Ebuzz News
Jalessa Is The Future. Young T&T Talent Ready for Junior Soca Monarch, Next Tuesday.
Beautiful and immensely talented, Trinidad and Tobago Soca star on the rise, Jalessa Lazarus is set to perform in the upcoming semi- finals of the Junior Soca Monarch competition. ‘Waistline,’ a track written by Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop and produced by Millbeats Entertainment, hears the 14-year-old speak on youths her age enjoying carnival, albeit without the vulgarity. She is conscious and smart. In fact, now being tutored at a private secondary institution, Jalessa balances her budding music career with academics and other performance art subjects that she enjoys.
“I enrolled Jalessa in a private secondary school when I realized how tiring it became for her with 18 subjects. Now she has the flexibility to do what she enjoys doing, and focuses on four primary subjects,” explained her mother, Phylicia. The young entertainer’s family has been extremely supportive of her pursuits over the years. “As a parent, I felt it was important for me to step up and do what was necessary for my child’s wellbeing. She is enrolled in guitar, vocal training with Tiffany Paul, piano lessons and at dance with Xtreme Dance Academy as well,” said Lazarus.
For Jalessa, the journey continues to be an exciting one. Surrounded by her musical peers like Yung Kymani, Wizabella, Zachary Ransom and others, Jalessa says the energy is always positive. “We have each other’s back and no matter what; we know we are all winners,” said the Arima born youngster. Beyond this, Jaleesa is looking forward to the release of a new collaborative single done with another youngster in the business. “I’m just looking forward to performing for audiences, sharing my talent and partaking in the competition,” she said, explaining that her desire is always to do her best and become better than she was before.
Coached in piano and guitar by Kevin Millien, Jalessa Lazarus is working her way into the world of music in a dynamic way. Her strong personal ambitions, strengthened by the love and support of her family, pushes her to new heights annually. “I’d like to work with Preedy and Patrice Roberts one day,” she said, noting that along with Soca artiste, Voice, these two singers are in fact, her influences in music.
Amid ongoing concern over school bullying in Trinidad and Tobago, and across the world, the young entertainer says she hopes this can be addressed with intention by authorities. “Jalessa was the victim of bullying as a child. Her father died before she was born and she was harassed about it at school,” said her mother. “What I did then, was reassure my child of her worth and I explained that bullies simply need love.”
On February 23rd, Jalessa will be a part of a meet and greet event at Solange Fashion, East Gates Mall, Trincity. “It’s an opportunity for kids her age and younger to come out and interact with her,” said her mom. For Phylicia, the support and earnest encouragement of her child, comes second nature. “I encourage every parent who seen a talent in their child, to push them into their purpose. Do not wait until they are older. Support them and do it now,” she urged, highlighting that gifts always make way for those who possess them.
As the Carnival season in T&T heats up and Jalessa prepares for the finals of the Junior Soca Monarch competition on February 25th, she is anticipating the support from all of T&T. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be and I’m very excited to once again be a part of the carnival experience,” said the young singer.
For more on Jalessa, follow her on Instagram @jalessa_lazarus.
Ebuzz News
‘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.