The imminent release of Buju Banton- reggae and dancehall music’s most celebrated artiste of this era, last evening got an additional boost as news came that the “Optimistic Soul” singer would be performing in Trinidad and Tobago in his first concert performance, post release on December 8th, 2018. The announcement was made by – a marketing representative for the artiste’s BB Clothing and merchandise line, aboard the Love and Harmony Cruise.
There has since been a heightened level of excitement on social media, this as global audiences and certainly fans of the Jamaican mega star who has been serving a 9-year jail sentence in the US, breathe sighs of relief, knowing that their Caribbean artiste will soon be with them again. Buju two weeks ago, posted to his social media account, a photo of promotional signage in Trinidad for an event that was being held in his honor at Club Prosperity in Bournes Road, St. James. It may have been a hint of the news that would later come.
Buju Banton recently posted an image and caption that spoke magnitudes, saying, “Let go and Let Jah.”
Many would’ve expected the artiste’s first concert event to be held on home soil, however Ebuzztt.com understands that one event promoter in Trinidad and Tobago with particularly strong ties to the artiste, has had the first show in the bag, all the while. The last concert event that featured Buju Banton in Trinidad and Tobago was the “I Am Legend” concert in 2009. Banton’s marketing team has however indicated that the reason for having the first event hosted in Trinidad and Tobago is solely due to the artiste’s desire to have other key entertainers on the Jamaica show, for which all of them are not available prior to the April engagement in Trinidad and Tobago- this according to the Jamaica Observer newspaper.
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.
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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