Ebuzz News
Dil-E-Nadan’s Stephen Marcelle Urges New Culture Minister to Throw Support Behind All Aspects of T&T Culture.
A brand new culture and arts Minister installed in Trinidad and Tobago, some entertainment stakeholders are eager to see what development is coming for the sector. Dil-E-Nadan frontline artiste, Stephen Marcelle, fresh off a Florida circuit run with the band, says he is hopeful that the new administration will support all aspects of T&T’s culture and the creatives who carry the flag. New music set for release, Marcelle continues to work dedicatedly at his craft, all while maintaining his focus on his advanced academic pursuits. His ambition has taken him around the world with one of the top performing bands out of the Caribbean – a band that will touch down in South Africa this June.
Happy to be home for the moment, Marcelle says he won’t be in T&T for long as Dil-E-Nadan will head to Amsterdam in a few weeks, followed by South Africa. “It’s 9 hours from Port- of- Spain to Amsterdam and 10 to 12 hours from Amsterdam to South Africa,” he shares, explaining that he does not sleep while in the air, and often chooses to write new music. “I have a new song called, ‘Happy Birthday’ that I’m getting ready to release. It was written by Nyce Nation and produced by Feel Good Music.”
Marcelle says he felt the need to do a song that could be requested at any time of the year and would suit the celebratory birthday vibe. “It’s an RnB groove and it’s universal,” he said.
With two songs already prepared for next year’s carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, Marcelle explains that like most artistes, he immediately gets back to work on new music once the season in T&T has ended. “I have these two Chutney soca tracks already done and I’m working on my Soca and Calypso tracks for 2026,” he explained. Amid the hard work in studio, Stephen balances performances and travel.
On May 29th, he will perform at Naparima Bowl in Trinidad for Kaiso Jazz alongside other immensely talented artistes like Kay Alleyne and Terri Lyons. On July 5th, he will join a dynamic cast of calypsonians at CLR Auditorium for the ‘Who Am I’ tribute concert to Sugar Aloes. The band then heads out to New Jersey and New York, followed by Canada in August. “My hope for the culture in T&T, it’s development and international recognition, lies in the support of the new minister and the new administration. I think it’s really important for the government to fuel calypso music’s marketing internationally, in particular. People from all walks of life respond so well to calypso music outside of T&T and outside of our traditional communities. I think it’s really worth investing in all arms of our culture,” said Marcelle.
True to self and true to culture and his homeland, Stephen Marcelle is working on his growth while spreading his wings alongside his Dil-E-Nadan family. New music on the way, the artiste plans on engaging other artistes for collaborations in the season ahead and is steadfast in his mission to become more of a household name across the Caribbean region.
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.