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
Jamaica’s Mavado to Receive Lifetime Award at IRAWMA Awards This Year.
David Brooks, best known as dancehall artiste, Mavado is set to be honored at this year’s 43rd International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) awards on May 17th, in South Florida. He’ll be presented with the Special Lifetime Achievement Award which represents a celebration of resilience, dominance and legacy.
In a statement, the organizers noted that Mavado is known for his unmistakeable voice, global influence and cultural impact. “Mavado has transcended borders, elevating Dancehall to international acclaim,” the statement reads.
In addition to this night of IRAWMA’s celebration of excellence in reggae and world music, globally renowned dancehall superstar, VYBZ Kartel tops the list of more than 150 nominees with 11 nods, and competing against himself in some of the categories, he is followed by Sean Paul and Shaggy with 8 nominations, each.
On the female side, Spice, Lila Ike, and Shenseea tied with 5 nominations each. Hosted by a dynamic lineup including Comedian Dufton Shepherd, Marcia Jackson, and Oliver Mair, the evening promises electrifying performances, unforgettable tributes, and a room filled with icons, tastemakers, and industry leaders.
In a show of gratitude for his conscious musical contribution, Gramps Morgan will be recognized for his song “People Like You,” highlighted as the most outstanding Spiritually Uplifting Song since the new Millennium.Gramps will join a distinguished class of honorees including Burning Spear, Wayne Armond, and Awilo Longomba—each representing excellence across genres and generations.
Caribbean Buzz
The Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
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 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.
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 Buzz1 week agoThe Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
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Ebuzz News5 days agoJamaica’s Mavado to Receive Lifetime Award at IRAWMA Awards This Year.
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International Buzz2 days agoTrinidad and Tobago’s Kes The Band Shares Feel Good Soca Vibes on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk.