Ebuzz News
Archived: Fya Empress Lashes Back At Critics With Performance
For those of you out there who even now, remain unsold about the power of St. Vincent’s multiple time Road March and Power Soca monarch winner, Fya Empress, maybe when we tell you what the Tobago resident has embarked on, you’ll have a change of heart. ETCETERABUZZ.COM has learnt that Fya Empress, in her mission to promote herself, has embarked on a musical tour which kicked off last weekend. Believe it or not, the woman who made her presence felt in Trinidad’s carnival when she teamed up with Fay-Ann Lyons for the remixed version of her single, “Rum Please” in 2013, is about to hit a new country every weekend, straight into the month of September.
Don’t for one second count her out. Fya Empress continues to soar.
Fya Empress has been on the grind with her musical and life partner, David Reid- both of whom work the hotel circuit in Tobago year round, but in recent months, there’s been a lot of music being released by the Vincy born vocalist. Her charisma on stage could never be downplayed and that’s possibly why on July 6th, she walked away the Ragga Soca Monarch Queen in St. Vincent, with a single called, “Ah Ketch It”. She placed 3rd in the Soca Monarch competition this year, having performed a track called, “Earthquake” and in the island’s Calypso Monarch and Road March, Fya Empress placed second, with her singles, “Just” and “Ah Ketch It” respectively.
A mom, wife and not to mention a powerful force in the Caribbean Soca industry, Fya Empress continues to break barriers even when walls seem to be built around her as an obstruction. She told us in past interviews that it’s been quite a battle getting the acceptance of the people of Tobago, since she is still considered an outsider despite the fact that she resides with her family there. Nevertheless, the woman who made it to T&T’s International Power Soca Monarch finals in 2013, strives to do the same and more ahead of the 2014 season. Recently, she remixed “Ah Ketch It” with former Road March, Groovy and Power Soca Monarch king, Shurwayne Winchester. Listen to the single below and be sure to let us know what you think.
REMIXED SINGLE
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‘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.