Ebuzz News
Archived: You’ll Never Guess What Machel Montano Did!
Who does that!? Soca superstar Machel Montano has a way about him, doesn’t he? Just when you think the guy is laying low and doing things in a traditional way, he stirs up some action and get’s everyone talking. This past weekend, several of the Carnival circuit’s big names gathered in the Bahamas where the Junkanoo festival caused a scene. Montano was among them. The entertainer who’s seemingly been savoring the sweetness of being with his love interest, Renee Butcher, in recent weeks, was a part of the action at Farmer Nappy’s surprise birthday party in the Bahamas, among other things, but what caught us off guard- likewise those who were there to catch the action first hand, was Montano’s ocean surprise.
Machel with his love interest, Renee Butcher.
In a post Junkanoo boat ride dubbed ‘Suits’, Montano made an appearance, but trust and believe, this was no ordinary appearance. The Taipan of Soca, together with his manager, Che Kothari and others, had hopped aboard a yacht and sailing beside the sprawling ocean liner, an Instagram LIVE video showed the ‘Fast Wine’ singer sipping on a drink while dancing, seemingly readying himself to let his fans know that he was there- just not on the vessel that they were sailing on.
Montano seemed happy to create the excitement. The DJ on board the vessel eventually shared the fact that the artiste was sailing on the ocean alongside the party boat- motioning fetters to look over the side of the vessel. It was all a thrill from there on, as a microphone was presented to the artiste and in true Machel Montano fashion, the multiple time Road March winner gave the people a show like only he could, making the yacht his stage just for that moment.
Machel’s been having some very down-to-earth moments in recent weeks. He was spotted on Ariapita Avenue after attending radio personality, Whitney Husbands’ birthday bash two Saturdays ago. He had stopped off, solo, to grab a gyro at Youseff’s. In that moment, in a brief encounter, he told EBUZZTT, “everything about life is nice.”
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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.