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Archived: Angela Hunte Reignites Soca Passion, Accepts Her Journey With MM
No. The passion is not dead. The passion for a carnival sound that beats any other has been re-ignited by Trini native, Angela Hunte. After giving T&T and the world her collaborative hit “Party Done” with Machel Montano in 2015, the woman who’s penned words have been sung by Alicia Keys and others, hits back with one of the sweetest soca serenades carnival has been privy to, for some time.
Angela Hunte has embraced her new journey in the soca universe.
Like Barbados’ Edwin Yearwood had done with his vocal renditions in the 9o’s, Hunte digs deep inside to discover a part of her that was undoubtedly hidden, a part of her she now shares with soca lovers around the world. The new single sits seamlessly on A.C. & DJ Buddha’s Ti’ Punch Riddim. The track name- “Mon Bon Ami” speaks of Hunte’s love of Soca music. Her voice, a penetrating and enticing high pitch that can easily lure any music lover, even boasts an accent that seems to fuse Trini and some type of creole.
Last week, Hunte who has been on the road with Montano, touching events around the world, since 2015, took to Instagram to vent. She had performed with Montano again and had this to say:
“Well shamantano ……: I remember first time hearing you I said who is this man dancing and singing this happy music ?? I didn’t understand the scope of just who you were until let down my guard down and trusted you every inch of you ….to know you is to love you for who you are and who you are becoming God knew what he was doing when he crossed our paths I understand fully his plan for us I accept why he brought us together I never understood my purpose in music until you entered my life you reached your hand into my heart and pulled at every emotion even ones I didn’t know existed you never let me settle for less and you expected nothing but the best from me you pushed me to dream bigger and more importantly you helped me realize nothing is impossible .I cannot thank you no words can ever express how I truly feel we are now entering a new chapter we will push harder and continue to strive for greatness.”
Hunte says Montano has reached his hand into her heart and pulled at every emotion.
Hunte’s acceptance of what seems to be her new journey in music is vivid. She will likely be on Montano’s stage when he presents his Machel Monday concert in Trinidad on February 1st. As for Montano himself, he has released a new single, geared toward the masquerader. The track, entitled, “Waiting on the Stage” fuses EDM and Soca, making for quite a different sound that most would be accustomed to when it comes to street parade music, but so far, the masses have been embracing it- a signal that once again, Machel Montano has scored.
NEW MUSIC
Check out what Hunte said in an interview back in May.
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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.