Ebuzz News
Vale Vibe Cooler Fete Scores With Sold Out Crowd in Santa Cruz.
Organizers of Vale Vibe Cooler Fete made a pretty good decision in moving the fete from its former, Maracas Bay location, and instead opting for Drew Manor in Santa Cruz. On Tuesday, from 4pm, fete lovers were entering the venue, ready to party with good friends and once again, create memories that would take them through another year.
There’s something about a cooler fete that intensifies the revelry in the carnival atmosphere. It’s something you’ll hardly ever experience in an all-inclusive setting. The Vale Vibe cooler team has continuously prepped their followers for the jammin,’ and annually, the event engages fans of soca music and the carnival vibe from all over the world. This year was no different. Billed to perform were Iwer George, Viking Ding Dong and the dynamic duo of Fay Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin.
THE BOSS IN ACTION
Iwer mounted the stage first and as usual, his set gave those who’d come out to fete, just what they needed to get the adrenaline going. He explained that the organizers had asked him to do a bit of a retro set to balance the event’s entertainment to which he obliged. There was some grumbling about the feeling that Iwer’s set has never quite changed over the years however, despite that observation by some, many danced and followed instructions given by the boss. When he exited the stage after his performance time was up, the crowd called for him to return, and like clockwork, George brought his bottle of water, throwing it out into the crowd, with that well known blessing.
Viking Ding Dong was next. He too, brought good energy to the fete. His growing catalogue of impressive soca tunes proved enough to get the crowd singing along and dancing. The young entertainer and DJ is enjoying a successful Carnival 2023 season, doing it all the while with a big smile plastered across his face.
THE REVELRY INTENSIFIES
Vale Vibe Cooler fete revelers came out in their numbers on Tuesday. The event was sold out, according to reports and as Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons made their way to the stage, a capacity-filled Drew Manor seemed to have become even more saturated. Nobody seemed to mind though and so, with that, the Vikings added even more pressure.
Fay Ann, dressed simply in a pair of cut out jeans and t-shirt, which bore the word, Power, supported her husband as he made his way to the stage to kick things off with his Road March contender, ‘Hard Fete.’ The crowd immediately flew into a frenzy. Bunji’s strong, masculine presence dominated as he worked the stage and proved that he is a man of the ground. Fay would present next and together, the pair brought even more life to the event.
The fete lovers would be impressed with current and older hits from both artistes and the continuous exchange between the crowd and their soca superstars, proved satisfying for both. The venue’s layout offered an elevated view toward the back, allowing some who may have found it difficult to see the stage, to maybe find a space up top. From start to finish, Vale Vibe Cooler was in essence, a real vibe. There’s no question that many will be back next year for the energy of true Carnival enjoyment!
Ebuzz News
Miami Broward Carnival Host Committee Elects New Officers.
The Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee is pleased to announce the election of its new officers for the 2024–2026 term. These dedicated leaders are committed to preserving and enhancing the vibrant traditions of Miami Carnival, further solidifying its status as one of South Florida’s most highly anticipated cultural events. The newly elected officers for the 2024–2026 term are:
Board members include: Carl DeCruise, Nicholas Jack, Anthony Joseph,Raymond Luke, Jeanette Haynes, Marlene Gregoire, Gilda Swasey, Larson Phipps, Ruthven Williams, Sydney Roberts, Dallas Michael.
About Miami Carnival
Miami Carnival is the ultimate cultural experience, blending the vibrant elements of Caribbean Carnival with the beauty of South Florida. Held annually over Columbus Day Weekend in October, the festival features four signature events: Junior Carnival, Panorama, J’ouvert, and the iconic Costumed Parade & Concert. Each year, Miami Carnival attracts thousands of visitors and participants from around the world, celebrating Caribbean culture through music, art, and community.
The Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to hosting a safe, family-friendly festival that fosters community pride, civic engagement, and cultural exchange. It provides a platform for Caribbean people in South Florida to share their culture, promote multiculturalism, and drive economic cooperation in the region.
This year, Miami Carnival proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary with a spectacular display of Caribbean culture, creative self-expression, and entrepreneurial spirit. Named one of the Top 100 Events in South Florida, Miami Carnival is a thoughtfully curated celebration featuring pageantry, music, food, arts and crafts, and cultural experiences. Miami Carnival brought the vibrancy of Caribbean culture to life, capturing the essence of community, unity, and joy.
The newly elected officers aim to strengthen the legacy of Miami Carnival, fostering cultural appreciation and community connection while continuing to drive significant economic impact for the region. With their guidance, Miami Carnival will remain a celebration of heritage and a symbol of the unity and vibrancy of the Caribbean diaspora.
“As Chair of the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee, I am deeply honored to lead a talented and dedicated team in continuing the rich legacy of Miami Carnival. This celebration is more than a festival—it is a dynamic showcase of Caribbean culture, community pride, and artistic excellence.Over the years, Miami Carnival has evolved into a globally recognized event highlighting our heritage’s vibrancy and the unifying power of music, art, and culture. Our 40th-anniversary celebration exemplified our community’s resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. “Looking ahead, our new leadership team is focused on elevating this cherished tradition, ensuring it thrives as a symbol of cultural pride and an engine of economic growth for South Florida. I am excited to build on this legacy, foster cultural exchange, and uphold Miami Carnival as a dynamic platform that unites people while driving cultural and economic impact for our region.” — Joan Hinkson-Justin
About the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee:
The Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee is a non-profit organization dedicated to organizing safe, family-friendly festivals that highlight the beauty and diversity of Caribbean culture. Its mission includes fostering community pride, promoting cultural exchange, and building economic cooperation in South Florida’s multi-ethnic and multicultural environment.
Miami Carnival 2025 takes place from October 10th-12th, 2025. For more information about Miami Carnival, visit: MiamiCarnival.org.
Ebuzz News
New Soca Monarch- Like Show Coming. Organisers to Look At Calendar of Events in Preparation for The Way Forward.
A competition or similar type cultural showcase in carnival, is set to be unveiled in the weeks ahead. Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, revealed the appointment of Star Global Productions Limited, to organize and deliver the large-scale carnival 2025 event. The new event will take the place of the International Soca Monarch – a competition which started in T&T in 1993 but dwindled by 2020.
The Production team consists of The Lollabee Group, businessman, Adrian Chandler and media personality and artiste, Jerome Priscilla. “We are excited to partner with the consortium led by Star Global Productions Limited in reimagining the Soca competition for Carnival 2025,” said Minister Randal Mitchell. “This competition will, not only showcase the best in Soca music but will also play a vital role in enhancing Trinidad and Tobago’s standing as a premier cultural and tourist destination,” he added. The Minister went on to articulate the ministry’s anticipation, saying, “We are eager to bring this vibrant aspect of our Carnival to the forefront, furthering the growth of our creative industries and promoting the rich cultural heritage of our nation.”
Via media release, the Ministry noted that on July 29, 2024, an Expression of Interest (EOl) was issued, inviting individuals and organisations to submit proposals for the development and management of a Soca competition. The EOl closed on August 23, 2024, with eight (8) submissions received. Following the receipt of those submissions, the Ministry issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the interested parties on October 29, 2024, which closed on November 19th 2024. It said a rigorous evaluation process was conducted to select a partner for revitalising the competition and advancing the country’s Tourism, Culture, and Arts industries. “It is to be noted that out of the three (3) submissions received following the issuance of the RFP, Star Global Productions Limited’s proposal stood out as the most comprehensive and strategically aligned with the Ministry’s vision for the Carnival 2025 Soca competition,” stated the media release. It added, “Star Global Productions Limited brings expertise in managing large-scale events and producing culturally significant programming, making them an ideal partner to bring this vibrant competition to life.”
The media release explained that Star Global Productions Limited will now plan, organise and implement its proposal, taking into consideration the calendar of events confirmed for the Carnival 2025 period. “The consortium will enter into discussions with the Ministry to finalize arrangements for the competition,” the statement ended.
For the past four years, many have lamented the decline of the International Soca Monarch. Once owned by Caribbean Prestige Foundation founder, William Munroe, the event was subsequently passed around to other major players in Arts and Culture, Media and Business. The pandemic’s sudden strike in 2019 led to a digitally formatted effort by organizers and now, it is left to be seen whether patronage of the once mammoth Carnival competition, will return to its glory days.
At its inception, soca stars like Machel Montano, Iwer George, Mr. Killa, Fay Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin, Iwer George, Shurwayne Winchester, SuperBlue, Shal Marshall, Voice, Farmer Nappy, Benjai, Blaxx and countless others, delivered spectacular artistry, complete with props and dancers, fireworks and thrilling showmanship, to insatiable audiences who showed their support from the Semi Final showcase at the Arima Velodrome in East Trinidad to the finals on Fantastic Friday at the National Stadium. The memories of those incredible years of high momentum carnival fever, remain etched in the hearts of many.
