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Archived: Trinidad and Tobago’s National Instrument Undeserving of Carifesta Main Stage?

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The Carifesta XIV experience being hosted in Trinidad and Tobago this year may have a bit of upheaval, this as Pantrinbago says the national instrument isn’t being treated with the respect it deserves.

Ace pannist Dane Gulston has spoken out on the matter of the steelpan not being included in the main concert event, “Island Beats”, which is carded for August 24th.

The Isand Beats event being hosted at the Queen’s Park Savannah, will be headlined by Machel Montano, Grammy Award winner, Shaggy and Guadeloupe’s Kassav, with other performances by young entertainers like Nailah Blackman and Voice. Gulston argues it’s outrageous that no thought was given to including the host country’s national instrument in the main stage lineup, further stating that the use of steel pan only at the opening and closing of events, is essentially a slap in the face.

Speaking on television on Friday morning, Pantrinbago President, Beverly Ramsey-Moore said while the organization, under her stewardship, has enjoyed a very good relationship with Culture and Arts Minister Nyan Gadsby Dolly, her response to the request from Pantrinbago to be included in the main stage dynamic, was unappreciated. She relayed how Gadsby Dolly seemed to have been taken aback by the request, in essence squealing, “Pan on stage with Machel and Shaggy?!”

Jamaican reggae artistes, Maxi Priest and Tarrus Riley were treated to the sweet steel pan music by Dane Gulston in May this year.

The Minister is yet to comment on the issue, this as social media is now abuzz with online commentators arguing that Trinidad and Tobago’s renowned national instrument- the only major musical instrument invented in the 20th century, should be loved by its people and shared with the world, at any opportunity given.

In May this year, Jamaican reggae sensation Tarrus Riley was greeted by Gulston to the sound of the steelpan, which he enjoyed tremendously.

Jamaican reggae hit maker @tarrusrileyja is certainly a fan of the steel pan. He’s in #TrinidadandTobago ahead of Saturday’s #Redemption6 concert being held at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain. He met up with ace pannist, #DaneGulston who showed him a thing or two. The culture of the Caribbean, while sometimes vastly different, is always wholeheartedly embraced by all Caribbean people. What a beautiful thing. #caribbean #entertainment #music #steelpan #trinidadandtobago #tarrusriley #ebuzztt

Posted by Etceterabuzz Trinidad on Thursday, May 30, 2019

Reporting by: Melissa Stanisclaus.

Caribbean Buzz

The Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.

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It’s a brand new concept being brought to life, in Point Fortin, however its impact, according to organizers, is already proving immense. The annual Point Fortin Borough celebrations, culminates this weekend and on Sunday, an event with a bigger purpose at heart, is anticipated to draw a massive crowd to fete, for the greater good.

Naya George

Naya George and Anson George spoke exclusively with Ebuzztt.com ahead of the all inclusive experience. They’re excited to see their vision come to life. Anson, a well known name on the carnival and entertainment circuit, is known for his strong involvement in the BeachHouse Carnival brand. “It’s going to be on par with BeachHouse,” he assured, asserting ‘Flowers’ as the new ‘must attend’ fete in Borough Day festivities. “There are other events happening on Sunday in Point Fortin but there’s no other event of this caliber, happening,” said Anson, explaining that a few tickets are still available for those who still want to get in.

For Naya, the effort is less about business, and more about purpose. “We are partying with a purpose. We want to let people know that this isn’t just about feting. This is the only party that’s happening in Point Fortin that’s giving back to Point Fortin,” he explained, adding that proceeds will go toward investment in the young people. “The first set of projects will be at the Point Fortin West Secondary School where the event is being held. We are going to revitalize the sports programme, playing field restoration, sporting equipment and that kind of stuff, to ensure the youths have a place to find themselves in the area of sports. Flowers is the premiere fund raiser to do these things,” said George.

Set to welcome fete lovers from 5pm on Sunday at the Point Fortin West Secondary School, Flowers will feature a cast of talented artistes, inclusive of Nadia Batson and Lyrikal. “We want to raise fund in style and with high quality at heart, hence the reason the event’s caliber is high. This is going to be a first for Point Fortin,” said Naya George.

Anson George

The Point Fortin Borough experience is widely attended, with a series of cultural events leading up to the weekend of excitement that is anticipated by locals and visitors alike, each year. “Flowers has set the tone for the Borough Day evolution I think,” said Naya George. “Fusion came to an end last night,” noted Anson. He said the cultural extravaganza, which was similar to Carnival’s Flava Village, was a huge success and noted the wide variety of cultural traditions, shared between April 25th and April 30th. “If people can jump on a plane to experience Grenada carnival, we are certain they can come from West and North Trinidad to enjoy the Point Fortin Borough activities,” said Anson, making it clear that ahead of the upcoming weekend, hotel and guest house occupancy is already high.

“Borough is like a second carnival,” said Anson. He said there are fetes happening throughout the day on Friday. “When you come, you get a taste of everything you get in carnival. You get the fetes, the all inclusive, the jouvert, the street food, the culture,” he highlighted, and this year, for the very first time, fans of culture, creativity and altruism, will fete with purpose at Flowers – a distinct, top tier, premium all inclusive experience in the heart of the borough.

Tickets for the event are available online at Stacy’s House Of Hair – Point Fortin, Atherley’s By The Park – San Fernando, Terminal 4 – Long Circular Mall and online at theticketgeneral.com.

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Caribbean Buzz

Caribbean Youths Zealously Welcome American Streamer, IShowSPEED.

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A Caribbean tour that started in Trinidad on Saturday and has continued in Grenada, this afternoon, has intrigued GenZ and GenAlphan fans across the Caribbean and internationally, all thanks to digital influencer, IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr.

The 21-year-old Cincinnati, Ohio native who has racked up over 53 million YouTube subscribers touched down in Trinidad on Saturday, much to the excitement of local gaming and streaming fanatics, many of whom are teens and pre-teens.

Accompanied by several Trinidad and Tobago influencers and chaperoned by Machel Montano’s manager, Che Kothari, the vibrant young streamer was shown various parts of Port- of- Spain, Trinidad, and introduced to aspects of the culture often experienced by visitors to T&T, particularly at Carnival time.

From Saheena, to Roti, Bake and Shark and Doubles, IShowSpeed tried several Trinbagonian dishes and even some of the snacks manufactured locally. He was exposed to Carnival culture and traditional carnival characters and further to that, Trinidad and Tobago artistes like Lady Lava, Nessa Preppy and Jimmy October shared in the thrill of his visit. Many young, eager Trinbaonians, inclusive of parents who are familiar with the young influencer, engaged happily with Watkins Jr. throughout Saturday’s trip, all as he streamed the fun, live. Running through the streets as he moved through places like Tragarete Road and Charlotte Street in downtown Port-of-Spain, he was visibly excited to experience the country known especially for the Greatest Caribbean Carnival, the world over.

The trip, though quick, was streamed to some 7 millions online viewers and while some found it difficult to relate to the new wave of digital marketing and influencer branding potential for the small, twin island, others have since been marveling at the fact that this 21-year-old has managed to gift Trinidad and Tobago more publicity in mere hours, than that which Caribbean celebrities have been able to attain, over years in cultural ambassadorship.

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