Caribbean Buzz
Archived: Trinidad and Tobago Promoter for Buju Banton Concert Breaks His Silence.
The promotional outfit in Trinidad and Tobago that has already secured its date for the first CONFIRMED Buju Banton stage show, is today speaking on the utterance that earlier this week, caused a frenzy in the Caribbean. In an EXCLUSIVE interview with Ebuzztt, promoter, Glenroy Watson of Hi Frequency Entertainment said he is utterly saddened that such mass hysteria was caused and apologized to the people of Jamaica as well as the folks of the Love and Harmony Cruise for the misunderstanding.
Buju Banton last performed in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009 at a concert event called, I Am Legend, hosted by Glenroy Watson.
Watson has been on board the Love and Harmony Cruise, having been invited by organizers Jabba and someone he referred to as ‘The Boss’ to attend. “It has been a wonderful experience. I am just a bit bothered by the fact that the people of Jamaica and other parties with vested interest in Buju Banton, have been uneasy since the initial announcement was made. That of course, was incorrect. There is absolutely no confirmation just yet, as to where Buju will perform first. We have confirmed our date for the Trinidad and Tobago show in April but that is it. We could never say where Buju will perform first,” he said.
On Sunday night, Buju Banton’s “Everything Buju” merchandise brand manager, Jodi Lewis made the announcement that the incarcerated artist’s first performance is Trinidad and Tobago’s show in April. Later, Love and Harmony representative, Ms. Ronnie Tomlinson said she had misspoken, indicating that the first show had not yet been confirmed. Watson meanwhile lamented the fact that the Love and Harmony brand was caught in the middle of this unfortunate miscommunication, saying, “this beautiful cruise really was not the place for such an announcement- especially since it was incorrectly stated initially.” He further expressed regret on the matter to Buju Banton’s management team, explaining that Ms. Lewis’ involvement was not in that capacity.
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.
Caribbean Buzz
Jamaican Music and Culture Takes Centre Stage in South Florida, in February.
In South Florida, Caribbean culture finds a second home with a number of major caribbean centric events hosted throughout the year. On Sunday, February 2nd, the 2nd annual Reggae Genealogy Music Festival takes centre stage as the pulsating sounds and multifaceted history of that country, is set to be showcased.
The event will take place from 4pm to 9pm at the northeast parking lot of the the Broward Mall in the City of Plantation. Via media release, Ebuzztt learnt that the area will be transformed into a lively concert venue where attendees will enjoy an immersive journey through Jamaica’s unparalleled musical legacy in celebration of Reggae Month.
Produced by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, this family-friendly showcase will begin by tracing the early beginnings of popular Jamaican music, prior to Jamaican independence from Britain in 1962, to the present, touching on mento, ska, nyabinghi, rocksteady, lovers rock, dub, reggae and dancehall. Performers including industry legends like Ernie Smith, Eric “Monty” Morris, Wayne Armond, Ambelique and more will perform musical features alongside the Code Red Band and lead singer Bobby Rose, as well as dancers from Carimer Theatre, captivating the audience with a slew of hits from yesteryear.
In Act I, the story will be narrated by effervescent Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair, whose theatrical background will lend levity to the early evening events. Later, in Act II, the showcase will also highlight the influence of Jamaican music on genres such as dub, pop, reggaeton and Afrobeats, in a current and future musical journey curated and performed in part by DJ GQ of Y100. Entertainers like Bigg G, Phil Watkins, VP Records diva Shuga and more will lend contemporary musical stylings to the night.
Ahead of this rhythmic melding of entertainment and learning, attendees are encouraged to come out early to enjoy free museum tours, events and activities, food and shopping in the event area as well as inside the mall.
Gates for the Reggae Genealogy concert open at 4 p.m. with showtime at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $15 for early purchase to $75 for full-priced VIP. Find tickets, sponsorship, vendor and volunteer information at www.reggaegenealogy.org
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