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Archived: Voice Wins Soca Monarch in T&T, But Why All The Online Protest?

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The International Soca Monarch competition, held on Friday night in Trinidad, has received its fair share of condemnation with many taking to social media to firstly congratulate the chosen winner, Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis, who most, if not all soca lovers agree, deserved to cop the top spot. The second and third placements are however being frowned upon by some. The question on the tongues of many, “why wasn’t Ricardo Drue and Teddyson John among the top three in winners row?”

The competition got off to a lacklustre start at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on show night, many openly voicing their disdain over new rules announced by the competition’s organisers at the beginning of the carnival season and even up to the day prior to the show. Social media was the ranting hub for many Trinbagonians and Caribbean people generally, who were taken aback by the ISM’s mandate that no video, audio or photo footage could be posted to social media or any other media, from within the venue, unless it was being done by an ISM accredited person or institution. That led to heated debates online. Nonetheless, the competition got underway in Port-of-Spain and by all reports, by 11:30pm, the gates saw an influx of patrons, some having bought their tickets at a steal of a deal price, others having been afforded the luxury of a freebie. Social media all the while, was kept updated of the happenings at the stadium, after all, as was announced weeks prior, there would be no live broadcast of the 2016 International Soca Monarch competition.

Voice's "Cheers To Life" was the refrain at the stadium on Saturday morning.

Voice’s “Cheers To Life” was the refrain at the stadium on Saturday morning.

On stage, artistes worked their butts off- delivering what they felt were their best performances. One fell down, two brought trap drum sets on stage, one brought trees and endless bush, another brought Veteran calypsonian, King David Rudder to seal his second place position and one gave the ISM crowd some of the  best props seen on the night. In the end however, Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis, who made the crowd sing to the top of their lungs, stole the show. He had looked the part of a winner and even as he walked off the stage, many had called it, his crown!

The second place has gone to newbie to the Soca spotlight, Akeem ‘Preedy’ Chance.  His song, ‘Veteran’ has been enjoyed all season long by the young and mature alike, however for some, his first runner up position has come as quite a surprise. The third place is a tied result with veteran soca hit maker, Blaxx and the lone female finalist, Patrice Roberts sharing the rewards. Online, the rant continues among die hard soca and carnival lovers, many of whom took in the delayed broadcast of the competition earlier tonight (Saturday February 6th), via CNC3 television in Trinidad.

Drue says the sky's the limit

Drue says the sky’s the limit

For Ricardo Drue, the remarks uttered by those who believe he deserved a second or third placement in the competition, are humbling. He however told EBUZZTT, this is not his last hoorah! “Anyone who’s taken part in competition knows you win some and you lose some. It doesn’t mean you didn’t do your best. We gave it all we had and we’re happy with our efforts,” said the young entertainer who sang ‘BET’ for the judges. His team has worked arduously at establishing him as a strong  contender on the soca circuit. “This doesn’t change anything. We just have to come better and work harder next time,” he remarked, in the end, wishing his supporters and all of T&T, a safe and enjoyable carnival.

On the social media pages of the third placed contenders, Patrice Roberts and Blaxx, gracious thanks were extended to members of their teams and congratulations to the first and second placed contestants.

 

 

 

RICARDO DRUE AT ISM 2016 

 

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The Caribbean Mourns the Passing of Sir Garfield Sobers.

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The Caribbean is mourning the loss of one of its greatest sporting icons following the death of Sir Garfield Sobers, the Barbadian cricket legend widely regarded as one of the finest players the game has ever known. He was 89.

Cricket West Indies confirmed Sir Garfield’s passing on Friday. According to reports, he died at his home in Barbados after a period of illness, just days before his 90th birthday.

Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, on July 28, 1936, Sir Garfield became one of the most influential figures in the history of West Indies cricket. His achievements on the field, coupled with the dignity and pride with which he represented the Caribbean, earned him admiration across generations and around the world. He was knighted in 1975 for his services to cricket and was later named a National Hero of Barbados, one of the country’s highest honours.

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the Caribbean and the wider cricketing community. In a statement, Cricket West Indies said, “A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers.”

Fellow Bajan National hero, Rihanna shared her sentiments in a voice message.

Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow also honoured the Barbadian legend, saying, “Sir Garfield Sobers has completed his final innings, but his legacy will forever endure in the hearts of our region, and the story of the cricketing world.” 

Sir Garfield’s influence extended far beyond the cricket field. Throughout his life, he became a symbol of Caribbean excellence, inspiring generations of athletes and earning respect as one of the region’s greatest ambassadors.

His passing marks the end of an extraordinary era, but his legacy will continue to live on in Barbados, throughout the Caribbean and wherever the game of cricket is played.

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Grammy Award Winning, Morgan Heritage Salutes Jamaica with First Release Since Losing Peetah Morgan.

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Grammy Award-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage returns with “Come Feel The Love,” an uplifting new single written and produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Stephen Marley.

Released on July 10th through Ghetto Youths International, the song serves as a vibrant musical invitation to experience Jamaica through its people, culture, landscapes, and unmistakable spirit. According to a media release the song celebrates the essence of Jamaica through authentic storytelling, using the universal language of reggae to capture the island’s warmth, resilience, beauty, and enduring sense of community.

Led by the unmistakable voices of Gramps Morgan and Mojo Morgan, the single paints vivid images of Jamaica’s natural beauty, from the iconic lignum vitae and soursop trees to Negril’s coastline, Lovers’ Leap, and the communities where generations have shaped one of the world’s most influential musical cultures.

Complementing the song is a visually stunning official music video produced by Filmaica and directed by Fernando Hevia. Filmed entirely on location throughout Jamaica, the visual showcases many of the island’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks. Gramps Morgan’s performance scenes were captured in Negril and at the iconic Lovers’ Leap in St. Elizabeth, both destinations referenced in the lyrics, bringing an added level of authenticity and emotional connection, while celebrating the beauty and diversity of Jamaica.

Built around the infectious refrain, “Come Feel The Love,” the record embodies Jamaica as more than a destination – it is a feeling rooted in family, music, community, and connection.

Celebrating Home.

“Come Feel The Love” marks Morgan Heritage’s first newly recorded release since the ascension of one of its founding members, Peetah Morgan, opening a new chapter for one of reggae’s most celebrated groups while honoring the legacy he helped build. The single reflects the band’s enduring commitment to carrying its message of unity, love, and cultural pride to audiences around the world.

Jamaica has given us so much, our identity, our music, our culture, and our purpose,” said Gramps Morgan. “This song celebrates everything we love about home and invites the world to experience the same warmth and inspiration that continues to shape who we are.”

Mojo Morgan added, “Reggae has always connected people across cultures and generations. ‘Come Feel The Love’ reminds us that Jamaica’s greatest gift isn’t just its beauty, it’s the love, unity, and positive spirit that people feel the moment they arrive.”

The record seamlessly blends Morgan Heritage’s signature harmonies with Stephen Marley’s timeless production, creating a contemporary roots,reggae anthem that honors Jamaica’s traditions while introducing its story to a new generation of listeners.

As one of reggae’s most celebrated families, Morgan Heritage has spent decades carrying Jamaican music to audiences around the world, earning a Grammy Award and building a legacy of socially conscious, spiritually uplifting recordings. Their collaboration with Stephen Marley, one of reggae’s most accomplished artists and producers, brings together two of Jamaica’s most influential musical legacies in a powerful celebration of the island, its people, and its culture.

More than the release of a new single, “Come Feel The Love” represents the beginning of Morgan Heritage’s next chapter, one rooted in the same values that have defined the band for generations while embracing a renewed purpose. As they honor Peetah Morgan’s enduring legacy, the group continues its mission of celebrating Jamaica through music and spreading love, unity, hope, and positivity to audiences around the world.

“Come Feel the Love” is available now on all major digital streaming platforms.

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