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The Power of People. Rae Credits Motto, Darryl Gervais for Her Rise in Soca. Delivers ‘Throw Waist.’

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For every Soca artiste, the reason behind the passion, their drive and persistence, is different. Rachel Purcell- the artiste known simply as Rae, is the sweetheart of Soca. She says she’s motivated by not just her love for music, but her dedication to family and growth. Several songs already released heading into the heat of Carnival 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago, the young, beautiful superstar on the rise, is maintaining her focus, grateful for every blessing she’s experienced along her journey. 

In 2019, Rae experienced something almost mysterious. She had gotten a chance at a breakthrough in T&T’s Soca music industry after struggling to find her path in music. “I’ve always loved to sing. I learnt to read music during my earlier years when I played the violin and after that, I attended the Frank Sinatra School of The Arts in the US,” she said. Traveling during her earlier years between T&T and New York and now, between Maryland and T&T, Rae says her earlier years were filled with moments of uncertainty and bouts of fear. 

Rae even attempted to be a part of American Idol in the past.

“I had made the conscious decision to focus on music in High School and I had been mostly involved in the classical side of music, but it didn’t feel like it was enough for me,” she admitted. Even being aligned with a young group of singers in her earlier years, and recording at Murder Inc. studios in New York, Rae felt something was missing. “The feeling just wasn’t there and I decided to put a pause on it for a while at one point,” she said, explaining that she took time out of music professionally, but would perform with friends at Karoake clubs and even made an attempt to enter American Idol. “I signed up and on the day of the audition, in the cold, I lined up. Eventually though, fear kicked in and I changed my mind.” 

A chance opportunity presented when she received a phone call from a relative, changed Rae’s trajectory. “My cousin called and told me he had connections with a songwriter who worked with Kees.” His name was Darryl Gervais, a well-known songwriter and producer who would eventually become Rae’s manager. Despite having never recorded Soca music, Rae’s conviction to make this opportunity count, led to her persuading Gervais to write two songs for her, for the 2020 carnival season. Added to that, with the help of another producer and singer in the business, Rae made a breakthrough even she did not see coming. “Darryl had contacted Motto on my behalf, telling him about me and asking him to consider me to be on a riddim for the season. Motto had asked to hear my music but I had none. It was unbelievable; Motto took that chance on me, adding me to the Toatin Riddim alongside artistes like Nadia Batson, Lyrikal, Nessa Preppy, Shal Marshall and himself. That was where it all started for me. That’s when I got my break.”

Now, five years later, having dealt with the pandemic’s tumultuous passage, Rae is standing strong, empowered as a female Soca artiste in the business. “During the pandemic when many of us were confused about the direction we should go in, I did not give up. I did a lot of virtual performances and maintained my presence,” she said, crediting the challenging global situation with her sudden rise.

Her latest release is called, ‘Throw Waist.’ It comes on the heels of other releases for the season, inclusive of ‘Wining Degree’ and ‘Come Over’ – a collaboration with Azaryah. The new single offers powerful visuals that deliver a different sound from the singer who many often consider to be strictly groovy. “Everybody calls me the Sweetheart of Soca, but I feel like that puts me in a category where people think I can only do ‘sweet’ songs. I don’t want to get boxed in; I’m versatile, and I am capable of multiple variations when it comes to Soca music,” she asserted. 

Rae understands it’s not enough to just release music.

In the week ahead, Rae touches down in T&T, ready to hit the ground and push the music she’s armed with for Carnival 2025. In 2024 she became the second runner up when she entered the Antigua Soca Monarch and for the artiste, it was a major success. “I felt like I had won because I was an artiste nobody had known- with a song nobody had heard much of. That meant a lot to me,” she recalled.

Now aiming to deliver with stronger vocals in the season ahead, Rae says she is dedicated to connecting with the people through strong visuals online and authentic engagement. “It’s not enough to just release the music anymore. People want to connect, and visuals help with that. Bringing the content and the personality with the music, is the way forward,” she explained, adding that this year, her aim is also to show off more of her personality. 

‘Throw Waist’ was written by Darryl Gervais and produced by Papo. The song delivers a militancy that’s sometimes necessary in the carnival season. “This song is about the ladies and the energy is all about dominating, empowering and strengthening the women all season long,” said Rae. 

All set to parade with Paparazzi on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, the passionate, vibrant entertainer is maintaining a tunnel vision, focusing on her ascent in the business, and setting high standards for herself – something she knows will never be a mistake.   

RAE - Throw Waist (Official Music Video) | Soca 2025

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Sport Anchor and Artiste, James Saunders Turns Focus to Men’s Mental Health in New Song.

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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.”

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WriterCherisse Moe

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Grammy Award Winning, Morgan Heritage Salutes Jamaica with First Release Since Losing Peetah Morgan.

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Grammy Award-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage returns with “Come Feel The Love,” an uplifting new single written and produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Stephen Marley.

Released on July 10th through Ghetto Youths International, the song serves as a vibrant musical invitation to experience Jamaica through its people, culture, landscapes, and unmistakable spirit. According to a media release the song celebrates the essence of Jamaica through authentic storytelling, using the universal language of reggae to capture the island’s warmth, resilience, beauty, and enduring sense of community.

Led by the unmistakable voices of Gramps Morgan and Mojo Morgan, the single paints vivid images of Jamaica’s natural beauty, from the iconic lignum vitae and soursop trees to Negril’s coastline, Lovers’ Leap, and the communities where generations have shaped one of the world’s most influential musical cultures.

Complementing the song is a visually stunning official music video produced by Filmaica and directed by Fernando Hevia. Filmed entirely on location throughout Jamaica, the visual showcases many of the island’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks. Gramps Morgan’s performance scenes were captured in Negril and at the iconic Lovers’ Leap in St. Elizabeth, both destinations referenced in the lyrics, bringing an added level of authenticity and emotional connection, while celebrating the beauty and diversity of Jamaica.

Built around the infectious refrain, “Come Feel The Love,” the record embodies Jamaica as more than a destination – it is a feeling rooted in family, music, community, and connection.

Celebrating Home.

“Come Feel The Love” marks Morgan Heritage’s first newly recorded release since the ascension of one of its founding members, Peetah Morgan, opening a new chapter for one of reggae’s most celebrated groups while honoring the legacy he helped build. The single reflects the band’s enduring commitment to carrying its message of unity, love, and cultural pride to audiences around the world.

Jamaica has given us so much, our identity, our music, our culture, and our purpose,” said Gramps Morgan. “This song celebrates everything we love about home and invites the world to experience the same warmth and inspiration that continues to shape who we are.”

Mojo Morgan added, “Reggae has always connected people across cultures and generations. ‘Come Feel The Love’ reminds us that Jamaica’s greatest gift isn’t just its beauty, it’s the love, unity, and positive spirit that people feel the moment they arrive.”

The record seamlessly blends Morgan Heritage’s signature harmonies with Stephen Marley’s timeless production, creating a contemporary roots,reggae anthem that honors Jamaica’s traditions while introducing its story to a new generation of listeners.

As one of reggae’s most celebrated families, Morgan Heritage has spent decades carrying Jamaican music to audiences around the world, earning a Grammy Award and building a legacy of socially conscious, spiritually uplifting recordings. Their collaboration with Stephen Marley, one of reggae’s most accomplished artists and producers, brings together two of Jamaica’s most influential musical legacies in a powerful celebration of the island, its people, and its culture.

More than the release of a new single, “Come Feel The Love” represents the beginning of Morgan Heritage’s next chapter, one rooted in the same values that have defined the band for generations while embracing a renewed purpose. As they honor Peetah Morgan’s enduring legacy, the group continues its mission of celebrating Jamaica through music and spreading love, unity, hope, and positivity to audiences around the world.

“Come Feel the Love” is available now on all major digital streaming platforms.

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