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Archived: Diplomatic Bunji & Fay-Ann Say Issues With Former Management Won't Hinder Progress
In what was certainly a well attended media conference in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad this morning, soca artistes Fay-Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin made it very clear that their aim, in addressing issues related to their band’s former management, was not to slander the name and character of any person or entity. With that distingushed, the couple who sat beside new band manager, Dexter Thomas made every attempt to avoid calling the name of the man who had managed the band for some 14 years. They however answered every question asked by the media, highlighting that there were in fact some financial issues that lingered.
Members of the Asylum Vikings stood firmly together today at the media conference.
Bunji Garlin said he made the decision to remove the band from the clutches of its former management, this after attempts to agree on a financial settlement, as requested by the band’s former manager, could not be agreed upon by him. Despite this however, he assured that moving in this new direction was seen as a step forward, this as the husband and wife team, together with their unit which will now be called the Asylum Vikings prepare to embrace what lies in wait.
In control of her tongue but certainly clear of her rights as a leader and member of the band, Fay-Ann Lyons said she became concerned with some of the management issues that arose- one of which was the fact that the Asylum Band, in all 14 years of existence, had not been outfitted with a banking account that would afford for financial transparency. Also, Lyons-Alvarez and her husband told the media that when they asked their former manager to grant them access to contracts so that terms and conditions made with promoters, could be reviewed, this was not allowed.
Today Bunji Garlin admitted to having been naive of the operations over the years and said that when he took the hand of Lyons-Alvarez in December 2009, to be his life partner, he understood that they would be a team that would seek each other’s best interest.
Members of the Asylum Vikings band remain committed- this despite the break up with their former band manager. Lyons-Alvarez maintained that the overall priority was music and ensuring that the band members were all paid for their services. She said there were a few events for which the band had not been paid to date and this she said was due to the former manager’s decision to hold back information related to contracts and monies collected from promoters, from them. She however remained calm in the face of this and when asked what would be the next step in aquiring monies owed, Bunji said while there was no desire to see the matter reach the courts, if this was what had to be done, then so it would be.
ETCETERABUZZ.COM captured some footage from the media conference earlier today. Take a look at how things went down.
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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.
