Ebuzz News
This Band Is Going Nine Years Strong. Their Vibe is Definitely IT!
Today marks a very special occasion. One of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean’s well known music bands celebrates its ninth anniversary. The A Team Band, managed by Zarin Morean, with frontline acts, Eddie Charles, Kerlz and D Soca Trainer, have proven that they’re well able when it comes to representing the culture of Trinidad and Tobago, in any arena.
Morean says the journey that has led to this ninth year, has not been easy, and thanks the band’s musicians for their every effort, sleepless nights and their undying commitment to the goal.
The A Team Band has become somewhat of a staple to Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival landscape. In the past few years, the band has been chosen to support numerous artistes, among them, Patrice Roberts, Shal Marshall, Ricardo Drue, Lil Bitts and many others, at events locally, regionally and internationally. “There were times when we could have given up,” said Morean, recalling the early years of the band’s existence. The A Team Band’s musicians had been a part of another unit prior to the formation of A Team. “During their rehearsals with the Soca Unit band, back in the day at Question Mark Entertainment, the members all agreed that the band leader’s direction was not in line with what they wanted at that time,” explained Zarin. He said the members envisioned a more youthful, energetic vibe. “They decided to change their course and I was one of the people around them at that time. I was asked to manage the new band and I’ve been on board ever since,” he explained.
The A Team Band has performed across the world. One of the events Zarin says stands out was the band’s performance in Germany for the Bon Fire Festival. “It was a festival with all kinds of bands from all around the world and The A Team was called to be a part of it. It really was a proud moment to represent Trinidad and Tobago at that Bon Fire Festival in Germany,” he said.
Not As Simple As It Looks.
The A Team Band is, above all, a dedicated unit. Music Director, Miguel Charles and engineer, Brennon Virgil are credited by Zarin for their musical direction. “To get to where we are now, we’ve had to commit ourselves to very long hours- learning every song from the artistes and getting it to where the artistes themselves, want it to be,” he noted. He said a lot of tweaking takes place by Charles and Virgil. “They both have keen musical ears,” said Morean.
Excited for 2023
Carnival 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago, less than eight months away, The A Team Band is gearing up for the excitement. Morean says the focus at this time is to equip the band’s frontline artistes with their own music. “We’re working with Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop, Zan, Kitch (Kernal Roberts) and Chinese Laundry, to make this a reality,” he explained, also assuring that the band’s 2022 Engine Room production will also be expanded. Further to that, Zarin said the band’s members are looking forward to working alongside YUMA and Chocolate City for the next season. “We really need to bring back that live music element on the road. I’m seeing it happening and I think that’s a good thing.”
Cheers to the A Team Band! The journey has only just begun!
Caribbean Buzz
Skinny Banton Sets the Tone with ‘Liquor’ ; Reminds Real Revelers of Vibes in Store.
As Carnival 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago looms, one of the Caribbean’s most unique and intriguing male artistes, Skinny Banton, is gearing up to make his mark in a big way. With his latest release, Liquor, already causing waves, the Grenadian-born artist is proving he’s here to stay, bringing his personal style, and down- home Caribbean spirit to a global audience.
It’s been five years since his unforgettable hit, Wrong Again, took the world by storm and the track remains a fan favorite to this day. Its infectious energy and authentic vibe solidified Skinny as an artiste to watch, and since then, his music has resonated with listeners across the region and internationally. His ability to blend catchy rhythms with meaningful lyrics has made him a staple in Caribbean music, while his sound remains a perfect blend of traditional influences and contemporary flair.
The Jab culture of Grenada has always been a source of inspiration for the Carriacou native. But it’s not just one island or one genre that defines him. Skinny draws from the wider Caribbean experience, creating music that speaks to all the islands, enticing the international crowd along the way. As he explains, his music isn’t confined to one place or one story; It’s about sharing the universal joy of the Caribbean with the world.
“Music is for everyone,” says Skinny. “It’s not about where you’re from. It’s about connecting people from different walks of life through rhythm, melody, and energy. When people come to Carnival, they’re looking for an experience that will stay with them forever, and I want to be a part of that.”
Ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025 Carnival, Liquor is quickly becoming one of those intrinsic songs. With its irresistible beat and carefree lyrics, the song is a celebration of the Caribbean spirit — the good times, the laughter, and yes, the drinks that fuel the party. “This is a song for the drinkers, the ones who bring the vibes to the Carnival with every sip they take,” Skinny laughs. “But remember — everything in moderation! You don’t want to be the one ruining the vibes for everyone else.”
Last year, Carriacou, the artiste’s home island, was devastated by Hurricane Beryl. Amid that unfortunate circumstance, he stood up with a sense of determination to draw awareness to the plight of those left to clean up and get their lives back to normal. His popularity as an entertainer, aided somewhat in that effort as he was able to assist with food and necessities for those affected. Through his artistry, Skinny continues to shine a spotlight on his roots, celebrating the vibrant culture and resilience of his community.
In Trinidad recently, he reconnected with fans of his music, sharing the new songs ahead of the 2025 Carnival season. “Music is the universal language,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what language you speak. What matters is that it makes you feel something — and that’s what I try to give. The people know good music. They need music to lift their spirits, make them move, and sing along,” he explained, adding, “That’s what I strive to provide — music that resonates, that connects, music that brings people together.”
To stay connected with Skinny Banton and get the latest on his upcoming music and Carnival appearances, follow him on Instagram and Facebook @skinnybanton.
Caribbean Buzz
Scorch 101 Soca Hit List Sends Soca Lovers Crazy.
Soca music lovers from all around the world tuned in to Trinidad and Tobago radio station Scorch 101 FM on Friday as the station delivered what can only be described as a deep dive into the music genre. With 101 days to go to Carnival 2025 the team at Scorch Radio pushed out a plan to ensure listeners from around the world tuned in, and that they did.
The Internet could not get enough of the music that is so often attached only to the carnival culture. A list of what the Scorch team considers 101 of the top Soca tracks based on criteria such as danceability, cultural impact, lyrical content, music production, and versatility brought out Soca enthusiasts from every nook and cranny across the Internet. In one day, Scorch radio penetrated the Diaspora and brought people together, though via the Internet, to banter heartily over whether the choices were or were not valid.
Judges on the panel included DJ Adam, Travis World, and DJ Private Ryan among others. Scorch Radio CEO Kwesi ‘Hoppy’Hopkinson steered the event, giving his views throughout the day on the music that would be shared with listeners worldwide. In the end, the most impactful Soca single would be Machel Montano and Destra Garcia’s ‘It’s Carnival.’ Delivered in 2003, the collaboration between these two accomplished Soca artistes maintain a powerful presence at carnival fetes held around the world, annually. The song however, did not capture that year’s Road March in Trinidad and Tobago. That year, Fay Ann Lyons stole the show with ‘Display,’ a song that did not make it to the Scorch Radio 101 Soca Hit List. The multiple title holder’s ‘Meet SuperBlue’ was positioned at #90 on the Scorch 101 Soca Hit List.
The single-day Soca showcase perplexed some who questioned the rationale behind the choices and the placement on the list. Kevin Little’s globally known, ‘Turn Me On,’ made it to #2 while Rupee’s “Jump” was given the third spot on the list. The 2010 Road March “Palance,”made the list at #4.
Whether agreed upon in its entirety or not, the Scorch Radio team created an effective campaign that ignited the energy of Soca music lovers globally.
