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Archived: T&T On a World-Wind Publicity Tour As Foreign Media Get The Soca Scoop & More

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From Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons’ trip to Austin, Texas where they’ve performed at the SXSW Music Festival to news on TMZ on the experience of a couple NFL football players’ carnival first time, Trinidad and Tobago is making headway into mainstream news overseas. This past week, Rollingstone magazine online captured the essence of Bunji and Fay Ann’s delivery of soca music at the South By South West Music Festival.

ROLLING STONE

[box color=”gray” icon=”star”]”Carnival — the pre-Lenten blowout held around the world — came to an end nearly two weeks ago, but crossover star Bunji Garlin used his two SXSW appearances to bring the music and energy of Trinidad up to Austin, twice leading fans old and new through a shout-alongs of his triumphant 2013 hit “Differentology.” “I’m honored to be one of the first two Soca artists to perform at this festival,” he told the crowd at Rice and Peas’ Wednesday day party. The other? His wife, Fay-Ann Lyons, who followed Bunji’s performance with a few songs of her own, whipping the small crowd into such a frenzy that the speakers began to wobble and the stability of the Empire Auto back patio seemed in question.”[/box]

For years, the efforts of artistes like Machel Montano and countless others who’ve been flying the T&T flag in destinations across the globe, seemed futile, in some instances with only a little headway being made but now, the hard work of every artiste out of T&T, music producers and even DJ’s, particularly those who push the music hard in these territories, is paying off. People are becoming curious and the world is zooming in. Bunji Garlin, expressing his feelings some time ago via Instagram, begged his fans to avoid saying that this was all because of his efforts and his music, instead reminding them that many who had gone before him, had paved the way for what was happening. Indeed, he was right. Calypsonians like the Mighty Sparrow, Calypso Rose, David Rudder and countless others fought the hard fight for Trinidad and Tobago’s culture to be exposed to the world and while it didn’t happen immediately, they too are now living to see the offspring of Calypso make its mark on the universe.

Host, promoter, Band leader and more… Giselle The Wassi One is calling for the influencers to be mindful of carnival’s evolution.

On the issue of carnival- the main stage for Soca music, ETCETERABUZZ.COM in a recent chat with Gisselle The Wassi One Blanche, noted the passion felt by this true carnival ambassador for the little things that make T&T’s carnival the “Greatest Show On Earth.” She lamented that the influencers of the festival need to be careful of the direction in which they are taking the festival, for fear of losing the authenticity of T&T’s carnival. She said she feared that very soon public fetes or grassroots fetes like Fire Fete, WASA and even Army Fete, would be no more- this as replicas of foreign styled parties continue to pop up on the festival calendar.

One may say this is all a part of the evolution of the festival but according to Wassi, segregation is felt when this is done and this she says, is a dangerous and unfair trend that does not depict the true essence of carnival. The Miami native who is the daughter of Trinidadian parents also called on the artistes to be mindful of the local industry, saying that pricing or overpricing is hurting the grassroots events. She said artistes need to remember that this is the said audience who essentially made most of them who they are today.  

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Music News

A Love Letter to T&T. Terron Loves Country, Proves It In ‘Know A Place.’

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At a time when the Soca landscape is constantly evolving and newer artistes are often focused on creating music for the party, soca artiste Terron is taking a different approach with his song, “Know A Place,” a heartfelt tribute to the beauty, culture and spirit of Trinidad and Tobago.

For Terron, the song is more than a musical release. It is a personal expression of gratitude and connection to a country that has remained close to his heart, despite spending much of his life abroad. Having migrated to the United States of America as a child, Terron grew up far from his birthplace. The distance, however, never diminished his appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago. Instead, his visits back home became treasured experiences filled with moments he looked forward to and still holds dear. Those visits offered opportunities to reconnect with the people, places and cultural experiences that made Trinidad and Tobago feel special to him. That enduring connection is at the heart of “Know A Place.” 

While many emerging artistes focus on creating music that dominates parties and create viral moments, Terron is embracing a subject that is less commonly explored by artistes at the beginning of their careers: music that celebrates national identity and contributes to the broader conversation about nation building. His deliberate choice reflects his appreciation for the country and his desire to celebrate what makes it unique. 

Through music, Terron hopes to remind listeners that the value of Trinidad and Tobago extends beyond its world-renowned Carnival celebrations. It is also found in the country’s natural beauty, cultural richness and people. “Know A Place” invites listeners to reflect on what Trinidad and Tobago means to them, whether they live in the twin-island republic or carry memories of home from thousands of miles away. For those in the diaspora, the song offers an opportunity to reconnect with familiar feelings and experiences and for those at home, it serves as a reminder to appreciate the beauty and character of the place they call their own.

Terron’s approach also speaks to the wider role of music in shaping how a country sees itself and how the rest of the world experiences it. “Soca music has always been a powerful vehicle for expressing Caribbean identity,” shares Terron. It is his hope that this song will reinforce why T&T should be appreciated and cherished.

Shot over the course of four days, the project, which was released on October 9, features sights from Paramin, DDI, Chaguaramas, San Fernando, Tobago, and Port of Spain. “Know A Place” is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful way to celebrate a country is to tell its story.

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Caribbean Buzz

URAVE- ‘Life Beyond The Creek’ Launches this Weekend in the SouthLand. There’s Never Been Anything Like It.

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There’s a major shift happening in entertainment in T&T. The energy is rising. On the heels of Tobago Carnival – a spectacle that has left mas lovers craving more, there’s a band launch on the horizon that promises entertainment lovers a true taste of what Trinidad’s South West peninsula has to offer. URAVE is a brand that’s building community and dedicatedly setting things in motion for the best Borough Festival Point Fortin has ever experienced, in 2027.

Speaking exclusively with Ebuzztt.com, Directors, Kariym Balthazar and Roland Hamilton shared details on ‘Life Beyond The Creek’ – the concept for URAVE’S 2027 Borough Festival presentation. The event takes place at the Clifton Hill Beach Resort on Saturday, November 7th from 9pm.

URAVE’s Kariym Balthazar

Two of seven directors who make up a broad team of professionals, their planning for this upcoming event, has been extensive. “We officially kicked off the project in May this year. We’ve put in a lot of work and with a strong team, we are guaranteeing an enhanced Borough Festival,” said Hamilton. He has been a part of the entertainment and promotional landscape in Trinidad and Tobago for the past 15 years. Hamilton said the URAVE brand was conceptualized back in 2015, but opportunity to present it to the people of Point Fortin and those coming into the Borough the way it was conceptualized, has only truly shown itself at this time. “This is not just a band. We’ll also be doing events in the space as well. URAVE will host something like a ‘First Jam’ in the Borough celebrations in 2027 and even our road experience will start off with a brunch event for two hours, with food stations before we hit the streets to play mas. When our masqueraders get off the road, they will enjoy a las’ lap experience too,” he said.

Four mas sections ready for presentation on Saturday, Balthazar told Ebuzztt that this is just the beginning. “We plan on taking URAVE into different spaces – not just Point Fortin Borough Festival, so in the future, URAVE may even be in Carnival in Port -of-Spain,” he said. The four sections are, “Pitch Lake,” “Garden Jewels,” “Fields Road,” and “Columbus Bay,” – all honoring integral aspects of the Southern experience. “I am from La Brea. La Brea and Point Fortin are like brother and sister,” said Hamilton, explaining that the idea is to truly highlight the South Western part of the island by giving those who are unfamiliar an experience of what they have to offer. “Deep South often feels neglected. We don’t have the opportunities or the experiences that others often have. We always have to go into Port-of-Spain to experience mas, so because I would’ve experienced mas so many times, URAVE aims at delivering a higher standard when it comes to experience, so that people who do not frequent Port of Spain, can enjoy what its like in the Borough Festival.”

URAVE stands for Unimaginably, Rhythmic, Audio, Visual, Experience. “These words are at the heart of the brand. The focus is on how people feel, how they are welcomed, and what they leave with. This is not something that is predominant in the Point Fortin Borough space so it is important to us, to establish this standard,” said Hamilton. He says the theme, “Life Beyond the Creek celebrates the beauty, creativity and talent within the South Western peninsula.

Roland Hamilton says URAVE was conceptualized in 2015.

The band launch is being touted as one that will showcase exactly what masqueraders can expect on the rod come 2027. Though starting off with more of a Monday Wear mas deliverable, the band will be going hard to ensure the feeling of revelry and fun are high priority. “Years ago, bands like Legacy and Ronnie and Caro, and other big bands would come down from Port-of- Spain, but Borough Day has never had a Point Fortin based mas band involved.

Years ago, Legacy, Ronnie and Caro and other big bands would come down from Port of Spain and they never really had a Point Fortin based mas band involved. Our team has been having discussions with the Point Fortin Borough executives and we’ve been discussing all areas to ensure what we bring enhances the celebration,” said Hamilton, noting that the overall aim is to bring life to the celebration. “We hope even big mas bands will come back into the space after our presentation in 2027,” he said.

The Economics and the People.

All bases covered, inclusive of safety and convenience, Hamilton noted the state of the present economy. Understanding of the economic climate, he said URAVE’S website will go live after the band’s launch on Saturday and those interested in playing will be able to register with the option of securing a payment plan.”

On Saturday night in Point Fortin, fetters can expect a whole lot of energy and Carnival vibes. Artistes inclusive of Farmer Nappy, Trinibaby, Christo and Viking Ding Dong, will be apart of the excitement. “We are creating a safe space for people to come out and have fun. We want to always have a great time. The feeling is very important to us and we will show potential masqueraders just what it will mean to be on the road with URAVE, when we launch the band this weekend,” Hamilton assured.

Follow URAVE online on Instagram for more on what’s to come and be part of the greatest Borough Festival experience in 2027.

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