Ebuzz News
Archived: Mixed Carnival 2014 Reactions- Could Poor Street Conduct Lead To Lawful Action?
There’s a lot of mumbling these days following yet another Carnival in T&T. This year, the venom seems to be spitting out from every corner- this of course as everyone from the Mayor, to the man on the street weigh in on the conduct of masqueraders during the parade of bands on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Even the President’s wife, Reema Carmona has had something to say, proving no doubt that some manner of legal repercussion may soon strike the Carnival that we so love and enjoy! But, would it be such a bad thing?
It’s not the first year that women were seen gyrating their bodies suggestively on other women, or men were photographed dry humping females in skimpy costumes in broad daylight but this year, for some reason, all authoritative eyes seemed to have been peeled to this aspect of the mas. Women wearing pasties and thongs, covering only their breasts and genitals while parading proudly through the capital city is a cause for concern says the Mayor of Port-of-Spain and so with that, we’re expecting some penalties to be discussed in the coming weeks or months. This all comes on the heels of soca artiste, Benjai’s lewd stage show at the Arima Velodrome during the semi final round of the International Soca Monarch competition. It was on that stage that the people’s champion as he’s often referred, used his penis as a prop, something that didn’t seem to go down too well with the judges since he failed to make it through to the finals.
Along with pasties and a thong, this masquerader chose to suggestively wiggle her derriere for the person who had been taking this imagery. The original media was video.
A lot of questions are being raised on this topic and views differ no doubt. Some argue that wining is part and parcel of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture but on the other hand, some say the visuals seen on Carnival Monday and Tuesday represents the decay of the society.
What say you? We’re curious to know how you, the citizen, the visitor, the bystander- how you feel about scenes like the image we’ve included with this piece. Submit your comment and be a part of our dialogue in this our post carnival parlay.
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Now, take a look at this YouTube video posted in 2010. The reality is, this has been going on for a long time!
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.