Ebuzz News
Archived: Barbados Honors Trini Songwriter Shaft With Crop Over Award
He’s definitely making a name for himself, all the while, being extremely humble. Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop’s name has been making the rounds in recent months and on the heels of what most would agree, was a tremendously successful C2K15 season in Trinidad for the songwriter, Jason moved to establish himself further in Barbados this year. He helped seal the deal for Peter Ram at CropOver, equipping him with a song that received three top accolades, among them, the Road March title.
This past week, Shaft, as he’s fondly called in the entertainment world, received the Best Songwriter of the Festival award from the National Cultural Foundation in Barbados. His work this year was shared with the people of Barbados and certainly thousands who visited the island, through the vocals of artistes like, Imani, Alison Hinds, Hypasounds, Biggie Irie, Mikey Mercer and of course, Peter Ram. The Road March hit, “All Ah We” had taken the island by storm, amping up the vibe of the festival and giving revellers something sweet to chip through the streets to.
Jason Bishop says his ambitions are coming to fruition.
Chatting with ETCETERABUZZ this morning, Jason said he felt honoured to have received the award- having been recognised and shown that level of appreciation by another country. “It goes beyond the award though- it’s a symbol that I’m moving toward my dreams and aspirations. It feels good that I’ve been recognised and appreciated in another country,” he said, adding that he’s currently in C2K16 creation mode.
Some of his clients for the season ahead include Reigning Groovy Soca Monarch, Olatunji Yearwood, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Lyrikal, Jaiga and Lil Bitts. Shaft however explained that for him, writing music and being a part of the music industry, goes beyond the money and the spotlight. ” If I don’t do music, I won’t be myself. Music is what I have to hold on to. It keeps me alive. I can’t picture myself without music. It’s in me. If I don’t do it everyday, something would be wrong,” he said.
Jason has received the award for “Best Songwriter of the Festival” in Barbados.
Separate and apart from Soca, Bishop says he’s been getting his foot wet in the Latin and Nigerian markets and has plans to visit Nigeria before the end of 2015.
For more on Jason’s work, check out his company’s social media pages @shaftvibesentertainment on Instagram and @shaftvibesent1 on Twitter. On Facebook, simply look for Shaft Vibes Entertainment.
We anticipate there’s some major things on the horizon from this hit maker. Just stay with us, we’ll keep you in the know!
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.
