The Grammy-Winning Songbird Explains Why She Loves Reggae
India Arie has been on a four-year hiatus from the music business, and while she was away the brilliant and talented artist actually considered giving it all up, going back to school, and trying a new path in life. Thankfully she reconsidered those plans, but she’s only recently begun performing again. In fact her headlining appearance at the Tobago Jazz Experience marks only the second time she has stepped on stage since stepping away from the game. But she clearly has a very special bond with the fans in Tobago, where she has performed in the past. In fact she felt so comfortable on stage that she shared some never-before-heard songs from her new album Songversation, which is due to be released next month. After an amazing and emotional performance, India blessed Reshma B with an interview in which she shared her thoughts about returning to the stage, and explained why she loves reggae music so much. She even shared the news that some new collaborations with Gramps Morgan are on the way soon. Video After The Jump… (more…)
Tag: Tobago Jazz Experience
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India Arie Lets Her Vibes Flow In Tobago
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Lianne La Havas Jazzes It Up In Tobago
UK Singer Songwriter Reconnects With Her Caribbean Roots
Though her mother’s side of the family is Jamaican, London-born Lianne La Havas had never been to the Caribbean before she performed at this year’s Tobago Jazz Experience. Although the tropical weather forced a rain delay, the 24-year-old folk and soul singer rallied back on the final night of the festival with a solo set that filled the Tobago evening with intoxicatingly sweet sounds. (If you’re not yet up on the self-described “shinger, shongwriter and guitarisht” go ahead and check her debut Is Your Love Big Enough, which was voted last year’s iTunes Album of the Year.) Shortly after stepping off the stage at Pigeon Point, Lianne told Reshma B that she wants to be play strictly Caribbean dates from now on. And can you really blame her? Video After The Jump… (more…)
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Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons Mash Up Tobago
The Royal Couple of Soca Reign At Tobago Jazz Experience
When Trini superstars Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons got married back in 2009, they became the Royal Couple of Soca—Trinidad & Tobago’s answer to Jay & Beyonce. Bunji got his start as a ragga soca artist and has emerged as a consistent hitmaker, having won Trinidad’s soca monarch title on numerous occasions. Fay-Ann is the daughter of calypso monarch Super Blue and her mom is an artist who goes by the name Lady Gypsy. Let’s just say they’ve both got showbiz in their blood. Like Jay & B, they each have their own thing going on and they know how to support each other and make the family business even stronger. Just wait till their daughter Syri gets in the mix! Interview coming soon, but for now behold Bunji & Fay-Ann in action as they tear up World Music Night at the Tobago Jazz Experience. Video After The Jump… (more…)
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Melanie Fiona Rocks Tobago Jazz Experience
The Grammy-Winning R&B Star Channels Her Caribbean Roots
Last night the heavens opened up on the island of Tobago, just as the Tobago Jazz Experiencec was trying to kick off World Music Night featuring Jamaican reggae legend Freddie McGregor, Fayann Lyons and Bunji Garlin—Trinidad & Tobago’s Royal Couple of soca—and internationally acclaimed R&B star Melanie Fiona. But this Guayanese girl from Toronoto was not about to miss her chance to perform for the Tobago massive. So the two-time Grammy winner strapped on her mile-high Louboutins and put on the show of a lifetime. She even dipped into her old dancehall catalog and blessed the place with a Supa Dups selection from back in the day when she used to go by the name Syren Hall. Musical thing called “Somebody Come Get Me Before I Kill This Man,” and Melanie sings it like she really means it. Just after stepping off stage, Melanie explained why Syren Hall will always be a part of her. Video After The Jump… (more…) -
Tobago Jazz Experience Kicks Off This Week
Soca, Reggae, and R&B in A Lush Tropical Setting
The island of Trinidad is synonymous with carnival and you may still be recovering from February’s ordeal, but in the month of April the focus shifts to the beautifully laid-back sister island of Tobago where it’s all about the Jazz Experience. Sun, sea, sand and soca – whats not to love!?!?! This year the Tobago Jazz Experience sees appearances from international acts India Arie and Melanie Fiona—both of whom have worked with major names in the reggae world such as the Morgan Heritage fam & the Marleys. Full Lineup and Photo Gallery After The Jump… (more…)