Ebuzz News
Archived: Ne-Yo and Team Aware of Maharaj's Threats To Bar Entry- Red Light Promoter Promises 'A' Class Show!
Whatever local promoter, Roy Maharaj has got up his sleeve as he attempts to bar international mega-star, Ne-Yo from making an appearance in T&T on November 2nd, is deemed frivolous and distasteful by a fellow promoter.
Collin Abraham is one part of the Red Light Concert Series promotional team.
Collin Abraham, event organizer extraordinaire and promoter of the Red Light Concert series spoke with ETCETERABUZZ.COM last week and according to him, Ne-Yo’s management is well aware of Maharaj’s threats. He said Ne-Yo and his management team are in full support of the concert event and they will do all that is within their power to ensure that there are no hiccups when it comes to Ne-Yo’s appearance on local soil.
Possibly the hottest concert ticket in town these days, the event features a choice of four zones ranging in cost between $400TTD and $1800TTD. Abraham who’s event coordinating outfit, Pollen Nation events has worked for international celebs like Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs among others in the entertainment and political arena and even spearheaded major events like the 2008 and 2013 Inauguration of US President, Barack Obama, the wedding of Hip Hop’s Jay-Z and Beyonce, as well as the annual LIME Carnival fete here at the Hyatt in Trinidad, is promising a service oriented experience at the November 2nd event.
The Hasley Crawford Stadium is likely to be transformed and Abraham, in a candid moment said he knows that patrons have been short changed over the years by many promoters and he is assuring that this will not be the case on November 2nd. R.Kelly for one, is truly excited to come to T&T, he said, noting that the Grammy Award winning artiste has never performed in Trinidad and Tobago. “He has never done anything this far South in the Caribbean… I think the people would love to see him live- he’s a great entertainer live and his repertoire is huge and if you’ve ever seen him live, you’ll get those chills,” said Abraham.
Now, in case you’ve already decided that you’ll be splurging on this concert, forking out $1800 for the Red Light Lounge- touted as the UBER Exclusive Up Close & Personal Butler Serviced Area, prepare for a night of pampering and tasty delights, according to Abraham. In that zone, patrons will be served by butlers and finger food inclusive of coconut shrimp, shark bites with tamarind sauce, Arabic lamb and chicken gyros, smoked chicken and beef with rolls among other sumptuous finger food platters will be dished up. Abraham also assured that drinks will be inclusive in this zone, with two specialty cocktails- the Bump and Grind and the Miss Independent, being created for patrons upon entry.
The show will also feature Soul Train nominated local acts, Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin, together with Fay-Ann Lyons and the Asylum Vikings. For more information, visit www.redlightconcertseries.com.
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.