Ebuzz News
Archived: International Superstar Miguel Gets Bitten By The Soca Bug In Tobago
Many have come. Many of seen, felt and can attest to being bitten by the bug that is Soca music. On the weekend as Tobago culminated it’s annual Jazz Festival (a title we’re a little unsure of, since the lineup of artistes hardly fit the category), R&B chart topper, Miguel got his dose of the happy bug that we call Soca, moving his hips to the beat provided by none other than T&T’s Soca superstar, Machel Montano and super songwriter, Angela Hunte.
Miguel was seen wining, Trinbago style on stage with Machel Montano and Angela Hunte. PHOTO CREDIT: Machel Montano IG
Tobago was undoubtedly the place to be this past weekend. The annual Jazz Festival saw the likes of Miguel, Jennifer Hudson, Cool and The Gang and Jill Scott perform to crowds on the island.
Miguel is flanked by Machel Montano, Angela Hunte and others in Tobago on the weekend.
The International superstars were certainly the talk of social media as news of their arrival, downtime on the island and their performances were captured with tweets, Facebook posts and IG images. On Friday however, Miguel showed Tobago a lot of love, claiming that he was a fan of the island and marveling at how friendly the people all were. He even endorsed Soca music and promised to visit T&T for Carnival. The artiste who many have compared to the iconic, Prince, would even join reigning Power Soca Monarch and Road march king, Machel Montano, on stage with the likes of Angela Hunte and clothing designer, Anya Ayoung Chee, gyrating his hips to the sounds of sweet soca, much to the enjoyment of the crowd.
Machel Montano’s reappearance in Tobago post-carnival came with much heckling this past weekend, with many questioning whether the Soca Phenom would engage in another ‘blowout’ of his audience, this of course after allegations during carnival that he had become irate on stage during a performance. By all reports however, things passed smoothly and of course, with the beautiful Angela Hunte by his side, ‘Party Done’ was a refrain that left a thrill in the air, despite what it really meant.
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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.