Article In The News Times * Date : 05.11.06

Madhouse at Bayside Hut Let's make something clear right off the bat, people. "Madhouse is a party, not a place," says event organizer Marlon Whiteman, one of the members of the Trini South Boyz party syndicate.

The confusion arose back when the Key Biscayne establishment Bayside Hut was known as Madfish House. At night the party promoters would remove fish so that the glowing red sign worked as a beacon for legions of Caribbean partiers. Among the island immigrant ranks, Madhouse became a must every Friday night. Famously decadent events took place, including many of the best-attended Miami Carnaval parties, bigtime reggae concerts featuring the likes of Elephant Man and Capleton, and last year's notorious Fourth of July Wet Fete, in which revelers were soaked with fire hoses, water guns, and water balloons.

Then the organizers of the popular weekly bash came across some drama that led to relocation issues. "We went to Bongos first, and we spent three weeks there before we realized we had to move again. To put hype on it, I came up with the idea of taking the party on the road. So right now we're in Fort Lauderdale at Club Ole Ole," Whiteman explains. "But Madhouse has always been a Miami-based promotion. We on the road right now; we're enjoying it for the moment. But you never know what tomorrow might bring," the charming party-thrower quips. Madhouse's local base has dwindled somewhat in the face of the daunting trek to Broward, and the party is destined to return to Miami-Dade in the near future.

Although Marlon Whiteman remains coy about the party's prospective destinations, he admits his ideal venue is one that combines indoor heat with outdoorsy space. "That venue in Key Biscayne was like our first child, and your first will always be your favorite. Unless the child messes up as he gets older and becomes a crackhead or something," he laughs. "But still, your love for that one will always be the strongest. In the parties we throwing now, the vibe isn't how it used to be," he confesses. For now, reggae revelers will continue to venture north for their weekly fix. But we light a candle and hope Madhouse will come home soon, to the Miami bay where it's meant to be.

The History Behind Trini South Boyz :

One evening in November of 1994, two strong willed, ambitious, culture loving young men from South Trinidad came together and decided to revoluntionize Caribbean entertainment to what we know in South Florida, today.  The vision was to bring that 'back home' party vibe to Miami and create a nostalgic atmosphere in which homesick West Indians could congregate and feel proud.  

From day one, the vision has been clear and consistent : COLORS - ONE PEOPLE, ONE PARTY.  From Party room to Coco Loco to Dupont to the world famous Madhouse to Socavivor, the motto lives on. . . . have a time ! ! ! !  Trini South Boyz has provided the Caribbean music loving party audience with a consistent outlet for the energy that only our people can produce.  Soca music lives on in South Florida through them in the Soca Room at the Madhouse Remix in Coconut Grove, each and every Friday and of course on Miami's number one Caribbean addiction Station Mixx 96.1 FM.  Since then we have expanded our wings to Toronto as well as The Elite Ark in Brooklyn, New York.

I have watched and nurtured and supported this entity from conception because I believe in the product and I believe in my culture.  I am the frontline cheerleader, the mouth piece, the personality and the biggest critic of all because I stand behind my commitment to take us all to the next level.  On behalf of the Trini South Boyz, we thank you all for your love, support and Vibes !!!.  You keep us strong and motivated.  So keep bringing de vibes, keep loggin' on and most important when yuh hear bout a Trini South Boyz event make sure and let dem know . . . miss it?  Yuh Mad or Wha !!!!

Giselle D' Wassi One