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Another Soca Monarch Crown to His Name, Skinny Fabulous Looks Toward 2026 With Big Ambitions.
One part of the newly crowned St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soca Monarch, Skinny Fabulous, says he’s extremely happy to have returned to the Soca Monarch stage after six years. Answering the call of the people, Skinny, in a move even he hadn’t planned, recently gave the people of SVG, and those visiting for the island’s carnival, a show that will live on in history, for many years to come.
Together with Fireman Hooper – his Soca Monarch rival in years gone by, Skinny Fabulous ignited the stage on show night, delivering a song called “Erupt,” – a call to action that the people excitedly accepted. “When the song was released, there was no intention to enter the Soca Monarch competition,” said the artiste. Collaborating with Fireman Hooper was something no one expected, but for Skinny, there was no reason for him not to. “This was something outstanding to the people because over the years, when I was a part of the competition, we were rivals, but outside of the competition, there really was no rivalry,” he explained. It had been six years since Skinny Fabulous had mounted St. Vincent’s Soca Monarch Stage. “This song started off as a contribution to the carnival but when the people began calling for it in the competition, in an effort to bring back the interest to the competition, we entered.”
Over the years, attendance to this major carnival event had dwindled. This year however, the excitement was unparalleled. “This collaboration represented growth. In terms of the competition, I believe any song can be a Soca Monarch song but it all comes down to the competition night; the competition is really won on that night,” he said.
Over the years, Skinny Fabulous, through intentional effort, has created a winning formula for himself. “Some people go in being a crowd favourite, but it doesn’t always translate to a win. I like to grab your attention quick, and keep it visually, and of course, with the music. I put a lot of emphasis on singing the song exactly as it was recorded,” he explained.
In the aftermath of the win, he says he is not sure he’ll defend the title in 2026 but he’s happy that together with Fireman Hooper, he was able to bring that energy to the people of his homeland. Now a household name when it comes to Soca music, Skinny is focused on delivering something fresh as another carnival year approaches. “I’m taking one month off and from August I’ll head back into the studio to start work for 2026. I want to focus on a different presentation of self. I want to slow down and broaden how I represent myself. I’m working on some tracks that will be different,” he highlighted, noting that while he has mastered the art of effectively capturing massive crowds with his baritone vocals and musical aggression, he now wants to master other elements of musical delivery.
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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.