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.

US-based soca artist Sasha Melody has unveiled her latest single, ‘Money Over You,’ a vibrant anthem that champions female empowerment. Released on November 10, the track was co-produced and co-written by Emmerson George of WMG Labs and Joanna Hutton Music. Described as a ‘lively soca bounce with a sleek global pop edge,’ the song marks Melody’s second release for Carnival 2026, following her July hit, ‘Mix You Up.’

At its core, ‘Money Over You’ is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a bold declaration of self-worth. While the song’s playful tone exudes confidence, its deeper message emphasizes the importance of valuing oneself over toxic relationships. ‘It’s not about choosing cash over connection; it’s about choosing self-worth over chaos,’ the release explained.

Melody, who has spent her life shuttling between the US and the Caribbean, brings a rich cultural background to her music. A performer since the age of three, she gained early recognition as a featured dancer on the iconic American music-dance TV show, ‘Soul Train.’ Her career has since flourished, with performances at major events like Hollywood Carnival and Caribbean festivals in New York, Miami, Orlando, and Los Angeles.

In her own words, Melody clarifies that the song isn’t about materialism but self-value. ‘When I say ‘I can lime by myself/ I can wine by myself,’ I’m really saying I’m whole on my own. It’s a reminder that peace and confidence never go out of style,’ she added. With its infectious rhythm and empowering message, ‘Money Over You’ is poised to resonate with audiences worldwide.

On November 12, the South Ranch in Debe became the epicenter of entertainment as Kairi People hosted their highly anticipated Runaway all-inclusive event. The night was filled with electrifying performances from some of the biggest names in soca and Caribbean music. Headlining the event was the A Team Band, featuring their brand-new frontline cast, alongside soca stars Voice and Patrice Roberts, who thrilled the audience with her 2025 release ‘Rock So.’ The D All Starz band also took the stage, joined by College Boy Jesse, Viking Ding Dong, Mical Teja, and other notable acts such as The Freetown Collective, Blaka Dan, Sackie, Anika Berry, Sekon Sta, and Yung Bredda. The event was a vibrant celebration of music and culture, with patrons fully immersed in the lively atmosphere. Newsday photographer Angelo Marcelle was on hand to capture the unforgettable moments, from the energetic performances to the joyous crowd. The Runaway party proved to be a night of unity, rhythm, and pure entertainment, leaving attendees with lasting memories.