Ebuzz News
This October, We ‘Runaway’ to Tobago For The Sweetest All Inclusive.
In one month, the island of Tobago will be in carnival mode. It’s third annual Carnival staging is an anticipated calendar event to carnival chasers, worldwide. Promotional powerhouse, Kairi People, hosts of mainstay events like Runaway, Different, AWP, N’ouvert, JBI and Breakfast Is, are in full support of the Tobago carnival product, and once again, the team is heading back to the island, ready to deliver something that’s top tier – something Tobago deserves.
Set to host its third edition of ‘Runaway’ Tobago, on October 16th, event organizer, Richard Gordon says this is one of the premiere events that can ultimately be used as a marker for the people who live overseas. “They can come in to Tobago from that day or the day before. This is the event that will energize the atmosphere leading into the Carnival.”
As usual, Runaway’s theme remains consistent, the event being hosted midweek on what is a normal working day. “It’s not a holiday. Patrons always make it their business to be at Runaway from midday, leaving work early or doing whatever is necessary to be there,” said Gordon.
The effort to deliver Kairi People’s ‘Runaway’ in Tobago is very intentional. “I have hired Tobago’s DJs, our MC is from Tobago and we included two upcoming artistes from Tobago last year. The aim is to showcase the talent that lies in Tobago, as well,” said Gordon.
The Kairi People brand has over the years, stood hard and fast to the mantra, ‘value for money.’ Their outfit spares no cost in delivering the perfect array of Caribbean cuisine and tantalizing cocktails. Runaway Tobago will offer the ambience of Pigeon Point’s scenic oceanfront view, added to which, Gordon says those coming to the event can feel free to enjoy a splash if they so desire. “The dress code for the event is usually elegantly casual. It’s really not beachwear, but of course, if you so desire, you can enjoy the beach, grab your drink and go back into the water,” said Gordon.
This event in particular, has offered patrons coming over from Trinidad, the option of return airfare included in their ticket packages. “The response has been very good. The last flight is already totally booked to return to Trinidad. People are opting to fly over and spend the night in Tobago after the event. Some are making it a long weekend too,” he shared. Patrons coming over from Trinidad will also have storage unit access, should they choose to walk with additional clothing.
Runaway has always been an anticipated event in T&T. From its humble beginnings as an event built and shared among friends, to years later, an annual staple- first in Trinidad and now, a sure part of the Tobago Carnival landscape, Richard Gordon is pleased. “This event isn’t officially aligned with the Tobago Tourism Agency, but I’m doing my part to add to the Tobago tourism product,” he assured.
Colourful and vibrant clothing and décor the order, Runaway will see performances by De All Starz Band, which includes, Viking Ding Dong and College Boy Jesse. Added to the lineup is, Waddicks who has been enjoying a very busy post carnival 2024 year, and the incomparable, Farmer Nappy. “We continue to engage entertainers ahead of the event, and we guarantee that for an affordable $600 all inclusive, patrons will have the time of their lives on sister isle, Tobago,” said the organizer.
Ebuzz News
Patrice Roberts Pulls 10K Plus Crowd At Flava Village in Port-of-Spain.
The national Carnival Commission says more than 10,000 patrons came out to Flava Village at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Thursday night to see female Soca artiste, Patrice Roberts.
An event dubbed, ‘Always Us,’ held as a free showcase for Carnival lovers, delivered a number of truly entertaining soca stars, among them, Shal Marshall, Shurwayne Winchester, Nadia Batson, Farmer Nappy and Mical Teja. The NCC, in a media statement said, “an estimated 8,000 people filled the popular Carnival venue, with an additional 2,000patrons enjoying the show from viewing screens along The Drag, creating an electric Carnival atmosphere despite heavy rainfall earlier in the day.”
With her usual high energy performances, Patrice held the attention of fans throughout the night.The concert was described by the artiste as a heartfelt “thank you” to her fans and
supporters. NCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Keiba Jacob-Mottley, said the organisation welcomed the opportunity to partner with Roberts. “We commend Patrice for her decision to give back in this meaningful way and applaud her commitment to ensuring that high-quality local entertainment remains accessible to everyone during the Carnival season, Mottley said, adding, “Our collaboration reinforces the NCC’s focus on creating memorable Carnival experiences that celebrate our artistes while removing financial barriers for the public,” she added.
The NCC CEO noted that the Flava Food Village, one of two signature Carnival villages at the
Savannah, alongside the John Cupid Carnival Village, is offered as a vibrant, inclusive space
where patrons can enjoy food, culture, and nightly performances free of charge. She added
that other NCC events, such as “Welcome to the Gayelle” represent the continuing work at
delivering a successful Carnival 2026.
David Baptiste, President of the Carnival Entrepreneurs Association, described the night as a milestone for vendors at the Savannah. “Last night was truly beautiful and something I have never seen before – an event of this magnitude in terms of crowd size, and people supporting the vendors. Many vendors sold out last night. We need more of this, and I am looking forward to the next event. Events like these boost business for our vendors at the Savannah and make them truly feel like they are a part of the Carnival festival,” Baptiste said.
Ebuzz News
Squeezy Rankin’s Pivot. Artiste Goes Hard into Calypso to Change Mindsets.
From dancehall music with rough lyrical content to social commentary that aims at changing mindsets, East Trinidad native, Squeezy Rankin says he has found his true calling in Calypso music. The entertainer is on the road to the preliminary round of the Calypso Monarch Competition later this month, with a single called ‘Rat Race’ – this, one year after ‘Justice’ influenced younger audiences to take a stronger look at the Calypso genre, something that he hopes he can continue to do as his journey in music continues.
In a recent radio interview, the reigning Young King, whose real name is Anthony La Fleur, said prior to 2025, he had not done music professionally in 13 years. Jumping back into the spotlight, he said, was a bit intimidating, but the exposure last year has prepared him for 2026 and the artiste is expected to confidently claim his space in the Calypso Monarch competition this year.
As real as it gets, Squeezy Rankin- a man on the ground, has always fought for his place in the music industry locally. Now, as Calypso music embraces him even more, he says he believes he’s found his place. “I plan on releasing two songs during the year because I want to change the narrative that Calypso music is old people music,” he said, adding that his hope is that urban radio stations see the value in sharing topics of social commentary, such as ‘Justice’ and ‘Rat Race’- songs deep in meaning and valuable beyond measure, in the greater scheme of things.
Determined to change mindsets one song at a time, Squeezy Rankin says his strong suit is certainly social commentary and he will not, at any time, delve into political commentary. “I was advised by someone who is deep in politics to stay out of it and I literally listened. You know sometimes we hear people, but we aren’t listening. I thought about what he said, and it made sense. I literally listened, even though they say I don’t listen,” he said with a laugh.
‘Rat Race’ was written by Squeezy and Angelo Pantin with production by Q-Ban Production.
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