Trinidad and Tobago's Syr Promises To Turn Things Up....

Photo by: J Hamilton Photography

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. October 31, 2011------------- He promises to stand out. He’s fresh and hungry to penetrate the Soca scene and at age 26, Syr (pronounced SY-ER) is prepared to give the feting public and even those who just like to chill out amid the hype, something to talk about. So confident is this San Juan, Trinidad native that he’s making it known off the bat that this is no hobby- it’s his career and as such, he’s not messing around.  

A first taste of what Syr’s got was unleashed on Friday, October 28th. It's a single straight out of Holy House Productions and rides the Body Riddim of which well known local producer, Mr. Spine is owed credit. The track, which is called, Pon D Body is all about a young woman’s anticipation for the Carnival season, her eagerness to let loose and enjoy the local festival. Syr, whose real name is Wackele Williams explained that the track is all soca but boasts some dance and dancehall flavour.  

With a keen ability to work with various musical genres, including reggae and dancehall, Syr who only started recording last year, says his first goal is to get the support of the radio stations. “ I need to get my music played, so it can be heard by the masses. This is no hobby- it’s what I do and I plan on doing it well enough, so that everyone appreciates it,” he said.  Looking toward the future, Syr admits that his focus is long term, so at the moment he’s 

working on music that will be released outside local shores in January and in T&T even after 

the C2K12 season has passed.  

On the topic of artistes that he enjoys, names like Bunji Garlin and the Millionaire Family pop 

up. “ I really like the Millionaire Family- there’s no surprise there. Syr admits that he is fond of 

quite a few entertainers on the local circuit, among them Benjai, 3 Suns and FayAnn Lyons. He 

didn’t shy away however from voicing his opinion on the Caribbean’s music industry, saying 

that as a burgeoning artiste he feels there is room growth and improvement. “ There are so 

many genres of music in the Caribbean and then so many sub-genres like Island Pop coming 

out of Soca. It’ll be interesting to see how we utilise all of this musical greatness to show up 

ourselves as one Caribbean people,” he said.  

As it relates to his career, Syr is preparing to do things a little different because as he 

explained- “in this biz, it’s all about who makes the strongest impact, regardless of genre, 

island or style.” 

Already, he’s doing it the right way, with professional standards being set as it relates to 

business and image. Syr’s teamed up with popular urban fashion centre, Phat’s International 

for all his wardrobe needs and his photos are all done by JHamilton Photography. “ The only 

way this can work is if I invest in it and that’s what I intend to do- wholeheartedly. I now look 

forward to the wholehearted support of the public at large,”he said.

Proud Patrons Of Saute Trinbago 2011 To Wear White on Sunday

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. September 23, 2011 - Patrons of this year’s Saute´ Trinbago experience are being called upon to come dolled up in white. The idea goes hand in hand with the event’s 2011 theme- that being Proud to be Trinbagonian. The white in the island’s national flag symbolizes the sea by which the islands are bound, the cradle of the nation’s heritage; the purity of the people’s aspirations and the equality of all men under the sun and so, with that in mind, organisers at Cloud Nine Promotions say white is the ideal colour to represent this year’s goal. 

Already soca stars have attested to their unwavering support for the event and on Sunday, the people of T&T, along with a number of visitors from across the islands and continents, will make their way to the Paddock, Queen’s Park Savannah. With gates opening at 2pm, patrons, many of whom purchased their tickets quite early, are anticipating the smorgasbord of tasty delights, among these sushi, crab and dumplings, roti, Creole, Indian and Chinese cuisine and of course, lots and lots of Trini styled desserts. Beyond that, there’s been talk of additional guest artistes added to the cast, among the popular additions Explainer, The Neal & Massy All Stars and students from the U.W.I. Department of Creative and Festival Arts. These of course, will join Machel Montano Rikki Jai, Bunji Garlin, Destra Gacia, Benjai, Mungal Patasar and others, for entertainment that goes beyond the ordinary. 

The event is seen by organisers as the perfect opportunity to market the island, its personality, tastes and sounds and with many overseas having expressed great interest in the event, it won’t be strange to see quite a few visitors to the shores of the island within the days leading up to Sunday’s grand celebration. Saute´ Trinbago is just one of those events that encourages cultural, ethnic and social unity, say organisers and with that being it’s fundamental aim, this year’s event is certainly viewed as a step in the right direction for the people of Trinidad and Tobago. A number of reputable brands have come forward with expressions of support for the event, among these Bmobile, Link Me Limited, Hilton Trinidad, Lucozade, Blue Waters, Flavorite, K2K Alliance and Partners, Chivas, Heineken, Angostura Cocktails, Tresemme´, Heartbeat 103.5FM and Ebony 104FM.

What Could Bunji Garlin Be Up To?

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. June 27, 2011----- T&T soca artiste, Bunji Garlin has posted an interesting message on his twitter page. 

Following his performance at the Basia Beat Breast Cancer concert last evening, the artiste rose early on Monday morning only to reveal that his time of change had arrived.

What this is all about- is left to be seen and known but one thing he made very clear was his intention to reveal all at Woodford Cafe, Movie Town on Tuesday night!!!

In recent months, Bunji, who for Carnival 2011, gave his audiences much to enjoy, changed his appearance, cutting off the long rasta hairstyle he'd donned for many years.
                                                                                    Now, what's to come is but a mystery... however,

                                                                                    ET-CET-ERA Buzz is on top of it!!! 

                                                                                    Stay tuned for more... 

Bunji Plans 'Big Time Show' for July Birthday In T&T!

An extraordinary event is in the pipeline for July 17th. Port-of-Spain Trinidad will on that night, experience a true celebration of life as local soca artiste, Ian Alvarez, better known by his stage name, Bunji Garlin, will throw the birthday bash of a lifetime. 
Coined, Bunji Garlin’s Birthday Bash, soca stars from the island of the musical genre’s birth and many from across the region, will come together with dancehall and reggae’s best to give the people of T&T a truly thrilling stage show. 

Already, local event coordinating powerhouse has been hired to ensure the masses come out and are treated to a professionally engaging event from venue to accommodation, ticketing to parking and sound quality among other specifics. 

This time around, Garlin, who has amassed a tremendous following, both regionally and internationally over the years, has decided to splurge on what has become an annual event. Instead of the regular run of the mill club event, the self-proclaimed, ‘Fireman’ is calling all party lovers and fans of his music, to indulge in a truly memorable outdoor birthday bash experience. 

A weekend-long schedule of activity is being planned for not just the stars who’ll grace the event, but also the people who, according to the artiste himself, “ has been my driving force and inspiration for many years.” 

Among the lineup of stars set to be a part of the celebration is Jamaican sensation Busy Signal who this year collaborated with Fay Ann Lyons Alavarez on her hit soca single, Start Wining. The crowned princess of Soca and wife of the birthday boy has also come up with what many will agree is the best conclusion to the weekend- a Sunday night simmer at The Living Room Nightclub in Arima.

Bunji Garlin: “The Best Cast Was Chosen for T&T’s Fire Fete 2010”

The anticipation is definitely on as tens of thousands prepare for the start of T&T’s carnival season. At band rooms across the island, artistes and their musicians are rehearsing- preparing for the event they know will kick start their time of year, and certainly the fete lovers’ most anticipated time too! Former Soca Monarch King, Bunji Garlin, chatting on the first big event to take place for the season said, “Soca is the music of the people and the best cast was chosen to represent the vibe of the people at Fire Fete 2010.” He added that as far as he was concerned, the cast for Fire was chosen based on each performer’s true ability. Bunji for one is certainly ready- having held on to the ‘fire man’ title, over the years. With hits this season that range from “No Borrow” to “Gaza or Gully,” and a hit collaboration with wife and band mate- Fay Ann Lyons, entitled, “Call Me,” there’s no denying that Bunji and his crew are a must-see at the annual Fire Fete. The January 9th, 2010 edition of the event moves from its traditional Wrightson Road abode, to another hot spot further down as The St. John’s Hall will be transformed into “The Land of Flames.” Already, momentum for Fire Fete is building on the street- even amid preparations for Christmas. On Facebook.com, the group- ‘ Blazing Fire Fete 2010”- has attracted a large number of eager patrons who, over the past week have received inside info on promotions and the cast for the show. Many are already loving the fact that St. John’s Hall will host Fire Fete 2010- as they know the ambience will prove party friendly. There’s so much more to come but many say and most agree that the first fete, FIRE FETE- cannot be ignored, nor can it be missed!

The ABX is Now Complete- Bunji, Iwer, Shurwayne & RDX Rip It Up!

Carnival come quick! That’s the shout emanating from Shurwayne Winchester’s camp in Arima, Trinidad. The band room is abuzz and on the heels of the release of the ABX rhythm last month- the production crew at SWLTD released three more tracks off the rhythm on Friday ( Oct 16th).

Hot off the press, Shurwayne has teamed up with Jamaican sensation, RDX on a track titled, “ Gyal Wine Up.” With lyrics penned by Shurwayne and the incorporation of the young Jamaican duo, this one’s guaranteed to top the charts locally, regionally and among the feverish Caribbean masses, yearning for sweet soca on the international scene.

The first five tracks off the rhythm immediately caused a stir with DJ’s across the island of Trinidad and Tobago maximizing play. Then, like an unexpected bombshell, the spice of the final three artistes, Shurwayne featuring RDX, Bunji Garlin and Iwer George- seasoned it up just right- driving the momentum of the upcoming season into first gear.

The completed number of tracks on the ABX now total eight with vocals enforced by Shurwayne Winchetser, Prestan, Bunji Garlin, Bad Gyal Cecile, Super Jigga TC, The Boss Neil Iwer George, Blaze & JW and RDX.

The ABX rhythm is the first out of Winchester’s 11-month-old SWLTD band room and production house. Credit must be given to the members of Y.O.U. and the organization’s leader himself- Shurwayne Winchester, for this leap, and its bountiful success.