Ebuzz News
Archived: Bunji Puts On His Patriotic Hat- Makes it To MTV Iggy Again
There’s no better time than the present to push T&T, at least for someone with a name like Bunji Garlin- a name that’s probably appeared in every Google search for the words Soca and Trinidad and Tobago, in the past year. Bunji has once again made a move that could very well benefit the country in a great way, having released a new track that speaks of all the the fine things that can be found in Trinidad and Tobago.
Bunji’s ‘Find Me In Trinidad’ is patriotic in every sense of the word.
The artiste has been on a roll in the past few weeks, having released several hit carnival anthems and with the latest release of his track, ‘Find Me In Trinidad’, the Viking is proving that he cannot be boxed in and he has no plans of stopping or slowing down. In a recent MTV Iggy ‘LIST’, Bunji’s name again popped up, this time alongside names like fellow soca artistes, Machel Montano, Nadia Batson, Kerwin Du Bois, Cassi and Blaxx, among a few others, who are expected to shine throughout this season.
We spoke with the Viking himself this afternoon and he told us that while he would love to say that the song was planned out, it really wasn’t. Produced by Dwain ‘Dwaingerous’ Antrobus, Bunji said the lyrics came immediatly to the sound he heard from the music sent by Dwaingerous. “The words were the first thing that came to my mind and out of my mouth and the song took its own shape,”said Bunji. Much like tracks done by artistes like Shurwayne Winchester and Isasha, who have in recent years contributed patriotic anthems, ‘Paradisin’ and ‘Red,White and Black’, respectively, Bunji’s, ‘Find Me in Trinidad’ is a perfect representation of the country and many would expect that it would be used in promoting the country. “With a song like this, I will do my part and sell Trinidad and Tobago how I should sell it. I will not go out of my way to approach the Ministry of Tourism because we all know how that goes. I will do what I can with the strength that I hold. I will not wait on them,” he said. Bunji however indicated that if the Tourism officials were to approach him, he would cooperate to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago benefits from the carnival single.
Noting that the journey at the House of Vikings has been an amazing one thus far, Bunji explained that the respect received from promoters and other business persons, has been welcomed. “Things are progressing nicely- real nice,” he said, this of course as the band has been booked by almost every promotional entity this carnival. “We are thinking out of the box,” said Garlin, when asked what patrons at events can expect, especially so for his upcoming Redlight District concert being held on February 7th at the O2 Park in Chaguaramas. “As we feel it we do it,” he said, telling us that the Asylum Vikings will not conform to what is expected. They will do as they feel and they will do it for the people.
With Soca Monarch the talk of the town among artistes, Bunji has made it clear that he will not be participating in the competition this year, nor any year in the future. He explained that conversations with international record execs have made it even clearer to him that, after having won the Soul Train Award last year, jumping back into a competitive arena just isn’t necessary.
NEW MUSIC
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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.