Ebuzz News
Gun Charge Dropped In Buju Case- T&T Entertainers Reflect
Jamaican entertainer, Mark Myrie, best known by his stage name, Buju Banton- yesterday walked out of a Tampa, Florida courtroom victorious. No, he was not freed from the prison cell he’d been occupying since 2009 but the gun possession charge that had been part and parcel of his nightmare, was dropped. ETCETERABUZZ.COM, in our bid to bring the Caribbean full circle, spoke with a couple of our Trinidad based artistes who reflected on Buju Banton’s legacy, one of them telling us that the ‘Optimistic Soul’ hit maker had even offered him words of positive inspiration when he was about to embark on starting his own band.
Kerry John says Buju has been an inspiration.
Banton was arrested in 2009 on a charge of conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute, more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. Yesterday, we spoke with Trinidad and Tobago reggae and soca entertainer, Kerry John who said he felt good to know that the gun charge had been dropped. “I hope he eventually comes out and corrects his wrongs because once you have time, you have life,” he said. The young artiste who admitted to being a great fan of Myrie, said he had always looked up to Buju and marvelled at the Jamaican sensation’s artistic ability. “He’s so multi talented. He can sing and he’s lyrically verse and he plays the drums and other instruments,” he said, noting that everyone is not perfect and as such he refused to judge anyone. John’s recent video release for his single ‘Put It On Me’ on the Magic Riddim has him riding a high wave these days but in spite of his elated spirit, there was a sense of sadness felt for the confined reggae crooner.
Buju Banton encouraged Shurwayne to start his band.
We also caught up with Shurwayne Winchester who in recent years has collaborated on a number of tracks with some of Jamaica’s artistes. Winchester said Buju Banton’s music has always been very influential on his career, especially the lyrical content and the way he structured his lyrics. “He’s an elder who has offered such great reggae vibes. He was a very consistent artiste. I saw him at several shows and when I was thinking about starting the band, Buju told me- ‘what is for you is for you, get up and get it.'”
Shurwayne said he’d shared the stage with Buju at a Caribbean show prior to his incarceration some years ago and was impressed at how through music, he fed the minds of the youths and tried to teach them to believe in themselves.
Buju Banton’s last appearance in Trinidad and Tobago was at the I Am Legend concert event hosted by Home Grown Entertainment in 2009. He had provided reggae lovers with a show, the magnitude of which, has since, never been outdone, according to many. Many of his fans in T&T- like the rest of the world, anticipate his freedom with hopes of seeing him live on stage at a massive venue like Trinidad’s Queen’s Park Savannah, again. On Facebook, fans of the reggae superstar plea for his freedom, some echoing the words of his hit single, ‘They shoulda never hurt Buju.”
Buju Banton’s new single- ‘Pressure Dem’
Yesterday’s verdict now leaves his attorney mulling over whether an appeal should be filed to have his drug conviction overturned. According to the Jamaica Observer, Buju’s defence attorney, Kwame Lumumba said they are not certain whether this will be done, at this time, however it is being considered. Buju has already served 40 months of a 10 year sentence and recently a new single called, “Pressure Dem” was released on the Fuss Cuss riddim, on the entertainer’s behalf.
REVEL IN THE MUSIC
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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.
