Ebuzz News
Archived: Will Destra Win Again? The Countdown Is On
The artiste has been traveling for some time.
Destra Garcia is quite possibly the busiest soca artiste these days. From Curacao to Toronto to the Bahamas and who knows where else in between, the mother of one has been spreading her wings and taking the sweet rhythms and melody of Soca music to parts near and far. She returned to T&T on June 2nd and in an immediate post to her fans on social media, Garcia showed off the hugs she received from her daughter, Xaiya. It’s gotta be tough being a full time mom and entertainer but Garcia and others like her have proven that they’ve got the tasks under complete control. Amazingly, amid it all, Destra’s found the time to record new music, and good music at that. Just recently, she stunned many when she dropped two major soca singles, “Dip and Ride” and “Normal”- the second of which is already proving to be a force on the Trinidad and Tobago party circuit.
Destra copped the award in 2014.
Garcia’s been a pretty controversial artiste over the years, but one thing that most can never deny is the fact that she is a powerful entertainer. For this reason and certainly many more, Destra’s been nominated in the category of Best International Act- Caribbean, by the Black Canadian Awards committee this year. Last year, the self proclaimed Queen of Bacchanal won the award and this year she’s up against some stiff competition in the likes of Farmer Nappy, Alison Hinds, Benjai, Gyptian, Chronixx, Etana and Haiti’s Charles Jhafaa. Voting for the nominees ends at 11pm on (June 5th).
Barbados Crop Over and Grenada’s Spice Mas, on the horizon, there’s no doubt that we’ll be hearing a lot more in the weeks ahead from Destra. For now, we wait with bated breath to learn whether she steals the Black Canadian award for a second year in a row. Good Luck QOB!
The award show takes place on June 6th at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto.
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.