Ebuzz News
Archived: For the Love of Country. Soca Artist and Radio Personality Speaks Out.
Hundreds of new soca tracks have been released ahead of Carnival 2020 and once again, there is the sad rumbling that merely a handful of these songs are being played on the nation’s airwaves in Trinidad and Tobago. A short carnival season brings with it a heightened desire to pull what the DJs consider to be the hits, for the benefit, they say, of the feting public.
In early December, soca artist, Bunji Garlin raised the issue, jokingly posting:
“9,867,643 Soca songs released between Uber Soca cruise and now….. and people know 5. What a dogfight coming up ahead and somewhere there is someone trying to justify that.”
Bunji Garlin
As the world prepares to usher in a brand new decade, many artistes in Trinidad and Tobago are hoping for change in the system, a system, they argue, has kept soca music stifled and benefits only a few. On air radio personality and soca artiste, Adrian Hackshaw, best known as Bass or TriloG, told Ebuzztt that he wants to own his very own radio station in the decade ahead. “My hope for us as a country is that we begin thinking more about country than self. I also pray that the government and powers that be will actually create a viable tourism and creative industry,” he said, lamenting that so much more could be done, to place Trinidad and Tobago at the centre of the Caribbean’s cultural and economic activity pool.
Bass, an entertainer who has released several songs already, ahead of the upcoming Carnival season in T&T, has always been outspoken about the lack of air play granted to new artistes and those deemed ‘unpopular’. “I would like to own my own radio station so that all artistes can get fair airplay and the people will have a fair opportunity to say what they enjoy hearing,” he told us. It’s an ambitious goal but certainly not unattainable, after all, Iwer George did it!
On Monday, two days before the New Year, Bass told us that a caller had called in to the frequency at which he mans the 9am-12 noon weekday shift. “The man called this morning talking about the violent music that’s played on the airwaves,” he attested, adding that at that very time, police had been called to the scene of a shooting in the vicinity of Park and Charlotte streets in Port-of-Spain, a stone’s throw away from the station’s location. Bass has maintained that he will not endorse any music with violent undertones, during his on air shifts. Sadly, he is but one personality at one of several urban stations that promote music that glorifies gangsterism and gun violence in Trinidad and Tobago.
Ebuzztt.com spoke with popular entertainer, Trinidad Killa in November. Back then, the artist who has risen to fame with his single, ‘Gunman in She Hole,’ had told us that he knows music has strong influence. He however said, in the same breath, that most of the lyrics are based on the hype and are a reflection of the ‘realness’ of the society.
Take a look at our interview with him.
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.
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