Ebuzz News
Archived: Fay-Ann's 'Raze' Video Heavily Criticised at Home, But The Artiste Says, "It's Doing What Was Intended"
Fay-Ann’s new video fro ‘Raze’ isn’t getting the all around love she may have hoped for.
One day after the FADER magazine debuted the new video for Fay-Ann Lyons’ 2015 soca hit, ‘Raze’, the masses in Trinidad and Tobago are dogging the concept, calling it a misrepresentation of the song’s words. Undoubtedly attempting to deliver to mass audiences, a video that would stray from the usual ‘carnivalesque’ theme of bikini clad revellers parading through the streets of Port-of-Spain, Lyons-Alvarez took a less travelled route but failed in the eyes of her countrymen.
The response to the video on social media websites today is quite reminiscent of the response that came when Fay-Ann’s husband, Bunji Garlin released the video for the now world-recognised hit single, ‘Differentology’. Garlin’s theme of mud covered humans rising from the earth received some pretty harsh reviews from Caribbean soca music lovers who seemed to want to see more of what their carnival festival is known to deliver.
While comments have leaned more toward the negative, with many giving the new vid the thumbs down, there are others who commend the move to go against the grain. One fan remarked, “Good!, we selling music and NOTHING else! Proud of this sister!”, while another on Facebook said, “Is time we make videos for the world…congrats…”
On the feedback currently making waves in Trinidad and Tobago wherever else, via social media, Lyons sent a message to us at ETCETERABUZZ.COM, saying, “The song did what it did for carnival and that was that. The purpose of breaking into international areas is to be able to do international things. For too long people have been saying the artistes are too seasonal and they don’t know why they don’t try to broaden their scopes. My intent was to show the song as being able to fit in carnival and at the same time have an international feel (hence the mountains 4 hours outside NYC was chosen with snow), so that someone listening for the first time wouldn’t just write off the song as another carnival song with the all too familiar costumes and wine and jam in the club. Our focus is global and our mission is to continue getting the attention of the people we have been getting it from, who can help place our artistes on platforms that are different from what we have been accustomed to. Trinidad knows my representation is home, my love is home my family is home…but my mission is international. If we expect all artistes to do the same type of videos then I am sorry but I will always disappoint,” Lyons ended.
The Vi-queen as she’s been referred to is currently in the United Kingdom preparing for Friday’s Glastonbury Festival – a major stage where the duo will undoubtedly showcase the wicked potential that Soca music has for the world to experience. Public Relations manager for Lyons and Bunji, Crystal Holder told us ‘Raze’ has been doing very well in places as far as India.
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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.