Ebuzz News
Trinidad and Tobago Furious over Launch of Michael B Jordan’s ‘J’ouvert Rum.’
He may be a well loved actor by Caribbean people around the world but today, Trinidad and Tobago’s people are kicking up against the launch of a rum by ‘Creed’ and ‘Black Panther’ actor, Michael B Jordan. He has coined the new liquor, ‘J’ouvert Rum!’
No… Trinbagonians are not happy at all.
Overnight, as the actor and his team launched the rum, voices began to erupt in utter shock and disgust for what some referred to as the blatant ‘theft’ of a Trinbagonian term that, while not trademarked, is well known worldwide as a creative piece of terminology for the Carnival festival’s pre-dawn, dirty Mas tradition.
Distinguishably packaged to include a small bottle of Trinidad and Tobago’s Angostura bitters, the launch night token for guests, which was set in a wooden box, held in its engraving, the true essence of the new Rum’s origin. “Derived from the Antillean Creole French term meaning Daybreak, J’ouvert originated in the pre-dawn streets of Trinidad as celebrations of Emancipation combined with Carnival season to serve as the festival’s informal commencement. Crafted on those same islands, J’ouvert Rum is a tribute to the party start,” it reads.
Frantically, some took to social media calling on Trinidad and Tobago’s government to intervene. Radio personality, Abeo Jackson emotionally wrote, “Trinis we eh fed up of ppl seeing the value of we ting more than we? So much so that many attempts at theft/columbusing/appropriation/neocolonial capitalism happens continuously under our noses. How we protecting and gate keeping? Sometimes we need to effect same for our “own” who would sell “us” upriver for a buck.”
The popular US actor was surrounded by friends and international influencers on Saturday night as he launched the J’ouvert rum, all of whom celebrated his entrepreneurial move.
Beauty and lifestyle “guru,” Khat Brim wrote, “There was no better way to celebrate #Juneteenth than with friends and fam witnessing the launch of a new black owned business✊🏿💯 I’m so proud of my brah brah @michaelbjordan as he continues to raise the bar high! I know for sure he’s making our ancestors proud with every great achievement🙌🏾 Therefore, I salute him & his entire team on the release of @jouvertrum 🥃🚀 #letsgo #blackboyjoy.”
Caribbean Buzz
Lil’ Bitts Vows Never to Miss de Mas Again as She Prepares for a Jam-packed 2025 Season
After two decades in the business, Lil’ Bitts—aka Shivonne Churche-Isaacs—has made a vow she plans to keep: never again will she sit out Carnival. The multi-talented artiste, known for her infectious energy and stage presence, has had a front-row seat to Trinidad and Tobago’s iconic festival season for years, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. She still remembers the shock she felt when she made the decision to skip the parades on Carnival Monday and Tuesday one season, only to end up physically sick. “I got sick—like, literally,” she admits. “I’ll never ignore Carnival’s call again.”
This year, Bitts is more than ready to hit the streets with Yuma for an unforgettable Carnival 2025. The excitement is palpable as she gears up for what’s sure to be a thrilling season, both on and off the road.
Rising to the Occasion with “Brighter Days”
With five songs under her belt and a growing social media presence, Lil’ Bitts is enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Her Instagram and other platforms have become hubs of interaction with fans, opening doors to new collaborations and promotional opportunities. “Social media is the ultimate artiste toolkit,” she says, urging fellow performers to embrace the digital world to connect with their audiences.
One of her most highly anticipated projects is the track “Brighter Days,” which she says has been in the works for three years. Produced by Gaffa Productions, the song has become a personal passion project. “This one is really special,” she shares. “The world needs positivity right now, and I feel like this song is necessary.” She credits the magic of modern technology for making it all come together, working with talented producers like Stemz, District 6 Studios, and Benje Music in hybrid mode from different locations in the region. She’s also collaborated with M1 on a single called “Wetter” for the 2025 season. “We’ve been talking about working together for years, and I’m so happy it’s finally happened,” she says. “M1’s a unique talent; there aren’t a lot of artistes like him.”
A Dream Come True: Chutney and Multi-Cultural Magic
As if things weren’t busy enough, Lil’ Bitts has recently ventured into the world of chutney music. She got a call from the Pungalunks Factory to contribute vocals for a track with Reshma Ramlal, the Warrior Princess herself. The track, “Poowah Nah Ready,” is a dream come true for Bitts, who has always had an affinity for East Indian culture. “When I was a kid, I loved dressing in Indian clothes and watching Bollywood movies. I knew I wanted to do a Chutney song one day, but it had to feel natural. And this—this feels right,” she said. Bitts reflects on how much she’s learned and appreciated about Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural beauty through this experience. “The energy on set, the unity—it was amazing. We’re one people, and that’s something I never want to forget.” The collaboration has already earned a place in the spotlight, with Ramlal making it into the semi-finals of the Chutney Soca Monarch competition.
Caribbean Buzz
$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
Trinidad and Tobago is set to stage a revamped International Soca Monarch competition in what is now dubbed The Ultimate Soca Champion competition. The event’s final will be staged on Thursday, February 20th, with the semi final round set for Sunday, February 9th. The announcement was made earlier today by organisers, at a media conference held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
The organisers said the competition will not be split into Groovy/Power categories, however they said there will be special prizes for Best Groovy Soca, Best Power Soca and People’s Champion, based on public votes.
The event will feature the Ultimate Soca Champion reality TV show which organizers say is aimed at giving viewers an intimate look into the competition. “We believe this will help our culture to reach international audiences when packaged properly,” the team said.
In-Person Auditions will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Fernando Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA). Regional/ International Artistes who are not in Trinidad and Tobago, are required to submit video auditions from January 20th at 8:00am to January 26th at 11:59pm.
“We aim to make this a production that captivates
audiences worldwide,” said Rome. “The Ultimate Soca Champion Competition will not only
elevate soca to international standards but also inspire the next generation of artistes.”
For registration, submission guidelines, and updates, visit ultimatesocachampion.com from Monday January 20th, or email ultimatesocachampion@gmail.com.
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Caribbean Buzz1 week ago$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
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Jessie
21st June 2021 at 11:56 AM
I saw the tweets and the petition. I went to social media, then to Instagram to learn more about what’s going on and NONE of the major American blogs have said anything. Someone posted that his team is paying these blogs to shut up. Well, any other time the blogs are the first one to magnify someone’s downfall, slip up, baby daddy/mama drama, who is dating whose ex, or a celebrity’s new business venture. I don’t see how this didn’t make the cut. Not one post on The Shaderoom, Complex, VLAD, People. . .they can put the fact that he’s dating Future’s ex but don’t have time time to post this? Somebody is paying somebody to be quiet.