Ebuzz News
Blaka Dan is An Enterprise Boy Too. Artiste Wants to Drive Soca Genre into Global Spotlight.
Grenada’s Blaka Dan is also an Enterprise, Chaguanas, Trinidad son and now, with a massive outpouring of support for his hit single, ‘Blessing,’ the artiste is set to deliver excitement and good vibes at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Thursday. He performs in position number four in the Ultimate Category, vying for the $1million dollar cash prize against artistes like, Orlando Octave, Yung Bredda, Viking Ding Dong, Preedy, Anika Berry, fellow Grenadian, Dash, Nailah Blackman and others.
Blaka, whose real name is Wrenroy Ogiste is a soca lover to the core. He says he was inspired to pursue the genre by called Soca soldier, Blazer Dan who was also from the Enterprise, Chaguanas community. He credits much of his passion to pursue Soca to seeing, first hand, the rise of Blazer Dan on the circuit. He was moved to follow his dreams at the age of 18, relocating to Grenada where he began making inroads.
In 2012, his breakthrough came with a song called, ‘3 Dollar Bread.’ The track’s creativity, lyrical content and melodic arrangement, caught the attention of music lovers and fellow creatives in the music business. One year later, Blaka Dan walked away with the first place title in Grenada’s Groovy Soca Monarch competition. His single ‘Whole Day We Jammin’ was subsequently remixed in 2015, with the late Dexter ‘Blaxx’ Stewart from T&T.
Consistent and passionate, Blaka Dan is poised to create waves in the aftermath of T&T’s carnival 2025 season. Already having made inroads internationally and across the region, his name will likely be on everyone’s tongue, throughout the year.
The Ultimate Soca Champion Competition takes place on Thursday, February 20th at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain. Ebuzztt.com understands that production is apace to ensure that this artiste’s show is as spectacular as the energy and pull of a song that has penetrated the season like none other. He is optimistic and focused on capturing the prize, with the aim of creating history as one of the driving forces to make Soca music become a more recognized genre, globally.
Ebuzz News
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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.