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
Lila Ike Bridges Generations, Gets Nod of Approval from Patra on ‘Romantic’ Remake.
Jamaican reggae singer, Lila Iké embraces confidence on her sultry, new single, “Romantic” which features dancehall artiste, Masicka. The track and its accompanying video arrive alongside the exciting announcement of her highly anticipated debut album, Treasure Self Love, which is set for release on August 22nd.
“Romantic,” hears Ike put a bold, empowering spin on Jamaican dancehall royalty Patra’s 1994 classic “Romantic Call.” The original track, featuring hip-hop icon Yo-Yo, peaked at #55 on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, three decades later, Lila pays homage while making it her own. Patra herself opens and closes the track, blessing it with her own signature style.
Photo: Destinee Condison
The unity between Patra and Lila bridges generations of feminine power.
The song was produced by British-Ghanaian hitmaker Juls—known for work with Wizkid, Lauryn Hill, Burna Boy, and Tyler the Creator—andJamaican producer Dunw3ll. The video was directed by Shane Creative and offers that 90’s nostalgia, with Lila and her leading ladies rocking shimmery, throwback dancehall queen fashion. Modern day dancehall star Masicka jumps in with rapid-fire, flirtatious bars that amplify the chemistry
With “Romantic,” Lila Iké isn’t just revisiting a classic—she’s reinventing it for a new era. “‘Romantic’ is my way of paying homage to dancehall and of course the queens who made space for us — women like Patra, who taught us how to be bold, sensual, and unapologetic. I wanted to tap into that energy, which is very me anyways,” said the artiste.
“Masicka’s verse added that fire and dancehall balance I needed. It’s not just a throwback — it’s a whole new mood! Big up Patra for coming on board as well, that was a full circle moment,” she added.
Caribbean Buzz
Beachfront Jazz Affirms its Place In Tobago. Freetown Collective Brings Love and Light.
Even as mega tourism destinations in the region prepare for carnivals and other festivals, Tobago – sister-isle of Carnival hub, Trinidad, recently hosted Beachfront Jazz. The event has been hailed a masterclass in musical storytelling, bringing together, a dynamic cross section of local, regional and international talent.
Held at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort, the event kicked off with the captivating vocal style of Tobago singer, Stephanie Joseph who seamlessly fused genres, pleasing the crowd at every juncture. Her powerful renditions of Bohemian Rhapsody, All Night Long, reggae classics, with a nod to Carl Jacobs’ Jumbie Beat, showcased her vocal agility and range, setting the tone for what was to come. Hosted by Black 2 Sugars, Beachfront Jazz featured musicians like, saxophonist and UTT lecturer, Tony Paul, Barbadian saxophonist, Elann Trotman, Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz pianist Bob Baldwin and others. The artiste lineup was equally entertaining, boasting Freetown Collective who blessed the audience with positive energy and love through music. The crowd sang along to favourites like ‘Can You Feel the Love, ‘‘Mas,’ ‘Born Soldier’ and ‘Red Eye.’ Their trailblazing single, ‘Take Me Home‘ would cement their names in the hearts of those taking it all in.
A collectively, spirited and truly talented array of creatives chosen for this edition of the musical showcase, fans of good music left satisfied. A cultural movement in essence, Beachfront Jazz has ultimately set a new standard in Jazz-styled entertainment in Tobago.
Tobago and the people of the island are spirited and beautiful who are passionate about life and quality. They embraced my music, which is a fusion of Jazz, Funk, Latin, Caribbean and Brazilian influences, said Bob Baldwin. He explained that music is the universal language of healing and commented on the heartwarming and genuine exchange between the artistes and the audience. “Hope to return again, sooner than later and hope the audience feels the same,” he said.
On June 21st, Beachfront Jazz affirmed its place as a beacon of world-class musical excellence in the Caribbean. Patrons came for the music but left with something greater: a renewed love for live performance, for jazz in all its forms and for Tobago, the perfect destination for premier festivals.
Caribbean Buzz1 week agoLila Ike Bridges Generations, Gets Nod of Approval from Patra on ‘Romantic’ Remake.
Caribbean Buzz1 week agoBeachfront Jazz Affirms its Place In Tobago. Freetown Collective Brings Love and Light.
Ebuzz News3 days agoDigicel Rising Stars Singer, Kay Alleyne- Meloney Has Passed Away.