Machel Montano won the Carnival 2025 TUCO/Bmobile Road March title with his hit 'Pardy,' which was played a total of 267 times across the country during Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Machel also recently won the 2025 Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) title.
The TUCO/Bmobile Road March announcement was made a short while ago this afternoon (Wednesday 5th March, 2025) by TUCO President, Ainsley King, during a Press Conference.
In second place was Bunji Garlin with 253 plays for his 'Carry It,' while his other song, 'Thousand,' came in third position with twenty-two (22) plays.
In other Carnival results, Lost Tribe has been announced as the Senior Band of the Year (Large Category), with their portrayal “Lost in Time” scoring 1,324 points. This is their fourth win for that title.
[Source: TTT Live Online]
0 Comments
Soca superstar Machel Montano clinched the 2025 Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) title last night (Saturday 1st March, 2025), adding another crown to his collection. Machel won with his song “Pepper Vine,” alongside Drupatie Ramgoonai and Lady Lava, in his first time competing at CSM.
Taking second and third place were former winners Neval Chatelal and Rikki Jai, respectively.
The new Queen of Chutney Soca is Reshma Ramlal.
In a Facebook post following her victory this morning (Sunday 2nd March, 2025), Reshma said, “With a heart full of gratitude and joy, I stand before you as the newly crowned QUEEN OF CHUTNEY SOCA. This victory is not mine alone, it belongs to everyone who has supported, believed in, and uplifted me on this journey. I have fought tirelessly, poured my heart into my craft, and now, my dedication has been rewarded. The outpouring of love I felt from all my supporters over the past few weeks fueled the fire in me to give my very best on that stage last night. Your unwavering support and encouragement gave me the strength to shine, and for that, I am forever grateful.”
She added, “I am still taking in the magnitude of this incredible achievement — it feels surreal. To not only claim this title but to share the stage and celebrate this victory alongside the newly crowned King, Machel Montano, is truly an honor. This moment will forever be one of the greatest of my life. I give thanks to the Almighty for His guidance and to my beloved supporters, your love has made this moment possible. As Queen, I pledge to uphold this title with grace, passion, and purpose. This is only the beginning, and I will use this crown to inspire, uplift, and spread the essence of my art to the world. I Love you all!” Congrats to both Machel and Reshma! Machel Montano Accuses Nicki Minaj of ‘Fighting Him Down’ At Stink ‘N Dutty Fete — Nicki RESPONDS23/2/2025 
Rapper, singer and songwriter, Nicki Minaj, has threatened to curse Soca star Machel Montano following comments he made at the Stink ‘N Dutty fete on Saturday morning (22nd February, 2025), which was held at Festival Grounds, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba. During a pause in his performance, Montano allegedly accused Minaj and Trinidad Killa of fighting him down.
Minaj took to social media on Saturday in an explicit video, asking what she did and threatening to curse Montano.
However, in a five-minute-long video posted on social media, Montano apologized to Minaj and her fans, explaining that, “In the fete, I was just compelled to sing the ‘Good Spirit’ song and as soon as I started to sing the ‘Good Spirit’ song, it started to resonate deep within me especially when I said the line ‘don’t fight me down’ — the response from the audience was so overwhelming that I felt the joy of the full blown crew who had been writing these songs for me for so many years and that song being the feeling of support for a young upcoming artiste.”
Montano says “it didn’t come out the way it was supposed to come out.” Instead, he says he was trying to tell Minaj to tell Trinidad Killa “to stop fighting me down.” Montano said in no way he wants Minaj to feel he doesn’t respect and honour her. “I really love Nicki Minaj. I really look up to her as an artiste and let me make it absolutely clear, she has never done anything to fight me down.” Later in the video, he said, “It was a misunderstanding — a mistake on my part — and I’m a big man and I will say that. Nicky, you know I respect you and you know I love you and I did not try to jump out there and attack you and I didn’t want any of your fans or you to feel that you have ever done anything to fight me down. You did the opposite. You always lift me up.”
Montano says this is a time where both artistes need to make a bridge with their music. He called for a collaborative effort between himself, Minaj and Trinidad Killa. In 2023, Montano and Minaj collaborated on a song titled ‘Shake The Place.’ They also spent Carnival with each other in Trinidad in 2021.
He admitted while delivering the statements on stage, he was very emotional and Trinidad Killa said some things about him “that felt like a fight.” He said it’s something that he and Minaj had talked about previously and she ensured that Trinidad KIlla apologized to him. “I am saying forgive me. I am not perfect. In that moment, I was a little hot and I didn’t want it to sound to Nicki or her fans that she was the one fighting me down because I did feel like I got a little fight from Killa and I want Killa to know it was never me. I love Killa songs. I’ve been singing it every night on stage.” Montano says he has always supported Trinidad Killa’s musical career and he would never fight down young artistes. He also announced that he will be launching a song programme “to big up all the youths of this country and of this region.” More on this as it becomes available. [Source: CNC3]  The National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC) has released its schedule of events for Carnival 2025.
View the schedule below for the months of January, February and March 2025: SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY, 2025 National Panorama Small Conventional Bands Semi-Finals Victoria Square, POS - 4:00 PM FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY, 2025 Grand Opening Kaiso Showkase Calypso Tent Palms Club, San Fernando SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY, 2025 National Panorama Small Conventional Bands Finals Skinner Park, San Fernando - 7:00 PM WEDNESDAY 29TH JANUARY, 2025 Grand Opening Klassic Ruso Calypso Tent City Hall Auditorium, Knox Street SATURDAY 1ST FEBRUARY, 2025 Grand Opening Kaiso Karavan Calypso Tent La Joya Auditorium, St. Joseph SUNDAY 2ND FEBRUARY, 2025 National Junior Panorama Finals Carnival City, QPS - 9:00 AM FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY, 2025 Opening of John Cupid Carnival Village Carnival City, QPS - 6:00 PM THURSDAY 13TH FEBRUARY, 2025 Grand Opening D' Kaiso Dynasty Radisson Hotel, Wrightson Road FRIDAY 14TH FEBRUARY, 2025 National Stickfighting Preliminaries Moruga Multi-Purpose Youth and Sport Facility - 7:00 PM SATURDAY 15TH FEBRUARY, 2025 National Junior Calypso Monarch Semi-Finals "Junior Fiesta" TUCO Calypso Hub (The BIG Tent) QPS - 10:00 AM SUNDAY 16TH FEBRUARY, 2025 National Panorama Medium & Large Conventional Bands Semi-Finals "Savannah Party" Carnival City, QPS - 1:00 PM MONDAY 17TH FEBRUARY, 2025 National Extempo & Freestyle Competition Preliminaries TUCO Calypso Hub (The BIG Tent) QPS - 7:30 PM WEDNESDAY 19TH FEBRUARY, 2025 National Stickfighting Semi-Finals Ojoe Road Recreation Ground, Sangre Grande - 7:00 PM THURSDAY 20TH FEBRUARY, 2025 Senior Kings & Queens Preliminaries Carnival City, QPS - 7:00 PM SATURDAY 22ND FEBRUARY, 2025 Red Cross Junior Carnival Carnival City, QPS - 11:00 AM Calypso Fiesta Skinner Park, San Fernando - 12:00 PM SUNDAY 23RD FEBRUARY, 2025 Junior Kings, Queens & Individuals Preliminaries Carnival City, QPS - 9:00 AM National Panorama Medium Conventional Bands Finals Parade Park, Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago - 7:00 PM MONDAY 24TH FEBRUARY, 2025 National Junior Calypso Monarch Finals Carnival City, QPS - 10:00 AM TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY, 2025 Traditional Individuals Competition Adam Smith Square, POS - 7:00 PM National Extempo & Freestyle Competition Finals TUCO Calypso Hub (The BIG Tent) QPS - 7:30 PM WEDNESDAY 26TH FEBRUARY, 2025 Senior Kings & Queens Semi-Finals Junior Kings & Queens Finals Carnival City, QPS - 7:00 PM National Stickfighting Finals Skinner Park, San Fernando - 7:00 PM Conventional Individuals Competition Adam Smith Square, POS - 7:00 PM THURSDAY 27TH FEBRUARY, 2025 Alkebulan...The Concert (TUCO Event) Carnival City, QPS - 8:00 PM FRIDAY 28TH FEBRUARY, 2025 Re-enactment of Canboulay Riots Piccadilly Greens, POS - 4:00 AM Dragon Festival George & Prince Streets, POS - 9:00 AM Traditional Carnival Characters Parade Memorial Park Victoria Square & Woodford Square, POS - 12:00 PM SATURDAY 1ST MARCH, 2025 Junior Parade of Bands Carnival City, QPS - 9:00 AM National Panorama Large Conventional Bands Finals Carnival City, QPS - 7:00 PM SUNDAY 2ND MARCH, 2025 Dimanche Gras Senior Kings & Queens Finals National Calypso Monarch Finals Carnival City, QPS - 7:00 PM CARNIVAL MONDAY (3RD MARCH, 2025) J'ouvert Port-of-Spain - 4:00 AM Neville Jules Bomb Competition Victoria Square, POS - 4:00 AM Monday Traditional Parade Carnival City, QPS - 9:00 AM Senior Parade of Bands Carnival Monday Carnival City, QPS - 12:00 PM Brass Bacchanal Carnival City, QPS - 9:00 PM CARNIVAL TUESDAY (4TH MARCH, 2025) Senior Parade of Bands Carnival Tuesday Port-of-Spain - 8:00 AM Pan on the Road Mas & Las Lap All Regions - 7:00 PM SATURDAY 8TH MARCH, 2025 Carnival Lagniappe Carnival City, QPS - 7:00 PM The NCC notes that additional events may be added. Please be guided accordingly. Machel Montano To Compete At Bmobile CSM 30th Anniversary Show; Rick Ramoutar Defends Crown23/1/2025  Southex has announced that Machel Montano has entered the Bmobile CSM 30th Anniversary Show and has qualified for the Semi-Final stage of the event. In a Press Release today (Thursday 23rd January, 2025), Southex said Machel will be required to perform at the Semi-Final stage on Saturday 8th February, 2025, at La Tropical, Rig Compound, La Romaine. Also returning to the big stage are past champions, 9-time winner Rikki Jai and Neval Chatelal who have been absent from competition for a few years.
According to Southex, “While there are a few new artistes, notable returns to the stage are also Chris Garcia, Veekash Sahadeo and Hemlatha ‘Hurricane’ Dindial.” The Semi-Final round will feature thirty-four (34) artistes who will compete for the nine (9) places at the Grand Final. Rick Ramoutar will be defending his crown. The top-placed female artiste at the Grand Final will be crowned the ‘Queen of Chutney Soca.’ Last year’s winner, Rawytee Ramroop will be defending her crown, but is required to qualify through the Semi-Final round. After the screening of songs submitted, the thirty-four (34) artistes that have been selected for the CSM 30th Anniversary Semi-Final Show are as follows: 8 Female Artistes
26 Male Artistes
Southex notes that Bmobile has signed on as the ‘Title Sponsor’ for the CSM 30th Anniversary Show. The show will now be called the ‘Bmobile CSM 30th Anniversary Show.’ ”The Chutney Soca Monarch 2025 promises a night of electrifying performances and cultural celebration, as it extends its influence to a global audience, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of Caribbean musical heritage,” Southex said in its Press Release. The Bmobile CSM 30th Anniversary Show is sponsored by:
More on this as it becomes available. Netflix Once Again Increasing Prices For ALL of Its Streaming Plans; Has Over 300M Paid Subscribers21/1/2025  Netflix is once again increasing its prices, starting from today (Tuesday 21st January, 2025), which will impact all three (3) of its streaming plans. The cheapest Netflix plan will now cost US $7.99 per month, while the top-of-the-line Premium plan with 4K (Ultra HD) + HDR streaming will cost US $24.99 monthly, as follows:
The price increases so far will affect users in the United States, Canada, Portugal and Argentina. Although Trinidad and Tobago is not among the countries listed, as we have seen in the past, these price hikes eventually comes around to us. In a letter to shareholders today (Tuesday 21st January, 2025), Netflix said the price increase will let it continue to invest in programming: As we continue to invest in programming and deliver more value for our members, we will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can re-invest to further improve Netflix. To that end, we are adjusting prices today across most plans in the US, Canada, Portugal and Argentina. The company’s latest price increase comes the same day it reported earnings for Q4 2024, which were monstrous. The streaming service added 18.9 million new subscribers in the quarter, beating analyst expectations of 9.6 million additions. It now has a whopping 302 million paid subscribers around the world.
Netflix also reported revenue of US $10.25 billion, beating estimates of US $10.11 billion. Earnings-Per-Share (EPS) came in at US $4.28, compared to estimates of US $4.20. It also declared a US $15 billion share buyback program. Netflix last increased its prices in October 2023, when the Premium tier increased from US $19.99 to US $22.99 monthly. Shortly thereafter, Netflix discontinued its popular ad-free Basic subscription. This served as an effective price increase for anyone wanting an ad-free Netflix experience, raising the ad-free floor from US $11.99 to US $15.49 per month (now US $17.99 with today’s announced price hike). Below is a breakdown of features for each Netflix plan. Standard with ads:
Standard without ads:
Premium:
Will you continue paying whatever Netflix charges per month to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows? Let us know in the comments below. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: 9to5Mac]  The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts said it is pleased to announce the selection of Star Global Productions Limited (SGP), which is part of a joint venture between The Lollabee Group, Jerome Precilla, Adrian Chandler and others with expertise in television production and events management, for the development and management of an international, premier Soca competition for Carnival 2025.
In a Media Release today (Friday 6th December, 2024), the Ministry said SGP's role will include “creating a financially sustainable model for the marketing, promoting, executing and management of the Soca competition. The Ministry will provide auxiliary support toward the successful execution of this event in the promotion of our people and culture.” On 29th July, 2024, the Ministry said it issued an Expression of Interest (EOI), inviting individuals and organizations to submit proposals for the development and management of a Soca competition. The EOl closed on 23rd August, 2024, with eight (8) submissions received. Following the receipt of those submissions, the Ministry issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the interested parties on 29th October, 2024, which closed on 19th November, 2024. According to the Ministry, “A rigorous evaluation process was conducted to select a partner for revitalizing this iconic competition and advancing the country's Tourism, Culture, and Arts industries. It is to be noted that out of the three (3) submissions received following the issuance of the RFP, Star Global Productions Limited's proposal stood out as the most comprehensive and strategically aligned with the Ministry's vision for the Carnival 2025 Soca competition. Star Global Productions Limited brings expertise in managing large-scale events and producing culturally significant programming, making them an ideal partner to bring this vibrant competition to life.” The Ministry added, “From 1993 to 2020, the annual Soca Monarch competition served as a key pillar in driving the Carnival, Creative, and Tourism sectors prior to its decline. The Ministry recognizes the competition's value as both a developmental and promotional platform for the Soca genre, and is committed to reintroducing it as a major component of the Carnival experience in 2025.” Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Senator the Honourable Randall Mitchell, expressed confidence in the selected proposal, stating, “We are excited to partner with the consortium led by Star Global Productions Limited in reimagining the Soca competition for Carnival 2025. This competition will, not only showcase the best in Soca music but will also play a vital role in enhancing Trinidad and Tobago's standing as a premier cultural and tourist destination. We are eager to bring this vibrant aspect of our Carnival to the forefront, furthering the growth of our creative industries and promoting the rich cultural heritage of our nation.” The Media Release concluded by saying, “Star Global Productions Limited will now plan, organize and implement its proposal, taking into consideration the calendar of events confirmed for the Carnival 2025 period. The consortium will enter into discussions with the Ministry to finalize arrangements for the competition.” One Direction Star Liam Payne DEAD At Age 31 After Falling From Hotel Balcony In Argentina16/10/2024 
UPDATE 3: Liam’s One Direction bandmates have broken their silence following his tragic death. In a joint statement released on Thursday (17th October, 2024), Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Harry Styles said the following:
We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
UPDATE 2: Director of Emergency Medical Services, Alberto Crescenti, said Liam had suffered “very serious injuries after falling from a third floor into an internal courtyard.” He added, “We verified his identity using the Passport he had.” Crescenti told Argentine newspaper Clarin that “the team saw that he apparently had a fracture at the base of the skull.” Crescenti notes that Liam had fallen around 45ft (14 metres) and suffered “severe injuries which were incompatible with life.”
He also stated: “The alarm was raised at 5:04 PM local time, saying a person was lying in an internal patio at CasaSur. At 5:11 PM, an Ambulance arrived and the man was certified dead. Afterwards, we found out he had been a famous singer. Unfortunately, the injuries he had suffered as a result of the fall proved to be fatal. There was no possibility of resuscitating him.”
UPDATE: Shortly before the tragic incident, Police in Argentina had received a call from a worker at the hotel, urgently requesting help with an intoxicated guest, according to audio related to the case obtained from the Buenos Aires Security Ministry. The worker said on the call: “When he [Liam] is conscious, he is destroying the entire room and we need you to send someone.”
Liam Payne, the former One Direction singer, is dead after falling from the third floor of his hotel balcony in Argentina this evening (Wednesday 16th October, 2024).
Several witnesses at the hotel where he was staying in Buenos Aires told TMZ that Liam fell from his room on the third floor of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel. It is unclear at this time whether his fall was intentional or accidental. Witnesses say the incident occurred shortly after 5:00 PM in Buenos Aires and that Liam had been acting erratic in the hotel lobby earlier. He allegedly smashed his laptop, and had to be escorted back to his room by hotel staff. Police and other first responders arrived at the hotel and erected a red tent over Liam‘s body as they begin their investigation into his death. His body was subsequently transported to a local morgue, where a post-mortem examination will be carried out. Liam is said to have been in Argentina recently for a Niall Horan concert earlier this month, where 1D bandmates actually reunited at the show. Liam formed boy band One Direction in 2010 at age sixteen (16), alongside Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles, after they individually auditioned for ‘The X Factor.’ After becoming one of the biggest pop groups in the world with five (5) albums and four (4) world tours, One Direction went on indefinite hiatus in 2016. Liam was considered one of their main songwriters.
Liam revealed in June 2021 that he struggled with alcohol and prescription drug addictions at one point when One Direction was on tour, resulting in him having “severe” suicidal thoughts.
His death comes days after his ex-fiancée, Maya Henry, started legal proceedings against him. The 23-year-old Texan model instructed her lawyers to issue a cease-and-desist letter to the star after accusing him of repeatedly contacting her. She had also accused Liam of obsessively contacting her friends and family, including her mother, Azteca Henry. It is unclear if any of these allegations triggered Liam’s erratic behavior at the hotel, prior to his fall from the third floor balcony. Liam is survived by his 7-year-old son, Bear Grey, whom he shares with his ex, Girls Aloud singer, Cheryl Ann Tweedy. He was only thirty-one (31). Investigations are continuing. More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: TMZ] 
Attorney-at-Law at Boodoo, Balkaran & Associates, Roshni Balkaran, has issued a warning letter to all members of the public regarding the sharing of a private video (which has gone viral) involving their clients, Mr. Terrance Ramsaroop and his wife, Renee Boodram-Ramsaroop. The video, which alleges infidelity on the part of Mr. Terrance Ramsaroop, has been leaked and shared both locally and internationally on various social media platforms.
In the letter dated Saturday 14th September, 2024, Attorney Roshni Balkaran states, “Dear All, We act for an[d] on behalf of Mr. Terrance Ramsaroop and his wife, Renee Boodram-Ramsaroop. Mr. Ramsaroop is a serving member of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. Together, he and his wife are parents to a three-year-old boy. It has come to their attention that there is a particular video which is circulating on various social media platform which was so published without their authorization, explicit or otherwise in which certain personal issues are ventilated.” The letter added, “We take this opportunity to place members of the public on notice that the said video was filmed strictly for private usage by our Clients and its publication and reproduction was not so authorized and as such, we ask that you refrain from sharing the same via Facebook, TikTok, Instagram or any other social media platforms as it has caused much distress to our Clients as their images have been plastered across various forms of media without their consent.” The letter concluded by saying, “We trust that you would be so guided and look forward to your co-operation as the continued sharing of the said video only serves to exacerbate and inflame a sensitive issue which was meant to be treated privately in the first place.”
Please be guided accordingly.
More on this as it becomes available. 
Senior Multimedia Journalist Seigonie Mohammed has officially joined TTT Limited as their News Anchor — a significant change from her previous role as Weather Anchor at CCN TV6. Seigonie debuted in her new role at 6:00 PM last night (Monday 2nd September, 2024) on TTT News, where she will continue to anchor nightly, Monday to Friday.
Seigonie sat with Ainka and Natasha on TTT’s ‘Now Morning Show’ at 7:15 AM this morning (Tuesday 3rd September, 2024) to discuss what this change means for her (watch below).
|
AboutYouthere1 is a website focused on providing useful information, breaking news, entertainment and online shopping in Trinidad and Tobago.
AlertsSupportYouTubeContactPrivacyCategories
All
Archives
February 2025
|
RSS Feed
