Ebuzz News
Archived: Rihanna, Drake Deliver Caribbean Heat In BRAND NEW ‘Work’ Video
“Work, Work, Work, Work, Work… Work…” Seems to be just about everybody’s melodious refrain these days. It’s been blaring from just about every urban frequency across the length and breadth of the Caribbean and not to mention the U.S.
Yesterday, amid much anticipated build up, Grammy Award winner, Rihanna dropped the video for her song “Work” which features rap’s golden boy, Drake. The single’s the Bajan beauty’s eighth off her studio album “ANTI”.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Carib beer makes a cameo in the video.
With heavy Caribbean influence in the song itself by way of the beat and Caribbean patois that resonates from RiRi’s lips, it only made sense to have a Caribbean infused music video! True to her island roots, Rihanna and the crew maintained a fairly simple theme but highlighted strong Caribbean elements that had many of us ‘bigging up’ the Bajan beauty on social media yesterday.
At 58 seconds in, many Trinbagonians would have been excited to see a pail of Carib beer being carried through the dance. A guy opening a Jamaican Red Stripe beer with his mouth and the sight of some Jamaican jerk chicken and even a blunt being rolled, would have projected that true Caribbean essence that can only be truly adapted by someone who knows and understands the scene in these parts. As now the norm, Jamaica got its fair share of publicity with the Rastafarian ites, green and gold on full display throughout the vid. And hey, we can’t forget that knitted ites, green and gold dress Rihanna rocks as she shows off her sultry Caribbean wine on her candidate of choice, Champagne Papi himself- DRAKE!
A scene from Rihanna and Drake’s video, “Work”
The video seems to have been set in a Caribbean restaurant/ nightclub and much like Rihana’s video for “Man Down” did a few years ago, this one captures and delivers to her global audience, a quick but precise statement- “Caribbean people are passionate about life!”
Toward the end of the video fans are offered an extra tease that sees Rihanna and Drake in a more intimate setting, this time with pink lighting. The video was directed by Director X, who has worked with the likes of Sean Paul on the videos for “Gimme the Light”, “Get Busy” and “I’m Still in Love” and Rihanna on her video for “Pon De Replay”. He’s even done videos for Drake, R. Kelly, The Game, Usher, Kanye West, Nelly, Jay-Z and other big names in the music biz.
Now, in case you missed it, check out the video here:
EBUZZTT STAFF: C Fermine.
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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.