Ebuzz News
Archived: Stars and More Stars! Hollywood Welcomes Soca, Caribbean Culture and Carnival!
Lyrikal and Angela Hunte snuggled up even amid the Hollywood action.
The buildup to Hollywood’s carnival or what’s really the Los Angeles Cultural Festival, was sensational. Trinidad and Tobago soca star, Machel Montano represented for weeks prior, posting and reposting images on Instagram of what would eventually unfold at the festival- the fourth year running. Our EBUZZ correspondent in Hollywood has confidently assessed the event, making it known that the festival will likely be bigger in 2016. This year, crowds doubled as compared to last year and Caribbean representation at events and at the parade, proved quite impressive.
Caribbean people will be Caribbean people!
PHOTO: Jermaine Cruikshank.
Among the Soca stars who made their way from the Caribbean to partake in the showcase of culture and arts- much of which emanated from T&T and other Caribbean islands, were Nadia Batson, Barbados soca queen, Alison Hinds, Lyrikal, T&T fashion designer, Anya Ayoung Chee, Grenada’s Mr. Killa, Lead Pipe and Saddis, Brooklyn native, Angela Hunte who’s been having quite a run with Machel and of course, the Taipan himself. ETCETERABUZZ has learnt that Montano’s presence was larger than life both in the lead up to the parade last Saturday and on the road, where he performed and even chipped along Hollywood Boulevard with the soca revelers of his newly formed, EPIC mas band.
Giselle The Wassi One and Nadia Batson were a part of the LA festival.
A cultural village hosted in a car park along Hollywood Boulevard’s central area saw the artistes mingle with fans of the music and certainly the culture of the Caribbean. Prior to the parade on Saturday, thousands flocked to various indoor fetes and were privy to the energy that only soca music can deliver. Unofficial soca music and caribbean culture ambassador, Giselle ‘The Wassi One’ Blanche was also a part of the Hollywood vibe this past weekend, delivering her own band for the parade even. She’d teamed up with DJ Stephen for hosting duties throughout the festival.
Soca king, Machel Montano was the king of the festival, no doubt.
PHOTO: Jermaine Cruikshank
The Los Angeles Culture Festival proved to be an all encompassing mix of cultural traditions from across the Diaspora. From Cuba to El Salvador, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica and Brazil- there was representation. There was even a Michael Jackson band which featured people dressed like MJ strutting along the Boulevard in true MJ style. Now, that’s epic!
When it came to International celebs, there were a few in the mix. Damian Wayans was there as was Rob Riley, Lisa Nicole Carson and Dule Hill. With a Caribbean mimicked Carnival taking place in almost every city in the world, you just never know where you’ll see the stars of Soca gather next. One thing’s for sure and that is the fact that Soca music is making waves across the world.
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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.
