Ebuzz News
Caribbean Vibes Take Over Times Square in Epic Celebration of Culture and Unity.
New York City turned into a Caribbean carnival hotspot on Tuesday, June 10, as “A Caribbean Fete in Times Square” lit up the heart of Manhattan with music, color, and contagious island energy. The electrifying event, hosted by I AM CARIBBEING in collaboration with TSQ Live, marked Caribbean American Heritage Month in true festive fashion — drawing thousands of revelers and maxing out Times Square’s capacity, according to official sources.
For two hours, the Crossroads of the World throbbed to the rhythms of Soca, Dancehall, Reggae, Kompa, and more. Global party starters DJ Private Ryan and Kevin Crown turned the square into a massive outdoor dance floor, with flag-waving fans from across the Caribbean diaspora (and beyond) moving to the beat. A surprise set from Soca star Trinidad Killa amped up the party even more, delivering an explosive performance that had the crowd in full fete mode
As national flags soared high and the crowd pulsed in vibrant unison, Times Square was transformed into a living tribute to Caribbean pride. The grand finale? A euphoric eruption as Machel Montano’s Road March-winning hit “Pardy” blared through the speakers, sending fans into a frenzy.
“It was iconic,” said DJ Private Ryan, fresh off the stage and fresh from receiving an official proclamation from the City of New York. “To represent Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean at large in such a globally recognized venue is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I hope we see more of this — more world-class celebrations of our vibrant culture.”
And he’s not alone. Shelley Worrell, founder of I AM CARIBBEING and Little Caribbean NYC, called the night “historic” for both the Caribbean community and the broader diaspora. “To see so many flags represented, so much joy and cultural unity in Times Square — it was a powerful moment,” she shared. “The energy from DJ Private Ryan, Kevin Crown, and Trinidad Killa created a viral buzz across TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. Caribbean culture was on full display, and the world was watching.”
The event wasn’t just for Caribbean nationals either — organizers handed out themed bandanas to non-Caribbean attendees, making sure everyone felt the love and spirit of the islands. Families, tourists, longtime New Yorkers — all came together in one big, beautiful display of inclusion and celebration.
“A Caribbean Fete in Times Square” was more than a party — it was a cultural milestone. As the first event of its kind in the iconic space, it set a new precedent for Caribbean visibility in mainstream spaces. With I AM CARIBBEING leading the charge, this high-energy showcase is just the beginning of a larger movement to uplift Caribbean voices and legacies not only in New York, but worldwide.
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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.