Trini vs Bajan... the battle continues

An article in The Nation Newspaper today in Barbados, basically stated that there is a noticeable decline in the amount of Bajan music being accepted in Trinidad since the 1990's, possibly due to lack of quality, economics and timing but not a direct attempt to push out Bajan soca.

The Nation Newspaper is owned by One Caribbean Media, which is based in Trinidad.

Firstly, I live in Trinidad and I cannot turn on my radio or go into a store  and not hear Bajan soca. I would definitely say there is a Bajan presence. Maybe not as strong as in the 90's but it is really here. And that is not the idea the article gives. Lil Rick, Alison, Edwin, Biggie Irie, Hypa Sounds and I can continue are all making waves. I'd say a little more research would've been great, because the Trinidadians have been quite receptive to our Bajan music in recent times.


                           Lil Rick's Guh Down Remix feat Machel was a HIT and still is in Trinidad!

Secondly, there is a direct attempt to push out Bajan music in my opinion. Maybe not a level like the radio level or the fete level because good music is good music and it will get through. But if the journalist would have done more research, she would find out that since Biggie Irie made history by winning The Groovy Soca Monarch in 2007 with "Nah Going Home", quite a few Bajans who have come down here and competed have been greatly challenged. I have witnessed it for myself and have been a part of the Bajan team here who have encountered unnecessary challenges on a competition level. But maybe the journalists do know that but can they say that? NO! Because again, The Nation Newspaper is basically Trinidadian owned!

After Biggie, those to follow below had many "challenges" in Trinidad.....were these challenges intentional?
                                                             

                                          TC the first female double crown monarch- 2009

                                                     Blood- Tripple Crown Monarch 2010

                                                        Khiomal- Former Party Monarch

 Depending on who owns the media, you'll get a totally different message. They either omit, twist, slant or have a blatant disregard for the truth. So be mindful of what message you're getting.