Moruga’s powerful vocalist Addelon “Banjela” Braveboy is making a big comeback with the lively Soca song Up Again. The Zigboi Productions-produced sing-along party starter is a heartfelt tribute to all those making a comeback. According to a press release, you can rise again no matter what the challenges are or how low you fall.
Banjela’s description of the song embodies the essence of “resilience” and being able to overcome situations that might urge one to succumb to defeat. The Soca artist noted, “It’s for everyone who has been through tough times and found their way back. That’s the spirit of Up Again.”
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The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organization (TUCO) wants to increase the awareness of calypso music, and Banjela has prepared several new songs for Carnival 2025, the first of which is positive affirmation.
Banjela stated, “I’m fully on board with TUCO’s mission and creating music that I believe will resonate with a global audience.” He further explained, “It’s an approach that can return calypso to its glory days on the world music charts.”
Banjela’s 2025 calypso single, It Nah Wucking (Make Way!), was released on Boxing Day. According to the release, the song, which was produced by Vernice “Trini Baby” Herreira, offers a humorous and provocative look at Trinidad and Tobago’s spiritual customs.
“The story is about people trying to work spiritual stuff on someone, but the person is so covered it just doesn’t work,” Banjela claimed.
Banjela’s intentions for two different versions of It Nah Wucking (Make Way!)—one geared toward younger listeners and the other based on traditional calypso rhythms influenced by legends like Ella Andall and the late Singing Sandra—evidence his commitment to fusing traditional rhythms with modern sounds.
“I’m bringing back the ancient rhythm to calypso,” he stated. “It’s about honoring our ancestors while making the music relevant for today’s listeners.”
In the future, Banjela plans to work with a South African artist on a project related to an African motion picture. The cross-cultural endeavor aims to celebrate common ancestry by fusing African and Soca beats.
“We’re still figuring out the timing, but this project will blend Soca with African rhythms in a way that celebrates our shared heritage.”
Banjela has had an incredible journey to get to this point. He began singing at the age of seven and was nurtured in Edward Trace, Basse Terre, Moruga. He became well-known in 2020 after winning the title of Young Kings Calypso Monarch with his moving ode to Carnival’s African heritage, “Tis We Season.”
According to the statement, the artist from Enterprise, Chaguanas, received much praise in 2023 after taking home the Best Calypso/Soca title at the African Entertainment Awards US, which was place at Newark Symphony Hall in New Jersey.
Banjela, however, sees music as more than just praise. He is a small company entrepreneur located in Enterprise, an Orisha priest, and a community leader who is steadfast in his commitment to enhancing his community and motivating the next generation.
He shared, “I’ve always believed in using my platform to inspire others, especially the youth. Music is a powerful tool, and I want to use it to uplift and unite.”
With creative calypso releases, funky Soca tunes, and upcoming worldwide partnerships, Banjela is ready to wow audiences once again. The indomitable vitality of T&T culture is still embodied in his songs.
“Stay tuned,” Banjela urged the Soca community. “There’s so much more to come, and I can’t wait to share it with you.”
