Ebuzz News
Archived: No Bikinis. No Gyration. Fay-Ann Goes Against The Grain With RAZE.
Fay-Ann and Bunji fought a musical battle this past weekend, in London.
No gyrating. No near-naked women. No bare-bodied men. No colourful feathers and beaded bikinis- just cold, white snow, a seemingly wooded forest and Fay-Ann Lyons. That’s all you’ll see in Lyons-Alvarez’s new video for “Raze”, the EDM infused single that may have been the deal-sealer for VP records when they signed the Trinidad native last year. The FADER magazine got the scoop of the international release of the video and of course, the four track EP which is also entitled, “Raze”. In a blurb written by the FADER’S Deidre Dyer, the former Road March and Power Soca monarch queen’s efforts are described as a restless desire to push the sonic limits of traditional Soca. Dyer notes that the singer dabbles in pop-leaning EDM to a “winning and catchy effect.”
Fay-Ann, like many other soca artistes, have been doing what she feels is needed, to get her voice and her musical contributions to the world beyond the Caribbean Diaspora. Her music has changed somewhat, gravitating to the EDM and pop inspired flow but still she is able to move crowds with this mixed up genre much like she would with any other soca anthem. This past weekend, the Viqueen and her husband faced off in London. Today, she hit the promo circuit, making a stop at Bang Radio with Garlin to put in the work. Whether the world at large will feel the Soca/EDM/ Pop flavour, we’ll all just have to wait and see. In the meantime however, we can all rest assured that the Ground Empire team is ready to destroy any killjoy that may come. Lyons-Alvarez for one has proven to be a fighter in the face of any negativity and her hubby undoubtedly stands firmly at her side.
The EP introduces music lovers to Raze, Catch Me, Break The World and Don’t Tempt Me.
Check out the video for Raze now.
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.