Ebuzz News
Zesser Tempa’s Got The Kids In Her Hands. Bucco Council in Tobago Says It Takes Full Responsibility.
Tobago’s Bucco Village Council is today admitting to its role in allowing youth artist, Tempa to hit the stage at the closing of the Bucco Goat and Crab races on the Easter weekend. Overnight, several videos showing the entertainer performing with openly indiscreet lines of obscene content, much to the delight of her very young audience, sparked outrage on social media.
Tempa has however built her name and reputation on the promotion of sexually charged and explicit lyrical content. The young woman who openly admits to being a homosexual, has unleashed songs with names like, “Beggin’, ‘ Feel The Heat,’ and ‘View You.’ In January, she paid a visit to her alma mater, Tranquility Government Secondary School in Trinidad, and was eagerly greeted by young fans of her music, as well as teachers at the institution. Back then, no issue was taken to the artiste’s school visit.
On this particular occasion however, the the outrage has been harsh and unrelenting as several persons have questioned the rationale behind the council’s hiring of this particular artiste for the family event. According to the council’s press statement, Tempa was chosen by the council’s youth committee after it was agreed that attendance had dwindled over the years. “The council gave our youth committee the opportunity to to contribute to the planning of this event and allowed them to give ideas and suggestions for making it more inclusive,” the statement said. The Bucco Village Council says it takes full responsibility for the artiste’s explicit performance, noting that she had been advertised as a performer for the event- something that would have drawn a significant crowd, as compared to previous festival attendance.
On show night, young children could be heard singing along, word for word, the lyrics of Tempa’s music. Many are now querying how such young children could possibly know the words of such explicit songs while others blatantly point to bad parenting and lifestyle choices ; The debate rages on amid a firestorm of expressions that range in focus, with some even posting figures at the police. “Where the hell was the Police? Now that videos are out, will he be charged,” argued Inshan Ishmael. Meanwhile, entertainer, M1, known for his soca anthems and infectious ragga-soca styled beats, in a comment on social media simply stated, “Yo M1 ain’t no Saint” believe that, but there’s a time an place for certain things dred that’s unacceptable. It must have a limit to the crap. Vex if yuh like…..“
Here’s a look at what happened on show night at the event:
Ebuzz News
Culture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
A move in line with government’s commitment to creating balance and encouraging expansion in T&T’s overall cultural experience; This is how the country’s Culture and Community Development Minister responded this afternoon to criticism meted out to government as word spread that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy would no longer be used as a fete venue.
Minister Michelle Benjamin, declaring her support for the Prime Minister said residents living in close proximity to the cricket academy, have voiced their concerns regarding the excessive sound levels generated by large scale events. Major carnival fetes have seen patron attendance exceeding 10,000 in recent years, according to promoters.
Opened in 2017, the Tarouba sporting facility is managed by the Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago. UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee, speaking on the issue with the Trinidad Express said events hosted outside of the stadium have led to wear and tear of the facility. He explained that annual costs for the overall maintenance of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, exceed $10million.
The Promoter’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago meanwhile, has condemned the move, saying, the government’s sudden ban on the use of UDeCOTT facilities for soca and other Carnival related events is destructive and short-sighted. Questioning the “real intent behind the move,” the association argues that the move is viewed as a top-down decision, made without consultation with the sector. Arguing that several promoters have already secured the venue ahead of Carnival 2026, the TTPA said, “For all those affected, tickets have been sold, venues advertised, and patrons have made travel and accommodation plans to align with confirmed events.” The organization is questioning how this move benefits the entire country.
Culture Minister Gives Reassurance
In her statement, Minister Benjamin explained that citizens should view the decision as part of the government’s broader vision to not only expand carnival beyond its traditional footprint, but to ensure the wellbeing of all communities. “As part of the expansion of Carnival, we are not saying that we are stopping fetes. What we are doing is working to identify and promote more appropriate spaces that can enhance the experience, while reducing any negative impact that could possibly arise.”
The Minister said the ultimate aim is to ensure that carnival continues to thrive as a celebration of creativity, unity and national identity. She said Carnival must reflect the rhythm of T&T’s people while striking the right balance between culture, community and progress.
Ebuzz News
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad will no longer be a venue option for events other than cricket. This announcement comes as preparations are well underway, by promoters for Carnival 2026.
The decision made by the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDECOTT) now leaves some promoters scrambling, as the decision takes place with immediate effect.
UDECOTT claims that the facility was not meant to facilitate fete events, noting that maintenance costs amount to approximately $15 million annually.
Carnival events like Xperience, Stink N Dutty, and last year’s inaugural MEGA concert headlined by Machel Montano, attract in excess of 10,000 patrons according to promoters, leaving questions as to where such massive audience numbers can be contained, along with parking facilitation.
The carnival events, while staged in the stadium’s car park, has led to significant wear and tear and damage to the facility, according to UDECOTT Chairman, Shankar Bidaisee. In an interview with the Trinidad Express newspaper, he is quoted as saying, “The Brian Lara Cricket Academy is for cricket. That is the purpose of it. It was not built for fetes.” He went on to affirm, “It’s for cricket and we will use it for cricket only. So there are to be no fetes at the stadium.”
For quite some time, there have been concerns raised by carnival stakeholders, regarding the need for viable venues across the country, for the delivery of large scale events.
-
Ebuzz News1 week ago100 Days To T&T Carnival – Big Launch, Big Vibes to Hit Port of Spain, this Friday.
-
Ebuzz News4 days agoThe Brian Lara Cricket Academy is No Longer A Fete Venue. UDECOTT Claims Wear and Tear.
-
Ebuzz News5 days ago“This Project Come from a Real Place — From Loss, Learning, Faith.” – POPCAAN.
-
Ebuzz News3 days agoCulture Minister Says There Is A Broader Vision for T&T Carnival. Assures Feting Will Continue.
