Ebuzz News
Teja’s ‘Mas’ Exceeds Expectation. Young Road March King Brings Real Good Vibes.
Mical Teja may very well go down as one of the most influential entertainers of this generation in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. His music, never failing, has infectiously mesmerized audiences, with some verses and choruses though written for others, distinctly carrying his flavorful vibe. Now, as January 2025 makes its exit and the season of revelry intensifies in Trinidad and Tobago, all eyes are on the hit-maker, many eager to see if he will in fact secure a second Road March win, or better yet, become so undeniably integral to the culture, that no promoter, anywhere, could resist hiring him.
In 2024, Mical Teja performed around the world, his hits, ‘DNA’ and ‘Runaway’ sending crowds in a frenzy. This year, he is pretty much doing the same with ‘Energy’ and ‘Higher Power.’
On Sunday, January 26th, at the Normandie Hotel in St. Ann’s, Trinidad, Teja hosted ‘MAS’ The Experience, a showcase that promoted him even higher, if that is in fact possible. Supported by the illustrious, Brian MacFarlane, creativity stood out front, beckoning eyes, ears and all other senses, in a moment in Carnival 2025 that will be remembered by many.
Prior to last season, Mical Teja was often quiet and reserved in the background. He hopped on the scene as a producer and songwriter, but when 2024 came around, the world would come to know him as a performer. His elevation was supported by artistes like Viking Ding Dong, Kees Dieffenthaller, and others who were impacted by his creativity over the years. Teja had written for Machel Montano, Destra Garcia, Olatunji Yearwood, Kerwin DuBois, Patrice Roberts, Nailah Blackman and countless others, prior. Now, infected by the stage and the excitement of it all, he is back on stage in 2025, pouring his heart and soul into all that he does.
On Sunday, Teja made his way to the stage at around 8:30pm, amid a true cultural explosion – Jab and blue devils on full display, making their way through the thick crowd who’d come out in support. In the background, heavy riddim echoed, bringing fans to loud outbursts of appreciation. Teja would go on to sing his 2025 hit, ‘Higher Power’ backed by dancers who showcased special choreography to suit the song, bringing immeasurable impact on stage.
The event featured a number of performers, among them Coutain, Kees Dieffenthaller, Kris Kennedy, Anika Berry, Farmer Nappy, Freetown Collective, GBM Nutron, Nadia Batson, FullBlown and Yung Bredda. “They are some of the writers on some of the biggest soca songs,” he had said of Fullblown, as he thanked them for joining him at MAS- The Experience. “To see this – y’all making full circle – brothers, this is allyuh time,” he said to the siblings who, like him, have ventured to the stage after years of writing songs for other artistes.
Undoubtedly appreciated by his peers, Teja was warmly greeted and his energy matched each time he introduced a new artiste. When Freetown Collective took the stage with him to single, “Mas Cone Again,” the moment was pure, real, tangible. Freetown would go on to take charge of the perfectly in tuned and alive audience, delivering his 2025 hit single, “Come Home,” – a song that has echoed the feelings, though sometimes willingly subdued, of the real Trinbagonian patriot.
The energy of this year’s MAS – The Experience may never be truly replicated, but it is certain that Mical Teja, Brian MacFarlane and team have delivered to patrons, a slice of carnival that has been missing – something true, fresh and authentic.
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.
CHECK OUT HER PROCESS HERE
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Caribbean Buzz1 week agoTerri Lyons Expands. Artiste Shows Immense Creativity on New RC Mas Monday Wear.
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Caribbean Buzz3 days agoTrinidad and Tobago, First to Host Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, This September.
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Lifestyle7 hours agoDîner en Blanc Returns to Port-of-Spain with New Hosts and a Fresh Spark of Elegance.