Ebuzz News
Archived: Machel's Got The Magnetic Pull. Soca Star's Return To Army Fete Sends Fans Wild
Machel Montano who is going by the sobriquet, Monk Monty these days, is returning to Army Fete in 2015, after 10 years.
Machel Montano is making his comeback to what many consider to be Trinidad and Tobago’s most anticipated carnival fete, Army Fete- this after 10 years. A media release issued yesterday, noted that the ‘Pop A Bottle’ singer will close the show on February 6th at the Queen’s Park Savannah. Now, with bated breath, many await word on whether Machel and Bunji- the other soca headliner billed for the big fete, will show solidarity on stage when their paths cross on show night.
Organisers of the event say since news broke of Montano’s inclusion to the cast, ticket outlets have been flooded. Online, on social network, Facebook, the fans have been excitedly commenting on the news, most, if not all saying they would be getting their tickets immediately.
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Army Fete has always featured a number of major entertainers in the soca game and no matter who’s headlined the show, the crowds have always shown maximum support.
Now, with Montano’s name atop the list of soca heavyweights, the capacity crowd is likely to increase, no doubt. Radio personality, Mr. Smooth, discussing Montano’s return to the ‘grassroots’ fete, with ETCETERABUZZ.COM, said it’s a good move for Montano, since the grassroots fetes see the people who usually attend Soca Monarch and other major competitions for the season, come out in their numbers.
Radio personality Mr. Smooth thinks Machel’s return is a good move for the artiste himself.
“The downtown fetes are more powerful than the uptown fetes in terms of people backing you as an artiste,” said the young hype man. He said he expects ticket sales to go through the roof with this announcement, and told EBUZZ that he personally always attends Army Fete, to catch all the big soca stars in their true glory, on one big stage. “This year, we’ll really see all the big stars,” laughed Smooth, showing his personal excitement for the event next month.
The event will feature a number of major music makers, among them Bunji and Fay Ann with their band Asylum, Roy Cape with Blaxx and Ricardo Drue, Lyrikal, Olatunji, Barbados’ Fadda Fox, St. Vincent’s Skinny Fabulous and even Iwer George.
For more on Army Fete 2015, keep checking in with ETCETERABUZZ.COM…
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.