Ebuzz News
Machel Signed To Drake’s OVO Sound?
For 30 years and counting, Machel Montano has been at the heart of the Soca genre. He’s been the trendsetter for a sound and a culture that is only now beginning to receive mainstream attention. In the past few years soca music and by extension, Montano’s birthplace, Trinidad and Tobago has been mentioned and spoken of by many international publications and media houses, and while the 41-year-old soca superstar isn’t solely responsible for it all, his efforts in promoting what he loves most cannot be questioned. The question we’re however pondering is, what’s next for this creative mastermind?
Machel performed alongside Jamaica’s Mavado, at OVO Fest in Toronto on July 31st.
Machel Montano escorts his Bazodee co-star, Natalie Perera in NYC. for the premiere of the film in the US.
Montano’s carried the flag of Trinidad and Tobago for over a decade, across oceans, to corners of this earth many others in T&T have only hoped to visit. He has created music that will be anthems for years to come and at this very moment, he’s working on reinventing himself and his sound, much like he’s always done. At 41, Machel Montano is showing no sign of stopping of even slowing down for that matter. He visited the White House and sang Soca there this year too. Add the launch of his acting career and co-producer of Bazodee and you’ve got several reasons why he’s not just T&T’s Golden boy, but one of the Caribbean’s greatest ambassadors.
Billboard subliminally revealed that Machel was signed to Drake’s Canadian label.
The buzz surrounding Machel Montano is deafeningly loud. He continues to work hard, pouring out his energy into a music, a culture, a country, a career that he was born to be a part of and lead. Now, what will he do next? He says a unity project is at the fore of things and Angela Hunte- the Trini born, Brooklyn singer/songwriter is right at his side….
STAY TUNED FOR MORE…
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.