Ebuzz News
Archived: Keeping Syri Close To Her Roots- Bunji Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way
It’s easy for some to come to the conclusion that because multiple time Soca Monarch winner Bunji Garlin and his wife Fay-Ann Lyons now live in the posh Moka hills of Maraval, Trinidad they’ve become disconnected from their roots. For Bunji Garlin however, this isn’t an option- neither for himself or his daughter Syri who he says he keeps grounded as much as possible.
Bunji says his daughter, Syri will relate to the family’s roots.
Fay-Ann Lyons has always shown that tough, street sense that obviously stands part and parcel of her Point Fortin upbringing. Bunji’s Cumuto, Wallerfield lifestyle saw him helping his father with farming in what he said were acres upon acres of crops. “I will definitely expose my daughter to that side of life- it will be an integral part of her life,” he told us here at ETCETERABUZZ. Explaining that being connected to that side of life, is something he could only refer to as ‘special’, the ‘Differentology’ artiste, told us that such humble roots have helped him personally, as instead of seeing money as everything, the ideals of living off the land is something that, to him, is more important. “You don’t feel the need to be a part of some social network,” he told us, a big statement considering the network of people he is now connected to because of his profession.
Bunji Garlin and his friends of the entertainment world at his home in Moka, Maraval, Trinidad.
In previous interviews, Bunji told us he never thought his life would have turned out as it has. His honesty is possibly the reason he’s managed to remain so very connected to his grassroot crowd, while making the wider world come to him in a very subtle way. Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons’ daughter Syri, is four-years-old.
Ebuzz News
‘I Am Legend’ Concert Promoter, Glenroy Watson Has Passed Away.
Caribbean Buzz
Destra Delivers Powerfully at Reflections.
“If this sharing that I’m doing touches anyone, I’m truly grateful. None of us are perfect. Some days you’ll feel good, some days you won’t, but it’s all part of the journey. Sometimes what you’re looking for is right on the horizon, and the moment you give up, you miss it. If my testimony makes anyone feel something, then my work here is done.” – DESTRA GARCIA
Trinidad and Tobago received a musical showcase of spiritual awakening yet again this past Saturday, at Destra’s ‘Reflections: Sound. Spirit. Surrender.” The event took place at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s and proved to be a truly inspiring and uplifting musical experience.
From the onset, the show set a standard that fans of good music with powerful lyrics, would rave about for weeks. David Rudder – a cultural icon of Calypso music out of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed the audience as he hit the stage first delivering the very fitting, ‘High Mas.’ It was a powerful blessing no doubt – something that would lead into a seamless spiritual production. He was subsequently joined on stage by Destra, something that created a full-circle moment that drew immediate emotion from the audience.
Known for her unmistakeable vocal ability, Destra took her audience on a carefully curated musical journey, opening her set with Free Again before transitioning into slowed-down, soul-stirring renditions of some of her most beloved songs, including Love Somebody and Fly and with each performance, she revealed a different layer of her artistry, offering vulnerability, reflection, and strength.
One of the night’s most touching highlights came as Garcia shared the stage with her daughter, Xaiya, for a heartfelt duet of The Prayer. Beginning at the piano, Xaiya gently set the tone before joining her mother in song, creating an intimate moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
The production, which was creatively directed by Zara Bartels and Isoke Edwards, also showcased the incredible talent of father and son pan duo Martin and De’jean Cain as well as the Maria Regina Grade School and St. Joseph’s Convent Port- of- Spain choirs, whose vibrant and polished performances brought a refreshing, youthful energy to the stage. Gospel artiste, Nisa joined Garcia for a powerful duet of Bridge Over Troubled Water. She also performed her original composition Make Me Over, adding another layer of spiritual depth to the evening.
As the show built toward its finale, Garcia delivered a commanding rendition of Ella Andall’s Bring Down the Power, followed by classic hymns including A Little More Oil in My Lamp. This climactic segment was elevated by the presence of traditional belle dancers and African drummers, creating a rich, cultural fusion that brought the audience to its feet. Beyond the performances, the overall production, brought to life through Bridgette Wilson’s choreography and Atiba Borde’s costuming, stood out for its seamless execution, immersive ambience, and thoughtful storytelling, reinforcing Reflections as more than just a concert, but a transformative experience.
Reflections certainly delivered a powerful blend of music, filled with deep messages and meaning. In what is a very spiritual season, Destra, through the delivery of ‘Reflections,’ has carved out a space for inspiration and connection within Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape – something that many would agree, is a necessity more than an option.