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Archived: Bunji, Fay-Ann's BET 106th & Park Appearance Sends Echo of Soca Through NYC
Differentology- the hit soca single of carnival 2o13 made its way to BET’s 106th and Park this evening, much to the excitement of true soca lovers in Trinidad and Tobago and certainly across the world. The Viking, as he’s dubbed and his wife, Fay-Ann Lyons fashionably made their presence felt on the New York based entertainment music countdown show, strutting confidently in performance mode, before diplomatically telling hosts Bow Wow and Keshia Chanté that the Tobago Jazz fiasco was behind them.
Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons performed ‘Differentology’ on BET’s 106th and Park.
The Trinibagonian soca artistes flew to NYC earlier this week amid a sea of controversial comments regarding their recent decision to pull out of the Tobago Jazz showcase last week Friday. Despite ongoing chatter on the subject, Garlin and his wife posted photos on Instagram showing that the 106th and Park appearance was happening. With that, the mood of many seemed to convert as supportive tweets and Facebook posts began popping up.
Speaking in the post performance interview today, Bunji highlighted that the name Bunji was chosen after much research for a name that would stand out. He said it stemmed from Bungy jumping and noted that much like the sport entails, he has worked at ensuring that despite the words or actions of naysayers or the negativity that sometimes arises, despite how it may attempt to pull him down, he remains forever focused on rising above it all. He was questioned on his Carnival performance schedule and Bow Wow, highlighting a particular night that saw the Viking Band perform at nine events, asked how he could pull that off. It was then that Bunji said his wife, Fay-Ann plays a key role as she is able to hold down the stage with him in a dynamic way.
Fay-Ann Lyons, dressed in a pair of colourful pants, black high heeled boots and a black top took the opportunity to highlight her ambitions as well. She told the BET hosts that she is working on her first album with Boy Wonder out of Canada.
The duo’s appearance on 106th and Park today was just one of a fleet of appearances expected across the United States as Bunji continues to promote Differentology with VP Records.
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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.