Ebuzz News
Archived: Machel Heats Up Umbrellas- Mr. Killa Launches New Band
Island life calls for a cold beverage of choice from time to time. Such was the case on Sunday afternoon when T&T’s soca taipan, Machel Montano appeared with a crew of lovely ladies and his high roller crew at Grenada’s Umbrellas Restaurant and Bar along the coastline in Grand Anse. The artiste and his dance troop along with super producer, Kernal Roberts were in town for the island’s Spice Mas experience, having performed at the White In The Moonlight event on Sunday morning.
Montano and his band performed at White In The Moonlight on Sunday morning. He was spotted egging on producer, Kernal Roberts who wore a special Grenada t-shirt, backstage.
Montano has been hastily making stops across the world in recent months, having performed in Tortola before touching down in Grenada on Saturday. Last year he had told the crowd at White in the Moonlight that he had spent many vacations, as a youth, in the countryside of the tropical destination. On Sunday, having stopped in for a meal and drinks, Machel exuded a free spiritedness that looked good on him. Wearing board shorts and a t-shirt, the reigning Soca Monarch and Road March champ of Trinidad stood and smiled with fans, those visiting and from Grenada, for quick photos.
Montano and his dancer, cuddle up and move to the riddim of the Tunapuna Vibrations Rhythm Section.
He soon settled in for lunch with his crew toward the rear end of the small restaurant but before you knew it, Montano was on his feet again. This time though, he had been answering to the subliminal call of the Tunapuna Vibrations Rhythm Section – a contingent of iron men and drummers who’d made their way to Spice Mas courtesy IMG Entertainment and Flavor De Mas. Together with his dancers, Machel threw out any inhibition that may have existed and provided onlookers with some live dance entertainment, at one point holding one of his dance members closely and showing that he’s no joker when it comes to the dance floor.
Grenadian artiste, Mr. Killa talks about his new band with ETCETERABUZZ’s, Aba Luke.
Grenada’s Mr. Killa was also spotted at the beach hot spot. He’d arrived on his motorcycle and greeted Montano and his team earlier but as the excitement unfolded stage side, the ‘Pepper Wine’ singer sat and took it all in with a smile.
Mr. Killa had told ETCETERABUZZ.COM earlier in the day that he had launched his very own band at White In The Moonlight, a feat he felt very proud of and one that he had sacrificed his season, to deliver on. Asked the name of the band, he said, “for now it’s just Mr. Killa and his band. I’m still gathering the ideas for names.”
The beach restaurant was filled to capacity on Sunday, this as visitors from across the world had made the trip to Grenada for what is proving to be another epic Caribbean carnival experience in 2014.
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.