There has never been a better time to prove that Trinbagonians are a patriotic people. Now sixty years an independent nation, two of T&T’s immensely talented countrymen have unleashed a ‘bacchanal’ anthem that couldn’t be sweeter or more satisfying even if they tried. King David Rudder and Shurwayne Winchester are steadfast this September, ushering in the season of revelry with ‘Bacchanal Come.’
The Heritage riddim, produced by Nigel Lewis and Prestan Wallace was released on Friday. ‘Bacchanal Come’, which sits on the riddim, is another goal achieved, according to Shurwayne, who saw the opportunity to collaborate with David Rudder, as a tremendous one. “This collaboration is really meaningful to me. Both David Rudder and I were managed by the late uncle Ellis Chow Lin On,” said Winchester.
The song, which was written by Winchester, boasts not just melody, but also the rhythm to make anyone move. The single is reminiscent of anthems of years prior, that ignited a spirit of patriotism and pride. In early August, Rudder was honored by CARICOM with the Order of the Caribbean Community, being dubbed a cultural icon to the social fabric of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean as a whole. His music has educated, inspired and uplifted many, over decades. For Shurwayne, David Rudder represents all that is good about the Caribbean nation. “I always say we must honor our heroes while they’re still with us. David Rudder is a legend in his own right and I’m honored that he would agree to lay vocals on this single with me.”
There is no doubt that ‘Bacchanal Come’ will bridge the often clearly defined gap between young and old, parent and child, encouraging everyone to simply free up and dance. “As artistes, our goal is always to satisfy that longing for good, sweet music, by the people. Nobody can deny that David Rudder has perfected that,” said Shurwayne.
Ever humble, the entertainer who released two singles in 2022 that received widespread love, is pushing into 2023 with vigor. “There’s a lot to come, but my focus at this time is on ensuring that I pay homage to this artist who I’m so proud to finally work with. My only hope is that I’m able to hit stages across T&T, regionally and internationally, with him, so that the people can really get to feel the music, deep down in their souls.”
Shurwayne is booked to perform at a series of events for the upcoming Tobago carnival, the first of which is the launch of ‘Bago carnival on September 10th. His recent release, ‘To Be ‘Gonian’ on the Scarborough riddim, is now being dubbed the anthem for the island’s festival.
With the mostpowerful vocals heard in the Soca music industry in some time, Shavon Leighanna David is hitting the carnival 2025 scene hard, and early. A South native who’s more than just a pretty face, the singer who’s simply called, Leighanna, has a brand-new single called ‘Flowers.’ It’s guaranteed to stir things up as T&T’s carnival season comes into focus.
“I’ve been singing since I was three. I’ve always known that this is the path for me; It’s what I do,” said the artiste. Her humble beginnings, having been encouraged by her father, a former singer himself, took her on a journey that started with songwriting, before being redirected onto the stage. “I was a teenager then and my first release was called, ‘Ah Feelin’ It,’” she explained, adding that at that time, fellow female singers, Lil Bitts and Patrice Roberts were also making their presence felt on the entertainment scene. “Things were ticklish back then. I didn’t know anyone. I had never taken part in any of the Soca or Calypso competitions but I went around to the radio stations with my song and I was well received.”
Her follow up singles included collaborations with D Angel Journey and Terry Seales. “Back then the stage fright was strong but the music was well received,” she said. Despite her best efforts however, circumstances halted Leighana’s upward mobility and she took a break from music, to focus on essential matters in her life. Time away coinciding with the pandemic, Leighanna was forced to assess her career and strengthen her strategy in a bid to make a stronger breakthrough in the industry. In November 2023, ahead of Carnival 2024, she released a single called, ‘Bam Bam Good’ and according to the entertainer, the song was embraced by the DJs at all major radio stations in T&T. “I have a strong team now, with my manager Zoe at the helm, my assistant, Jalyan and international interest, Chris. It’s an exciting time,” she said in the wake of the new release. Now, as 2025 looms, she once again strengthens her posture and positions herself to push hard into the music business. “Flowers was written by Kambon and produced by Shot Master J and Body Roc. My daughter who’s just 3-years-old is also fascinated with singing and she is so brave. Her braveness inspires me. I’m doing this for her as much as I am doing it for myself.”
A true fan of the male Soca artistes in the business, Leighanna says Patrice Roberts, Destra Garcia, Terri Lyons and sister Fay Ann, also give her great inspiration. “I love Fay-Ann’s controlling personality in the industry. I’m also so happy for Patrice and I always remember her telling me that I should never give up,” she admitted. Leighanna says she is also friendly with Jadel and appreciates the friendship they share. “We are friends and we connected easily.”
Having worked with Kyle Phillips on the new single, the South native expressed complete satisfaction on the project. “I love working with Kyle. He is great at what he does.”
‘Flowers’ was released last week and has already won the hearts of Soca music lovers on music sharing platform, YouTube. The track comes complete with visuals and features a cameo by radio personality, SupaHype. “This song is a powerful expression to men. I want them to understand that women are the flowers of life and should be respected, loved, appreciated, treated with compassion,” said the singer. “Women – mothers, daughters, aunts, grandmothers are the nurturers of life and this is a reminder to all men, in song.”
To learn more about Leighanna, follow her on Instagram @leighannaofficial.
Australia is stepping up its game to protect kids from the dangers of social media, with the government unveiling new legislation aimed at restricting social media use for children under 16. Describing the move as “world-leading,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticized the impact of social media use, on young users.
“Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m putting an end to it,” Albanese said in a press conference on Thursday.
The proposed law, which will be introduced to Parliament in its final two weeks of session starting November 18th, would see social media platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook given 12 months to adjust and block access for children younger than 16. Albanese said he had spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, and relatives, who share his concern about keeping the nation’s children safe online.
This major announcement comes as governments worldwide continue to grapple with the issue of regulating kids’ access to social media and smartphones. The new Australian legislation would make social media companies accountable for enforcing the age restriction, with hefty penalties for non-compliance—but it would not penalize parents or underage users themselves. “The responsibility will fall on the platforms to prove they’re taking reasonable steps to keep kids off their sites,” Albanese said. “Parents and kids won’t be held responsible.”
The proposed law would allow for exceptions, such as for educational purposes, but Albanese made it clear that no child under 16 would be allowed to use social media, even with parental consent.
Earlier this year, the Australian government began testing age-restriction technologies, and the eSafety Commissioner will use the results to help guide social media platforms in how to comply with the new rules.
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