Ebuzz News
Archived: Barbados' Rihanna, Trinidad's Fay-Ann, Jamaica's Sizzla = "INSPIRATION"
A superstar’s fan base isn’t something to be sidelined- ever! In Rihanna’s Budweiser sponsored documentary, ‘Half Of Me’, which was revealed to the world yesterday via YouTube, it became immediately apparent that her influence is sometimes even more powerful than she even realises. The Barbados born beauty who has sold out arenas across the world, confessed that she would be nothing without her fans. “Everything I have acquired, everything I have accomplished, I really owe it to my fans. It’s really them that made that happen,” she says in the documentary. Her fans- the Navy as they’re referred to, are even more inspired by Rihanna’s thirst to achieve, and the humility she’s shown throughout.
Rihanna’s fans are inspired by her drive to succeed.
Fay-Ann Lyons has inspired her fans in many ways- one of which has been her re-enrollment in school.
Locally, Soca sensation, Fay-Ann Lyons has amassed a huge following for what some might say is her down-to-earth spirit. Having returned to school to pursue studies in Law, following C2K13, she told ETCETERABUZZ.COM that when news broke that she had taken the plunge, she was approached by a female teller at a bank in Trinidad who told her that she had inspired her to go after her dreams. The same can be said about the artiste’s strong desire to encourage healthy living. Time and time again, many of Fay-Ann’s fans have attested to picking up their gym gear and making that trek to the gym, because they see her doing it. Soca diva Destra’s fan base is also a very big one- spanning the Caribbean and the world. Daily, the ‘Aye You’ singer shows her determination to live a healthy lifestyle, sharing images of her workout regimen and even her food choices, with her fans via social media.
Ahead of an August 31st reggae concert hosted in Trinidad this year, Jamaican reggae artiste, Sizzla Kolonji sat with ETCETERABUZZ.COM. We talked sport and music. He said Sport played a vital role in his life and compared the regimen of preparing to compete in the sporting arena, to that of hitting the stage at a concert to deliver his countless singles. Sizzla- a highly embraced reggae artiste who has toured the world, spoke of his fellow Jamaicans, Usain Bolt and Shelly- Ann Fraser-Pryce, saying that what they continued to to do on the track in sport, had inspired countless Jamaican youths. “They are doing their work for the nation. It’s just that they’re involved in sport and we’re in music but we’re still touching the same people,” he said. Separately, Sizzla also attested to the power of lyrics and the influence that negative lyrics could have on the minds of some young people. Read about that here.
Sizzla Kolonji performed in Trinidad on August 31st.
Whether we want to believe it or not, celebrities play instrumental roles in the development of many young, impressionable people. Some look to their favourite celebs for direction in varying areas of their lives- some areas more serious than others. Some celebs are simply style icons to their young fans while others are intangible mentors.
Check out Rihanna’s ‘Half of Me’ documentary and let us know how your favourite celeb has inspired you. Send us emails of your story, which we’ll post on our social media pages at thebuzz@etceterabuzz.com.
RIHANNA- ‘HALF OF ME’
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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.