Ebuzz News
Lil Saint Unleashes the Unexpected. ‘Holding On’ is The Anthem We Never Knew We Needed.
“I felt that I needed to speak up, speak to the youths, speak to everyone facing something.” – Lil Saint.
In what is essentially his first major music release for 2022, entertainer, Lil Saint is making it matter. Far removed from his traditional artistic expression, the artiste whose versatility has seen him deliver rap, dancehall and Soca music, now comes full circle with a heightened level of consciousness.
Saint, whose real name is Akeem Williams has released a single called, “Holding On.”
Tragically, the song comes at a time of even greater need than expected as news broke earlier today in Trinidad and Tobago, confirming that 2-year-old Kamani Francis who had wandered away from his home on Monday morning, was found dead at the Guapo River. The incident and its subsequent outcome has left many struggling with their emotions.
The song’s lyrics come from a place deep within, symbolizing his contemplative outlook on the many social dilemmas presently facing people from all walks of life, around the world. “The pandemic was definitely one of the things that made me stop and observe human behavior. People were losing their jobs and couldn’t afford to put food on the table. That in itself was enough for fathers and single mothers to want to give up,” he said. Lil Saint and his management team, observant of this, allowed the song and its video to subliminally highlight the potential that lingered during that period of uncertainty, for suicidal thoughts to be contemplated. “Holding on is the song that brings you back from all the negative thoughts that people think about when they’re going through stuff,” said the artist’s manager. He highlighted that unfortunately, suicide is often the quickest thought that enters a person’s mind during challenging life periods. “Not everyone has the mental strength to fight those kinds of thoughts, and sometimes, songs like this one can make a big difference,” he said.
Written by Lil Saint and produced by District Records- the team that also shot and edited the song’s video, this new release is as timely as it is honest. “There’s so much happening around us. Even now, with everything reopening, we face issues within our schools,” said the artist. He pointed to the school violence conversation that has been in the public domain since schools reopened in Trinidad and Tobago. “No matter how things may seem at present with our youths, we can’t give up on them and we can’t encourage them to give up on themselves and each other. We must ensure that as a people, we all hold on, and work together to fix our problems.”
Keen on continuously creating solid content for the world to enjoy, Lil Saint says this song makes sense even for artistes and other creatives like him, who endured the toughest drought during the past two years. “We were forced to hold on over the past two years and now, with the entertainment sector reopened, all creatives – artistes, musicians, DJs and everybody else, can finally breathe again, hit the stage again, earn again. It just goes to show that nothing lasts forever. We always gotta hold on and remember that this too shall pass.”
HERE’S THE NEW VIDEO FOR ‘HOLDING ON.’
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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.