Ebuzz News
Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Keep The Fire Alive with Unconventional Soca Anthems.
There’s something about stepping out of the box that shakes things up a bit. Groovy soca music is sweet to the soul but real fetters require much more. They require a certain element of surprise and harsh lyrical force that only some artistes can truly deliver. Bunji Garlin has proven, time and time again, that he is one of those artistes. At his side, his wife, Fay Ann Lyons Alvarez, is no push over.
As the excitement heading into Carnival 2024 increases, the Power Soca music is now beginning to hit the airwaves in Trinidad and Tobago. Some artistes have remained consistent, delivering sweetness in soca that is typical but coming in with their rough, revelrous spirit, have been Bunji and Fay Ann, much like they’ve always done. Already, the pair have been selected to headline one of the biggest and most anticipated fetes in carnival- Army Fete and there is no doubt that the true reason for that, is the couple’s ability to shake a crowd.
Bunji leapt out of Grenada’s Spice Mas Carnival 2023 with a song called, “Welcome to Greenzland.” Much like it shook the scene in August, it has penetrated T&T, with many recognizing the song’s potency even before any major fete has taken place. On the heels of that, Garlin dropped a song called, “Tell Yuh Modder Now.” The track, laced with a heavy handed, anger infused undertone, has the ability to reach deep into a crowd of revellers – most of whom would likely relate to its concept, after all, life is certainly imperfect.
Like her husband, Fay Ann Lyons- the Viqueen as she is called, has a venomous and powerful tongue and pen. Her music is never ordinary, hardly ever soft and sweet and always for the big crowds. She kicked things off with ‘So What’ on the Resurgence Riddim and so far, that unadulterated-truth kinda single is blazing across the airwaves. Her follow up to that has been ‘Single on The Road’ on the Militant Riddim. Her words, “I’m single every carnival,” speaks to the hearts and souls of not only her females but the men too. Lyons-Alvarez’s tone echoes ‘I doh business’ and it’s likely that when she hits the stage in 2024 the enticement will increase.
Bunji and Fay Ann are just two of the artistes who are ready to bring pure vibes and heat to Carnival 2024. The season, a short one, is expected to be jam packed with events and many anticipate seeing a wide variety of artistes.
Many have argued that the same group of entertainers are constantly seen and heard at fetes while artistes who are less popular, but who may have pretty good songs, are left off stage. The call for music that pushes ‘real revelry’ has been consistent. We anticipate seeing who promoters deliver in the season ahead.
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.