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
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.
Caribbean Buzz
Caribbean Youths Zealously Welcome American Streamer, IShowSPEED.
