Ebuzz News
Archived: Machel Hits ‘Em With A Double Whammy
Although Machel Montano has declared Monday February 1st 2015, his, we’re beginning to wonder if yesterday was actually Machel Friday! Double M definitely made a double statement yesterday- the soca music mogul headlining the entertainment news circuit when he released his Power Soca track, “Waiting on the Stage,” pretty early in the day, and then later on delivering even bigger news that would certainly come as a surprise to many.
Machel has joined Destra at Digicel.
Montano’s “Waiting on the Stage” which features Badjohn Republic was produced by Badjohn Republic and Precision Productions. The release has been anticipated by Montano’s die hard fans but it’s been met with mixed reviews and reactions thus far. On Facebook, Montano posted, “There is nothing like the sun beaming down on your face, surrounded by beautiful feathers, hearing the sound blasting out of the big trucks, seconds before touching the Carnival stage. Soak in that special moment, where the energy and anticipation reaches its peak- then step out and show them what Mas is all about.”
Machel now represents, Digicel Play.
Now, Carnival revelers would agree that when Montano drops a song in such close proximity to Carnival there’s very little that can be done by other entertainers to steal the spotlight. Well seems like Monk Monte stole his own spotlight yesterday when, at a media launch of the brand’s newest tech thrust, Digicel Play, it was announced that Machel would be partnering with the mobile and now Internet company.
Machel joins fellow T&T artistes Destra Garcia, Kees and Ravi B in flying the Digicel flag. He even gave a mini performance after being signed as the newest brand ambassador, unleashing “Waiting on the Stage” to those on hand to experience the energy first hand.
Machel Montano had been signed to competing mobile network, Bmobile, however that relationship abruptly ended in 2013 when Bmobile broke its ties after eight years with the soca champ. The decision had stemmed from a guilty verdict handed down on the artiste and some of his compatriots, arising out of a fracas at the Zen nightclub in Trinidad, in 2008. Despite that, Montano has fared well, his Machel Monday concert pulling possibly the largest carnival crowds, year after year. This year, tickets for the event include General, VIP and an Ultra VIP section that costs a whopping $1200TTD per ticket.
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MACHEL PERFORMS AT DIGICEL LAUNCH
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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.