Caribbean Buzz
Voice, Kees and Other Caribbean Soca Artistes Enjoy Grenada’s Jab J’ouvert.
It may not be too easy on the eyes and there’s no denying that it may take some getting used to for those who’ve never participated, but Grenada’s Spice Mas and its Jab Jab J’ouvert culture, is growing in popularity.
In the wee hours of Monday morning, revelers took to the streets to celebrate the start of the traditional road mas. J’ouvert, a symbolism of this ‘day break’ carnival commencement, is a major event to experience, not only in Grenada, but certainly in Trinidad and Tobago as well. Grenada however, has marketed its culturally-unique ‘Jab J’ouvert’ experience, offering visitors a freedom that some will agree, is unparalleled.
Over the past few years, several caribbean entertainers have endorsed the experience, showing up and showing out annually, at the break of dawn event. This year proved no different as Trinidad and Tobago soca stars, Voice, Lyrikal, Kees, along with St. Lucia’s Teddyson John, were all spotted in the melee. Beneath one of his social media posts, ‘Look Back’ singer, Lyrikal wrote, “Grenada J’ouvert. What an experience.” Voice meanwhile, did not shy away from his true feelings, saying, without apology, ” THE GREATEST EXPERIENCE EVERRRRRR.!!!!!” His words were amplified with a series of Grenada flag emojis that effectively relayed his emotions. Teddyson John said that while he had been to many Caribbean islands and experienced many Carnivals in his lifetime, none of those experiences had ever been quite like Grenada’s carnival. “This was my first time doing J’ouvert and let me tell you that the Jab Jab is unmatched.”
On Saturday, Grenada crowned Terra D Governor the 2023 Power Soca Monarch King and Boyzie its Groovy Soca Monarch King. On Thursday, the 2023 Calypso Monarch title went to Rootsman Kelly. The Spice Mas Cooperation has also done its part to showcase to the world, the Monday Night Mas, which has also proven to be an intriguing aspect of the carnival culture on that island.
Several Caribbean carnivals have now passed, among them, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Lucia. Grenada’s Spice Mas – an event that is often anticipated by people from across the region and internationally, culminates on the streets of the capital St. George’s, today.
Caribbean Buzz
Terri Lyons Makes History with Fourth Consecutive Queen of Queens Title.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Calypso Queen Terri Lyons has once again cemented her place in Caribbean music history after winning the Queen of Queens Competition at Montserrat for the fourth consecutive year.
The highly anticipated event took place on Tuesday, December 30th, where Lyons delivered a commanding performance that set her apart from a strong regional field of competitors. Her victory further solidifies her reputation as one of the most dominant and consistent female voices in modern calypso.
Terri Lyons, the daughter of legendary Soca King Austin “Superblue” Lyons, has been making a tremendous impact on the calypso scene for years, earning respect for her lyrical strength, stage presence, and commitment to the art form. Many have noted that while she proudly carries her father’s legacy, she has firmly established her own powerful identity in the genre.
At Tuesday’s competition, Lyons topped the lineup, with Antigua and Barbuda’s Ge’eve Phillip securing second place, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Roslyn Reid-Hayes finishing in third.
Fans and fellow artistes have since taken to social media to praise Lyons’ continued excellence, with many calling her reign “unmatched” and “well deserved.” Her latest win not only highlights her individual talent but also underscores the strength of Caribbean calypso on a regional stage.
With four consecutive Queen of Queens titles now under her belt, Terri Lyons continues to raise the bar, proving that her crown is not just inherited, but undeniably earned.
Caribbean Buzz
Kerlz Goes Independent Ahead of T&T’s C2K26.
Trinidad and Tobago female soca artiste, Kerlz is going solo. The entertainer has announced her departure from the A Team Band, via media release. A 13-year-journey with the band’s front-line has been dubbed, ‘an amazing run’ by the entertainer who says she is grateful for the experience and the foundation built over the years.
Having recently unleashed a new single called, ‘Medicine’ on D’ Guitarman Riddim alongside fellow soca artistes, Ding Dong and Salty, Kerlz, whose real name is Kerlene Joseph, says she is excited to enter this new chapter. “I extend my deepest and most sincere thanks to the A Team Band for the incredible opportunity and the platform they provided me over the past 13 years,” she said, adding, “The journey has been formative and I will always cherish the music we created and the stages we shared together. I wish the entire A Team family nothing but the very best in all their future endeavours.”
Memories made and cherished, the singer now has her heart set on maximizing the potential of her recent release, which is already gaining ground as the 2026 season comes into focus. With a powerful voice and a dynamic stage presence, Kerlz says she is ready to captivate audiences as a solo performer.
