ET&T THE EVOLUTION OF ET&T RES FEATU
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. 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.
The very first issue of ET&T
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n 2006, Abstract Publishing founder Anthony Gomez had an idea for a magazine that would forever change the local entertainment landscape. He contacted colleague Marvin Mason to streamline the concept before
Our first Carnival collectible magazine
they put together a small staff and by 2007, the first ET&T magazine was born. There were few entertainment publications at the time and the head honcho – the now defunct Showtime – was filled with
downloaded foreign content. The market was open for exclusive entertainment content locals could relate to. ET&T got off to a running start and eventually Showtime was gone. Since then, several others have come and gone in a
saturated space where the internet makes it easier to find news coverage. Guess who’s still here ☺ A decade later, it’s safe to say that ET&T has undergone its fair share of changes. However, these changes never compromised the
We switched to a smaller magazine with a cleaner design
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ET&T FEATURES magazine’s core principles of providing exclusive and relevant local Entertainment, Fashion and Beauty content to the masses. Here, we look at the evolution of ET&T through the years. The Cost • ET&T hit the market at $3 per issue. • As advertising revenue grew, the cost was halved making it cheaper than any competitor. • ET&T has always been the people’s paper and in a year’s time it was available for FREE which meant everyone could access it. This also increased visibility for advertisers. The Look • ET&T went from standard newsprint size to a smaller, trendier size. Unlike competitors, it was printed on hi bright bond paper. The cleaner, more colourful look was a hit. • The graphics changed too. We opted for a less busy cover and focused on catchy headlines that roll off the tongue. • As resources and technology grew so too did our quality. Our photo quality largely benefitted. • Always one step ahead of the competitors, we eventually switched to a full gloss high end magazine print, but kept it FREE. The Content • The content switched from being 75 percent local to over 95 percent local. • We shifted from tabloid type reporting to an exclusive and investigative format. • With social media at our disposal, we were able to omit some of the features content we previously printed. Sports, letters, the Tech Check, poetry corner (For Your Soul) and the consumer complaint section “Lash Out” were replaced with local celebrity news, interviews and fashion spreads. • The 21 Questions segment 2
Our 2016 Christmas Issue
aptly became the Hot Seat. • In addition to Model Mania which was predominantly female we introduced Dream Guys to our audience. The Frequency The magazine moved from weekly to fortnightly distribution and finally to monthly as it progressed from newspaper to magazine. The Marketing • Our social media follow-
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ers quickly reached the tens of thousands and ET&T’s branded event photos became ubiquitous. • Our initial tagline was “Just So You Know.” Soon, just keeping readers informed wasn’t enough. We changed our tagline to a more status-cementing “Readers take notice, rivals take notes.” • We benefitted from great distribution channels. Being free meant we could pick our spots
and not have to be in every shop. HILO food stores (now Massy Stores), Bmobile outlets, Mario’s Pizzerias, Rituals Coffee Houses and more kept us where we needed to be. The Special Projects • ET&T introduced its first special edition Carnival collectible issue in 2009. • Readers always look out for our special Year In Review/ Christmas issue.
ET&T ANALYZING THE DECADE’S FIVE BIGGEST CHANGES
FEATURES TO THE ENTERTAINMENT LANDSCAPE Written by Daniela Nandlal
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hange is inevitable and T&T has experienced significant changes which have contributed to our country’s growth and evolution. In the last decade, the increases in taxi fares and doubles prices and having to say farewell to KFC’s beloved “Real Deal” are changes that left dents on our pockets (and hearts *sniffle*). However, the entertainment landscape has not been exempt from transitions. Here are some cultural shifts which have occurred that ET&T was able to witness first hand.
sweat and more selfies. Getting Likes on the photo galleries after the party is almost more important than fun inside the fete.
Voice represents the new wave of soca
The way we dance For years, power soca has dominated the local music industry. However, with the influence of dance music and other international beats, music has become slower and groovier. Goodbye jump and wave. This was particularly seen within the last 2 years as the reigning champion of Soca Monarch, Voice truly embodies this style of music with his songs and has gained favorability amongst music lovers and party goers.
Having fun on the high seas
The way we party Boat rides are quite popular amongst party goers. The shorter timeframe (most boatrides are 3-4 hours long) means the offshore events start pumping faster than a land event. In other words, there are more vibes. It also presents attendees with the ability to attend several events all in one day with their ‘fren and dem.’ The entire concept started gaining popularity in 2007 and by 2009 everyone was ‘on board’ resulting in a dire effect to the clubbing industry with many having no other choice but to close down. Boatrides also meant no more waiting in extreme lines to be screened and a relaxed dress code. Now there are more than 10 vessels providing open water party options to the public. 4
call ‘Monday wear’ giving many local designers a chance to sew together creative pieces to be paraded on the street. Now, Monday Wear is an industry in itself and masqueraders don’t seem to mind doubling up on masquerade costs. The way we go live The use of social media in events has drastically increased since 2007. People hardly advertise events on traditional media platforms anymore. Now you can get all your party info and even source tickets online. ‘Going live’ has become one of the main avenues for communicating with patrons. So much so, that your Facebook profile was needed to purchase a valid ticket for 2017’s Soaka party. In fact, social media has affected the way the patrons act at the event. Now, it’s less
Fete Fashion has surely evolved
The way we dress Gone are the days of wearing sneakers to a party. The dress code became more sophisticated with women opting for heels and men, more classical footwear. This was partly due to social media as well since many would prefer to look cute and take a stunning selfie than jump and wave. Events in general have gravitated to pricier, more all-inclusive and catered soirees that have alienated the middle-lower class during tough economic times. Hence, classier events attract classier fashion sensibilities.
Neil Young Amazonia Monday Wear
The way we parade the street on a…Monday Prior to 2012, shorts and a branded tee from the band was what masqueraders wore on Carnival Monday. That tradition slowly changed into decorated swimsuits which we so proudly
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#SelieNation
ET&T LISTING THE DECADE’S BEST FEATURES
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usic unites and moves us as a nation. As such, in commemoration of our ten-year anniversary, we decided to take a look at some of the best examples of musical unity. Here are some of the decade’s best collaborations that took place since 2007 right here in sweet T&T.
COLLABORATIONS much publicized beef between Denise Belfon and Destra. Bunji’s Plenty Gyal Remix deserves an honourable mention.
Palance Light Up The Air
2007 Patrice Roberts and Machel Montano – Light up the air Placing 4th in the Road March, “Light up the air”, represented a pivotal point in the Carnival experience, crossing the stage.
2010 JW and Blaze – Palance Both the word ‘Palance’ and song gained major popularity in 2010. The word itself means extreme fun (Urban Dictionary) and embodied exactly what the Carnival season is about. Palance swept the Road march and Soca Monarch honours and it remains one of the biggest soca collaborations of all time.
The Bajan bashment tune was a hit at multiple carnivals around the world.
2012 Patrice Roberts and Kerwin Du Bois – I am Soca Lyrically sound, it brought about a sense of patriotism amongst Trinidadians everywhere. That year, Kerwin also contributed other memorable collabs with Destra (Baddest) and Bunji (Runaway). 2013 Machel Montano ft Kerwin Dubois and Ladysmith Black Mambazo This was Superblue’s year due to his impressive comeback story. However, as far as collaborations go, this track from Machel and Kerwin and the esteemed African group was one of the most infectious to ever hit our airwaves.
international mix to the soca industry.
2015 Angela Hunte and Machel Montano – Party Done Grammy-winning Trinidadborn songwriter Angela Hunte’s collaboration with Montano resulted in a highly infectious song that some hated on early on, but which was undeniable in the end. 2016 Patrice and Kerwin Unforgettable A poor year for collabs saw Marz Ville and Snap Brandy’s Bang Bim as the best collab. However, since the song isn’t local, we’ll have to give it to Patrice and Kerwin’s groovy Unforgettable.
Gyal Farm
2008 Kerwin Du Bois and Shal Marshal – Gyal Farm This hit single was well received by the soca fan base, resulting in it being played numerous times both at fetes and during the Monday and Tuesday Carnival celebrations. 2009 Allison Hinds, Destra and Denise Belfon (Obsessive Winers) The song united the three biggest females in the genre. It also seemed to signal an end to the 6
Lil Rick and Machel Go Down Remix
2011 Lil Rick and Machel Montano – Go Down Although a remix, it was one of the season’s biggest road songs.
Obsessive Winers
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2014 Machel Montano and Major Lazer – Sound Bang Up tempo and moving are just some of the words that can describe this collaboration. It also sought to bring about an
2017 Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin – Buss Head Maybe the least expected collaboration on the list, the song’s lyrical content focused on stick fighting, a historical element of Carnival, while seamlessly blending with modern day soca beats. Are there any collaborations that you just can’t get enough of? Head over to our Facebook page and let us know.
WORLD NEWS
REMEMBERING LOST LEGENDS Steve Jobs’ contribution to technology and entertainment was massive. The Apple founder died on October 5th 2011.
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n the time ET&T has been around we’ve covered some huge international celebrity stories. These larger than life stars have contributed immensely by directly providing news fodder for us or by influencing others in the entertainment fraternity. Hence, we want to honour some of those we lost. Here are the 7 sensational stars to have passed away during the last decade.
Mother of Fashion Police and legendary comic and TV host Joan Rivers died on September 4th 2014.
Model and actress Anna Nicole Smith’s death by drug overdose in 2007 was one of the first major international stories ET&T covered. The King of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson died of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication on June 25, 2009 leaving the entertainment world to mourn. Whitney Elizabeth Houston dominated headlines for several weeks after her death. Cocaine and heart disease led to her accidental drowning on February 11, 2012. Boxing legend and social activist Muhammad Ali died after a long battle with Parkinson’s on June 3, 2016. 8
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Legendary musician Prince Rogers Nelson passed away on April 21, 2016 of an overdose.
MANIA HEAVY HITTERS ET&T MODEL N L MODE MANIA o model wants to be called a heavyweight in the literal sense, but these ladies represented themselves and the country well and can surely be considered Model Mania Hall of Fame candidates.
GABRIELLE WALCOTT
Gabby is a model, singer and actress who was 2nd runner up in Miss World 2008. She also copped the Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago 2011 crown.
LEE-ANN FORBES
She won Miss T&T World in 2011 but told us she prematurely left modeling behind in 2014 to follow her faith.
MAGDALENE WALCOTT
DANEILLE DOUGLAS
VIVIAN BURKHARDT
DANIELLE DOLABAILLE
She represented us at Miss Universe in 2005 and when we launched was the first bona fide beauty queen we interviewed.
JAMIE LEE PHILLIPS
She wowed us in Shal’s sexy Motivation video and she has won countless bodybuilding/fitness awards for her stellar physique locally and abroad. In fact, she was named one of Trinidad Carnival Diary’s Best Band Launch Bodies 2k14.
Daneille Douglas was named the Bmobile/Abstract Future Face winner in Grenada after Khadine Francis had to forfeit her tiara. The Tobago born, Grenadian model has since been a staple on the Grenadian modeling scene.
When we hooked up with this half-German model, she was a Miss Grenada World title-holder also known for her romance with Formula 1 driver Louis Hamilton.
Only 19 when she spoke with us, the Arima beauty was crowned Miss Earth Trinidad and Tobago 2015 and was a finalist in Miss Teen T&T and Miss T&T Universe.
MIAH FRANCIS RENEE BHAGWANDEEN Miss Trinidad and Tobago International in 2011, Renee’s popularity grew when she starred in the 2013 cycle of America's Next Top Model. She became the owner of Sole Tie Shoe Shop and the spokesmodel for L'Oreal's dark and lovely.
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Chocolate complexioned model Miah Francis was a Trinidad and Tobago Top Model winner who also competed in the Miss T&T World pageant.
CRYSTAL DEGANNES
The former Miss T&T Universe delegate worked with several high profile designers and was one of the faces of urban clothing brand FUBU’s brief resurgence when they rebranded as FUBU Legacy.
ET&T DREAM
REVISITING OUR
GUY OVERSEAS IMPORTS
MARTIN MIGSCHITZ
We remember the issues of overcoming the language barrier when we linked with Martin for his Dream Guy interview. Yet, the Austrian was as funny and as real as they come despite the challenges and provided great fodder for the mag. He spoke about studying Sports Science and the feeling of modeling in front of 50,000 people only three months into his professional career. Today he is still modeling across Europe and the US.
ANI SALIASI
This Dream Guy checked all the boxes. He worked as an EMT despite having two Political Science degrees showing how much he really cares about people. Plus, who doesn’t like a guy in uniform? Also, despite being scorching hot, Ani confessed to ET&T in 2013 that he was pretty much a nerd with an extensive book collection. These days the Albanian-born, New York native has cut his locks, is married to his wife Anna and is still a popular fitness model.
ORAINE BARRETT
Born in St Elizabeth Jamaica, but located in New York, this Pulse model has worked with the likes of Vibe Magazine, Italian Vogue, Flaunt and Ralph Lauren. In fact, he continues to work consistently with Ralph Lauren at shows and shoots around the world and he was featured in GQ magazine on Ralph Lauren’s behalf. Music fans may know him from one of his many music video appearances including being the male lead in Rihanna’s Man Down. Despite his success he was down to earth enough to fly to T&T for one of our shoots. These days he is motivating others to keep fit via his social media channels.
SHAWN SUTTON
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Brownsville, Brooklyn’s Shawn Sutton is a sizzling specimen of manliness who made his name as a video model appearing alongside celebrities such as J-Lo, Kelly Rowland, R. Kelly, Lil Wayne and more. The Muslim model shared with us that he would love to take his mother to Mecca one day and said he had dreams of making it in music. Today he is still following those dreams and he currently has a mixtape available at http:// www.datpiff.com/EROCK-16mixtape.839640.html
ET&T CELEBRITIES SEND THEIR GREETINGS AND WELL SPECIAL WISHES TO ET&T ON THEIR 10TH ANNIVERSARY! FEATURE C
elebrating local and regional talent is what we do and it gives us great joy to be doing so for a decade now! Whether it is fashion, sports or music we have been giving you the low down. So it was only fitting therefore, that as we acknowledge this milestone, that some of our celebrities joined in our festivities by extending their personal greetings! Christopher Nathan (Coco Velvet Modelling Agency) Congratulations to ET&T on your 10th anniversary and thank you for raising the fashion, entertainment and lifestyle reporting bar high in Trinidad and Tobago!
Kernal Roberts (Writer/ Producer/Entertainer) I just want to say happy anniversary to the ET&T magazine family. ET&T has been very dominant, important and beneficial to ‘John Public’ in terms of spreading the culture and keeping you informed in precise news and stories. I just want to applaud you for your efforts and I wish you continued success and excellence in the future. God bless!
Ricardo Drue (Entertainer) ET&T I want to say happy happy anniversary! Congrats on all the success and I wish you many many many more. From your boy Ricardo Drue, much love! David Millbeatz Millien (Producer) Greetings! This magazine has truly brought great value to the Millbeatz brand and has always
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assisted and contributed as regards the marketing aspect of Millbeatz ENT. ET&T has always been there to cover interviews on most of our latest music releases in an effective and timely manner. The magazine is always on point with very descriptive and detailed write ups on riddim releases and song releases and they have always provided high quality successful articles about Millbeatz Entertainment.
ET&T SPECIAL FEATURE
Devon Seales (Calypsonian) Congratulations to the Entertainment Trinidad and Tobago magazine on their 10th anniversary. This is a magazine that I highly recommend that all Trinbagonians support because it is made in Trinidad and Tobago and it is about the citizens in Trinidad and Tobago. I wish you more success in the years to come, but while your target is more along the lines of the urban profile I would like to see you do more work on the veterans, those who would have paved the way for us in the industry. I wish that you all continue along with the
same energy and commitment, to showcase our local talent especially now where a number of persons are now clamouring for more local content. All success in the years to come. Peace! Nikki Crosby (Actor/ Radio Announcer/ Comedian) OMG ET&T is 10 years old! I remember the launch like it was yesterday. I was 15...ok I don’t remember the exact day you all launched, but I appreciate you guys. I appreciate the fact that you appreciate Trini and Caribbean entertainers and that you encourage us to be the
Benjai (Entertainer) I just want to big up ET&T. We partying till we red na na na! ET&T magazine yuh large… it’s a good way to keep the people and all our fans updated on all our movements as artistes. It is a good platform as well for all the new artistes, the local artistes, the soca artistes, the reggae artistes. So big respect to ET&T. Stay locked on and I wish you a happy 10th anniversary because yuh swanky! www.amgtt.com • NOVEMBER, 2017 • ET&T 15
best that we can be. You always highlight the good and the bad which I think sometimes us artistes in the entertainment industry need, in order to become better entertainers. I really appreciate your honesty. I think that is important in any kind of publication and just bringing what we do to the rest of this global nation. So congrats ET&T! Love you and wishing you another 10 years!
ET&T
HOT
SEAT
KEES (2007) ET&T: At what age did you lose your virginity? Oh my… I was 18 and it did not go down to well. It was the first time for the both of us. I was clumsy and had no coordination (lol). But I am over that and with experience I am 100% better. What say you ladies? ET&T: Which Artiste would you most like to collaborate with? Well there are quite a few but for now I would say Machel Montano, Bunji, Fireball and Damian Marley. Aye Fireball… Look Kes wanna work with yuh bai!
HOT SEAT MEMORIES t was called 21 Questions in the early days, but some of the interviewees thought the quesIcure tions were so spicy, we decided to call it the HOT SEAT. In our first year, we were able to seinterviews with some great celebrities and the trend continued throughout the decade. Let’s revisit some of our favourite interview memories from our earlier years. ET&T: If you saw her now would you let her know? I have outgrown that crush and she definitely does not look that hott anymore. You know there are some people that look good when they are young and when they get older they don’t look good at all, well it’s like that. Hmm… wonder if home girl ever saw this?
ALLISON HINDS (2007) ET&T: You are the original Queen of Soca; do you see any other female Soca artistes that are in the running to compete with you for that Title? The public and my fans see me as the Queen of Soca and I intend to live up to that title for as long as I can. Diplomacy is for peasants. GISELLE LARONDE (2008) ET&T: How was the sponsorship from Trinidad and Tobago before you won the title? Not much, in fact I spent a great deal of time combing the streets asking shops and companies to sponsor me in one way or another. My local sponsor – Singho Restaurant were great though. They also assisted me even though they were only for the local leg. Sigh. Nothing has changed
MR VEGAS (2007) ET&T: Do you remember the first girl you had a crush on? Lol...I was in High School and GISELLE LEGALL (2010) her name was Shanice Bolton. ET&T: You were very I was not a good looker back in good friends with Faye my school days and I really don’t Alibocus. How did you think she had a clue that I liked really feel when she won her but she was hott. 16 ET&T • NOVEMBER, 2017 • www.amgtt.com
the Miss T&T Universe pageant? Faye and I are still very close, like sisters almost. I was ecstatic. In fact, I felt as if I won. I’m not a competitive person by nature. I just always aim to do my best, and well, if my best gets me the judges' nod or the big prize, I'm okay with that too. First of all, where have Giselle and Faye disappeared to?
FIREBALL (2007) ET&T: Why did you enter the Synergy Soca Star competition? Bunji Garlin saw me perform one time and looked me straight in the eye and told me that I should enter the competition. When he said it I could tell that he saw something in me because he is a big entertainer. Big up Bunji – The master motivator ET&T: Your hit song ‘What I Want’, is it about a personal experience? It is actually more than one story but I will tell you this. My girl of seven years likes to cut style on me and I don’t like it, so that’s basically how the song came about. At least Kes wants to work with him PATRICE ROBERTS (2010) ET&T: You think Umi’s
cute? LOL! WOW! LOL! Hmmm sure he’s probably cute in his own right, I know girls find him cute so… other than that… (???) Sooo….
HOLLYWOOD SACHY ET&T: How’d you get involved in entertainment? Hmm… waayz... I don’t even know nah. I just say this thing look like real money, easy money and I just fall in. Wait… what?? ET&T: Why arent’ you on Facebook, too big? Facebook is outdated. If you have a blackberry BBM is the new socializing. Say what now?
KERWIN DUBOIS (2011) ET&T: You ever wrote a song for someone who
ET&T HOT SEAT you felt didn’t carry it well on stage? Yeah, and you know who it is. It’s been three years in a row ET&T: So then why continue to write for that person? Ummm, I dunno… That’s a good question you know. I thought before it was a brotherhood, but I realize I was blinded. I was under tint. Not even if he Breathless and Tusty to do one of yuh tunes? Allyuh Dutty oui.
SHURWAYNE WINCHESTER ET&T: Any fracas with any fellow artistes this year, any troubles behind the scenes? LOL (sings) no no no! We bet you sang his answer in your head Shurwayne style.
HANS DESVIGNES (2010) ET&T: Which artiste/ industry personality (if any) gave you a hard time at any point in your career? No one really, except for Buju Banton when he got upset and walked off set when I referred to a group of them as “you guys”. O well... He must walk off… you guys too outta timing.
I will answer this as Patrice and i have a good relationship. She’s always been there for me and i try to be there for her as she’s been for me, and I try to teach her as much as she’s taught me. That’s how I’m answering that one. Yuh coulda fool dem, yuh could never fool ET&T TESSANNE CHIN (2010) ET&T: Ever did Trinidad Carnival? If not, WHA’AM GIRL? No I haven’t cause I’m afraid of di Trini wine!!! Trini’s are DANGEROUS when it comes to dat! (LOL) Who knows… one day I may pluck up the courage (LOL). … and don’t you ever forget it.
ELIZABETH MONTANO (2011) ET&T: There have been rumours that Machel hired a new manger to handle his affairs, how does that make you feel knowing that you have been his Manager for some time?
Machel did not hire a new manager; he hired a new Business Manager. Machel has a management team that handles his affairs. Plus I cannot be fired…I was never hired. Put it just like that: You can never be fired, if you were never hired. I’m a volunteer. Tell dem!! KMC (2010) ET&T: So uhmmm… that’s it. Anything you wanna say? Nah, I kool ya know. But is long time I seeing this paper and how come allyuh never interview me? ET&T: Uhmmm geez… we only just came out (avoids eye contact) No…no…no…not at all! Long time now I seeing this, and not ah call from nobody, I say like hmmm them people does only interview they friends and who they like. ET&T: LOL. Nah, we’ve interviewed people we doh like too. Indeed Look out for more Hot Seat Memories in Issues to come
GYPTIAN (2010) ET&T: Any DJs back home put on Trini Accents? It seems we have an epidemic across here? Everybody… me too. (HAHA yeah right!) No true ting, yuh hadda teach meh sumn inno *in okay sounding T&T accent*
RICARDO DRUE (2011) ET&T: Just wanted confirmation on a supposed relationship between you and Patrice Roberts www.amgtt.com •
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BEST OF 2007 KAISO 4 SUMMER
ET&T EVENTS
t the time of this event, it’s promoter A was the International Soca Monarch champion and no longer wanted to be known as Iwer, but instead
“The artist formerly known as Neil ‘Iwer’ George.” His aim was to host a successful show outside of the carnival period. The turnout wasn’t all that great, but several legends graced the Hasley Crawford Stadium stage.
The artist formerly known as Iwer
Weston ‘Cro-Cro’ Rawlins was the reigning calypso monarch
Ninjitsu and Terri Lyons
Legendary female artistes Denise Plummer and Marcia Miranda
R.I.P. to Rootsman
Can’t get enough Blue Boy
DARK I
n 2007, Jules was working hard to make that big breakthrough as a promoter. He made some major inroads with his Friday 13th event entitled “Dark” at Haunted Scouts Association in St. Ann’s. Here are a few pics.
Promoting parties in parties was a thing
Promo girls these days are way more glam
Sachy was a bit smaller in those days
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These models didn’t change much
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ET&T EVENTS
EXTREME MACHINE CAR SHOW
ar shows were at their pinnacle locally in 2the C period 2007-2009. This event at the Arima velodrome was evidence of this. A massive
crowd turned up at the Extreme Machine Car Show which was held at the Arima Velodrome on May 6th 2007.
The legendary Mad Max prepares for one of his stunts
Squeezy Rankin performed for his Borough
Showing off the cool customization
PNM FAMILY DAY 2007
Hans was still green
Look at People!!!
These kids probably all have kids by now
Getting some love from the late great former PM Patrick Manning
They’ve been hating since then
These ladies became two of Digicel’s most popular promotional faces
NM’s family day was P as big any event that would occur during the year. ET&T wasn’t about to just cover parties. We got ourselves down to Macoya for this too.
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ET&T EVENTS
B MOBILE BEACH LIME AT MARACAS aturday 28th July 2007 was all about the B-Mobile Beach Lime S at Maracas. Hundreds came out to have fun in the sun and the rain while some competed for prizes sponsored by B-Mobile.
Mike Jones was making a name for himself at Boom 94.1fm
He was Maximus Dan in those days
Is long time now women playing with big snake
ARIMA BOROUGH WEEKEND
Some football freestyling
is no understatement to say ItotArima Borough Weekend used be huge. It was the biggest
event in the East and it rivaled Point Fortin’s. in ’07, thousands flocked the streets as moko jumbies, pan sides and music and water trucks provided entertainment in the street parade. The weekend was capped off with a big passa-passa event held at Mario’s car park.
People also showed off their tongue rings a decade ago
People fuh so
Full jouvert vibes
The culture was represented
PAMPUTAE AT THE LIVING ROOM
Before he was Tommy Shmurda, Nigel Brown was jamming destitute, elderly women
his event is special beT cause it captures two distant memories – Pam-
putae as a relevant artiste and the Living Room as a nightclub. There was a huge buzz in Arima as hundreds flocked the venue to see the Jamaican sensation perform her hit “Goody Good.”
Pre-scandal Levelle Long
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Scar was still a star in 2007
Pamputae performs
ET&T EVENTS
CARIBBEAN FASHION WEEK 2007
TNT hopped onboard an aircraft E and visited our friends in Jamaica for Caribbean Fashion Week 2007. We got to meet all of the most creative designers, hottest models and coolest celebrities at the event.
Male supermodel Oraine
Internationally renowned Jamaican model Nadine Willis and Peter Elias
Tobago’s Next Top Model winner
Working the runway
Shades of 2017 in some of these pieces
pril 27th-29th 2007 was a time to remember for many at A the Plymouth Jazz Festival in Tobago. Thousands were to stellar performances by some of the best musiPLYMOUTH JAZZ FESTIVAL treated cians in the world at the mega event.
Diana Ross was in diva mode
Earth Wind and Fire was on point
Mary J Blige during a short performance
Heather Headley fresh from her Tony award win
Gladys Knight performs
Elton John rocked out
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ET&T EVENTS
CARIB GREAT RACE r. Solo copped M yet another title as the Carib Great race ended in the sister isle. The turnout used to be much larger than it is now and much more anticipated. Here is a little of what went down a decade ago.
The old Synergy crew at work
Digicel were making a name for themselves as service providers
Our photographers captured tapping out before it was “a thing”
Receiving first prize
Mr Solo - Victory lap
SUMMERFEST 07: THE MARLEY BROTHERS IN CONCERT
amian “Jr. Gong” Marley and his brother Stephen were in Trinidad for what can be described as bigD gest summer concert (as far as attendance) for 2007. On August 25th to be exact, a humongous crowd turned out to see the Marley’s and other local acts give virtuoso performances at the Jean Pierre Complex.
Stephen is all smiles as he works the crowd
Jr. Gong spits some lyrics
A young lion joining in the action
Part of the sold out crowd
TRIBE: MYTHS AND MAGIC ribe held the band launch for its 2008 Carnival T presentation at Pier 1 Chaguaramas on Saturday 28th July 2007. A large turnout of the Tribe faithful was present at the event. Looking at these costumes we can see some change (especially with some of the materials used. However, it is safe to say Carnival costumes haven’t evolved much in this decade.
What’s a launch without pyro?
Looking back, Luna definitely has a retro feel
Autumn Sprite was a feathery design
www.amgtt.com •
This model sports a costume for Isis
NOVEMBER, 2017 • ET&T 25
OUTLAWED FASHION
ashion is cyclical. Styles from as far back as the early 1900’s have regularly found their way F back into our wardrobes as once again relevant pieces. Usually, there is a slight update to the old trend, but you get the point. While capri’s, bell-bottoms, platform shoes and chunky acces-
sories have all returned in multiple iterations, there are some styles from the time of ET&T’s inception that we prefer to say goodbye to for good.
GAUDY BELT BUCKLES
This is a fad that is likely to come back. However, we pray and hope the designs of the buckles will be much improved. Back in ’07 people were in pure championship fight mode as they sported belts resembling those won by WWE and Boxing champs.
SHORT SLEEVED TOPS OVER LONG-SLEEVED TOPS
This was a BIG thing back in ’07. People so craved the effect of this look that some actually wore sleeves (not the shirts, just the sleeves) under their jerseys. Unfortunately, this still remains popular in some Goth circles. Of course, the clothing was oversized despite 2007 really ushering in the concept of metrosexuality to Trinbagonians.
GLIMMER PRINT HOODIES
Sadly, there are still stores in T&T that sell these. FP is doing everything possible to lay the legal smackdown on them for aiding and abetting the fashion folly that exists. These shimmery graphics printed on hoodies should not have been around in 2007 and definitely not beyond.
PANTS TUCKED IN SOCKS
This trend came out of nowhere and despite its silliness had some staying power. People routinely tucked their pants into their socks leaving baggy pants looking even baggier. Often, it revealed the offenders wore the wrong colour of socks to begin with. The most hurtful part of this unfashionable fashion trend was it was mostly worn by school-aged children. We have to do better for the next generation. www.amgtt.com •
NOVEMBER, 2017 • ET&T 27
ISLAND CELEBRITIES
PAPARAZZI
THEN & NOW
Wendy hasn’t changed much at all since this pic in 2007
5 Star Akil before he was shot and cut his locks
Back when Orlando rolled with Maka and the Millionaires
Back when Bunji was still adjusting to Fatherhood
Yes, that is JW back in 07
Denise Belfon and the fam enjoy the Wetta 2011 experience
Marvin the Jamaican dancer came with full Passa Passa crew at the Cove
Remember when Titan was ubiquitous?
International celebrity makeup artist Sam Fine photographed with Synergy TV’s Shawna Maharaj at Blush
Hooking up with LL Cool J in Tobago
Kees was smitten long beforehe married Terri Leigh
Lil Bitts was actually little in 2010
Fay Ann in 2012 looking like she invented the six pack
Even when his hair was long his love for lighter shades was strong
Who remembers this version of Rachel Price? (left)
Shurwayne making the most of an ET&T moment
Smiling like he knew he would be PM 5 years later
Edwin Yearwood and Olatunji Yearwood sandwich Roy Cape
28 ET&T • NOVEMBER, 2017 • www.amgtt.com
Shal has come a long way since he was spotted at Een in 2008
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