Ebuzz News
Archived: Cassi Recovers and Hits 'Em With Two Dumplins- Sends Loud Message To Fellow Artistes.
Cassi says the stroke he suffered in April has made him a much more conscious person.
Fast forward to the end of the year and hurdles have been crossed. Smiles are now back and Cassi is among his peers again, enjoying the success of a song that came pretty unexpectedly, much like his stroke had. It’s a witty ditty, created by highly rated lyricist, Dale Ryan in collaboration with Emmanuel Rudder. Cassi, Ryan felt, was the right person for the song. In it, the artiste’s unembellished style that merges Calypso and Soca is powerfully delivered, as usual. You see, for Cassiano Sylvester, music lives within. He’s had some pretty awesome tracks in the past, starting with ‘Town T’ing’ in 2011, followed by ‘Inside De Party’ in 2012, then ‘Whistle and Horn’ in 2013 and ‘Man in Yuh House’ in 2014. One year later however, the singles he presented to mass audiences in T&T, didn’t seem to go down very well.
“I’ve had to find ways to rid myself of stress. I had to begin exercising, eating better and all of that. The experience has made me a bigger believer in God. It has made me more spiritual. I used to drink a lot but I don’t drink like I used to anymore. I play football more now. I feel younger and this stroke has made me look at life more consciously,” said Sylvester. Cassi explained that his tribulation even affected his friends but in quite a positive way, as they began looking at their own lives and their indulgences. “They changed their lifestyles too,” he said. He told ETCETERABUZZ.COM that Kernal Roberts was a true supporter during his trying time. “Kernal encouraged me to come into the studio and practice singing, which I did. I am so thankful for that. I had to do acupuncture to get my face to smile again. I believe the experience made me a more disciplined person and it has made me more conscious,” said the entertainer, adding that he considers himself one of the lucky ones.
The song has amassed over twelve thousand views on YouTube.
Now with Carnival 2016 looking a little brighter for the artiste than 2015 was, he is urging his peers in the business not to allow what happened to him, to become a part of their personal life story. Take a listen:
Now, listen to the song and let us know what you think!
Ebuzz News
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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.