Ebuzz News
Vincy Soca Champ, Problem Child Just Gave New Artistes The Best Advice.
He’s a hit maker in every sense of the term. Problem Child has conquered the industry in a very intentional way. His rise to being a top-tier Caribbean entertainer didn’t happen overnight but he’s maintained a sort of understated appeal in the business that’s comparable to no one else. This year, when the curtains fell on Vincy Mas, Problem was once again the champion of the Road – securing not just the Road March title but also the competition’s second place.
Two songs, ‘Fraid Horn’ and ‘Pong Pong’ delivered an ease and relatability that all of SVG and those visiting for Vincy Mas, embraced and enjoyed. “Winning the Road March title is definitely a blessing. It’s definitely based on a lot of hard work,” he told Ebuzztt in the aftermath of the win, announced on Wednesday. “A lot of ground work and thinking, sometimes over-thinking, strategizing, went into it, especially after winning last year,” he explained. “First and second place… I think that came about because I saw people commenting that Problem Child was competing with himself for Vincy Mas, but that’s generally really my theory on how life should go,” said the entertainer.
For Problem Child, success is personal, and growth over time is influenced by how he challenges himself at each opportunity. “I don’t look at what anyone else is really doing and try to do better than them. I just try to do better than I did yesterday – try to make the tomorrow me, better than the today me and the today me better than the yesterday me, whether it’s music or life in general.”
KICK THE EGO AND LEARN TO LEARN.
A music industry that’s now a Caribbean-wide space, fueled by a significant number of global carnivals, Problem understands oh to well, the trials faced by artistes on the rise. Many have lamented the lack of opportunity, as new voices, to be given a chance in the space. “All the new artistes entering the soca space, or the music space – I think one of the most important things, if not the most important thing I can advise is, always be willing to learn,” he said. Highlighting the importance of observing and absorbing, Problem, whose real name is Shertz James, said new artistes must be willing to listen to and take advice from the right people. “Even in taking advice, you have to know who to take advice from because some people won’t always have advice that’s coming from a great place.”
Deeper thought given to the question, Problem urged up and comers to learn how to learn. “Wanting to learn is one thing but you have to understand that ego sometimes gets in the way of learning because you might not always want to listen to somebody because you feel you may know but you have to understand that no one is going to know everything so you have to start learning how to decipher – ok maybe I should listen to this guy because x,y,z reason,” he rationalized.
For creatives like the Vincy Bad Boy, time and experience have taught tremendous lessons. “Learning is such a great thing – the willingness to learn. It’s a challenge because you have to also understand that you can learn from anybody – not just someone with a degree in something, but figuring out who, what, when, how is the hardest part of learning, even when you’re willing to learn,” he said.
Standing humble and successful, the artiste who has written for himself and many others in the industry, continues to look forward, eager to learn more and rise to his full potential as an artiste. “Once you’re willing to learn and you’re willing to accept and learn how to learn you can only advance and get better at what you do. A big part of that is not having any ego. Once you couple a willingness to learn, a strong drive and a never -give -up, attitude, you’re only gonna get better. That’s the only advice that I can offer and I dare to say that it will work.”
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.
