Music News
Terry Seales Pushes In With Optimism. Anticipates Return of International Soca Competition.
Recent confirmation by the Tourism, Culture and Arts Ministry in Trinidad and Tobago that an international Soca competition is on the way for next year’s carnival, has been met with optimism by Soca artiste, Terry Seales. He says it’s long overdue, and necessary for the development of creatives in Trinidad and Tobago. News of the new competition came even as the artiste prepared to unleash a brand-new single on the ‘Jam and Move’ riddim- a project produced and worked on collaboratively with fellow artistes, Chenko and Yohan Popwell, who’s best known as Dna 868 Muzik. “‘My single, Jam and Move’ brings all the elements of carnival together in one road- ready single,” says Seales. He is eager to make his presence felt again.
In 2023, ahead of Carnival 2024, Terry says he did his due diligence as a longstanding part of the T&T Carnival ecosystem. “I released three songs for Carnival this year and despite that, people would meet me and express hope of hearing music from me in the season.” His expression highlights the common sentiment of many artistes in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly at Carnival time. Together with Chenko and Dna 868 Muzik this time around, he is optimistic that the music will ultimately speak for itself. “Chenko’s single is called, ‘Greater Dan Dem,’ and Dna 868 Muzik brings a tune called, ‘Mash Up.’ With my single, ‘Jam and Move,’ the idea is to create the nostalgic energy of what many carnival revelers know in their hearts, is true, about this season,” said Terry, adding, “the music must bring the vibes.”
The team has worked together before and for Terry, the brotherhood and musical cohesion, is particularly refreshing. “We worked together last season and the music we delivered was excellent I believe. The aim is to maintain that level of consistency. This time around, we’re promoting using all the tools that are available to us, because ultimately, we just need the music to reach the people.”
On the topic of a new International Soca competition, Seales says he is hopeful that there will be equity in the selection process, and throughout the competition when that time comes. “I think the competition should be fair and the people should be the final judge,” he suggested.
For artistes like Terry Seales who’ve mounted stages within the carnival landscape for many years, any opportunity for potential growth in the carnival space, is anticipated. He says over the years he has observed the change of the music and is accepting of its overall direction, explaining that from a financial perspective, Groovy Soca makes sense. “The grooves are hitting better because on the international market, it’s more laid back, slower, more lyrics, better hooks. Internationally, they cannot understand the speed of the Power Soca. Mical Teja won Road March with a Groovy Soca song. The energy of that slower groove is much stronger now than the Power Soca and the Power Soca is more seasonal,” said Seales, noting that Kees Dieffenthaller’s ‘Cocoa Tea’ is presently leading the way into Carnival 2025.
Prepared to make the most of the 2025 season, Terry is set to release a second single in the weeks ahead. That groovy contribution, along with the Power Soca energy he delivers with, ‘Jam and Move,’ will tie up his offerings. “I’d really like the public to be given the chance to hear the music and decide whether they like the songs or not,” said the entertainer. For Terry Seales, this is not a re-entry or a return. He’s continuing on a journey that’s inspired by pure passion and with conviction, he’s hell bent on making a mark in 2025.
Ebuzz News
Jaiga’s Next 10 Artistes Boosted Big Time With Guaranteed Stag Stage Showcase.
It’s a major show of confidence – taking 15 relatively new artistes and giving them the opportunity to showcase on Carnival Wednesday February 11th and Thursday, February 12th at Roxy Roundabout in Port- of-Spain. Stag has teamed up with The Next 10 – a new talent search project that highlighted those less seen, in 2026. It’s the brainchild of well known radio personality and artiste, Terrin ‘Jaiga’ Callender.
Jaiga has always been a man of tremendous foresight when it comes to the Soca music industry. He brought many artistes to the forefront years ago with Synergy TV Soca star. Since that time, many have been calling for productions like it, to amplify the efforts of rising stars.
Among the 15 singers who’ll be featured on Stag Stage this year are, Mr. Lee, Keshav, Rishaun G, Mela and Zebee and Keone. In a chat with Ebuzztt, Jaiga expressed immense gratitude to Carib Brewery and the Stag brand for supporting the initiative. Born out of sheer passion and encouraged by the raw talent he heard by those who presented their music this past season, the radio personality and artiste packaged the music and delivered the new songs on social media. The feedback was positive and from there, interviews with the artistes followed. Behind the scenes, Jaiga saw the potential for the artistes to be promoted in a bigger way. Stag Stage will offer the entertainers a place in T&T’s carnival 2026.
Stay tuned to Ebuzztt. Stag Stage highlights from the initial presentation of the 15 artistes will be featured throughout the season, as we get ready for the LIVE show in Port of Spain on February 11th and 12th.
Ebuzz News
C.C Teams Up With Hooligan. Artiste Holds The Faith for More Radio Support.
One female soca artiste says she is praying that one day, God will shine a light on the music industry in Trinidad and Tobago, to afford her and other budding artistes, an opportunity to truly be heard. Not the average ‘new artist,’ Crystal Charles, best known as C.C is the frontline singer of the band, Brass 2 The World. She was recruited to join the ranks of the well-respected brass band, in 2025 and says it’s been the highlight of her career thus far. As the spotlight turns from Christmas into another intense Carnival season, the entertainer who’s been in the industry professionally since 2010, is hoping that a larger cross section of T&T will hear her music.
A short season in play, C.C has unleashed ‘Time’ alongside fellow entertainer, Hooligan. It was produced by Okay Pronto out of New York City, and boasts a strong Afrobeat synergy with Soca. “Hooligan and I just built a vibe and wrote this song on the spot,” she said, adding that it was also her very first experience working with Pronto. “The song is an Afro/Soca/Dancehall blend, with a smooth, sweet vibe,” she explained, noting that the aim is to penetrate not just the short T&T carnival season, but also an international audience. Like many others in the world of Soca, C.C has been patiently waiting her turn and with a powerful vocal tone, she knows she is deserving of consideration. “I’ve been in the business for a long time but I took a break for about 6 years and returned to music. I know stepping away when I did, impacted my growth as an artiste but I am back at it and I know that consistency in important to success.”
Describing her musical style as groovy, passionate, emotional, sweet and RnB infused, C.C does not shy away from her feminine energy. “I’d love to work with Nadia Batson, Patrice Roberts and Machel, someday,” she revealed, explaining that she’s been honing her writing skills, building confidence in this area and learning that believing in herself is necessary to success. “’Time’ is both intimate and infectious. I think it’s a feel-good song that’s perfect for late-night rendezvous and intimate relations,” said the singer, making it clear that this one, while unleashed ahead of Carnival, is risqué and perfectly suited for adults.
C.C – the artiste who wears multiple hats as a businessowner and medical professional, is eager to push into the industry and says she sees herself exploring multiple music genres, and delivering several albums within the next five years. “I’ve learnt that consistency is key. I believe that as an artiste you just have to keep pushing and eventually, when your time comes, and God says yes, nobody can say no. I’m just keeping the faith,” she affirmed.
Follow C.C’s journey as she welcomes the thrill of Carnival 2026 alongside Hooligan and as lead singer of Brass 2 The World. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be for the excitement and the opportunities. I want everyone to follow me on my ride @c.c_theoneandonly on Instagram,” she said.
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