分类： entertainment

Soca artist Melly Rose’s 2022 single ‘Wah Yuh Want,’ featuring Sekon Sta, has secured a spot in the second season of the popular Canadian television comedy series, ‘Office Movers.’ The show streams on Crave, a leading Canadian streaming platform. Produced by Kasey Phillips of Precision Productions, this inclusion marks a significant achievement for Melly Rose and the broader Caribbean music industry. In a press release, Melly Rose expressed her pride, calling it a ‘proud and powerful movement’ for herself and Caribbean music. The release emphasized that this feature highlights the global appeal of soca music and the increasing recognition of Caribbean artists on the international stage. The second season of ‘Office Movers’ will also showcase tracks from other renowned Caribbean soca artists, including Iwer George, College Boy Jesse, Teddyson John, Badjohn Republic, and Preedy. Additionally, Trinidadian comedian Gervail ‘Jr Lee’ Lemo will make his debut on the show. Melly Rose shared her excitement, stating, ‘This is such a big moment for me and for Caribbean music as a whole. Hearing ‘Wah Yuh Want’ in an international TV show for the first time is indescribable. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible, especially Kasey Phillips from Precision Productions for his exceptional work in syncing the tracks and securing this feature. It’s an honor to see our soca music and culture represented and celebrated on this level.’

The National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago (NPATT) celebrated its annual Junior Parang Competition on November 15 and 16, 2024, at El Dorado East Secondary School. This year’s event, themed ‘Somos Un Solo Pueblo – We Are One Village,’ showcased the vibrant parang traditions, uniting schools and fostering lifelong friendships. St Gabriel’s Girls’ RC School emerged victorious in the primary school category, continuing their winning streak from the previous year. The competition featured 25 primary and 15 secondary schools, with new elements like the People’s Choice Award and a challenge trophy adding excitement. A highlight was the ‘Tribute to the Icon Presentation,’ where students theatrically honored parang legends, blending music, history, and performance. Joseph Bertrand, NPATT’s youth officer, emphasized the event’s role in preserving parang culture while nurturing young talent. Prizes included $8,000 for first place, with special awards for Best Lead Singer, Best Presentation, and more. The competition also saw international participation from La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre. Bertrand envisions parang becoming a staple in school curricula, teaching subjects like Spanish, history, and art. The event, open to the public, drew large crowds, with proceeds from votes supporting participating bands. NPATT’s efforts to modernize operations, such as introducing digital registration, reflect their commitment to keeping parang traditions alive for future generations.

Marlon Asher, the Trinidadian reggae artist behind the iconic track ‘Ganja Farmer,’ is once again in the spotlight as part of Burna Boy’s Grammy-nominated album *No Sign of Weakness*. The album, which features the song ’28 Grams’ sampling Asher’s 2004 hit, is nominated for Best Global Music Album. Asher is credited as a writer, while Carl ‘Beaver’ Henderson and Geron ‘Gee’ Woodruffe are recognized as co-producers. A win would grant the trio at least a Grammy certificate, marking a significant milestone in their careers. This is Asher’s second Grammy-nominated project, following his contribution to Keznamdi’s debut album *Blxxd and Fyah*, which is up for Best Reggae Album. ‘Ganja Farmer,’ a global anthem since its release, continues to resonate, with discussions of a remix and new video underway. Asher, now based in the U.S., credits Beaver and Gee for the song’s success, recalling how they transformed his life from a construction worker to an international artist. Beaver attributes the track’s enduring appeal to its unique blend of soca and reggae, as well as its rebellious lyrical theme. Gee’s strategic business acumen, including forming a record label and securing international distribution, ensured the song’s global reach. The trio views Burna Boy’s Grammy nod as a testament to their creative vision and perseverance, celebrating the recognition of Caribbean music on the world stage.

Saegel “Saegel” Bascombe, a Trinidadian artist, has carved a unique niche for herself by blending her passion for art with her love for scientific inquiry. Her recent creation, a life-sized portrait of artist Akhenaton “Yung Bredda” Lewis, showcased her ability to rally her community and deliver exceptional work under tight deadlines. Commissioned by her sponsor Kirt Hill, Bascombe completed the piece in less than the usual month and a half, thanks to the unwavering support of her boyfriend, Joshua Riley, and a dedicated team of friends and family. The project, executed in a makeshift studio, was inspired by Yung Bredda’s gospel music and aimed to capture the essence of time through a ribboned canvas design. Bascombe’s artistic journey began in childhood, where her early creations, such as a rainbow art piece in primary school, hinted at her future potential. Despite her initial uncertainty about pursuing art as a full-time career, her achievements, including topping the Caribbean in 2D art at the CSEC level, solidified her resolve. After a brief detour into engineering and cultural studies, Bascombe embraced her true calling as a full-time artist. Her recent accomplishments include being selected for Royal Caribbean’s Artist Discovery Programme, where she created a mural representing Trinidad and Tobago’s culture. Bascombe’s work, characterized by its uniqueness and vibrant acrylic layers, continues to evolve as she explores new mediums and opportunities. She remains unfazed by the rise of digital technologies, confident in her ability to remain relevant through her genuine artistic inquiries. Bascombe aspires to reopen her art studio and reignite her passion for teaching, while also expanding her portfolio as a muralist. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of art and its ability to bring spaces and people to life.