Ebuzz News
Archived: Machel and Friends Prepare to Wine ‘Em Well In NYC
Machel Montano’s face and name will receive US recognition at the end of this month, but this time, in quite a different way from what he’s normally accustomed to. At the premiere of Bazodee in NYC there’ll be no flag waving, sweating and definitely no heavy gyration. In fact, on July 27th, Montano will likely stand in the company of some of the film industry’s prominent, as along with his film cohorts, he presents the movie to global audiences.
Machel makes his acting debut in the Bollywood musical themed movie, which will hit theatres on August 5th across 40 markets in the US, UK, Canada and the Caribbean. EBUZZTT.COM understands that there are plans to distribute the film globally within the weeks that follow the July 27th launch in New York.
For the first time, a Trinidad and Tobago film will be shown in 250 screens in 40 markets across the United States with release dates in the Caribbean, United Kingdom and Canada as well the rest of the world being announced within the next few weeks.
Bazodee also stars British actress Natalie Perera and delivers a unique Caribbean island flavour to audiences. The movie is based on love and infidelity to some extent, pitting Montano in the centre of a love affair that is undeniably something to see.
At a meeting of film industry stakeholders held recently at the Trinidad and Tobago Creative Industries Company Limited (CreativeTT), Susanne Bohnet, producer and distributor for the movie said, “Bazodee has what a good mainstream film has; it has good emotional connectability, it has relatable characters, the chemistry between the male and female lead is amazing, the storyline is believable; it is a storyline that is a topic all over the world.”
An after-party will be held following the premiere in New York and will see several soca artistes entertain invited guests, among them, Lyrikal, Montano himself and Angela Hunte.
Ebuzz News
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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.