Ebuzz News
Archived: “Men Don’t RULE…” Destra Sets The Record Straight!
“I LIVE BACCHANAL, THEY CALL ME BACCHANAL…” This must be the soundtrack as Destra Garcia- The Queen of Bacchanal, prepares for this year’s QOB Wednesday.
In an exclusive interview with EBuzzTT, the Queen of Bacchanal said, after years of prodding from family and friends, 2015 was the year she finally decided to take the plunge and treat fans to a concert which showcased her repertoire of music and that of some of her closest friends in the industry. This heralded the birth of Queen of Bacchanal Wednesday!
Asked what influenced the QOB Wednesday concept, Destra took us on a brief trip down memory lane. With a chuckle, evidence of her jovial and affable nature, she said she was born on a Wednesday, and growing up, her mother often accused her of trying to be in the midst of everything ‘like Wednesday.’ Added to that, she said her musical colleagues Machel and Kees had claimed Monday and Tuesday respectively for their concerts, so all things considered, Wednesday was hers for the taking.
Garcia has opted out of the International Soca Monarch to focus on developing her brand.
Admitting to us that she was extremely nervous heading into last year’s concert, the artiste who tours the globe annually, said she was involved in every aspect of the event’s organisation. This year however, she says the planning will be left in the capable hands of the organizers, this as she focuses on perfecting her performances. Garcia says she feels this year’s concert has much more buzz than it did last year, something she says shows that her fans are appreciative of the event.
Commenting on the decision to host the “Queen” edition of QOB Wednesday, Destra said it is still perceived that this is a man’s world and men are naturally better at accomplishing tasks than their female counterparts. Garcia said she personally does not subscribe to that thought process but says she feels duty bound to do her part to alleviate it. According to the Queen of Bacchanal herself, though this year’s event will not be exclusive to female acts, it will highlight the musical accomplishments of her female counterparts.
Destra says her decision to opt out of the International Soca Monarch competition and quite a few of this year’s carnival events will allow her to focus on the development of her brand. She hopes that QOB Wednesday will become a staple in carnival, an event that patrons can speak about with excitement and look forward to with ardent anticipation. Asked if she plans to return to the ISM stage, she said, “I’ve learnt to never say never…let’s think of this as a pause, right now my focus is my concert and building my brand.”
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.