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.
He had one of the most memorable Carnival seasons with a Soca track that stole the hearts of Soca lovers in 2026 and now Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis is set to represent hard for the Soca music genre at the upcoming ‘Best of the Best’ Music Festival in Miami on May 26th. His appearance will be his debut to the highly anticipated festival and already, the energy is high.
Voice makes his debut at Best of the Best 2026.
Voice represents the bridge between Millennial Soca and GenZ vibes. ‘Cyah Behave Mehself’ was lapped up like good Caribbean food at Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago back in February, and it is expected to do the same as the international summer season approaches.
Set to take place on May 26th at Museum Park, Downtown Miami, Voice’s inclusion on the cast underscores the Soca genre’s continued global reach within a predominantly reggae and dancehall showcase. Known for his high energy performances and melodic songwriting, the Trinidad and Tobago three -time Soca Monarch King has built an extensive catalogue of hits that that has proven to resonate with a global audience.
Organizers say anticipation for Voice’s performance at Best of the Best, is high. “Fans are looking forward to a dynamic set that brings soca’s signature energy to the festival stage.”
Best of the Best Music Fest remains one of North America’s premiere Caribbean music events, drawing fans from across the region and Diaspora for a full day of live performances. This year’s lineup includes, Sizzla Kalonji, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Rajah Wild, Skeng, Vanessa Bling, among others.
Ahead of its 11th annual voyage in November, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruiseshares its story through a new film. VIBE premiered All in the Same Boat, a documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Reshma B and produced by Boomshots TV that traces Marley and his manager Dan Dalton’s brainchild from a bold, outsider idea into one of the most culturally significant movements in reggae and dancehall today.
With over a decade’s worth of unforgettable moments pulled from the last 10 voyages, this 30+ minute documentary captures the spirit of a global reggae community built on shared identity, resilience, and reverence for Jamaican culture. It features iconic performances, real conversations with the artistes and DJs, and the heartbeat of it all: the “Jamrockers.” These are die-hard reggae lovers from over 40 countries who pull up every year for one reason – to feel that irreplaceable connection to Jamaican culture and keep the Marley message of “One Love” alive.
Having successfully navigated challenges including extreme weather and a global pandemic, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise continues to thrive. Its 11th staging will return for its annual voyage from November 11th to the 16th, sailing from Miami aboard Norwegian Joy.
Stacked from foundation to future, this year’s lineup brings together reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley (Traffic Jam Set), Burning Spear, Sizzla, Capleton, Beenie Man, Protoje, Barrington Levy, Elephant Man, Junior Reid, Lila Iké, Ding Dong & the Ravers Clavers, Tony Matterhorn “Man on the Moon”, Gyptian, 450, Richie Spice, Ghost, Mr. Lexx, Professor Nuts, L.U.S.T., Sister Carol, Sevana, Flourgon, Johnny P, and Jemere Morgan are confirmed.
The cruise’s famed Sound Clash at Sea will return alongside powerhouse sound systems including Stone Love (Geefus), King Jammy, Silverhawk Sound, Rory Stone Love, Renaissance Sound, Federation Sound, Warrior Sound, Rampage Sound, Kingston12 HiFi and Souljah1 Muzik, preserving a cornerstone of Jamaican music culture in its most authentic form.
Jamrock is a Premiere Reggae Event
The Jamrock experience has evolved into the premier reggae event at sea—one that continues to redefine how the culture is celebrated on a global stage. The five-day experience continues to immerse guests in the full spectrum of Jamaican life—from Nyabinghi sunrise sessions and sound bath meditations to dancehall workshops, fitness programming, and curated culinary offerings led by acclaimed Chef Lumley. A new addition this year includes a live theatrical production by legendary playwright Oliver Samuels, adding yet another layer to the cruise’s ever-expanding cultural canvas.
Beenie Man will be on the cruise in November.
Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the cruise will return to Jamaica with renewed purpose, maintaining its distinction as the only chartered cruise with two Jamaican port stops. That commitment translates into tangible impact, generating millions annually for the island’s tourism and cultural economy while reinforcing a direct connection between the music, the people, and the place that birthed it.
As All in the Same Boat makes clear, Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is a movement with its own rhythm, one that continues to bring the diaspora home, while inviting the world in. Since its inception in 2014, the mission remains the same: to create a space where reggae lives, breathes, and connects us all.
The documentary made its debut during the 10th annual cruise and later screened at Art Basel in support of hurricane relief efforts led by the Marley family’s Ghetto Youths Foundation. Damian Marley and Dan Dalton were executive producers of the film.
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