Ebuzz News
Archived: Bunji – “I Made The Decision To Leave”
News this afternoon that the decision to remove themselves from the Tobago Jazz Experience situation on Friday, was in fact made by Bunji Garlin himself.
ETCETERABUZZ.COM spoke with the Soul Train award winner this morning and in a tone of indifference, the artiste said, “I still trying to figure out how she get blame for this because the decision was mine. When I made up my mind, she was still trying to sort things out with the people at the hotel.” Bunji’s statement came amid speculation by many that his wife and music partner, Fay-Ann Lyons was at the core of what has become a chaotic situation.
Bunji Garlin says he made the decision to leave.
The latest bit of drama since the Asylum Band left Tobago on Friday without performing, sees Jazz Festival coordinator, John Arnold threatening legal action if the payment of some $110,000TTD to the band in the prelude to their arrival to Tobago, isn’t returned to the Jazz Committee. Bunji, unshaken by Arnold’s statement told us that every contract prepared by the Asylum Band explains that if there is a breach on the part of the hiring party, deposits made are forfeited. “When a contract is signed, you agree to those terms,” said Bunji. He told us that to date, he has not spoken with John Arnold, however he indicated that the team is now in the process of sending a number of documents inclusive of email correspondences and the actual contract to Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Tourism and Transportation, Tracy Davidson-Celestine.
Many were of the opinion that Fay-Ann Lyons initiated the move.
Bunji Garlin remains cool in the face of a situation that many, including radio personalities and talk show hosts, have chimed in with one opinion or another. Some say the artistes and band should have been more accommodating to their fans, choosing to perform despite not being afforded the 10 rooms contractually agreed to prior to their arrival in Tobago. But for Bunji Garlin, the disrespect meted out during their efforts to clarify the situation for some four hours at the Grafton Beach Hotel, was too much to bear. “We never requested to stay where John Legend was staying. We requested to stay at the Magdalena Grand because we had some issues with our equipment being stolen in 2012, when we stayed at the Grafton. Even despite that, we agreed to stay there after being told that the Magdalena was full,” said Garlin.
John Legend was a guest at the Villas at Stone Haven.
Asked whether he would think twice about performing for the Tobago Jazz experience if requested by coordinators in the future, Bunji said that decision isn’t up to the Asylum Vikings. “That’s up to the organisers. We are here to provide a service. That’s our job. It’s out of our hands,” said the artiste.
Citing a total lack of organization on the part of the Jazz committee, as the main factor in all of this, Bunji told us that even The Voice winner, Jamaica’s Tessanne Chin was forced to hop a taxi from the airport to her hotel upon arriving in Tobago.
The band has since received thanks from a few artistes, among them calypsonian Crazy who told him he was grateful for the stance that was taken, explaining that this has been the disrespect meted out to local entertainer for many, many years.
Bunji Garlin to many is often perceived as the cool, easy-going businessman. However in this particular situation, Bunji admits to taking action. “What people remember of me, is that I’m just cool. Now with a family, I take a stance with certain things. I don’t have to hide- right is right! I’m no little boy and I don’t get paid in full for an event and then just walk out- something has to be wrong,” he said.
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.