Ebuzz News
T&T’s Opposition Leader Calls for Unity. Fay Ann Says Racism Is Plain Stupid.
Just about one week ago, Soca artist, Fay Ann Lyons expressed herself openly on the issue of racism as tensions surrounding the topic increased in her native Trinidad and Tobago.
Even as voting had ended following General Elections, supporters on both sides of the political divide, supporting either the People’s National Movement or the United National Congress, used social media to reveal their true feelings about each other. One person, whose name was aligned to a popular beverage brand on the island, came under fire for her racial remarks and there were calls for a boycott of the product. As that erupted, Fay Ann made her view publicly accessible, posting the following message.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Opposition party, the United National Congress conceded to defeat on Tuesday. The country had been awaiting the outcome of a recount of ballots for key constituencies. The end result was that the People’s National Movement would be elected to govern for another five years.
Opposition Leader, Kamla Persad Bissessar made a point, in her issued statement, to call for unity across the country. She said the people on both sides of the political divide must now work together in harmony. “We recognize that we operate in an adversarial political system but now is the time for reconciliation and healing among our people. We are one nation. We are one people. The election is over and now, it is back to the harsh reality of working to put bread on the table and being our brother’s keeper.
Persad Bissesaar said political choices should be respected without invoking and inciting race to divide the nation. “I call on all political parties and interests to resolve immediately that we will not let our beloved Nation’s longstanding tradition of harmony, tolerance, and unity be jeopardised by expressions of hate, divisiveness, and fear-mongering. We must respect each other’s political choices without invoking and inciting race to divide our people. I call on all citizens of good conscience to reject hate.”
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.
Music News
Problem Child, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous Ride New ‘Powerful’ Riddim. 47 Productions Eyes Road March.
There’s another big project coming out of Dwayne Bravo’s 47 Productions in Port-of-Spain, and just like the Pineapple Riddim last month, it features some big names in Soca music.
The Viking of Soca, Bunji Garlin, Grenada’s Skinny Banton, Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child- both St. Vincent and the Grenadines entertainers, grace the ‘Powerful Riddim’- described as a heart-pounding, adrenaline-packed Power Soca riddim that’s guaranteed to light up every fete the season, even with potential for the Road March.
Bunji Garlin deliver’s ‘On De Go’ – a high-octane single that celebrates vibes and undiluted energy, while on Skinny Fabulous’ ‘Like We Rich,’ elements of a grandeur lifestyle, inclusive of living large, partying hard and embracing the high life, are showcased in song. The Vincy BadBoy, Problem Child is also a part of this project with a track called, “Not Behaving,’ undeniably living up to his name. Other artistes on the riddim are Grenadian duo, Lil Natty and Thunda who share their energy with, ‘Wah Dis,” and skinny Banton with ‘Property.” Tommy Sanchez wraps it up, adding a fresh, new vibe with his single, ‘Bend.’
The riddim is being touted as the ultimate soundtrack for the road on Carnival Monday and Tuesday and comes just as Soca megastar, Machel Montano has released, ‘Pardy,’ already getting the nod of approval from die-hard Machel fans.
While the race to the annual Road March anthem of choice in still quite a distance away, several people have already begun the conversation about what’s best for the road. Mical Teja’s ‘Energy’ and ‘Higher Power’ offer masqueraders an infectious, positive energy for the road, while Bunji’s ‘Thousand’ hits hard, delivering high impact and bassy undercurrent that’s hard to ignore.
47 Productions has been strongly contending on the music scene in Trinidad and Tobago in recent years. This year’s Pineapple Riddim, which features, Machel Montano, Lyrikal, Patrice Roberts, Rupee and 47Ronzy, has been well received, with Machel Montano applauding Bravo’s consistency, even as someone invested behind the music scene. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this Carnival season while 47 Productions continues to create space for others to rise,” Bravo had said, at the launch of the riddim in December.
The “Powerful Riddim” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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Music News1 week agoThe Power of People. Rae Credits Motto, Darryl Gervais for Her Rise in Soca. Delivers ‘Throw Waist.’
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Caribbean Buzz5 days ago$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
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Music News5 days agoProblem Child, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous Ride New ‘Powerful’ Riddim. 47 Productions Eyes Road March.