Ebuzz News
Archived: So That’s Why Bunji Garlin Smiles More Now…
He’s been extremely vocal on almost every topic that’s thrown out there. Bunji Garlin- Trinidad and Tobago’s lyricist, has been using his social media clout well. He’s managed to amass a massive following of some 147,000 followers on Instagram and he’s never afraid to tell them just what’s on his mind. Of course, it’s never just between him and his die hard fans. Word that Garlin has spoken often travels leaps and bounds, even making its way to international eyes and ears- proving that he is no ordinary man by any means.
On Monday evening, Bunji rattled humbly, but with a tone that expressed true satisfaction. He had posted a simple image of his eight year old daughter, Syri. The caption however, was another story. His words deep, expressively fitting and undoubtedly well thought out, the “Chicken and Dumplin” singer spoke candidly of the reason he now smiles more than he ever did before. You see, Bunji Garlin- the man initially reputed in the music world as a masked warrior, hardly ever showed the happy emotion. There was, prior to the birth of his daughter, a mystery to him that some even found dark and unlikeable. Syri, he says, is his reason to smile, this as he credits wife, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez for giving her to him.
Here’s what he shared:
Eight year old Syri.
“Everything this little girl knows it’s because we taught her. She watched us and she asked questions and as parents we owed her every honest answer. It is because we answered those questions honestly and showed her the fruitfulness and value of the knowledge she amassed, she is incredibly well mannered, polite, loving, EXTREMELY CARING adding to the fact that she wants to be a paleontologist and knows some dinosaurs by their Latin origins (at age 8) she can light up any room she walks into. She understands clearly what she is and where she is positioned and already acts on taking up the weight of what she sets her eyes on. People want to know why I smile so much now it’s because her mother gave me her to call daughter. This kid makes me like a kid all over again hahaha. She encourages joy only when she’s around, it’s like you can’t be sad once she’s there. Syri girl you’ve got one superlatively proud father. Wow @fayannlyons we did great here baby. Sometimes I feel like God is smiling more than me and you when we look at her.”- Bunji Garlin
Bunji and his wife, Fay Ann Lyons- Alvarez on set in LA.
Now, we understand the depth of Bunji Garlin’s being. He certainly is no ordinary man and even as he travels the world, makes the acquaintance of some of the high powered folk in the entertainment world, we can’ help but feel proud that the Wallerfield youth many once referred to as, “too ghetto,” has risen above the expectations of the naysayers. Bunji recently shared his behind the scenes footage alongside his wife for the filming of scenes for the movie, “Prison Logic”, which is being created by actor, Romany Malco. Garlin plays the character, “Upgrade.” While on set in LA, he shared his feelings with his fans around the world, saying, ”
EVERY SINGLE THING that was said or used knowingly or not to try to deter me is exactly what was used to place me in this position. This is not my doing. This is God allowing this to happen. One thing could’ve stopped me from being here, me. God allow the opening and gave me the strength to take it up, little did I know they were waiting all the time for the signal. I am also very glad that I have @fayannlyons to share this very moment with both on and off screen.
Caribbean Buzz
Charly Black, Kevin Lyttle Release ‘Summer Banger’ Produced by Global Hitmaker, Walshy Fire.
Two of the Caribbean’s most legendary hitmakers have joined forces for what is shaping up to be one of the Caribbean’s biggest records of the year.
Dancehall superstar Charly Black, whose global smash “Gyal You A Party Animal” has amassed more than one billion streams worldwide, joins forces with St. Vincent Soca hit maker, Kevin Lyttle, whose timeless international hit “Turn Me On” has generated hundreds of millions of streams. That single remains one of the most recognizable Caribbean songs ever recorded.
The single, “Island Ting,” unites the music of Jamaica and St. Vincent & The Grenadines, celebrating the beauty, confidence, and irresistible energy of island women. More than just a song, “Island Ting” is a celebration of the Caribbean, its vibrant diaspora, and everyone around the world who embraces the region’s unmatched culture, music, and love of celebration.
Blending irresistible Dancehall and Soca influences with an unmistakable tropical vibe, the record is poised to become the soundtrack of the summer, says a media release issued.
Produced by well known international producer, Walshy Fire, with the instrumental crafted by acclaimed producer Jason Julian, “Island Ting” is already making waves across the streaming landscape. The single has secured significant editorial playlist support from Apple Music and Spotify, with Spotify further backing the release through premium placement on its coveted Mobile Home Banner – one of the platform’s most prominent promotional spaces for new music.
Industry insiders are already tipping “Island Ting” as one of the Caribbean’s defining songs of the summer, with momentum expected to carry through Notting Hill Carnival, into Trinidad Carnival 2027, and beyond. From beach parties and festivals to clubs, radio, and playlists around the world, the record has all the ingredients of a timeless Caribbean anthem.
“Island Ting” is available now on all major streaming and digital platforms.
Ebuzz News
Seven Songs. One Big Artiste. Grenada’s Spice Mas Better Be Ready for Skinny Banton.
Spice Mas, like every other carnival, is seasonal, but for Carriacou, Grenada artiste, Skinny Banton, music isn’t. He has unleashed seven songs in 2026, and like clockwork he’s locked in and ready to deliver his energy, good vibes and storytelling strengths to audiences celebrating another memorable Spice Mas experience this year.
For Skinny Banton, whose real name is Shirlan George, Grenada’s Jab culture is fuel to his fire. In the past, songs like ‘Soak It Good’ and ‘Wrong Again,’ brought him tremendous acclaim across the region and internationally. This season, The Jambalasse project is anticipated to be one of the artiste’s most powerful contributions, signaling his intentionality to promote his country’s authentic culture, wherever he goes. “With this project we’re trying to keep the history, while celebrating the present by revamping a song that was done by Moss International 35 years ago,” he said. That song was called ‘Jambalasse Rule,’ released in 1991. “We revamped the riddim because it was one of the first songs considered to be an original Jab Jab song from Grenada, at that time,” he explained.
Proud of his personal efforts to keep the awareness on Grenada’s cultural traditions, Skinny Banton advocates for the continued celebration of these traditions and understands his role as an artiste. “No matter what we face as artistes in this space, we stay true to our mission. I have several songs that the people will enjoy in Spice Mas and beyond. One of my personal favourites is ‘Pain,’ a song I would like to share with my fans in Trinidad and Tobago when Carnival 2027 comes around,” he said.
Strengthening Others
Other tracks released by Skinny include, ‘When Yuh Eating,’ ‘Right Up,’ ‘Black Fuh Juvay,’ ‘Can’t Stop Us,’ ‘Carnival Traffic’ featuring Jamaican artiste, I Octane, ‘My Behaviour,’ featuring Tonic X and ‘Water Line Burst,’ collaboratively done with Nicki Akull. “The collaborations done with Tonic X and Nicki Akull mean a lot to me. They are upcoming artistes who I share good vibes with. When I was younger and had hopes of connecting and collaborating with bigger artistes, it was not easy,” he recalled, adding that it often felt daunting. He says because he understands the feeling, he is happy to be able to help these up-and-coming entertainers. “This was just my way of giving them strength and encouragement. I feel like nobody takes you seriously when you don’t have a foot in the door – they refuse to embrace you because you are not known. I want them to keep pushing after this,” he added.
Dedicated and refocused, Skinny Banton is pushing full speed ahead. “I’m doing music videos for most of the songs. I already have a video for ‘Black Fuh Juvay,’ which has been uploaded to YouTube and all other streaming platforms, and the video for ‘My Behaviour’ with Tonic X is also out,” he said. Grateful to Jamaican artiste, IOctane for the strength given to him on their collaboration on the single, ‘Carnival Traffic,’ Skinny said this particular song is one that he loves, and he hopes the people will, as well.
For the past three years, the artiste had been approached by upcoming entertainer, Nicki Akull for the single they eventually brought forward this year. “Waterline Buss – Nicki Akull’s persistence and determination really brought this song into existence,” he said, happy to have eventually come around to making it happen. Even with such a vast number of singles released, Skinny Banton says he is ready to work with artistes across the Diaspora. “I’m still creating, still working and I’m looking forward to establishing more ground in the Soca community and around the world.”
Social Media, Music and Trends.
Certainly attuned to the necessary promotional adjustments that many artistes have been forced to adopt, Skinny Banton says he hopes that despite the rise in social media content distribution, true talent and good music is not sacrificed. “I feel like content creation online should not take away from artistes creating and delivering great music, because without the content, the music should still stand on its own, and with the content, the people still need the music,” he shared. “I also feel like a lot of trends are created from making yourself an online spectacle and not the music being able to sustain itself, so you may get attention for what you post as content, but the music you’re posting the content for sometimes does not have enough substance to sustain itself for longevity,” he rationalized.
Thoughtful, conscious and truly talented, Skinny Banton is a necessary part of the Caribbean’s creative landscape. His storytelling ability, coupled with his appreciation for the art and vocal capacity, makes him an artiste everyone should tap in to. “I want to encourage the young artistes to stay focused and keep pushing and never be discouraged by the many things that’s said on social media. They must work hard to establish their business to suit them, because every artiste will do things differently, when it comes to the business; Never be discouraged by the naysayers,” he advised. He thanked his fans for their love and support over the years. “People who’ve been supporting from day one and continue to support, as well as the new supporters I’ve gotten along the way – thank you. To the DJs and radio personalities, I appreciate you. One hand doesn’t clap. Thank you for keeping my songs on rotation and I hope you all continue to support me.”
