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Caribbean Buzz

Voice, Kees and Other Caribbean Soca Artistes Enjoy Grenada’s Jab J’ouvert.

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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.

lYRIKAL IN GRENADA
Kees Dieffenthaller in Grenada

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.

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Caribbean Buzz

Lil’ Bitts Vows Never to Miss de Mas Again as She Prepares for a Jam-packed 2025 Season

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Shivonne Church- Isaacs (Lil’ Bitts) has been in the soca industry for 20 years.

After two decades in the business, Lil’ Bitts—aka Shivonne Churche-Isaacs—has made a vow she plans to keep: never again will she sit out Carnival. The multi-talented artiste, known for her infectious energy and stage presence, has had a front-row seat to Trinidad and Tobago’s iconic festival season for years, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. She still remembers the shock she felt when she made the decision to skip the parades on Carnival Monday and Tuesday one season, only to end up physically sick. “I got sick—like, literally,” she admits. “I’ll never ignore Carnival’s call again.”

This year, Bitts is more than ready to hit the streets with Yuma for an unforgettable Carnival 2025. The excitement is palpable as she gears up for what’s sure to be a thrilling season, both on and off the road.

Rising to the Occasion with “Brighter Days”

Lil’ Bitts is happy to add something different to her repertoire, with ‘Brighter Days.’

With five songs under her belt and a growing social media presence, Lil’ Bitts is enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Her Instagram and other platforms have become hubs of interaction with fans, opening doors to new collaborations and promotional opportunities. “Social media is the ultimate artiste toolkit,” she says, urging fellow performers to embrace the digital world to connect with their audiences.

One of her most highly anticipated projects is the track “Brighter Days,” which she says has been in the works for three years. Produced by Gaffa Productions, the song has become a personal passion project. “This one is really special,” she shares. “The world needs positivity right now, and I feel like this song is necessary.” She credits the magic of modern technology for making it all come together, working with talented producers like Stemz, District 6 Studios, and Benje Music in hybrid mode from different locations in the region. She’s also collaborated with M1 on a single called “Wetter” for the 2025 season. “We’ve been talking about working together for years, and I’m so happy it’s finally happened,” she says. “M1’s a unique talent; there aren’t a lot of artistes like him.”

A Dream Come True: Chutney and Multi-Cultural Magic

Teaming up with Reshma Ramlal, Bitts has been reminded of the beauty that exists in T&T.

As if things weren’t busy enough, Lil’ Bitts has recently ventured into the world of chutney music. She got a call from the Pungalunks Factory to contribute vocals for a track with Reshma Ramlal, the Warrior Princess herself. The track, “Poowah Nah Ready,” is a dream come true for Bitts, who has always had an affinity for East Indian culture. “When I was a kid, I loved dressing in Indian clothes and watching Bollywood movies. I knew I wanted to do a Chutney song one day, but it had to feel natural. And this—this feels right,” she said. Bitts reflects on how much she’s learned and appreciated about Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural beauty through this experience. “The energy on set, the unity—it was amazing. We’re one people, and that’s something I never want to forget.” The collaboration has already earned a place in the spotlight, with Ramlal making it into the semi-finals of the Chutney Soca Monarch competition.

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Caribbean Buzz

$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.

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Trinidad and Tobago is set to stage a revamped International Soca Monarch competition in what is now dubbed The Ultimate Soca Champion competition. The event’s final will be staged on Thursday, February 20th, with the semi final round set for Sunday, February 9th. The announcement was made earlier today by organisers, at a media conference held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.

Soca artiste Voice is one of many big name artistes who’ve won big in the old International Soca Monarch Competition.

The organisers said the competition will not be split into Groovy/Power categories, however they said there will be special prizes for Best Groovy Soca, Best Power Soca and People’s Champion, based on public votes.

The event will feature the Ultimate Soca Champion reality TV show which organizers say is aimed at giving viewers an intimate look into the competition. “We believe this will help our culture to reach international audiences when packaged properly,” the team said.

In-Person Auditions will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Fernando Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA). Regional/ International Artistes who are not in Trinidad and Tobago, are required to submit video auditions from January 20th at 8:00am to January 26th at 11:59pm.

“We aim to make this a production that captivates
audiences worldwide,” said Rome. “The Ultimate Soca Champion Competition will not only
elevate soca to international standards but also inspire the next generation of artistes.”

For registration, submission guidelines, and updates, visit ultimatesocachampion.com from Monday January 20th, or email ultimatesocachampion@gmail.com.

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