Ebuzz News
Archived: Chromatics Dishes Again in Carnival Rap Up 2014 Single This March
We all know Chromatics – the most prominent Hip Hop artiste in Trinidad and Tobago. EBUZZ caught up with the entertainer last week and we found out that he’s set to release the third installment of his Carnival Rap Up trilogy on March 9th. In the past two years, ‘Matics has dished on the carnival ‘bacchanal’, much of which takes place among the head honchos of the industry, and out of the public eye. What he’ll be rapping about this year, we have to wait and see, however the Highway Records act told us a lot has taken place and he’s been closely taking it in.
Chromatics and his management are ready for the LLB life.
In the past couple weeks, Chromatics- real name, Richard Raj-Kumar, has been basking in the announcement that he will be the brand ambassador for Angostura’s LLB beverage. The deal was secured by his management and Chromatics says he is eager to represent Angostura in this capacity. “I’m really happy to be working with Angostura. They assisted with the promotion of my Science of Colours Volume 2 mixtape last year and to date, the mixtape has been downloaded some 2000 times,” explained ‘Matics. He said Angostura is a company that promotes and markets several of its brands across the Caribbean and even internationally, something he and his team at Highway Records are strong believers of.
Deal struck, Chromatics signs on the dotted line.
Chromatics said he worked with the LLB brand during the ‘Lyrics Like A Boss’ campaign and because of the tremendous response received from the public, and essentially noted by the Angostura team, this particular opportunity arose. Now Chromatics will market LLB to an urban, youthful market locally, across the Caribbean and even as far as Canada. He assured that he will be living the LLB brand, this as he continues work on the much anticipated Carnival Rap Up 2014 single. “Folks can look forward to new jingles and other projects, and rest assured that I’ll be associated with everything LLB related from this point onward.”
Reflecting on the endorsement opportunity with a company he acknowledges is a reputed one in T&T, Chromatics said this deal shows that there is a heightened level of appreciation for the Hip Hop fraternity and overall development within the industry. “It marks growth in the corporate sector as it shows that companies realize they don’t have to run down the carnival season and the soca artistes alone. It shows that they’re capable of also embracing the Hip- Hop culture and other local acts and music genres,” he said.
We await the release of Carnival Rap Up 2014 and even with that, Hip Hop fans can also get ready the release of Chromatics’ Science of Colours Volume 3 mixtape, which will be getting Angostura’s support like it did last year. “It’ll be released on the same day as Carnival Rap Up 3- March 9th and it’ll be available for free download online, inclusive of Carnival Rap Up 2014,” he assured.
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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.