LOCAL NEWS
WINNER’S ROW
The ET&T WEEKLY Tabloid is published by ABSTRACT MEDIA GROUP Company Limited in the island of Trinidad and Tobago and is protected by strict copyright laws and is not to be reproduced in full or in part without the written consent from the management of ABSTRACT MEDIA GROUP Company Limited. ©Copyright Abstract Media Group Company Limited 2013. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are expressed by the writers and do not reflect the sentiment of Abstract Media Group Company Limited.
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rinidad and Tobago Carnival is driven by competition. That is not to say that the spectacle would not be equally impressive were it not for rivalry, but it certainly does add something to the festival. As is the norm where competition is concerned, there are usually big talking points as the judges decisions tend to differ from that of the fans. However, this all adds to the bacchanalia we all love so well. In any event, whether the masses are satisfied or not, there will always be a part of Carnival where winners are revered while the losers are left to wallow in defeat. This year, competition was stiff in some sections of carnival and pretty much a foregone conclusion in others. Machel took his 7th Road March title like a boss and the Power Soca Monarch was his from the moment the Monk Mobile arrived on stage. Olatunji rode the wave of his most successful airplay year to grab his first Groovy title and Chucky successfully defended his kaiso crown. Of course, those are a few of the winners this year, but let us take a look at some more of 2015’s standouts. As usual, if you have any sour grapes try using them in homemade wine recipe. It will have more than enough time to cure for Christmas.
Disclaimer: The views or opinions presented in this publication are solely those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Employees of ABSTRACT MEDIA GROUP COMPANY LIMITED are expressly required not to make defamatory statements and not to infringe or authorize any infringement of copyright or any other legal right. Any such article is contrary to company policy and is outside the scope of the employment of the individual writer concerned. The company will not accept any liability in respect of such article, and the employee responsible will be personally liable for any damages or other liability arising.
NATION BUILDING - Karene Asche (Every Knee) GROOVY SOCA MONARCH - Olatunji Yearwood (Wining Good)
CARNIVAL BAND OF THE YEAR - Trinidad All Stars (Ships Ahoy)
POWER SOCA MONARCH - Machel Montano (Like Ah Boss)
CARNIVAL KING - Roland St George (Ahtwaje)
CHUTNEY SOCA MONARCH - Ravi B & Rikki Jai
CARNIVAL QUEEN Stephanie Kanhai (The Sweet Waters of Africa)
PANORAMA CHAMPS (Large) - Trinidad All Stars (Unquestionable)
CALYPSO MONARCH Roderick ‘Chucky’ Gordon JUNIOR CALYPSO MONARCH - Aaron Duncan
JUNIOR SOCA MONARCH (Primary school) - Stefan Camejo
POLITICAL COMMENTARY - Devon Seales (My Humble Plea)
JUNIOR SOCA MONARCH (Secondary school) - Sergio Camejo
EXTEMPO MONARCH Lingo
SOCIAL COMMENTARY Heather McIntosh (Ah Gone)
PANORAMA CHAMPS (Medium) - Pan Elders (Party Time) ROAD MARCH CHAMPION - Machel Montano (Like Ah Boss)
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FEBRUARY, 2015 • ET&T
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THREE THINGS THAT HAD THE INTERNET L A C LO BUZZING THIS CARNIVAL S W E N Y
ou can make the front pages of newspapers, but you aren’t really that important or popular until you end up in an internet meme. That statement may sound a bit off, but there is a lot of truth to it. Memes provide the easiest way to express philosophies, cultural relevance and ideas which are otherwise unimportant and make them top draw talk. In fact, many people check their Instagram and Facebook pages for news before looking to more credible sources like actual newspapers to keep informed. We looked at current affairs through the eyes of the internet during the Carnival period and here are the most talked-about incidents backed by some of the memes that drove them. Cop Lets Loose
However, there was a massive stir online and in the press when a cop was filmed wining on an unnamed woman in a fete. In the cop’s defense, he said it was his wife. However, another photo emerged with the cop wining on another woman. Maybe he is a Muslim and he has more than one wife. Who knows? In any event a probe was launched into the officer’s probing.
Rowley Rolls It Something as inane as this would barely constitute news on a slow day in an entertainment gossip site. However, this is Trinidad and Tobago, so the sight of Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley taking a wine during carnival celebrations was headline news in all the leading newspapers and even television news broadcasts. The PNM head played mas in San Fernando with Ivan Kalicharan’s band and he obliged himself to take a wine (or two, or three) with fellow masqueraders. One of these masqueraders was young Ravina Rampersad – who herself thought the public’s reaction was being blown out of proportion. Social media was
The Trinidad and Tobago public has a love/hate relationship with the police with a lot more vitriol than love at most times. However cops have usually found themselves in happy, yet uncomfortable places during carnival as masqueraders commonly gyrate on the on-duty officers. That usually resulted in public backlash (whether the officers wined back or not). It led the top COP to admonish and warn against such behaviour before the Carnival. He downright banned the public from wining on officers. 2
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abuzz with photos of Rowley and Ramdial dancing together and the photographer Trevor Watson said he was approached by a member of the People’s Partnership who requested to purchase the photos. Watson declined and gave some of the pictures to the Express newspaper. Yet, several people had negative things to say about the photo while others – including Rowley – dismissed it as “mischief.” Amber Alert Celebrated former stripper and ex-companion of Kanye West
and Wiz Khalifa, Amber Rose, dropped in on Trinidad and Tobago to sample our premier entertainment festival. Rose has a large worldwide internet following and she worked wonders for local tourism with her repeated words of praise for Carnival online. Even locally, everyone seemed to want to see Rose and vids and pic of the bald beauty sprouted up all over social media. However, one photo in particular really got the internet buzzing. It showed Amber in Carnival costume, but her gay assistant dressed in a female costume was what took web chatter to new heights. People joked about the fact that more people were noticing him than Rose, and comedienne Rachel Price poked fun at the fact that he should be ashamed to be wearing gold heels with a silver costume since gay men usually have taste. All in all, these three events ruled the roost at the festival and were the standout moments as far as the internet was concerned. There were plenty more notable events, but for now, the memes have it.
WHAT DIRECTION WILL RADIO L A C O L NEWS TAKE POST-CARNIVAL? T
he Party done! Ash Wednesday signified the end of Trinidad and Tobago’s two-day Carnival celebrations. Thereafter results were announced for the Road March (Machel Montato “Like a Boss”), Band of the Year (Massy All Stars-Ships Ahoy at a French Festival) and pictures of the celebrations are still flooding social media on a daily basis. Ash Wednesday is also the beginning of the Lenten season in the Christian calendar, which is a lead up to Easter. Traditionally it also meant the end of airtime for soca music, the official soundtrack of feting, wining, and mas. However, will 2015 be the turning point and extend the lifeline of the cultural tunes? Soca music is often descried as the soul of calypso. It is said that Calypso, a subculture in
Hott 93's KV Scott
Trinidad and Tobago in the late 1970s, developed into a range of styles in the 1980’s and later. Subsequently, soca developed as an offshoot of Kaiso/Calypso, with influences from Cadence, Funk and Soul. Reigning Road March king and ISM Power Champion, Machel Montano describes the purpose of soca music as "soca music is to really uplift people; really make them smile; keep them happy;
make them celebrate even in the toughest times. The economy is down — you hear some soca music, you're going to want to go out and party.” However with the end of Carnival celebrations some of the popular radio stations have already made the switch from playing predominately soca music to playing a mix of various genres while others have opted to revoke airplay for this genre entirely. KV Scott, afternoon show host at HOTT 93.5, admitted that although the station will continue to incorporate soca music during airtime it will only play an average of 2 soca songs per hour for the next month. Thereafter it will reduce to 1-2 songs every 4-hour shift. “We look for remixes to play such as EDM versions of soca or trap remixes,” she said. Star 94.7 appears to be taking a similar approach as many of the
soca tunes are either played sporadically or a remixed version of the songs is aired. Another radio announcer at RED 96.7 confirmed that soca music would be aired throughout the year as they are in full support of Trinidad’s local culture. However it will not be the music predominately played at the station. Some of the other radio stations such as WEFM 96.1 and Boom Champions 94.1 are also incorporating many of the popular soca songs for the season within the stations program, one week later. Maybe the Carnival bug is still in the air or maybe 2015 might just be the year where the lifeline of cultural tunes has been extended till new tunes are released in the latter half of the year.
ET&T’S BEST EVER CARNIVAL COLLECTIBLE MAGAZINE OUT NOW
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he late, great Aldwyn ‘Lord Kitchener’ Roberts sang a classic calypso which listed all the things that would signify the end of carnival. The words ring true even to this day. However, we’re sure that if a new version of the song was made it would include the fact that the ET&T Carnival Collectible is on stands. This free magazine has become a staple for those longing to grab hold of some sort of tangible reminder of the season ended ever since the first one was released in 2009. Now, the 72 page glossy magazine is back again in all its glory with even more features and photos than ever before. The magazine details all of the major occurrences at carnival, highlighting the winners and singling out your favourite celebrities along the way. The magazine documents some of the biggest fetes and takes you on a journey from jouvert all the way through to last lap. Plus, the children have not been left out. The spectacle of youthful exuberance and colour that is Kiddies Carnival is also cap4
tured by ET&T’s esteemed photographers. Speaking of photography, the magazine takes you on an unforgettable visual journey from the moment you lay eyes on its spectacular cover image. From there, onward it is truly a fulfilling experience from articles to pictorials. The production department shared that this is the biggest and best magazine yet, with over 20 percent more photos than before. Editor in Chief of the magazine Mr. Anthony Gomez believes readers will be particularly pleased with the content calling it the most comprehensive carnival magazine produced yet. “This edition stands out for me as we were still able to sufficiently capture the true essence of this extraordinary festival despite the shortened season. There is something for everyone within its pages,” stated Gomez. Grab you copy of this sensational souvenir now at Newsstands as well as selected Massy Stores, Xtra Foods, Bmobile and Mario’s outlets nationwide.
ET&T • FEBRUARY, 2015 • www.amgtt.com
LOCAL LOCAL FILMMAKERS AND FILMS NEWS SHINE AT ROTTERDAM FILM FESTIVAL
Christian James at the ttff/14 awards ceremony, receiving his award for best film in development from Thalia Barnes of bpTT
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n another sign that Trinidad and Tobago’s film industry is beginning to take off, a number of local filmmakers and films made their mark at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in the Netherlands, which ran from January 21 to February 1. These filmmakers were Damian Marcano, Vashti Harrison, Christian James and Christopher Din Chong. Also attending IFFR was Annabelle Alcazar, Programme Director, trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff). IFFR, which celebrated its 44th anniversary this year, is one of the older film festivals, and one of the most prestigious, frequently appearing on top-ten lists of festivals. Its focus is on screening films by emerging independent filmmakers from around the world, particularly those with an interest in telling daring stories that embody authentic representations of the cultures from 6
which they come. One such film was writer and director Damian Marcano’s debut feature, the urban drama God Loves the Fighter. A world premiere at the ttff/13, where it won two awards, God Loves the Fighter— which also was released in local cinemas—proved a hit with Rotterdam’s audiences, ranking 42nd out of the 160 feature films up for the festival’s audience award. Marcano also premiered a short documentary, Giants, at IFFR, which he made in Rotterdam as part of a residency there. Also screening at IFFR was Field Notes, Vashti Harrison’s short, black-and-white experimental documentary about supernatural folklore characters of T&T. Field Notes was previously a selection of the ttff/14, where it won the jury prize for best local short documentary. Local filmmaker Christian James was also at IFFR, where he
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participated in the Rotterdam Lab for film producers, of which the ttff is an official partner. The lab is an opportunity for filmmakers from around the world to meet with producers with a view to forming co-productions in order to get their films made and seen. James attended the lab after winning the bpTT-sponsored Best Film in Development award at the ttff/14, for a drama about the notorious mass murderer Boysie Singh. “My experience at the IFFR 2015 was nothing short of incredible,” said James. “I participated in intensive workshops, panel discussions and roundtables on topics such as co-production, development and film financing. There were 58 producers and I made it my duty to meet every one at least once. However, there were a few producers I personally connected with, and now have four potential collaborators/co-producers.”
He continued, “Coming from Trinidad and Tobago gives our filmmakers an advantage, as our region is viewed as an undiscovered territory. I believe foreign producers want to co-produce with us here in the Caribbean as they recognise the fresh voice that we can bring to the world cinema table.” The trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) celebrates films from and about the Caribbean and its diaspora, as well as from world cinema, through an annual festival and year-round screenings. In addition, the ttff seeks to facilitate the growth of Caribbean cinema by offering a wide-ranging industry programme and networking opportunities. The ttff is presented by Flow and given leading sponsorship by bpTT, and supporting sponsorship by the Embassy of the United States of America. For further information visit www.ttfilmfestival.com.
REGIONAL NEWS an official company. VP is the largest distributer of reggae music and that is a fact, so I am happy to say I am in the best place right now for me. I look forward to building together and feel and sense good things to come," he says. VP Records is thrilled to finally have the reggae icon on their roster. The company's A&R, Neil Edwards, mentions that he has "worked with Cure for over 13 years now, so this has been in the making for some time." He continues, "Cure's sound is so unique. It resonates with roots reggae listeners and R&B lovers alike." The artist has a history with VP Records. He released two albums - Freedom Blues (2005) and True Reflections...A New Beginning (2007) - with the label, but was not officially signed as an artist.
JAH CURE SIGNS TO VP RECORDS
ZIGGY MARLEY WINS ANOTHER REGGAE GRAMMY
Jah Cure, the Jamaican singer who has long been recognized as one of reggae's greatest voices, inked a new deal with VP Records to release multiple albums, including The Cure slated for Spring 2015. Jah Cure expressed his enthusiasm about signing to the label. "It is time for me to sign with
Decorated reggae superstar, Ziggy Marley has won the Grammy award for Best Reggae Album for the second year in a row at the 57th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. After taking home the honour in 2014 with his Live in Concert compilation, the former front man of the acclaimed reggae band, Ziggy
Marley and the Melody Makers repeated this feat with his most recent studio album, Fly Rasta. The 10-track set, released last April, was released on the Tuff Gong International label, owned by the Marley brothers. It features appearances by U-Roy and Marley’s sister, Cedella Marley, a former member of the Melody Makers. Fly Rasta beat the likes of Full Frequency by Sean Paul, Out of Many, One Music by Shaggy, Back on the Controls by Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, The Reggae Power by Sly and Robbie and Spicy Chocolate and Amid the Noise and the Haste by American reggae band, SOJA.
WORLD NEWS JON STEWART LEAVING COMEDY CENTRAL'S 'THE DAILY SHOW'
JAY Z & BEYONCE WORKING ON JOINT ALBUM, DETAIL SAYS Shortly after touring the country last year for the "On The Run" tour, rumors surfaced online that Jay Z and Beyonce were working on a joint album. The buzz behind the project fizzled out but now, the info is receiving another boost courtesy of producer Detail. At the 57th annual Grammy Awards, Bill8
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board caught up with the "Drunk In Love" coproducer, where he spoke about winning an award for his contribution to the song and disclosed details regarding Jay and Bey's rumored album. "I'm working on a couple of new projects that I don't want to unveil and me and Beyonce and Jay Z are actually doing something together this year," he says. "When you think of Jay and Bey together, you think album, you should already know... In my imaginary mind, I would work to say that it's true."
Comedian Jon Stewart, famed for his biting television satire of politicians and the media, will leave his job as host of Comedy Central's parody newscast "The Daily Show" later this year, he told his studio audience at the end of Tuesday night's episode. Stewart, 52, who has starred on the show since 1999, said he had no specific plans for his next career move, but was thankful for the opportunity to host the program. "It's been an absolute privilege," said an emotional Stewart. "It's been the honor of my professional life, and I thank you for watching it, for hate-watching it, whatever reason you are tuning in for." The announcement came after Comedy Central's other big name, former "Daily Show" contributor Stephen Colbert, ended his tenure as star of companion show "The Colbert Report" and left the network in December to succeed the retiring David Letterman as host of the "Late Show" on CBS.
DREAM
GUY NAME: Ricardo Holder AGE: 28 HEIGHT: 5'10 WEIGHT: 160lbs CAREER: Businessman
BRIEFS OR BOXERS: Briefs FAVOURITE SCENT: Issey Miyake FAVOURITE THING: Aqua Sports (swimming). YOUR DREAM GIRL: An honest woman with a religious background. YOU WERE HEARTBROKEN: On a number of occasions. YOUR HERO: “Superman” as my aim is to accomplish a body structure like his. FAVOURITE FOOD: Prime steak, medium rare. THE WAY TO YOUR
HEART IS: Expressive affection. YOU’D NEVER DO: Irresponsibly drink and drive. WHAT ABOUT PETS: I have a love for birds in general. THE ONE THING YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE: Meet Nicki Minaj and probably kiss her. FAVOURITE ARTIST: Machel Montano. FAVOURITE MUSIC: Soca music. FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A MEAL: Jenny’s On The
Boulevard. HAVE YOU EVER CHEATED: No. THE FREAKIEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE: A threesome with two ladies, but the specifics are far too explicit. YOUR WEAK SPOT: Definitely my neck. YOUR MOTIVATION: to become stronger while maintaining my style and grace. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN YOUR BODY: Eating healthy, training at the gym and pool sessions help as well.
Photographer: Roger Jackson of Absolutpics
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MODEL MANIA
Name: Shinice Samuel Age: 20
Hometown: Morvant Hobbies: Modeling, Singing and Cooking Career: Modeling Sexy Shinice has goals of opening a restaurant and owning her own makeup line. She believes that this is possible due to her extreme drive and ability to achieve. As far as her modeling career she is taking it seriously since she knows it does not have a long
lifespan. Some of the celebrated photographers she has worked with include: Nigel Reid, Anson Stone, Donavan Alvarez and Aaron Richards. As far as her favourite designers she loves Deson Ayinde’s work and has collaborated extensively with him. As far as what she doesn’t love so much is her pet peeve of “yapping.” She says she cannot stand
to hear people chew with their mouth open. When asked what her favourite feel sexy tips were, Ms. Samuel answered that a gym lifestyle contributes to her staying toned and feeling beautiful. Additionally, she values her hair as her biggest asset and she takes care of it with the use of natural products. Look out for Shinice in photo spreads to come.
SHINICE SAMUEL
Photos by Aaron Richards of ADR Productions • MUA- Shinice Samuel
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FASHION W
SEXY SWIMWEAR FOR MEN
hile there is hardly a shortage of hot babes at the beach on any given weekend in our twin island republic, the fact is that men visit the beach as well. If there are beautiful babes in abundance, then the guys will definitely want to look good. The tricky thing is, male beachwear is so simple that it is really hard for a guy to try to stand out. However, apart from maintaining a bess body, there are simple things that can make you stand out. Here are some options for a variety of scenarios at the waterside.
This is designed for the serious swimmer, not the guy who sits by the cooler all day.
Colour coordinated and wellaccessorized. This is sexy swimwear for those with bodies to back it up.
Mid-length trunks and matching eyewear will make you memorable at that Maracas lime.
If you want to give your eyes a feast while having people watch you at the same time, this simple outfit can work.
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FASHION Floral print trousers are common at the beach. However, you can separate yourself from the crowd with the addition of a simple hat.
Want to be near the water without actually being in the water? Soak up the sun in this outfit?
Fancy an evening stroll along the boardwalk? This outfit is the perfect choice. www.amgtt.com •
FEBRUARY, 2015 • ET&T 15
CHIT DEVON SEALE CHAT
have you been singing calypso? Devon Seale: This is my 19th year vying for Calypso Monarch as a senior calypsonian of which seventeen (17) have been with the Kalypso Revue and I would say that 2015 has been the best in terms of being a favorite from the get go.
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t 38, young Calysponian Devon Seale is having a magnificent year, with what is undeniably the most popular political commentary of 2015, ‘My Humble Plea’. The forceful ditty which does not include much weighty metaphors or complicated lyrics, has won Seale the Political Commentary title at the 2015 staging of the Kaisorama competition as well as 2nd place at the Calypso Monarch competition. We caught up with him for an interview. ET&T: Tell me about the song ‘My Humble Plea’. Devon Seale: This Calypso highlights some of the many missteps of the current administration and kindly asks them to demit office in 3 words "Go Now Please." ET&T: Why do you think that there has been such as strong response to the song? The message is pretty simple but why do think that people identify with it? Devon Seale: The calypso expresses the sentiments of many and the infectious melody lends to it. ET&T: The crop of calypsos that made it to Skinner Park has been criticized for being too slow and not necessarily ‘stinging’ among other things… what is your take on this? Devon Seale: This year there was a new category included in the competitions- ‘Nation Building’ and I guess that might have contributed to the lack of bite in commentaries. The organization might have to find ways of dealing with that. However, at the end of the day it is the judges who select the semifinalists. ET&T: How do you feel about your 2015 Dimanche Gras performance and placing?
Devon Seale: I am quite satisfied with the placing. I had some hiccups with my 2nd song ‘Soul Judges’ which might have given Chucky the advantage. I didn’t release the 2nd song before competition night because I didn’t know how it would go down with the judges and whether it would result in them marking down the 1st song so it was brand new to the listeners and the judges. Some people said “You were real brave to sing that about the judges” lol … but many appreciated the Soul and Funk mixed with Calypso. I think basically it went down quite well. At the end of the day the judge’s decision is final and I was satisfied.
to learn some of his dance moves… Like I was even practicing a split for the last verse in the 2nd song and it just didn’t happen lol but I had a lot fun with that song. I’m sure that even now you can hear it in my voice lol.
ET&T: Is there anything that you would have done differently? Devon Seale: Looking at the comments I was a bit surprised that the judges took it that well. I didn’t have enough time to learn another song. I tried to get a James Brown introduction. That might have made the difference… that’s the only thing that I would have done differently because I got the impression that the audience was a bit surprised when I came out … I actually wanted some kind of introduction like “The next person is going to be the Soul Man of Calypso” but the band didn’t know the music for the introduction or something like that … so I would have wanted a little more James Brown in it but I only had one week. I didn’t have enough time
ET&T: How many times have you made it to the Big Yard? How did your experience factor into your performance on Dimanche Gras Night? How would you describe the ‘Big Yard’ experience to an onlooker or a less seasoned artiste?
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ET&T: Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping to put together your Dimanche Gras night presentation? Devon Seale: I would like to thank Indira Sinanan, Collin “Woody” and Anil Seepaul for helping me with my presentation and props and Ecliff Elie for doing my outfit for the 2nd song.
Devon Seale: This is my 9th trip to the Big Yard and the competition venue has moved from singing to the North and Grand to just singing to the latter. Therefore, I consider the task much easier in terms of your delivery. Since the stage is larger than the Semifinal stage, an artiste has to place more emphasis on stage presentation and try to connect with the audience. ET&T:
How many years
ET&T: How did you become a Calypsonian? Devon Seale: I started at the Primary School level where my aunt Singing Sonia introduced me to calypso. I entered Junior Monarch competitions with compositions by my teacher George Martin. I made about six (6) Junior Monarch finals then branched over to the Senior Category. ET&T: How would you describe the function of the Calypsonian? Devon Seale: We are the Chantuelles and Griots and it is our responsibility to bring current events in song. ET&T: Are calypsonians still relevant? Is the future of calypso in good hands? Devon Seale: Yes we are still relevant and the future is in good hands. This is apparent when you see the likes of Aaron Duncan, Helon Francis, Shervon Rodney… TUCO and tent managers have to find ways of attracting the younger generation to the tents. I can guarantee that when young persons visit the tent for the first time, they make it a part of their schedule for the following years due to their enjoyable experience. ET&T: Do you have any recommendations for enhancing the art form? Devon Seale: As Calypsonians we need to embrace the technology and while political commentaries are part of the Carnival Landscape, we must not limit ourselves to local topics only. ET&T congratulates this modern griot and wishes him the best in his promising future.
ET&T SEKON STA HOT SEAT ET&T: A lot of people were upset that you did not get into the Soca Monarch finals ... how do you feel about that? Sekon Sta: How did you feel about it?
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t 24 Nesta ‘Sekon Sta’ Boxill has gifted soca fans with a delightful crop of songs for the Carnival 2015 season such as ‘Put in That Work’, ‘In Charge’, ‘Bruk Down’, ‘Maximum’, ‘Keep Pushing’ and ‘Switch Vibes’. Apart from earning a spot on every 2015 soca playlist, his most popular contribution ‘The Best’ has earned him the prestigious and well deserved title of Carib Breakthrough Artiste of the Year. The son of the prolific songwriter and legendary calypsonian, the late Merchant, Sekon Sta has been carving his own niche in the musical landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. ET&T reminisced with him on his most successful Carnival season to date. ET&T: How do you feel about your Carnival 2015 season? Sekon Sta: I feel it was a great start towards a long standing career… a lot of people got to know who Sekon Sta is. I can’t ask for a better beginning to my career than 2015. ET&T: So you would consider 2015 the beginning? Sekon Sta: I won’t say the beginning, but perhaps the time when people looked towards me and gave me a lot of focus. ET&T: What was your favorite performance for 2015? Sekon Sta: My favorite performance was where I brought my mother on stage and I thanked her for all the years of hard work and dedication. It was just one performance. That was not a gimmick. Tha’s my mother… that meant a lot more to me than people can begin to understand because in families there are ups and downs, but throughout all the
ups and downs my mother always stood by me. Me and my mother does get along real good… it might have the one day where she might wonder as to what my degree of love is for her, well that will be a constant reminder. ET&T: What role has your mother played in your career? Sekon Sta: Every role. Manager, the person who wipes me with the towel, motivator, scolder, critique (the person who tells you, you did great, the person who tells you, you did poorly) …every single role that you need …or that exists my mother is there. She is my number one supporter … Everything! ET&T: When did you start singing? Sekon Sta: I started singing from the day I came onto the earth and the day breath came into my lungs. At what point do I count it from? I count it from 2001 where I started competing at the junior level at the Junior Soca Monarch… with that being said my father is Dennis Williams Franklyn ‘Merchant’ so that means I grew up with the calypso crowd. I grew up having all the top entertainers at that time in my house. So it’s something that I was more or less ... something that I had no choice, but to do. ET&T: What influence has your father played in your role as an artiste?
Sekon Sta: Every influence. I mean my father was there and my father is one of the top entertainers of his time so a lot of my experience is based on him. ET&T: Even though you have cemented yourself in the soca genre right now, is calypso something that you can see yourself doing in the future? Sekon Sta: Of course I would not limit my talents only to soca…I will first strive to perfect soca and then I will go back. ET&T: For this year ‘Bruk Down’ and ‘In Charge’ were the only power songs. Do you have a preference for groovy as opposed to power? Sekon Sta: I have no preference in music ... every beat has a story to tell and it’s up to me to tell that story. ET&T: Do you write most of your own music? Sekon Sta: Yes I do. ET&T: How do you feel about being the Carib Breakthrough Artiste of the Year? Sekon Sta: It’s an honor. At the end of the day Carib is one of the premium brands of beer if not the premium brand of beer in T&T and to have my brand which is Sekon Sta, associated with that, is nothing but humbling.
ET&T: Disappointed as most… Sekon Sta: Well my answer to that is I am very thankful that you felt that way and I feel that my job has been done even though I did not make the finals … the fact that you felt that I should have been there is enough of a reward toward me. ET&T: So generally you feel satisfied that your fans felt that way about you and your music and your offerings for 2015 on the whole … Sekon Sta: Yes at the end of the day, the judges will make their decision and the judges’ decision is final. My job is just to please the people. ET&T: What’s next for you for the rest of the year? Sekon Sta: To do what I do best which is to make music and hope the people take to it. ET&T: You been singing since 2001, but really this is your breakout year. What advice would you give to upcoming and struggling younger artistes? Sekon Sta: Struggles are temporary. Determination is key and God helps those who help themselves. ET&T: Would you like to thank anyone for your successful season? Sekon Sta: Trinidad and Tobago and the whole soca world by extension and ET&T for bringing me to the people. ET&T joins in congratulating Sekon Sta and wishing him the best going forward.
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FEBRUARY, 2015 • ET&T 17
MONDAY MADNESS
arnival Monday truly kicks off the Carnival C street parade beginning with loads of Jouvert jamishness in the wee hours of the morn-
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ing. When the sun comes up, the spectacle of mass continues as thousands of masqueraders flock to the streets in Monday Wear, branded t-shirts and scaled down costumes. This is what all the fetes led up to and it is undoubtedly an epic experience. ET&T was part of the first day of the street parade and here is a bit of it.
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CARNIVAL TUESDAY
arnival Tuesday is the final day of C the Carnival season and the last day before the Lenten period begins.
So it’s no surprise that masqueraders go all out and revel with reckless abandon through the streets till the very last big truck shuts down. Beautiful people merge to create a spectacle in the street that can be rivaled by no other carnival across the globe. Here, ET&T gives you a glimpse of what happened. For more memories, look out for our Free Special Edition Carnival Glossy.
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KIDDIES CARNIVAL
EVENTS EXTRA arnival isn’t just for the old goats. The kids enjoy it as well. This is evident every year C at Kiddies Carnival. As a matter of fact, many
of the best costumes are seen during kiddie’s carnival. ETNT loves the kids and we were at several kiddies events to document the beautiful mas.
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SEASONAL STANDOUTS
This trio expressed their feting fashion sense by staying true to dressing for the occasion. Leg baring ensembles fit the carnival season, but heels and accessories provided the extra all-inclusive push.
These ladies went to a premium all-inclusive event in couture fit for a dinner date. Bright splashes of Caribbean colour in their full-length dresses with stylish sunglasses completed the look.
n executing our line of duty we often get a bad rap. People say we are too Istances. harsh and that we need to be more understanding of people’s circumWhile style can often be linked with class, fashion is not a rich or poor thing. One simply needs to make proper decisions when working with what one has and all will fall into play. These people highlighted here are the ones who made the most of their attire and stood out during the season.
This duo was remarkably puttogether. Each wore outfits with plunging necklines and did so perfectly. One sported a printed romper and the other a short dress. Both deserve kudos.
This is a case of sheer simplicity being made to work. The playful print in the skirt as well as the way she matched her shoes and accessories made this outfit stand out. By the way, we also love the hair.
ISLAND CELEBRITIES
PAPARAZZI
TUCO PRESIDENT LUTALO MASIMBA SHOWS ET&T SOME LOVE
DARREN GANGA IS SPOTTED WITH AN UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE AT GULF VIEW ALL-INCLUSIVE
LEGENDARY SOCA WARRIOR STERN JOHN WITH A FEMALE FRIEND AT A CARNIVAL EVENT
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CELEB PROFILE
RONDA ROUSEY
Name: Ronda Jean Rousey Age: 28 (Feb 1, 1987) Profession: Mixed martial artist, judoka and actress Claim to Fame: Ronda is the first and current UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion as well as the last Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion. She is undefeated, having won eight of
her ten fights by armbar. Rousey became the first American woman to earn an Olympic medal in Judo at the Summer Olympics in Beijing in 2008. Rousey is the consensus #1 pound-for-pound female MMA fighter in the world, according to MMA Rising, MMA Weekly, and other publications. She is
ranked #1 at 135 pounds according to the Unified Women's MMA Rankings. Fight Matrix lists her as the #1 Current Women's MMA Bantamweight Fighter, the #1 Current Pound for Pound Women's MMA Fighter, and the #1 Women's MMA Fighter of all time. The fighter expanded her portfolio with some modeling
MOVIES
WHEN COMEDY COMES CALLING D
espite the festive nature of Carnival, there are still several unsavoury reports in the daily news. Sometimes you need a little extra lightening up. These upcoming comedic films may provide just that.
including unplanned stops at a massive sex fetish event and a global economic summit.
Pitch Perfect 2 Surprise hit Pitch Perfect gets the sequel treatment in this Universal Pictures production once again scripted by Kay Cannon. In it, collegiate a cappella group The Barden Bellas enter an international competition that no American team has ever won. Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld and more act in this anticipated comedy. Unfinished Business Vince Vaughn Tom Wilkinson, Jil Funke and Dave Franco star in this film where a hardworking small business owner and his two associates travel to Europe to close the most important deal of their lives. But what began as a routine business trip goes off the rails in every imaginable - and unimaginable - way, 28 ET&T • FEBRUARY, 2015 • www.amgtt.com
and film work. Rousey appeared nude on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's 2012 Body Issue and in a pictorial therein. In May 2013, Rousey was ranked 29th on the Maxim Hot 100. She also appeared on the cover and in a pictorial of the September 2013 issue. Her film credits include roles in The Expendables 3, Furious 7 and Entourage.
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