DysChick
Don't Try to Divide We

The Question of the Essequibo

On December 3rd, Venezuela will hold a referendum to decide whether to formally claim Essequibo, a region long disputed with Guyana, as a Venezuelan state. Should they decide to move forward with the claim, Guyana would lose over 70% of its territory, much of which has been the source of the nation’s newfound wealth.

Don't Try to Divide We
DysChick
I Takin' A Mental Day

New Year, More Naps

Hello and Happy 2023!

I can’t believe how much happened in 2022. We came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mia Mottley secured a second 5-year term as Prime Minister of Barbados, Russia started a war with Ukraine, and Herschel Walker lost the Georgia election - but so did Stacey Abrams. You know, yin… yan.  The same was true for DysChick. Despite personal tragedies, I was able to be outside like garb – nope.  I refuse to make that a phrase.

So what’s my plan for 2023? Rest.

I Takin' A Mental Day
DysChick
Anything wey you do, dem must commentate

Tipsy in Miami

If you’ve been following DysChick, you know that I have a fear of flying; however, I have a greater fear of missing out on an epic event. Tipsy in Miami announced that it would feature the King of Soca and the King of Afrobeats and the FOMO was just too real.

Machel Montano has been making the rounds this year promoting his brand, encouraging nations to “Save the Soil,” and making sure that you know he is still the King of Soca after 40 years in the business. Burna Boy is the most popular Afrobeats artiste right now with his hit single “Last Last” reaching over 6 million streams on Spotify.

With these two heavyweights on the bill, you know DysChick had to fly to fete! Yet despite having the top artistes, the event was not E-P-I-C.

Anything wey you do, dem must commentate
DysChick
For All of the Women of the World

We Need NOW Now!

So let's recap America’s first six months of 2022:

Are we great yet? No? Okay, how about this, we just decided to revoke a woman’s right to chose when and if she wants to become a mother.

For All of the Women of the World
DysChick
It's All About the High Life

Is Machel working with a godman or a conman?

We released our second episode of Season 6 of the Rant and Rave podcast. In this episode we talk about Machel Montano and Indian super yogi Sadhguru’s campaign to “Save the Soil.” The campaign has already resulted in six Caribbean nations (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, and Barbados) signing the Memorandum of Understanding and pledging to adopt long-term policy to safeguard soil and promote ecologically-friendly initiatives. We RANT about what this means for Caribbean tourism, the economy, and what we can do to reverse the climate crisis. But who is Sadhguru?

It's All About the High Life

Like a movie, they’ll be watching we

Like a movie, they’ll be watching we

Bazodee Movie Review

On July 28th, the much-anticipated film Bazodee premiered at The PlayStation Theater in Manhattan.   Set in Trinidad during Carnival, Bazodee is a story of a young woman, Anita Ponchouri (played by British actress Natalie Perera) who is due to marry the son of a wealthy London businessman but finds herself in an emotional upheaval when she meets a down-on-his-luck musician played by Trinidadian soca superstar, Machel Montano.  The story explores Anita’s internal conflict between duty and passion.  The musical dramedey (thanks for the term Natalie) also showcases West Indian culture and soca music.  

The Journey

The Journey

Lyrikal's Album Release Party

On July 21st, the soca community turned out to support Brooklyn's own legend-in-the-making, Lyrikal at his debut album release party.  Carribbean heavyweights Majah Hype and Machel Montano, as well as Brooklyn's own One Voice, Rayzor of the Request Band, Dawg E. Slaughter, turned the low key Suite 36 in midtown Manhattan into the place to be on Thursdaynight.

Unlimited Vibes

Unlimited Vibes

Bermuda Heroes Weekend 2016

For those of you who did not make it to Bermuda Heroes Weekend, you missed out.  In only its second year, this new carnival has become a can't-miss event for artists, deejays, and now DysChick.

The weekend consists of parties and activities over the span of a four-day weekend promoted by Bermuda Heroes Weekend.   If you are planning to attend next year's event, here are the 5 things you need to know before you go.

What Say You?

What Say You?

Memorial Weekend 2016

Is it just me, or was this past Memorial Weekend a real disappointment?  I used to abandon sleep and sobriety for four full days in order to take advantage of the kickoff to the summer party season.  This time around, I actually had two nights of deep sleep as this was one of the tamest Memorial Weekends I've ever experienced.   

Why Are You Not Here, My Dear?

Why Are You Not Here, My Dear?

P.C.D. (Post-Carnival Depression) Party

You know you have a problem when you have a P.C.D. tabanca.  If you were inside Stage 48 on Sunday for P.C.D. (Post-Carnival Depression) then you understand.  ShorBlu Events, Back2Basics Ent & Live By The Henny teamed up to bring us a party that was meant to assuage our nostalgia for Trinidad Carnival, but has instead become the annual event that we can't stop talking about afterwards. 

Do you remember when...?

Do you remember when...?

Trinidad Carnival 2016

A lot can change in 4 years. That's how long it has been since I've been to Trinidad for Carnival. I had been to Carnivals before, but I remember a palpable excitement in the city.  That same excitement was missing this year.  I landed one week prior to Carnival, but there was no buzz, no cacophony of music in town, and no visible evidence that it was Carnival season.  What could cause this lack of enthusiasm among Trinidadians?

You's A Winner

You's A Winner

Soca Monarch 2016

The annual soca competition kicked off with a notable absence. Machel Montano, who has won the crown several times before, decided that last year would be his last time in the competition.  This allowed the competition to be anyone's game. During the semi-finals, the artists would have to win over the live crowd with a song and stage show that would propel them to the finals. 20 artists made the cut.

Despite a great lineup and strong performances, there was one clear favorite from the moment the show started. 

Leh We Make a Memory

Leh We Make a Memory

MACHEL MONDAY 2016

Fete prices in Trinidad have risen to an average of $100-600 USD (a high of almost $4,000 TTD). Many local patrons have opted to sit out a few fetes this year. However, those who decided not to attend Machel Mondayare probably regretting that decision today.  Although the event was broadcasted live for $9.99 USD, nothing could compare to actually being in the Hasley Crawford Stadium on February 1st.