Ebuzz News
An Xperience To Remember. South Fete Draws Massive Crowd.
The stage at this year’s Xperience Fete, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, in Tarouba, will be a major talking point for many, even as the season continues. Whether the massive ‘Trident’ themed placement could possibly be outdone in this season, is left to be seen. Xperience Fete, held last weekend, was one that saw hundreds of happy fetters, dressed in white, fill the space, as the season of revelry in Trinidad and Tobago, gets underway.
Entertainment, top tier, the sound system appeared to have presented slight challenges to artistes, many of whom seemed to forego actually singing and instead either lip-synced their songs, or hyped the background music. Loud as their tracks were, artistes like GBM Nutron, did their best to engage the crowd, with most of those toward the front of the fete, showing their enjoyment by dancing and responding joyfully to each artiste.
For some time, the topic as to whether fetes will ever return to what they once were in T&T, has been on the table. Less dancing among fetters and more onlooking and recording, remains a concern, but on Sunday morning, big flags showed up and the scene was one of euphoria even amid the air-high phones. Shurwayne Winchester, a true crowd-pleaser brought excellence in performance as usual, and likewise, Patrice Roberts, in her usual sexy attire, wowed the crowd, many singing along to her hits and basking in the thrill of yet another T&T Carnival Xperience that will be remembered for years to come.
The cooler, breakfast inclusive fete featured a number of dynamic soca stars, including Nailah Blackman, Jadel, Nadia Batson, Voice, Anika Berry, Skinny Fabulous, Iwer George and KMC, Bunji and Fay Ann, Raymond Ramnarine, Shal Marshall, Ding Dong, Wadicks, Ravi B, Blaka from Grenada, Full Blown, Lady Lava and the star of season, Yung Bredda.
At the event, in a brief chat with Ebuzztt, relatively new artiste on the soca scene, Wadicks shared his hope for more love among artistes in the Soca industry, lamenting that with hateful attacks among peers, very little is being left for the nation’s youth to learn from. His views came on the heels of two recent public outbursts, among influential entertainers, in the season. Wadicks performed earlier in the morning, before the sun came up, and as usual, he gave it his all, dancing much to the amusement of his female fans.
The event was just what many needed to truly incite the carnival energy. Now, with many major events set to unfold in the coming weekends, fetters from all walks of life are charged with the responsibility of truly fetin’ and showing the world just how incredible Trini Carnival is.
Ebuzz News
‘I Am Legend’ Concert Promoter, Glenroy Watson Has Passed Away.
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.