Ebuzz News
Bunji Garlin's Carnival Tabanca Keeps The Mission on Track
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[quote type=”medium” align=”left”] I thank God for another lease on life. I thank God for my wife and our physician- for all they did to bring my health back to where it is now. It seems there is a new and near deadly viral strain that is going around , one that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy and it is VERY difficult to get over. [/quote]
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Doesn’t sound anything like a Carnival Tabanca but we certainly think that the viral strain Bunji Garlin was diagnosed with in February, merely one week after T&T’s Carnival 2013 season had ended, was prompted by just that. Back then, he’d told us that he had begun experiencing the symptoms on stage at Dwight Yorke’s carnival cool down fete at Pigeon Point. Now, on the heels of the release of Garlin’s brand new single, ‘Carnival Tabanca’, the artiste reveals to ETCETERABUZZ.COM that it was in the balance between being ill and overcoming his illness, that the lyrics to the song had struck him.
Bunji’s new single epitomizes the feeling of many Trinbagonians and foreigners alike.
In the past 24 hours, Bunji Garlin has tumultuously penetrated the Caribbean’s musical spectrum with some saying already, nothing will beat this one in the weeks of summer. That of course, is left to be seen. He has some competition though, with a brand new single having been released by Denise Belfon yesterday. Her track, ‘De T’ing Buff’ is catchy and fun, delivering Saucy’s usual fiery expression that’s almost always lapped up. Bunji’s not competing though and while that in itself may sound unbelievable, the ‘Differentology’ singer who made waves with that single in C2K13 and continues to enjoy its success, says his mission is far different from what others may believe.
Bunji Garlin wants the people who Soca music truly belongs to, to accept the genre above all other. Only then, he says he will feel like his mission has been accomplished. He says it is happening and believes that the soca creators are going in the right direction. “Our own acceptance means more than all other things right now and it’s been a very long time since Soca’s been the party music of Trinidad at mid year with the biggest song being from a Soca artist in Trinidad, out of season,” he said.
On the issue of that Carnival Tabanca he speaks of, well, Bunji admits to truly experiencing that feeling annually. “I miss everything about it. It’s like seeing a spirit go back to sleep… like in those movies,” he explains. And in case you’re wondering what part of Carnival the former Power Soca Monarch king finds true meaning in? … He says it all comes together on the road, believe it or not- the final leg of carnival that brings every aspect of the festival into complete focus.
Check out the brand new single from Bunji!
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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.