Ebuzz News
Archived: Bunji Garlin Faces Unnecessary Repercussion after Breaking One Big Rule.
1. NEVER LISTEN TO ANYONE’S MATERIAL.
2. NEVER SING ANYONE’S MATERIAL.
Those were two major rules created by Trinidad and Tobago’s most powerful musical couple, Fay-Ann and Bunji Garlin, when they first established themselves as a unit. In recent hours, Bunji Garlin’s name has been caught in a web of Twitter posts started by an unknown musician, who goes by the name of Jason Shields with the sobriquet, Fireone. Bunji, in an exclusive interview with ETCETERABUZZ.COM this morning said while he did in fact listen to the song sent by the artiste, approximately one year ago via Twitter, he found it hard to tell the budding artiste that he did not particularly like it. He simply said nothing.
Fay-Ann and Bunji made a musical pact that included not listening to anyone else’s music.
PHOTO COURTESY: Teeography.
Bunji told us that years ago both he and his wife, Fay-Ann Lyons had vowed, in a musical agreement with each other that they would never listen to anyone else’s music or sing anyone else’s material. He said he was now feeling the effect of having broken that agreement in part, by simply listening to a song created by a budding artiste, who had so requested. “Unless we are really going to work on a song, we try not to even listen to the music from producers,” he told us. He explained that over time, because of the limitation of musical chords and scales, there is the possibility that music created could sound similar to older music. He said this was not the case with this particular song however, noting that the song submitted by FireOne himself, really sounded nothing like his hit single, “Carnival Tabanca.”
In earnest, both singles do in fact carry identical titles but then again, how many times before have we seen this occur? Numerous. For Bunji Garlin however, this isn’t the issue. He noted that when “Carnival Tabanca” was released a few weeks ago, fellow entertainer, Shurwayne Winchester congratulated him on the song and even mentioned that he too had just wrapped up production on a song that was very similar. “I never even heard Shurwayne’s song. So these things do happen,” said Bunji. “It’s an unfortunate situation but I’m not going to dwell on it. God knows my heart and sometimes God is the only witness,” he rationalised.
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Set for the weekend with gigs in Antigua and Barbados, the Viking of Soca as he’s been coined, says he understands what all artistes, especially budding artistes go through to get their music out and he could never see himself damaging a new entertainer’s chances of making it. He also reminded us of his ability to freestyle, saying, “After a man see me freestyle on stage, what would make anybody think that I would need to steal someone else’s material?”
Regretful for having broken the vow he made with his musical and life partner relative to listening to other people’s music, Bunji Garlin says this is a lesson. He advised other entertainers to cover their bases where this was concerned, noting that things often happen very innocently.
FIREONE’S ‘CARNIVAL TABANCA’
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BUNJI ‘CARNIVAL ‘TABANCA’
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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.