Ebuzz News
Buju Anticipates Return to T&T. Artiste Among Conscious Kings Employed to Promote Positivity at Redemption.
Organizers of the annual Redemption Concert in Trinidad and Tobago say the time is ripe for consciousness to take centre stage. The carnival festival now a memory in the minds and hearts of revelers, anticipation is high after news emerged on February 10th that come May 6th, Buju Banton would be headlining the biggest concert event of the year in Trinidad and Tobago.
“This is a statement event. As leaders in entertainment, we acknowledge the role we play in influencing change in our communities. We know the role music plays in delivering messages. Ideally, Tropix Entertainment is steadfast in ensuring that the artistes booked for our events are conscious and positive,” said a member of the promotional outfit.
In this, its eighth year, Redemption has garnered strong support from the Guinness brand, something organizers say, will aid all efforts to influence positive change in Trinidad and Tobago, through music and the big stage. “From our pre-event promotional campaign to our efforts to positively influence the minds of our people on show night, the underlying theme of ‘the meaning of life,’ will be the focus throughout. We want our society to truly understand how important purpose is, now more than ever,” said the organizer.
Buju Banton, a mammoth stage performer and not to mention, a singular musical force who’s range and catalogue is as varied as it is meaningful, is excited to return to T&T. In a social media post on Valentine’s Day, the ‘Buried Alive’ singer shared the Redemption artwork with the caption, “Trinidad! Got to be there!” That single post triggered over 300 fan responses, with many excitedly affirming their intent to be present at the May 6th concert in Port-of-Spain.
“We’ve once again committed to bringing Jah MessenJah, Luciano, to the big stage in Trinidad. Not only is Luciano an amazing reggae superstar, but he contributes meaningfully through music, delivering the right message for the times that we’re facing as a country. This is an integral part of our decision making, when we book artistes for Redemption,” said the organizer. Beres Hammond, a master of reggae love rockers will be the icing on the cake come May 6th. Beres has never failed to bridge the gap between conscious love and romantic love, showing both men and women the importance of relationship, intimacy and appreciation for each other.
The event is billed as one for the books this year. Already, social media is abuzz. Its pages @RedemptionTheConcert both on Facebook and Instagram have been inundated with comments and eager responses to advertising. “We are happy to be able to give the people of our country an annual event that has never wavered from its original intention. We maintain that music is a language that can heal, change minds and improve situations. Bringing Buju Banton, Beres Hammond and Luciano in this space, at this time, is the absolute right thing to do.”
Past Redemption concerts have featured artistes like Sizzla Kalonji, Anthony B, Jah Cure, Tarrus Riley, Christopher Martin, Richie Spice, Romain Virgo and Maxi Priest, among others.
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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.