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.
Music News
Vybz Kartel To Headline Reggae Sumfest This Year, Alongside Mavado. New Album, ‘God & Time’ Set for June Release.
One of the most influential artists in dancehall history, Vybz Kartel, marks a defining new chapter with his forthcoming album God & Time, slated for release June 5th, 2026.
In recent weeks, dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel has been receiving some backlash online after sharing videos of himself wearing a bonnet while dancing in his underwear and a robe. The noise increased after he shared it a second time, almost taunting his detractors and making it clear that he is rich and does not care for the unsolicited comments of naysayers. Fast forward days later and like magic, the artiste’s pre-album release publicity stunt ushers in the release of his forthcoming album God & Time, set for a June 5th release. Kartel ain’t no fool.
The upcoming album is symbolic for the artiste who spent 13 years behind bars in Jamaica and was only released in 2024. It is being touted as his most personal and sonically expansive body of work since his release. The album will span genres and features an all star lineup of artistes including, Puerto Rican superstar Farruko, Jamaica’s Skillibeng, and Shenseea, with more artistes to be included.
In a media release, it is highlighted that throughout God & Time, Vybz Kartel moves seamlessly between personal reflections, hard-hitting dancehall anthems, sensual records for the ladies, genre-bending crossover records, and rare moments of vulnerability. It adds that it is inspired by the Jamaican expression “God & Time”—rooted in faith, patience, and destiny—and reflects the artiste’s survival, rebirth, and creative freedom.
The title track evokes the same introspective tone as Kartel’s most streamed post-release hit “God Is The Greatest,” which has surpassed 30 million video views year-to-date.
Produced by longtime collaborator TJ Records alongside Kartel, the album reunites the creative team behind Viking (Vybz Is King) (2015) and King of the Dancehall (2016), which included the RIAA Gold-certified hit “Fever.” God & Time will be released via TJ Records / Vybz Kartel Muzik and distributed by Zojak World Wide.
In support of the new album, Vybz Kartel will headline Reggae Sumfest on July 18th, alongside Mavado, reuniting two dancehall icons whose rivalry defined the genre throughout the 2000s in a landmark moment for Jamaican music and culture.
Music News
Producer Advocates for More Positive Content. Leads The Way With ‘The Only 1’ Riddim.
One music producer in Trinidad and Tobago is calling on all artistes to create more meaningful music. He’s however advocating for positive content and says the time has come to counteract the negative as much as possible.
Khadeem Edwards is the man formerly known as Twin Island Studio, but he switched gears around 2023, after what he describes as a rebirth. He now runs Xklusiv Music Productions and earlier this year, saw the success of his Relief Riddim- a project that featured the likes of Skinny Fabulous, Rae, Dev and Mr. Lee. In the aftermath of that, he’s pushing more positive energy with a new project called, The Only 1 Riddim, and this time he has worked with several talented artistes, among them, Christo and Island Boy Preedy.
For Edwards, the mission of creating music is one that’s as important as it is necessary. He firmly believes that music’s influence can be uplifting or damaging, and because of that belief, he is advocating for change. “As a producer, I know that my work influences people. Because of that, I’ve made the conscious decision to work on this particular project with the intention to influence people positively,” said Edwards. The Only 1 Riddim is a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B and Soul music. By its acoustic nature, the production demands lyrics that are soulful, sweet and life-giving. “We were given emotions, and music plays with these emotions. If you have an aggressive style of music and you consume that frequently, that aggression will begin to develop in you as a person. For this riddim, I’ve incorporated Afrobeats so we can still dance, but the harmonies deliver on the typical R&B and Soul sounds.”
The release of the songs on The Only 1 Riddim coincided with the celebration of Mother’s Day. Edwards explained that each song is meant to stir something inside the soul of the listener and engage them in a way that promotes love. “I think it’s important for listeners to be offered a choice when it comes to music. There’s a great opportunity for our artistes to bring forward more music that counteracts the negative, and I think the onus is on the people who hold the power to promote positive music, to do just that,” said Edwards. His expression comes in the aftermath of several incidents of violence in Trinidad and Tobago in recent weeks, which have been linked to gang warfare. Many across society have argued that music which perpetuates criminality plays a powerful role in the end result that often spikes the murder toll.
Artiste support weighs heavily on the overall thrust to deliver music that’s needed for a better outcome in today’s society. Edwards says between the marketing and promotional efforts and the consumer’s reaction to the music, a lot can happen. “Delivering music takes a big toll on all artistes as well as the producer. Marketing costs and all other associated costs are heavy. What’s sad is that after all those expenses, the consumer hardly ever makes a purchase. They rip pirated versions or stream for free. A song is 99 cents on iTunes. When you pay for the music, you feed the artiste and the producer. We need more people to buy the music and support our artistes,” he urged.
A single acceptance of a new life by Khadeem Edwards a few years ago altered his life’s direction. “I accepted Jesus Christ. I wasn’t perfect and I’m still not perfect, but I’m working towards perfection, being a better person, and I believe any artiste, any person, can do the same,” he said. He hopes The Only 1 Riddim will decrease the sense of urgency presently consuming many across the world. “My hope for this project is for all of us to really slow down. The world is moving really fast and we need to slow down and appreciate the people who truly matter. The songs on this riddim express that. I believe that if we listen to this style of music, we’ll slow down, reminisce, capture a vibe of love and appreciation for the people we love, and return to tenderness and vulnerability.”
Plans are afoot to generate more music that promotes the positives of life. Edwards and his team at Xklusiv Music Productions are answering a call that runs deeper than the eye can see. “The bonus track on this riddim will be a gospel single and in that song, The Only 1 will ultimately be God. I’m pleased to be doing this and I hope that its value will be appreciated.”
The artistes on The Only 1 Riddim are Christo with “Woman,” Maki who delivers “D Only One,” Preedy who sings “Fight No More,” Mr. Lee with “Take Care,” Temisha from the US Virgin Islands, who sings “Paradise,” and LFS Music returns with “Sweet Love.”
