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Archived: Destra Raises Bacchanal In Jamaica- Starts The 'Elitist' Conversation.
For years there’s been a subliminal divide taking place in Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival. It’s been blamed, for the most part on the crime situation and the need for better mechanisms to deal with pick pocketing and other petty crimes in fetes. Hiking up prices and of course, delivering the now norm, all-incliusive fete, was devised by major event promoters, among them Tribe Carnival, Island People Mas and of course, various denominational schools that host carnival fetes to raise funds for their schools annually. On the weekend, Trinidad and Tobago’s Queen of Bacchanal, Destra Garcia chose a rather unexpected forum to express her disdain for this new practice. She vented in Jamaica.
Destra Garcia on stage at Bacchanal J’ouvert in Jamaica on Friday.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jamaica Observer
“Move the fence. I’m not performing if the fence doesn’t come down,” she reportedly insisted, after hitting the stage at Bacchanal J’Ouvert in St. Andrew, Jamaica last Friday. She had stormed off the stage an hour into her set at the high energy fete and from backstage, she asked the crowd whether the fence that separated the VIP and General areas, had been removed, to which they responded saying. “Nooooo!”
According to The Jamaica Observer, Garcia only returned to her performance after a 20 minute standoff and some consultation with police. The paper reported that part of the fence, nearest to the front of the stage, had been removed. She told the Jamaica newspaper, “Soca music is a music that unites all. Nobody cares how much money you have in the bank. Everybody jumps and dances with everybody.”
Bacchanal J’ouvert Director Michael Ammar Jr. told the Observer that Garcia would be back next year. He described her set as good but the stance taken on stage, he coined, ‘bad judgement’.
Caribbean media outlet, Loop, captured Garcia’s stance on video. Take a look and let us know if you agree with what she did.
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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.