Ebuzz News
Dem Bacchanal Boys Are Coming To Trinidad. They’re Ready to Cause A Scene.
We’ve all seen the videos. The winery is always a problem. Since 2018, the Bacchanal Boys, as they’re known, have been causing a scene at fetes worldwide. Originally based in Atlanta, Georgia, the team of six members, which is led by Josh ‘Prezzi’ Cumberbatch, has capitalized on a simple and enjoyable pastime that they feel every Caribbean-style carnival event, needs.
“We’re now based in Miami, Florida,” Prezzi explained in a quick chat with Ebuzztt.com. Three members of the Bacchanal Boys will be in T&T from next week Wednesday, attending events like Punchy Wednesday, A.M Beach, Tribe Ignite, Silent Morning and Soca Brainwash among others. They’ve also been swooped up by Exousia Mas for mas on the road on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
A third generation Bajan, Prezzi explained that while his parents and grandparents were born in Barbados, he is an American by birth and fortunately, his genetics seem to be quite rooted in the Caribbean. With wining skills that bring major attention, the team leader is excited to return to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. He was here in 2020- the last time the festival was held in its traditional format. “The idea for Bacchanal Boys came to me after I saw a team of girls called Fete Queens and I thought we could become the male version of that group- bring the vibes and hype- bring bacchanal and wildness to the forefront,” said Prezzi.
He has no shame in his game and is going hard in penetrating markets, all with the view of promoting the Caribbean and having fun while earning along the way. “During the lockdown, people saw what we’d been doing and they began requesting to pay for our service,” he said, highlighting that the aim of coming back to T&T this year is simply to cement what was started in the carnival Mecca, two years ago. “I feel like this is a really good opportunity for us to keep doing what we’ve been doing for the culture, expose it more. I knew the hype for Carnival 2023 would be high so there was no question that we had to be a part of it.”
Exousia Mas, a local band in Trinidad and Tobago, Prezzi explained that connections like this one, makes it all worth the energy and time. “We’re attempting to build these connections to build business within Trinidad and Tobago,” he said. With their solid brand of ‘Wotless behavior’ being ingested and digested around the world, via the World Wide Web, Prezzi noted that there are some who will and have, frowned on the behavior, however the team is undeterred. Asked whether the ‘Wotless behavior’ has led to any relationship breakups in their camp, Prezzi said, “The way we get on…it ain’t easyyyy… a lot of jealousy. You have to be a strong gyal to be with a Bacchanal Boy for sure.”
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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.