Maloney, Trinidad resident Xone is relatively unknown on the Caribbean entertainment circuit. His elder brother Preedy stunned the Soca fraternity when he broke out a few years ago but even when he did, there wasn’t much indication that there was more to come from Preedy’s camp. This past season however, a songwriter with skill invaded the Soca market, delivering his sexually expressive Soca hit “Work” for none other than superstar newbie, Nailah Blackman and Soca heartthrob Kees Dieffenthaller. It wouldn’t be the last we’d hear from him.
A few weeks ago, we started receiving word that something big was about to be unveiled, a project involving the murder accused dancehall sing-jay and a Trini artist. Little did we know that the project would be the release of a track that’s been referred to as a summer banger by some of the industry’s best radio personalities. Earlier this week, during an interview on urban frequency RED 96.7 FM, Xone said he also co-wrote the recently released “Say Yeah”, a song co-written and sung by his brother, Preedy. That track has been increasing in popularity, daily.
Xone told the story of producer Anson Soverall’s introduction to his vocals and Soverall’s eagerness to have him join the music team of which his brother Preedy and Nailah Blackman are apart. “Anson is a man who knows a lot for people so when you do things for people, people show you love. He linked up with Sparkiebaby in Jamaica who linked him with Jamaican dancehall artist, Spice to do the remix with Bunji,” he recalled, essentially explaining that that initial interaction was what led to the birth of the Vybz Kartel collaboration.
Xone said humility is second nature to him and even revealed a desire to be silent millionaires in the future. He tipped his hat to the new breed of Trinidad and Tobago artistes- particularly Nailah Blackman and Turner.
The new single is called “Vices”. Check it out below.
Carnival mas band, TRIBE is leveling up the Carnival experience with an Augmented Reality (AR) app in collaboration with Arielle Du Quesnay, founder of Roam Reality.
An Augmented Reality (AR) app is a mobile application that enhances the real-world experience by overlaying digital elements – such as graphics, animations, and interactive content – onto a user’s physical surroundings.
TRIBE executive Rhiannon Pemberton said by using a smartphone camera, AR apps blend the virtual and real worlds, creating an immersive and engaging experience. “The Roam Reality AR app enhances the Trinidad Carnival experience by allowing users to participate in interactive challenges and capture creative content,” said Pemberton. “Through geo-check-ins, custom sticker filters, and photo contests, users can engage with the TRIBE, BLISS, HARTS, and LOST TRIBE brands, earn points, and win prizes, including party tickets and 2026 Carnival costumes.”
Pemberton said most challenges are open to anyone who downloads the Roam Reality App.”Whether you’re a masquerader, a spectator, or simply a Carnival enthusiast, you can take part by snapping photos, using the app’s exclusive filters, and sharing your content on social media to earn points,” Pemberton added. He went on to explain however that there is a special Carnival Tuesday Challenge exclusively for TRIBE, BLISS, LOST TRIBE, and HARTS masqueraders. He explained that it will showcase the masqueraders’ stunning costumes in a unique AR experience.
Pemberton highlighted that this allows brands and participants to engage in new ways, enhances the digital footprint of Carnival, and can potentially attract a global audience by making content more shareable and immersive. “By pioneering AR in Carnival, TRIBE is setting the stage for future innovations in festival culture,” he affirmed.
After a stellar concert performance last week Friday at the Brian Lara Cricket academy, Machel Montano’s upcoming appearance in North, Trinidad, is highly anticipated by soca fans. The entertainer who’s been in the business for over 30 years, brought the house down at MEGA last weekend, showing the world that he remains a powerhouse in the Soca music business.
Montano, along with a supporting cast that included, Pumpa out of the USVI, Lady Lava, Chutney Soca Queen, Drupati, Skinny Fabulous, Voice, Yung Bredda, and Full Blown, among others, enticed soca fans in a major way, unleashing pure energy and vibes at an event that brought out a massive audience from the Southland and surrounding areas.
Mobile phone recording by patrons, a bit of a sour point at fetes for some time now, Montano urged fans to put away their devices just as he started his set. Dressed in yellow, and drenched in ice, the soca superstar delivered an unmistakably seamless set of songs that included ‘Like A Boss,’ ‘Fast Wine,’ ‘Bet Meh’ and of course, his Road March contender for 2025, ‘Pardy.
The mecca of the dominant carnival force on the planet, remains Trinidad and Tobago. Now, as the season’s prevalence captivates fun-seekers around the globe, one promotional team is adamant that the events on the Carnival calendar must stand up to the expectations of the masses.
The Johnny Q Sound Company will deliver one of the biggest events in this season, on Monday, February 24th at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain. Monday Madness is set to showcase the largest cast of Soca stars this season, with a headlining performance by the King of Soca himself, Machel Montano. “There is a certain kind of energy that carnival should invoke. We’re not saying it’s missing completely, but a void has been filled with the inclusion of White Oak Monday Madness, one week before Carnival Monday,” said a rep for Johnny Q.
A well-known event promoter and music facilitator across the Caribbean, this is no new venture for the outfit. “Soca music is in our DNA as Trinbagonians. What we want to deliver to those visiting the country in 2025, is a true expression of who we are as Trinbagonians, at the Oval on Monday, February 24th. We’re working with Machel and the Monk Band, Patrice Roberts, Lyrikal, Nadia Batson, Road March King, Mical Teja, Ravi B, Nailah Blackman, Skinny Fabulous, Voice, and a long list of artistes, to present something that the people have not seen or experienced in a while, in T&T,” he said.
Tickets already going extremely fast, the event will cater to every pocket with three zones offered- General, Stage Front and Big Truck VIP. “The Big Truck Party Zone with its elevated deck and mix and mingle area is catering to committees and their die-hard supporters. Kairi People, Vale Vibe, Bayside Events, Bayview, Event Locker Gateway to the World along with Monday Madness VIP, can be contacted directly for those tickets and they can also be purchased online at islandetickets.com. The prices range from $850 to $1500. The $850 tickets are food inclusive, with a cash bar, but the $1500 tickets are fully all inclusive,” said the event spokesperson.
Patrons will have an exclusive entrance to that area, VIP washrooms and enough space to party comfortably.
The stage front tickets, which are $600, offer an up-close and personal view of the artistes on stage. With doors opening at 7pm, the event is billed as one of, if not, the biggest carnival blockbuster fete this season. “Our products and our delivery in carnival as event organizers, are really and truly the advertisement for the carnivals that will follow. We have to ensure that tourists coming to carnival, are met with the best feting experiences so that they’ll tell the world about what they felt while they were here. We can’t drop the ball, not even for one season and as a promo outfit, we do not take that responsibility lightly. Monday Madness will deliver an over-the-top feting experience in 2025 because we want the world to come back again and again,” emphasized the spokesperson.
This year the company is introducing a band of musicians that they’ve taken tremendous pride in building and investing in. “The Evolution Band has been working diligently to make their presence felt and they will be on stage at Monday Madness. The team comprises a number of young, talented musicians who are set to make a mark in the entertainment industry this year.” Added to that, The A Team Band will also hit the stage, bringing their musical strength to the Queen’s Park Oval with artistes everyone will enjoy.
The stage is set for one of the most thrilling carnival fetes, the world has ever experienced, promised the event organizer. “The energy surrounding this fete is out of this world already. We’re guaranteeing a secure and unforgettable night at Monday Madness. This is your ticket to amplify the thrill leading up to carnival week.”
Online tickets at islandetickets.com, have been selling very well and it’s anticipated that there will be an influx of carnival chasers, entering the Oval on Monday, February 24th.
Information on the event is available online @mondamadnesstt on Instagram and Facebook.
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