well, stirring the pot with snapshots of his creative vibe, while effectively showing his appreciation for making a professional impression. “I’d describe myself as a a bridge between cultures, sounds and generations,” he told us, explaining that he’s rooted in Caribbean energy despite being raised in the heart of New York City. “My music reflects that fusion,” he continued, highlighting, “It’s soca at the core, but I blend my story, my struggle my joy.”
Intentional in his approach to entertainment and music delivery, Taller Dan, who says he’s been influenced by artistes like Machel Montano, Jamaica’s Vybz Kartel and J Cole, sees music as an escape. “I create music that feels alive, music that celebrates where I come from and where I’m headed. I’m nor trying to fit into any box. I am the box,” he emphasized.
His Trinbagonian heritage, a major part of his identity as an artiste and all round creative, Taller Dan says despite being an introvert by nature, his love for music and the business of it, nullifies that. In fact, so intent is he on revolutionizing the music game, Taller Dan has major plans to solidify his impact. “In 5 years, I see myself at the forefront of Caribbean music’s global wave—touring the world, performing at major festivals, and representing a sound that blends soca, dancehall, hip hop, and pop in a way that feels fresh but rooted,” he said. His company, Nuu Gen Entertainment, will develop over time to facilitate the development of artistes, launching collaborations, and producing events that will essentially connect the diaspora. “My aim is to have multiple projects out that not only chart, but shift culture, and I’ll be known for pushing boundaries visually and sonically,” he assured. As he stakes his claim to a space in the world of Soca and Caribbean culture, Taller Dan says, “I’m building something bigger than myself, and in 5 years, the world will feel that impact.”
Ebuzz News
Culture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
A move in line with government’s commitment to creating balance and encouraging expansion in T&T’s overall cultural experience; This is how the country’s Culture and Community Development Minister responded this afternoon to criticism meted out to government as word spread that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy would no longer be used as a fete venue.
Minister Michelle Benjamin, declaring her support for the Prime Minister said residents living in close proximity to the cricket academy, have voiced their concerns regarding the excessive sound levels generated by large scale events. Major carnival fetes have seen patron attendance exceeding 10,000 in recent years, according to promoters.
Opened in 2017, the Tarouba sporting facility is managed by the Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago. UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee, speaking on the issue with the Trinidad Express said events hosted outside of the stadium have led to wear and tear of the facility. He explained that annual costs for the overall maintenance of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, exceed $10million.
The Promoter’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago meanwhile, has condemned the move, saying, the government’s sudden ban on the use of UDeCOTT facilities for soca and other Carnival related events is destructive and short-sighted. Questioning the “real intent behind the move,” the association argues that the move is viewed as a top-down decision, made without consultation with the sector. Arguing that several promoters have already secured the venue ahead of Carnival 2026, the TTPA said, “For all those affected, tickets have been sold, venues advertised, and patrons have made travel and accommodation plans to align with confirmed events.” The organization is questioning how this move benefits the entire country.
Culture Minister Gives Reassurance
In her statement, Minister Benjamin explained that citizens should view the decision as part of the government’s broader vision to not only expand carnival beyond its traditional footprint, but to ensure the wellbeing of all communities. “As part of the expansion of Carnival, we are not saying that we are stopping fetes. What we are doing is working to identify and promote more appropriate spaces that can enhance the experience, while reducing any negative impact that could possibly arise.”
The Minister said the ultimate aim is to ensure that carnival continues to thrive as a celebration of creativity, unity and national identity. She said Carnival must reflect the rhythm of T&T’s people while striking the right balance between culture, community and progress.
Ebuzz News
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad will no longer be a venue option for events other than cricket. This announcement comes as preparations are well underway, by promoters for Carnival 2026.
The decision made by the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDECOTT) now leaves some promoters scrambling, as the decision takes place with immediate effect.
UDECOTT claims that the facility was not meant to facilitate fete events, noting that maintenance costs amount to approximately $15 million annually.
Carnival events like Xperience, Stink N Dutty, and last year’s inaugural MEGA concert headlined by Machel Montano, attract in excess of 10,000 patrons according to promoters, leaving questions as to where such massive audience numbers can be contained, along with parking facilitation.
The carnival events, while staged in the stadium’s car park, has led to significant wear and tear and damage to the facility, according to UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee. In an interview with the Trinidad Express newspaper, he is quoted as saying, “The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is for cricket. That is the purpose of it. It was not built for fetes.” He went on to affirm, “It’s for cricket and we will use it for cricket only. So there are to be no fetes at the stadium.”
For quite some time, there have been concerns raised by carnival stakeholders, regarding the need for viable venues across the country, for the delivery of large scale events.
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Ebuzz News3 days agoThe Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
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Ebuzz News3 days agoCulture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
