Ebuzz News
Archived: Why Bunji Stands By His Wife. It All Goes Back To His Dad’s Advice. PLUS… News on the Miss Universe Scandal.
Fay Ann Lyons’ name is often caught up in some bit of controversy or another, whether it’s on social media or otherwise. The carnival entertainer who killed it in the year 2009 when she became the first female to win both the International Power and Groovy Soca Monarch titles, has been classified by some as bossy and controlling, but to her husband, Bunji Garlin, her strength is what keeps him motivated.
Fay Ann Lyons with Yvonne Clarke at yesterday’s press conference.
In the hours leading up to this feature, Lyons-Alvarez became the most sought after Soca artist in Trinidad and Tobago as the local media scrambled to get a soundbite or two of her reaction to the scandal of Yvonne Clarke’s disqualification from the Miss Universe pageant- a title she had only two weeks earlier, attained.
The franchise holder for the local arm of Miss Universe, Jenny Douglas, had written to the young woman on Tuesday morning indicating that she had breached her contractual agreement and would no longer be heading to Las Vegas as the T&T representative. Instead, Martrecia Alleyne, the competition’s first runner up, would be representing T&T at the globally viewed competition. The country was up in arms over the news. Lyons-Alvarez called a press conference. She had stepped in to help Clarke as a sponsor- having agreed to purchase her airline tickets to head to Las Vegas in November. When she eventually met Clarke, Lyons-Alvarez and her team at MIME Limited, decided to assist the T&T representative as much as they could, having been told that sponsorship was not as forthcoming as hoped. From photoshoots, to clothing, public appearances, a hair appointment with world renowned hair stylist, Neal Farrinah (hairstylist to Beyonce, Nicki Minaj and Monica, and other important areas of requirement as outlined by the international Miss Universe organization, Lyons-Alvarez and her team had jumped in to help. The effort would soon be in vain however, as Clarke’s position as the representative was revoked.
Fay Ann, on Tuesday, speaking at the press conference held at her Viking House office, in Mucurapo, Trinidad, said she had no interest at all in being a part of any Miss Universe organization. She said she had no previous affiliation with Clarke, despite allegations by Jenny Douglas that Lyons-Alvarez had been a sponsor for the past five months. Fay Ann roared loudly and made it clear on Tuesday afternoon that her name would not be dragged through the mud by Douglas, especially since, all she wanted to do was assist the Trinidad and Tobago delegate who had approached her for help.
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.