Ebuzz News
Archived: A J'ouvert Of Sweet Jab- Grenada's Spice Mas Climaxes
Revelers parade the street in Grenada’s J’ouvert with objects of little or no use, making it a part of their portrayal.
Toilet bowls being dragged from one end of the Carenage to another, old refrigerators being rolled along the roadway and countless chains attached to inanimate objects, being dragged behind J’ouvert lovers from across the world, their bodies drenched in oil and paint. This is Grenada’s Jab Jab J’ouvert- a truly extraordinary experience that can be compared to no other.
ETCETERABUZZ.COM endorses the Jab wholeheartedly. It is without a doubt, the wickedest experience within the Grenadian Spice Mas experience. The hours are now winding down to the parade of bands on Carnival Tuesday but there was no missing the J’ouvert on Monday morning- a parade of the ‘duttiest’ revelers ever seen. Scores took to the streets from 4am, parading behind just a few big trucks, among them the Digicel truck and the Carib truck. In between, there was the sound of the pan and the rhythm section but it was all about the sights, a significant visual experience no one should ever die without seeing for themselves.
Grenada’s Tourism Minister, Alexandra Otway-Noel.
On the road, the island’s Minister of Tourism, Alexandra Otway-Noel, paraded with her people, showing a sense of indifference to social status, mixing and mingling with the common revelers and enjoying every minute of it. A number of Trinidad and Tobago carnival lovers made the trip over to the Spice Isle- most having booked their spot early with the IMG Entertainment, Flavour De Mas and Summer Crew factions who collaborated to deliver a meaningful Spice Mas experience to them.
There’s nothing like the Jab Jab!
The music proved infectious on J’ouvert morning, sending revelers into a frenzy. On their tongues were the words to the season’s hits – Scholar’s ‘Nothing for Nothing’, Shortpree’s ‘For The Sake’ and even the collaborative single sone by T&T’s Nadia Batson and Grenada’s Boyzie, ‘Wildness’, among others. Words couldn’t begin to explain the vibe on the road during this five hour J’ouvert experience. It was truly epic.
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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.