Ebuzz News
Archived: Amid Mixed Reviews, Differentology Video Leads New Zealand TV Personality to Request Trini-Like Carnival
While at home the reviews have been mixed, with many saying they expected a lot more from Bunji Garlin’s recently released video for the 2013 hit single, Differentology, a few people outside of Trinidad and Tobago have taken note of the production, and seem to be loving the direction. For one, television presenter and producer Tim Lambourne who works at TVNZ in New Zealand, on Friday evening, tweeted, “Best music video this year. Trinidadian Vikings in the mud. Differentology by @BUNJIGARLIN.” He had sent the tweet to well known New Zealand DJ, Nick Dwyer – a man known for presenting fresh, new music from well loved artistes and breakthrough sounds from the hottest new acts in modern music.
New Zealand television presenter and producer, Tim Lambourne.
Bunji Garlin remained unscathed by the comments of some on social media networks over the weekend, saying he appreciated all comments. One comment we’re certain he would have appreciated was one posted on Twitter by fellow Caribbean rooted entertainer, Kardinal Official. On Friday at 8:36pm, Kardinal tweeted, “You are who you surround urself with. @BUNJIGARLIN inspired me with this video. MAWD!”
On Friday when the video launched to the world via ETCETERABUZZ.COM, the excitement to view it was incredible. The site was inundated with views- some 2000 plus in the first half hour. Throughout the day, the excitement didn’t stop. On video sharing site YouTube, some chose to vent their disappointment, with one person saying, “Some parts of this video were quite clever but the overall product was hindered by the inability of the director/editor to connect all the scenes in a cohesive manner, infact many scenes should have been left out altogether. I feel that if Mr. Garlin was attempting to make an arthouse style production he should have held on to that idea an not try to appeal to the “wine and jam crowd” by inserting in the random “wining pit”. It completely killed the credibility of all that he tried to put forward.”
On the flip side, others understood. One viewer remarked,”The name of the big hit is DIFFERENTOLOGY. The video portrays the title of the song and kudos to the hard effort placed on it by producers and others responsible. The characters coming out from the pothole and running to me explains that part of it. Why have a video putting emphasis on only individuals jamming on the road. We should be moving forward in video making not backward. People should do some research on Vikings to understand the other scenes in the video. #SIMPLE.”
Bunji Garlin remains unscathed.
Despite the feelings- whether negative or positive, the video has already amassed in excess of 58,000 views on the artiste’s YouTube channel. Separately, it certainly led to a question posed by New Zealand’s Tim Lambourne on Friday. He tweeted, “@BUNJIGARLIN you’re very welcome! Are you bringing that Carnival down under any time soon?” … and to us, that’s where the attention today, two days following the video’s launch, ought to be placed.
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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.
