Ebuzz News
Archived: Team Rosa- Patrice, Swappi, Devon & More Make Music Pact
Devon Matthews is a straight up guy so when he told us that he’s all about a new unit that’s been formed to push things in one direction- the overall aim being a thrust to push the soca music art form forward, we knew he wasn’t kidding around. Devon told ETCETERABUZZ.COM that he’s part and parcel of Team Rosa- a group of artistes, djs, producers etc, all of whom are originally from Santa Rosa, Arima and environs, or close friends of people who are from those areas. Wait, it get’s better!
Patrice Roberts is said to be a part of Team Rosa. The soca cutie who was born in Toco, Trinidad, now resides in the Santa Rosa community.
Patrice Roberts, Swappi, Preedy, Ricardo Drue and Nebula 868 are all a part of Team Rosa and beyond that Devon told us that DJs who’re part of the unit are spread out across several radio stations in Trinidad and Tobago. When it comes to music and promo videos, Devon said Team Rosa will even be producing their own flicks, highlighting that Martian Music’s Don Iko is also a part of the initiative. “It’s growing. We always had Team Rosa you know, but we never took it seriously. But this year I can tell you that we’re going to put our foot in it,” said the REDFM personality.
On the issue of a possible bias when it comes to airplay, Devon said he could understand why people would immediately think there’d be a play of politics by DJs and personalities aligned to the unit, but according to the entertainer, if an artiste’s music isn’t up to par, there’s nothing that any DJ or personality could do to help. He said artistes like Patrice Roberts are accustomed to delivering music of a certain standard, music deserving of airplay and essentially, being a part of Team Rosa isn’t their way of gaining any additional mileage. “The aim of it is to have that togetherness. It’s about working together to make sure that everything everybody does looks good and is of a certain standard,” said Devon, adding that this has always been something he’s wanted to see happen. He said this effort will see a group of people grow together, labour together and see the success of hard work together.
Matthews is getting ready to release his first single for the upcoming carnival season in T&T- something called, “No Worries”, undoubtedly a spin on his signature tagline- No Kill Joy. Stay tuned to ETCETERABUZZ.COM. We’ll keep you in the know as the season of revelry comes into focus.
Ebuzz News
Patrice Roberts Pulls 10K Plus Crowd At Flava Village in Port-of-Spain.
The national Carnival Commission says more than 10,000 patrons came out to Flava Village at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Thursday night to see female Soca artiste, Patrice Roberts.
An event dubbed, ‘Always Us,’ held as a free showcase for Carnival lovers, delivered a number of truly entertaining soca stars, among them, Shal Marshall, Shurwayne Winchester, Nadia Batson, Farmer Nappy and Mical Teja. The NCC, in a media statement said, “an estimated 8,000 people filled the popular Carnival venue, with an additional 2,000patrons enjoying the show from viewing screens along The Drag, creating an electric Carnival atmosphere despite heavy rainfall earlier in the day.”
With her usual high energy performances, Patrice held the attention of fans throughout the night.The concert was described by the artiste as a heartfelt “thank you” to her fans and
supporters. NCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Keiba Jacob-Mottley, said the organisation welcomed the opportunity to partner with Roberts. “We commend Patrice for her decision to give back in this meaningful way and applaud her commitment to ensuring that high-quality local entertainment remains accessible to everyone during the Carnival season, Mottley said, adding, “Our collaboration reinforces the NCC’s focus on creating memorable Carnival experiences that celebrate our artistes while removing financial barriers for the public,” she added.
The NCC CEO noted that the Flava Food Village, one of two signature Carnival villages at the
Savannah, alongside the John Cupid Carnival Village, is offered as a vibrant, inclusive space
where patrons can enjoy food, culture, and nightly performances free of charge. She added
that other NCC events, such as “Welcome to the Gayelle” represent the continuing work at
delivering a successful Carnival 2026.
David Baptiste, President of the Carnival Entrepreneurs Association, described the night as a milestone for vendors at the Savannah. “Last night was truly beautiful and something I have never seen before – an event of this magnitude in terms of crowd size, and people supporting the vendors. Many vendors sold out last night. We need more of this, and I am looking forward to the next event. Events like these boost business for our vendors at the Savannah and make them truly feel like they are a part of the Carnival festival,” Baptiste said.
Ebuzz News
Squeezy Rankin’s Pivot. Artiste Goes Hard into Calypso to Change Mindsets.
From dancehall music with rough lyrical content to social commentary that aims at changing mindsets, East Trinidad native, Squeezy Rankin says he has found his true calling in Calypso music. The entertainer is on the road to the preliminary round of the Calypso Monarch Competition later this month, with a single called ‘Rat Race’ – this, one year after ‘Justice’ influenced younger audiences to take a stronger look at the Calypso genre, something that he hopes he can continue to do as his journey in music continues.
In a recent radio interview, the reigning Young King, whose real name is Anthony La Fleur, said prior to 2025, he had not done music professionally in 13 years. Jumping back into the spotlight, he said, was a bit intimidating, but the exposure last year has prepared him for 2026 and the artiste is expected to confidently claim his space in the Calypso Monarch competition this year.
As real as it gets, Squeezy Rankin- a man on the ground, has always fought for his place in the music industry locally. Now, as Calypso music embraces him even more, he says he believes he’s found his place. “I plan on releasing two songs during the year because I want to change the narrative that Calypso music is old people music,” he said, adding that his hope is that urban radio stations see the value in sharing topics of social commentary, such as ‘Justice’ and ‘Rat Race’- songs deep in meaning and valuable beyond measure, in the greater scheme of things.
Determined to change mindsets one song at a time, Squeezy Rankin says his strong suit is certainly social commentary and he will not, at any time, delve into political commentary. “I was advised by someone who is deep in politics to stay out of it and I literally listened. You know sometimes we hear people, but we aren’t listening. I thought about what he said, and it made sense. I literally listened, even though they say I don’t listen,” he said with a laugh.
‘Rat Race’ was written by Squeezy and Angelo Pantin with production by Q-Ban Production.
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