Ebuzz News
Archived: Machel, Skinny ‘Go Hard’, Lands On ESPN
Trinidad and Tobago’s, Machel Montan
Machel Montano and Skinny Fabulous are today smiling from ear to ear no doubt, having recently sealed a deal with ESPN’s publishing rep, PILOT for the use of their collaborative 2016 soca track, “Go Hard’. EBUZZTT spoke with the local rep for DirectionTT- the company who initiated the ‘Go Hard’ collab in the Caribbean and according to the rep, the deal struck is a financially ‘sound’ one, that’ll hear the track played across ESPN channels worldwide for four months.
St. Vincent’s Skinny Fabulous, Trinidad and Tobago artistes Machel Montano and College Boy Jesse along with producer, Mr. Spine, penned the track. Barbados’ De Red Boys produced the single and now, they’re all said to be benefiting in some way from the deal.
According to DirectionTT, PILOT, acting on behalf of the sport network, ESPN, has been seeking out new music for a new campaign they’ve been working on. “We’ve received reports that it’s already been heard on ESPN Alaska and it’s expected to be played on all ESPN channels around the world,” said the rep. In a chat with Skinny Fabulous today, EBUZZTT learnt that the initial contact was made with Machel’s team. “As an artiste these are the things that we count as rewards for what we do. When we go on stage and we see people react positively to our music- when they jump and wave and dance, this is the reward we get. It’s not always about the financial gain. When these things happen, it means that somebody, somewhere in the world, other than the Caribbean region, recognises that there are songs and talent that’s worthy of that level of programming,” said Skinny- real name, Gamal Doyle.
Skinny Fabulous says these are the rewards received
.When we caught up with Skinny earlier, he’d been in studio, preparing to lay down some new music. He’s in preparation mode for St. Vincent’s Carnival, which culminates during the first weekend in July. “I’m working on new music for carnival 2016- my carnival!,” he said excitedly, adding that he’s also putting things in place for the production of his concert, ‘Black Rave’, which is in its fifth year. “I also have a signature event called, “Uncle Skinny’s Kids World’ which attracts over 12,000 people annually. That’s been six years running,” said the entertainer. On the vibe experienced at St. Vincent’s carnival, Skinny who’s well loved across the Caribbean, said St. Vincent’s carnival is not commercialised at all. “St. Vincent’s carnival is raw. The events aren’t runway shows. They’re not fashion displays. People take the time to escape whatever realities they face. It’s a time for them to be free and not worry about anything- not even the implications of social media,” he said. “We still feel good to fete in sneakers and shorts. We believe you can’t wear heels to fete. We party aggressively and it may look like a riot at times but it’s actually clean, unified fun and nobody ever feels scared. It’s just a movement people need to experience,” said the artiste.
EBUZZTT congratulates the entire team on this accomplishment. Soca music is certainly making strides to the mainstream media circuit and that’s something the Caribbean’s got to celebrate!
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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.