Ebuzz News
Archived: The World Better Get Ready for Phia. Here’s Why…
An unsuspecting, musically gifted trailblazer is slowly but surely taking her place. Much like Jamaica’s Koffee seemed to have emerged out of nowhere overnight, and quickly stamped her name into history, so too will Trinidad and Tobago born rising star, Phia.
Sophia Smith is a 20-year-old diamond in the rough. According to engineering mastermind, PengCo Music, she’s the real deal. In fact, so confident is PengCo in Phia’s natural talent, her passion and drive, that he’s ready to risk it all, to take her to the heights of the music business.
Phia grew up in Gonzales, Belmont with her mother, grandmother and extended family members. She fondly recalls being called upon by her uncle to perform for friends who would come over to house parties held at the family home. They would encourage her talent, often gifting her with cash after her impromptu performances. An eventual relocation to Petite Bourg, in San Juan with her father brought with it an even greater appreciation for music and dance. Noting her father and uncles’ constant singing and dancing display at the house, Phia said it was not too long before she too became completely mesmerized by music.
“All I think about is music,” relays a most recent Instagram post by the young soulful singer. Unlike most in the Caribbean, who’re attuned to island beats and the Caribbean flavour, this young artist stays true to herself, maintaining her love for soulful genres of music. “I grew up with my grandmother. Our neighbour would play music every morning,” she explains. “I grew up listening to Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Johnny Cash, just to name a few.”
Untraditional for a youth of this era some may argue, but for PengCo, Phia’s vibe is refreshing, new, exciting. “She’s going to be big,” he says confidently, and with that assurance, Phia too, stands ready to push even harder. On April 1st, Phia released visuals for her single, ‘Red,’ which she penned. The track was recorded at Proden Studios and mixed and mastered by Pengco Music. Asserting herself as a GenZ neo-soul artist, Phia’s laid back delivery is reminiscent of that of RnB singer, the late, Aaliyah Haughton.
“I’d describe my music as soothing. I think my music’s relatable to events that unfold in most people’s everyday lives,” she explains, admitting that her major contemporary influences have come from international RnB superstars, Chris Brown and Kehlani. “Dancing was really my first love. I used to watch Chris Brown’s music videos and try to emulate every move and his voice. On the flip side, Kehlani has influenced my style a bit. They’re both major vocal influences but I like the way Kehlani dresses,” she said.
With her eye on the prize, her heart humble and her passion unwavering, Phia’s on a journey that’ll ultimately lead to the big leagues. Her only hope is that the support at home in the Caribbean is forthcoming, after all, the love and support of ‘home’ beats all else.
Ebuzz News
Culture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
A move in line with government’s commitment to creating balance and encouraging expansion in T&T’s overall cultural experience; This is how the country’s Culture and Community Development Minister responded this afternoon to criticism meted out to government as word spread that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy would no longer be used as a fete venue.
Minister Michelle Benjamin, declaring her support for the Prime Minister said residents living in close proximity to the cricket academy, have voiced their concerns regarding the excessive sound levels generated by large scale events. Major carnival fetes have seen patron attendance exceeding 10,000 in recent years, according to promoters.
Opened in 2017, the Tarouba sporting facility is managed by the Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago. UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee, speaking on the issue with the Trinidad Express said events hosted outside of the stadium have led to wear and tear of the facility. He explained that annual costs for the overall maintenance of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, exceed $10million.
The Promoter’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago meanwhile, has condemned the move, saying, the government’s sudden ban on the use of UDeCOTT facilities for soca and other Carnival related events is destructive and short-sighted. Questioning the “real intent behind the move,” the association argues that the move is viewed as a top-down decision, made without consultation with the sector. Arguing that several promoters have already secured the venue ahead of Carnival 2026, the TTPA said, “For all those affected, tickets have been sold, venues advertised, and patrons have made travel and accommodation plans to align with confirmed events.” The organization is questioning how this move benefits the entire country.
Culture Minister Gives Reassurance
In her statement, Minister Benjamin explained that citizens should view the decision as part of the government’s broader vision to not only expand carnival beyond its traditional footprint, but to ensure the wellbeing of all communities. “As part of the expansion of Carnival, we are not saying that we are stopping fetes. What we are doing is working to identify and promote more appropriate spaces that can enhance the experience, while reducing any negative impact that could possibly arise.”
The Minister said the ultimate aim is to ensure that carnival continues to thrive as a celebration of creativity, unity and national identity. She said Carnival must reflect the rhythm of T&T’s people while striking the right balance between culture, community and progress.
Ebuzz News
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad will no longer be a venue option for events other than cricket. This announcement comes as preparations are well underway, by promoters for Carnival 2026.
The decision made by the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDECOTT) now leaves some promoters scrambling, as the decision takes place with immediate effect.
UDECOTT claims that the facility was not meant to facilitate fete events, noting that maintenance costs amount to approximately $15 million annually.
Carnival events like Xperience, Stink N Dutty, and last year’s inaugural MEGA concert headlined by Machel Montano, attract in excess of 10,000 patrons according to promoters, leaving questions as to where such massive audience numbers can be contained, along with parking facilitation.
The carnival events, while staged in the stadium’s car park, has led to significant wear and tear and damage to the facility, according to UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee. In an interview with the Trinidad Express newspaper, he is quoted as saying, “The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is for cricket. That is the purpose of it. It was not built for fetes.” He went on to affirm, “It’s for cricket and we will use it for cricket only. So there are to be no fetes at the stadium.”
For quite some time, there have been concerns raised by carnival stakeholders, regarding the need for viable venues across the country, for the delivery of large scale events.
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Ebuzz News1 week ago100 Days To T&T Carnival – Big Launch, Big Vibes to Hit Port of Spain, this Friday.
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Ebuzz News4 days agoThe Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
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Ebuzz News5 days ago“This Project Come from a Real Place — From Loss, Learning, Faith.” – POPCAAN.
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Ebuzz News3 days agoCulture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
