Ebuzz News
This is the Carnival Cheat Code. YUMA Has The Vibe.
There’s a cheat code to enjoying Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago and it’s as simple as choosing the right band to parade the streets on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, from jump. Every band in Trinidad and Tobago offers a unique experience. Every masquerader has an idea of what they’d personally enjoy, so to say one band is better than another, is unnecessary, however, if you’re a VIBE SEEKER, there’s really only one band to choose.
YUMA Vibe was truly a vibe in 2026 and this is turning out to be a trend of sorts. LUXE- the band’s theme this season, offered an array of fabulous, colorful, sexy designs to choose from, but that’s basic in today’s market because truth be told, most, if not all carnival masquerade bands in T&T, deliver top tier costume designs for the road. Trinidad and Tobago isn’t coined ‘The Mecca’ for nothing – this is where the standard for carnival is set! What we will say as it relates to the costume designs and quality however, is that YUMA’s costumes are strong, standing up to the pressure of movement on the road and beautifully pieced together even when it comes to midline and backline sections.
Now, for those new to this, choosing your band must happen by July/August at latest. One thing that always stands out about YUMA is the fact that the band hosts a lot of big name entertainers. This season, globally recognized sportsman, Dwayne Bravo, artistes like Jadel, Lady Lava, Patrice Roberts, Preedy, Erphaan Alves, Grenada’s Muddy and Tallpree, Blaka Dan and V’Ghn, Christo and influencer and comedian, Jr. Lee were all in the mix, making YUMA a band, loved, trusted and endorsed by the celebs to deliver on vibes and enjoyment. “Yuma is the number 1 band. I’ve been rocking with YUMA for years. We’re enjoying it and it’s a good season,” said Bravo when we met up with him on the road on Carnival Tuesday.
A big factor when it comes to carnival enjoyment is that feeling of belonging. One of the awesome things about being a YUMAN is being treated like family. The band is all embracing to women of all shapes and sizes, offering costume options that cater to tiny bodies and the visibly voluptuous alike – something that’s truly admirable in a market that advertises and promotes heavy on sex appeal and beauty.
Take this as your signal to start prepping for 2027. Carnival Monday and Tuesday is set for February 8th and February 9th next year so mind your business and lock in your spot as soon as those sections drop later this year. Oh! And even though we didn’t go in deep on the vibes – TRUST, that’s a given, after all, the best people, with the most vibes always know where to gather and the YUMA squad speaks volumes. Just see for yourself :
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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.