Ebuzz News
Archived: KMC On A Soca Tip? But……
Ok… hold up! Didn’t Ken Marlon Charles say he was done with singing Soca music? But then again, the question that many are probably asking is whether his recently released single, ‘Thing’, is in fact a soca track. We’re never the crew to judge so we’ll leave that up to you. KMC is however causing a stir in some quarters these days, having released a song that knocks a few radio personalities on Trinidad and Tobago’s progressive urban frequency. The song also seems to lean toward an alliance with another popular urban radio station, leaving many wondering whether this release is a ploy of sorts, heading into the Carnival 2015 season. But, then again, Ken Marlon Charles did in 2011 state that he was moving on to another genre, outside of the soca fraternity.
KMC seems to be making a comeback to the Soca world with his recent release- ‘Thing’.
The new track is reminiscent of calypsonian Shadow’s ‘Poverty Is Hell’ in which the artiste uses less melody and leans toward more lyrical outbursts. KMC of course deals with subjects far less serious than Shadow would spend his time on so that’s where the comparison stops. In the single, the artiste who has earned the respect of many on the European music circuit for his strong EDM deliverables, makes reference to radio personalities turned artistes, 5Star Akil, Jason Williams and his partner Blaze who were in fact the Road March and Power Soca Monarch champions of 2010. He even mentions Sunny Bling- the reputed joker on the local scene in T&T, insinuating that Sunny and 5 Star Akil aren’t really artistes.
KMC has seemingly been a constant source of controversy in the local music arena. He’s had run ins with radio personalities and he’s even taken his anger to Twitter when an urban frequency hadn’t played one of his songs in recent months. What many however remember the artiste for were his strong words against the Soca music genre in 2010- sentiments that expressed hurt and anger as a result of what he felt was unfair treatment meted out to him throughout his years in the industry.
Whether the masses will warm up to the new track and whether that will be based on the number of times urban radio DJs play the tune, is a matter to be observed. Whatever the outcome, we’ll admit, this ‘Thing’ sure does sound like soca!
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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.