Ebuzz News
Archived: Terri Lyons Has A Lot on Her Mind. Her Heart Hurts For Soca and Culture.
She has given us great music. Whether the songs she’s delivered time and time again, have made it to the mainstream soca circuit in Trinidad and Tobago, is another story. For Terri Lyons, her fight to maintain the true sound of the Soca genre, is more important. She believes we’re losing the essence of what Soca is, altering the sound a bit too much, something she says will have adverse effects for the culture of Trinidad and Tobago, in years to come.
Terri Lyons wants youths to be educated from early childhood, on the various cultural elements of Trinidad and Tobago.
EBUZZTT.COM spoke with the younger of SuperBlue’s two daughters in entertainment, recently. She admitted that evolution, while often hard to accept, is essentially inevitable, but lamented that while much is changing about Soca music’s sound, the attitude of the population when it comes to accepting the genre’s worth and that of the artistes who give so much of themselves, to keep it going, is not changing. “One thing that isn’t changing much is our attitude toward our own culture- to us, to keeping our heritage and history alive,” said the younger Lyons. She wants the people of Trinidad and Tobago particularly, to defend the genre more. Lyons is also calling on the powers that be, to play a more instrumental role in influencing the youth from a young age, to appreciate the culture of the country. “Every school in T&T should have a pan room- a properly sound proofed pan room. That is our national instrument. That is something we should have. We have no respect,” said a passionate Lyons.
The young mother of one who doubles up as a frontline vocalist with Nadia Batson’s all female band, SASS, says while many people would not want to hear what she has to say on this topic, she feels Trinidad and Tobago places more effort on promoting foreign artists that they do, their own. “A lot is changing but again I say, the attitude toward our own culture, isn’t. There is just too much back biting in the industry and a lack of appreciation for the artistes,” she argued.
Lyons has teamed up with Grenada’s Mr. Killa on a brand new single ahead of Carnival 2019.
Terri has released a new single with Grenada’s Mr. Killa. The track which is called, “Wey Yuh Dey” is described as a call for all Caribbean people to show the rest of the world, just how hard islanders party. The track is laced with Afro beats and rides the Afro Jab riddim. She certainly isn’t against collaborations and fusing the sounds of the Caribbean, but for Lyons, the heartbeat of Soca must not be sacrificed for global appeal. She says when it comes to the soca music genre, she feels there should be no compromises and the world should know it as Soca- regardless of how it’s spelt. She says any attempt to change the name of the genre, which was birthed in Trinidad and Tobago, is disrespectful and should never be accepted.
Her only son, Mathias, a major driving force in her life, Terri is calling for more to be done in the school system in Trinidad and Tobago, to educate the impressionable youth on the history of T&T’s culture. “Kids in school need to be educated about our culture. They know more about Fetty Wap and Lil Uzi, than they know about Kitchener and Sparrow or Cro Cro, or Shadow. We have to start to educate the kids from young,” she pleaded.
Lyons said it is sad that many of this country’s foundation artistes, on whose shoulders soca music was borne, are not being respected in the land of their birth. “We talk a lot of big talk about this and that, but the people in charge really aren’t doing anything,” she said.
CHECK OUT TERRI’S NEW SINGLE WITH MR. KILLA.
Music News
News Anchor and Artiste, James Saunders Turns Focus to Men’s Mental Health in New Song.
Wait, the sports guy sings?
It might be a complete surprise to see James Saunders on your television screen delivering the sports news and then hear his voice in song, on the radio. For the average fan who grew to love his bubbly personality as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most popular sport anchors, the transition may feel sudden. The truth is, the Moruga-born media personality has been balancing both worlds for nearly two decades – it’s just that, finally, more people are catching on.
“Fake Energy,” a track released in June that recognised Men’s Mental Health, received a lot of love on social media and introduced him to a whole new audience. Speaking with Ebuzztt, the singer pointed out that very rarely are men asked, “How are you… really?” He hopes his new single helps create space for genuine vulnerability, and aids in changing the narrative about what being “strong” really means.
“If we can make those conversations normal, we’ll save lives. We smile publicly while privately carrying disappointment, rejection, loneliness, or self-doubt. If this song gives someone permission to check on a friend, or realize they aren’t alone, then it’s already a success in my eyes,” he shared.
The lyrics hit home on a personal level; he has endured stretches of having to show up for work and family while masking private pain. “It reminds me that music is about more than just entertainment; it sparks the kind of dialogue people have been dodging for years, including me.”
Known by followers for his fire freestyling talent, the entertainer who goes by the sobriquet Jr. Dynamite traces his musical gift back to his late father who was a DJ. Growing up around his record collection exposed him to everything from reggae and dancehall to soul, gospel and calypso. He soon realised music was a tool to tell stories, create memories and bring people together. Today he lists Bunji Garlin, Tiko Angelos, and Vybz Kartel as his “lyrical heroes,” while crediting Papa San, Prodigal Son and Damian Marley for influencing him inspirationally. Over the years James has performed at The Pilgrimage (Trinidad’s biggest gospel festival), The Lime Tobago, and across the Caribbean including Barbados, Anguilla, Grenada, St. Vincent and Saint Martin. He’s also sung on stages as far as Canada and Brazil.
Juggling all of that has meant sleep often takes a backseat. The sacrifice, he says, feels worth it. “When you’re passionate about something, you make time for it. I never wanted to look back one day and wonder, ‘What if I had given my music a real chance?”
Guided by his Christian faith, he’s careful not to make his music feel like a lecture. He keeps it real; highlighting anxiety, disappointment, and relationships. Nothing is off limits. On the hardest day of their lives, he wants his listeners to press play and feel inspired, believing that “tomorrow can be better.”
Never one to sit still, James, who has penned more songs than he could recall during this interview, is already putting the finishing touches on his new project, an EP due to drop later this year. He calls it his most personal body of work: a collection of melodic stories tackling purpose, perseverance, faith, and identity meant to make you reflect and even shed some tears. “There are songs that will remind you that no matter what life throws at you, there is always hope on the other side.”
When he looks back at his journey, he is proud to have had the courage to pursue his passions despite the setbacks and the naysayers. He even teased that a few international collabs are coming soon. “I don’t want to say too much on that right now,” he said. “I knew this was bigger than a hobby when I found myself writing songs to process life’s experiences and encourage people. Music isn’t just something I do, it is part of who I am.”
Want more? Check out his brand new love release titled “You & Me.”
Writer – Cherisse Moe
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.
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