Ebuzz News
Archived: Not For Fame. Bunji, Fay-Ann Give Back As Ground Empire Is Set In Motion.
Bunji Garlin is confident that new talent abounds
A true artiste is one who, amid honing his craft is easily able to share his knowledge with others, for the development of the craft and the industry of which it belongs. Bunji Garlin and his wife and musical partner, Fay-Ann Lyons are on a mission to share the knowledge- the musical prowess they’ve accumulated over their combined years in the business, with other talented people, wherever they may be. “Trinidad is a very harsh society on new talent- much less young talent,” said Garlin in a chat with ETCETERABUZZ following Sunday night’s Ground Empire gathering at the House of Vikings, in Mucurapo, Trinidad. The team’s aim, he told us, is to ensure that future generations of entertainers in T&T, have a proper passageway into the business.
A shot taken by Garlin at the House of Vikings on Sunday.
Bunji Garlin is by no means doing this for the fame. His passionate sentiments about music and life, as correlated as they are, can be read on any given day via his Instagram account. He means well, we feel, and with that, the Ground Empire steered in tandem with his soul mate, no doubt, is making moves to set up a haven for expressive souls.
On Sunday, three of T&T’s urban radio men turned artistes were at the House of Vikings, taking in the vibe. Jaiga and his co-host at popular urban frequency 96.1WEFM, Shal Marshal, along with Devon Matthews of RED96.7FM, experienced it all, live. According to Bunji, the three who have enjoyed success musically themselves, in recent years, were invited as friends on Sunday, but it wasn’t as if they didn’t benefit as well. “They were also there to mix and mingle with the age groups and explore possibilities,” said Bunji, adding, “It was really like a free vibe hub. Not a place to shy away with your material, but just to create off of each other,” he explained.
Fay-Ann Lyons is at the helm of the Ground Empire, manning the business at The House of Vikings.
Separately, Bunji told us that veteran entertainer, Edwin Ayoung, best known as Crazy, is now being handled by the team at the House of Vikings. Lyons-Alvarez has undoubtedly been very instrumental in the overall transformation of Bunji’s outfit. In a recent radio interview with Shal and Jaiga, Fay-Ann noted that Bunji is her husband and taking care of business ensures that her family is taken care of. Her no-nonsense approach, while sometimes scrutinised is undoubtedly a major part of the international success that Bunji and the Asylum Vikings, have been seeing.
Now, with a season of expressive freedom just weeks away, excitement on the ground is undoubtedly building. Bunji told us new faces will be seen. He noted that underground acts, Revelation and Jungulus were spot on, on Sunday, receiving good responses from those around. “Now we’re going deeper,” said Bunji, assuring that come C2K15, there will be new acts on the Soca train.
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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.