Ebuzz News
Archived: Ziggy Rankin Loses Faith…But Expresses Joy At Recent Moves By His Old Carenage Community
As Trinidad and Tobago nationals prepare to hear what lies in wait for them in the 2013-2014 national budget, an artiste says he has lost all hope that things could get better, relative to the crime situation. Ziggy Rankin’s world was shattered last week when he received news that a close family friend from the Carenage area, where he grew up, was gunned down. “I have given up hope. Just last week they killed Ranger. He was like a father to me. He used to make sure that everything was ok with my family when he lived abroad,” said a very despondent sounding Rankin. The artiste recently released a song collaboratively with a young, budding entertainer by the name of Jaron Nurse. The single is called, ‘Slow Yuh Roll’ and is just one part of an anti violence movement that Ziggy and a group of other concerned persons, have commissioned.
Ziggy Rankin teamed up with young Jaron and Mr. King, seen in the photo above, for the new single, ‘Slow Yuh Roll’
Discussing his current spirit as a national of the country, Ziggy said he is saddened by the state of affairs in Trinidad and Tobago. He admits that the government cannot be held responsible for it all, telling ETCETERABUZZ that parents and the community in general, are key to fostering that change he yearns to see in T&T. Happy about recent efforts within his old Carenage community to thrash out their differences via the sport of football, Rankin said he feels more outdoor activities are needed within communities to build camaraderie. With an adolescent daughter to care for, Ziggy says the things happening around him, really worries him and he no longer feels like he can talk to the young men and women in society. “I can’t stand up and talk to a youth man again… the youth man might lick meh down,” he said.
Jaron, a young man who Rankin said he’s known from birth, was aided by both Ziggy and Mr. King on this new project. In a post on social media network Facebook last Wednesday, Ziggy said the song had been distributed to all radio stations and had not been given an ear. In his post he said, “As an artiste representing my country for the last 16 years, sometimes I’m baffled by the radio stations and the directions they choose in my own country… And always talk about helping and uplifting and motivating our country. I hardly make long comments but it escapes me… I recently released a song with a young man named Jaron, Mr. King and myself inspired by what is going on in our paradise and all the stations are yet to give it a hearing.”
This morning, “Slow Yuh Roll” was played on urban frequency, Boomchampions 94.1FM and coincidentally, last week the utterance of a very popular DJ on that frequency, relative to his decision to refrain from playing songs with violent lyrics and sentiments took us by surprise. We’ll have more on that particular DJ and his stance in another feature here on ETCETERABUZZ.COM.
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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.