Ebuzz News
Archived: Glitches Mar Soca Monarch- Kerwin's Groovy Win Pleases The Masses.
It’s over. The International Soca Monarch, anticipated by thousands annually during Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival season, is now over and done with and the winners have been announced, much to the shock of some. There has been a three way tie in the Power category and Machel Montano has again secured his $2 million dollar grand prize but now with the event behind us, speculation is rife that the International Soca Monarch is no longer a competition, but instead, many are saying that it is leaning toward the ideals of a simple talent showcase. Question is, do the artistes themselves know and are organizers willing to admit it?
Machel has won the Power Soca Monarch title for a third year. He was however dethroned in the Groovy category by Kerwin Du Bois. PHOTO COURTESY: TRINIRAZZI.
There’s no confirmation of this but as we said, speculation is rife in several quarters, particularly so, among members of the local news media and entertainment media fraternity. In several social media posts by reputed media personalities in T&T on Friday night into Saturday morning as the show unravelled, there were sentiments of dismay and disappointment over numerous things seen on show night. Our ETCETERABUZZ.COM team was on the inside and we took things in from the crowd, looking on as perturbed attendees scoffed at several technical glitches experienced during the performances of artistes like Destra, Mr. Killa and even Farmer Nappy. This year, the Soca Monarch crowd also seemed to have dwindled a bit with the back of the venue- the Hasley Crawford Stadium, appearing bare even as the early hours of Saturday morning came. Toward the front of the stage, the usual big flag crews planted themselves, but there seemed to have been something amiss. The energy just wasn’t there. The Groovy leg of the competition which took place first was hosted by radio, television and entertainment personalities, Nikky Crosby and Paul Richards and although it appeared as though they were both mandated to make the show look completely different than it had in previous years, they failed in lifting the spirits of the people in a competition that has for years created an atmosphere of wild abandon and a true celebration of carnival.
Kerwin Du Bois is the new Groovy Soca Monarch king! PHOTO COURTESY: TRINIRAZZI.
The production issues, the order of appearance in the Groovy category and not to mention what seemed like a downplayed performance by Montano in the power category seemed a bit questionable. When the order of appearance had been announced prior to the event, many noted that the top seeds were placed consecutively toward the category’s end. Nevertheless, with the show now behind us and with Carnival Monday and Tuesday in sight, the three way tie in the Power category of Destra Garcia, Iwer George and Grenada’s Mr. Killa, will soon be a distant memory. Many now anticipate the road and with two songs vying for the Road March title- those being Montano’s ‘Ministry of Road and Bunji Garlin’s, ‘Truck on de Road,’ we turn our sights to the street parade of Carnival 2014!
HERE ARE THE OFFICIAL RESULTS OF THE ISM 2014.
POWER CATEGORY:
• Machel Montano- Ministry of Road – 1st PLACE.
• Mr. Killa- Rolly Polly- 2nd PLACE
• Destra Garcia- Mash Up- 2nd PLACE
• Iwer George- Mama Oye- 2nd PLACE
GROOVY CATEGORY:
• Kerwin Du Bois- Too Real- 1st PLACE
• Machel Montano- HMA- 2ND PLACE
• Farmer Nappy- Big People Party- 3rd PLACE.
PHOTOS COURTESY: The local paparazzi- TRINIRAZZI
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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.