Ebuzz News
Ziggy Rankin Isn’t Done. Amid Outcry for Change, Artiste Delivers.
There comes a time when the noise must be ignored and the mission achieved. Ziggy Rankin- one of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean region’s most deliberate voices in the reggae music movement, will no longer be silenced.
Armed with the musical ammunition he knows can and will counteract the negative noise that the region is now clamoring to control, Ziggy is prepared for battle. “In the early years I was criticized for releasing too much music by prominent people in the industry, but I guess they were wrong so I’ll be blazing them again,” he affirmed, as he confirmed the release of a brand new single that’s the first of many conscious tunes to come.
The track, “Looking for The Love,” is a realistic response to the hate, criminality and outright demonic plague that is now holding many people in the region, in a strong, angry chokehold. At home in Trinidad and Tobago, Ziggy’s worst fears have been exacerbated, as daily, news headlines amplify murder and bloodshed. Ineffective policing and political tug of war, coupled with corporate corruption, judicial inefficiency and out of touch social and educational systems leave many questioning the future of a place once called paradise.
This song, written by Ryan ‘Mawangi’ Peters, with production by Ato Williams, is a drop in the bucket, says Ziggy, but he believes each positive voice matters. “This song is necessary at this time because of the direction we are heading as a people,” he said, adding, “The effort to achieving a better tomorrow must be a collective one. It cannot rest squarely on the shoulders of government or any one group.”
Ziggy Rankin has stood in the gap for many years, intentionally holding firm to his belief in the power of positive music. He has stood shoulder to shoulder with many reggae icons in the Caribbean music industry, pouring his heart and soul out with songs like, “Miserable Life,’ ‘Another One Gone,’ and ‘Gotta Get You A Girl,’ among other hits. Now, as 2024 presents numerous unprecedented occurrences, among them, a call by Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali for the region to quell the promotion of musical lyrics that promote violence, Ziggy believes his voice must be stronger than ever.
“Looking For The Love,” is now available for download and streaming via all streaming platforms. “My hope is that, as a nation, as a region, we can agree on the importance of amplifying positive energy – whether through music, conversations and all other aspects of life. What we give out is what we get in return.”
Ebuzz News
Patrice Roberts Pulls 10K Plus Crowd At Flava Village in Port-of-Spain.
The national Carnival Commission says more than 10,000 patrons came out to Flava Village at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Thursday night to see female Soca artiste, Patrice Roberts.
An event dubbed, ‘Always Us,’ held as a free showcase for Carnival lovers, delivered a number of truly entertaining soca stars, among them, Shal Marshall, Shurwayne Winchester, Nadia Batson, Farmer Nappy and Mical Teja. The NCC, in a media statement said, “an estimated 8,000 people filled the popular Carnival venue, with an additional 2,000patrons enjoying the show from viewing screens along The Drag, creating an electric Carnival atmosphere despite heavy rainfall earlier in the day.”
With her usual high energy performances, Patrice held the attention of fans throughout the night.The concert was described by the artiste as a heartfelt “thank you” to her fans and
supporters. NCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Keiba Jacob-Mottley, said the organisation welcomed the opportunity to partner with Roberts. “We commend Patrice for her decision to give back in this meaningful way and applaud her commitment to ensuring that high-quality local entertainment remains accessible to everyone during the Carnival season, Mottley said, adding, “Our collaboration reinforces the NCC’s focus on creating memorable Carnival experiences that celebrate our artistes while removing financial barriers for the public,” she added.
The NCC CEO noted that the Flava Food Village, one of two signature Carnival villages at the
Savannah, alongside the John Cupid Carnival Village, is offered as a vibrant, inclusive space
where patrons can enjoy food, culture, and nightly performances free of charge. She added
that other NCC events, such as “Welcome to the Gayelle” represent the continuing work at
delivering a successful Carnival 2026.
David Baptiste, President of the Carnival Entrepreneurs Association, described the night as a milestone for vendors at the Savannah. “Last night was truly beautiful and something I have never seen before – an event of this magnitude in terms of crowd size, and people supporting the vendors. Many vendors sold out last night. We need more of this, and I am looking forward to the next event. Events like these boost business for our vendors at the Savannah and make them truly feel like they are a part of the Carnival festival,” Baptiste said.
Ebuzz News
Squeezy Rankin’s Pivot. Artiste Goes Hard into Calypso to Change Mindsets.
From dancehall music with rough lyrical content to social commentary that aims at changing mindsets, East Trinidad native, Squeezy Rankin says he has found his true calling in Calypso music. The entertainer is on the road to the preliminary round of the Calypso Monarch Competition later this month, with a single called ‘Rat Race’ – this, one year after ‘Justice’ influenced younger audiences to take a stronger look at the Calypso genre, something that he hopes he can continue to do as his journey in music continues.
In a recent radio interview, the reigning Young King, whose real name is Anthony La Fleur, said prior to 2025, he had not done music professionally in 13 years. Jumping back into the spotlight, he said, was a bit intimidating, but the exposure last year has prepared him for 2026 and the artiste is expected to confidently claim his space in the Calypso Monarch competition this year.
As real as it gets, Squeezy Rankin- a man on the ground, has always fought for his place in the music industry locally. Now, as Calypso music embraces him even more, he says he believes he’s found his place. “I plan on releasing two songs during the year because I want to change the narrative that Calypso music is old people music,” he said, adding that his hope is that urban radio stations see the value in sharing topics of social commentary, such as ‘Justice’ and ‘Rat Race’- songs deep in meaning and valuable beyond measure, in the greater scheme of things.
Determined to change mindsets one song at a time, Squeezy Rankin says his strong suit is certainly social commentary and he will not, at any time, delve into political commentary. “I was advised by someone who is deep in politics to stay out of it and I literally listened. You know sometimes we hear people, but we aren’t listening. I thought about what he said, and it made sense. I literally listened, even though they say I don’t listen,” he said with a laugh.
‘Rat Race’ was written by Squeezy and Angelo Pantin with production by Q-Ban Production.
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