Despite being told by new Chairman of The Caribbean Prestige Foundation, Peter Scoon, that former Chairman, William Munro was unable to make it to the launch of the 2014 ISM last evening, Munro was in fact spotted among the A listers at the launch of next year’s production, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel last evening.
Former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam sits with Munro at Thursday’s launch.
Whether Munro walked into the event late is unknown, however he was in fact spotted. The launch was somewhat different from previous years when seats would have been provided for all guests. This year, the ambience created was less tense and certainly a bit more relaxing, as many strolled into a ballroom at the Hyatt that was outfitted with large screens round about, cocktail tables decorated with large centre pieces and a few lounge chairs, seemingly for the real A Listers.
Mark Anthony, the voice of Soca Monarch MC’d the proceedings and later, speeches from sponsors such as Digicel, the NLCB, Blue Waters and Flavourite which sponsors the School’s Soca Monarch competition, would be followed by an address delivered by Scoon.
He thanked Munro for his years of service to the Calyspo and Soca culture of Trinidad and Tobago, asking patrons to stand and pay homage to Munro despite the fact that he was not in attendance. Of course, now we know that he certainly was there. Several ambitious moves for the future of the 21 year old event were announced by Scoon, among them, the inclusion of what he coined an Artiste Village on Fantastic Friday night. He also said the production of the show would be of a much higher standard than before, explaining that their team was already making the necessary moves to have lighting and audio expertise and equipment, brought in from overseas. Highlighting that the Soca Monarch stage in 2014 would be the biggest stage ever erected at any venue across Trinidad and Tobago, Scoon said there would also be technologically equipped entry bands for patrons in the coming year. Later he would reiterate that William Munro is no longer the Chairman of Caribbean Prestige Foundation, assuring that the new team of young, vibrant minds would be taking the event forward.
The iconic, Super Blue performed at the event on Thursday evening. He will defend his crown in 2014.
Among those in attendance last evening were Trinidad and Tobago’s Education Minister, Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, People’s National Movement MP, Donna Cox, TUCO President, Luthalo Brother Resistance Masimba, Promoter, Randy Glasgow, Island Style’s Ian Wiltshire, Liz Montano- mother of reigning Power and Groovy Soca Monarch King, Machel Montano among a host of representatives of various corporate entities, artistes and culture stakeholders.
There were also performances by newcomer to the entertainment scene in T&T, Mr. Famous, Denise Belfon and even reigning Soca Monarch King, Super Blue and while earlier reports by ETCETERABUZZ indicated that Super’s daughter, Fay-Ann Lyons and her husband, Bunji Garlin would be attending the event, the couple instead sent their manager, Dexter Thomas to represent them. Thomas told EBUZZ that the pair had been tying up some loose ends on a project and opted not to attend at the last minute.
At a time when the Soca landscape is constantly evolving and newer artistes are often focused on creating music for the party, soca artiste Terron is taking a different approach with his song, “Know A Place,” a heartfelt tribute to the beauty, culture and spirit of Trinidad and Tobago.
For Terron, the song is more than a musical release. It is a personal expression of gratitude and connection to a country that has remained close to his heart, despite spending much of his life abroad. Having migrated to the United States of America as a child, Terron grew up far from his birthplace. The distance, however, never diminished his appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago. Instead, his visits back home became treasured experiences filled with moments he looked forward to and still holds dear. Those visits offered opportunities to reconnect with the people, places and cultural experiences that made Trinidad and Tobago feel special to him. That enduring connection is at the heart of “Know A Place.”
While many emerging artistes focus on creating music that dominates parties and create viral moments, Terron is embracing a subject that is less commonly explored by artistes at the beginning of their careers: music that celebrates national identity and contributes to the broader conversation about nation building. His deliberate choice reflects his appreciation for the country and his desire to celebrate what makes it unique.
Through music, Terron hopes to remind listeners that the value of Trinidad and Tobago extends beyond its world-renowned Carnival celebrations. It is also found in the country’s natural beauty, cultural richness and people. “Know A Place” invites listeners to reflect on what Trinidad and Tobago means to them, whether they live in the twin-island republic or carry memories of home from thousands of miles away. For those in the diaspora, the song offers an opportunity to reconnect with familiar feelings and experiences and for those at home, it serves as a reminder to appreciate the beauty and character of the place they call their own.
Terron’s approach also speaks to the wider role of music in shaping how a country sees itself and how the rest of the world experiences it. “Soca music has always been a powerful vehicle for expressing Caribbean identity,” shares Terron. It is his hope that this song will reinforce why T&T should be appreciated and cherished.
Shot over the course of four days, the project, which was released on October 9, features sights from Paramin, DDI, Chaguaramas, San Fernando, Tobago, and Port of Spain. “Know A Place” is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful way to celebrate a country is to tell its story.
There’s a major shift happening in entertainment in T&T. The energy is rising. On the heels of Tobago Carnival – a spectacle that has left mas lovers craving more, there’s a band launch on the horizon that promises entertainment lovers a true taste of what Trinidad’s South West peninsula has to offer. URAVE is a brand that’s building community and dedicatedly setting things in motion for the best Borough Festival Point Fortin has ever experienced, in 2027.
Speaking exclusively with Ebuzztt.com, Directors, Kariym Balthazar and Roland Hamilton shared details on ‘Life Beyond The Creek’ – the concept for URAVE’S 2027 Borough Festival presentation. The event takes place at the Clifton Hill Beach Resort on Saturday, November 7th from 9pm.
URAVE’s Kariym Balthazar
Two of seven directors who make up a broad team of professionals, their planning for this upcoming event, has been extensive. “We officially kicked off the project in May this year. We’ve put in a lot of work and with a strong team, we are guaranteeing an enhanced Borough Festival,” said Hamilton. He has been a part of the entertainment and promotional landscape in Trinidad and Tobago for the past 15 years. Hamilton said the URAVE brand was conceptualized back in 2015, but opportunity to present it to the people of Point Fortin and those coming into the Borough the way it was conceptualized, has only truly shown itself at this time. “This is not just a band. We’ll also be doing events in the space as well. URAVE will host something like a ‘First Jam’ in the Borough celebrations in 2027 and even our road experience will start off with a brunch event for two hours, with food stations before we hit the streets to play mas. When our masqueraders get off the road, they will enjoy a las’ lap experience too,” he said.
Four mas sections ready for presentation on Saturday, Balthazar told Ebuzztt that this is just the beginning. “We plan on taking URAVE into different spaces – not just Point Fortin Borough Festival, so in the future, URAVE may even be in Carnival in Port -of-Spain,” he said. The four sections are, “Pitch Lake,” “Garden Jewels,” “Fields Road,” and “Columbus Bay,” – all honoring integral aspects of the Southern experience. “I am from La Brea. La Brea and Point Fortin are like brother and sister,” said Hamilton, explaining that the idea is to truly highlight the South Western part of the island by giving those who are unfamiliar an experience of what they have to offer. “Deep South often feels neglected. We don’t have the opportunities or the experiences that others often have. We always have to go into Port-of-Spain to experience mas, so because I would’ve experienced mas so many times, URAVE aims at delivering a higher standard when it comes to experience, so that people who do not frequent Port of Spain, can enjoy what its like in the Borough Festival.”
URAVE stands for Unimaginably, Rhythmic, Audio, Visual, Experience. “These words are at the heart of the brand. The focus is on how people feel, how they are welcomed, and what they leave with. This is not something that is predominant in the Point Fortin Borough space so it is important to us, to establish this standard,” said Hamilton. He says the theme, “Life Beyond the Creek celebrates the beauty, creativity and talent within the South Western peninsula.
Roland Hamilton says URAVE was conceptualized in 2015.
The band launch is being touted as one that will showcase exactly what masqueraders can expect on the rod come 2027. Though starting off with more of a Monday Wear mas deliverable, the band will be going hard to ensure the feeling of revelry and fun are high priority. “Years ago, bands like Legacy and Ronnie and Caro, and other big bands would come down from Port-of- Spain, but Borough Day has never had a Point Fortin based mas band involved.
Years ago, Legacy, Ronnie and Caro and other big bands would come down from Port of Spain and they never really had a Point Fortin based mas band involved. Our team has been having discussions with the Point Fortin Borough executives and we’ve been discussing all areas to ensure what we bring enhances the celebration,” said Hamilton, noting that the overall aim is to bring life to the celebration. “We hope even big mas bands will come back into the space after our presentation in 2027,” he said.
The Economics and the People.
All bases covered, inclusive of safety and convenience, Hamilton noted the state of the present economy. Understanding of the economic climate, he said URAVE’S website will go live after the band’s launch on Saturday and those interested in playing will be able to register with the option of securing a payment plan.”
On Saturday night in Point Fortin, fetters can expect a whole lot of energy and Carnival vibes. Artistes inclusive of Farmer Nappy, Trinibaby, Christo and Viking Ding Dong, will be apart of the excitement. “We are creating a safe space for people to come out and have fun. We want to always have a great time. The feeling is very important to us and we will show potential masqueraders just what it will mean to be on the road with URAVE, when we launch the band this weekend,” Hamilton assured.
Follow URAVE online on Instagram for more on what’s to come and be part of the greatest Borough Festival experience in 2027.
error: This content is protected. if you wish to use this content in anyway please contact us.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.