Ebuzz News
Archived: Onto The Next- T&T Carnival Just 137 Days Away!
With all international carnivals now behind us, the focus turns to Trinidad and Tobago’s Greatest Show On Earth! Miami carnival this past weekend, summed up the explosion of Trinbago-like festivals that’ve sprung up across the world and with that, March 2014, seems a way off for many who simply crave the excitement of Carnival. ETCETERABUZZ.COM correspondents who traveled to Miami for the event relayed nothing but sheer enjoyment as fetes like Rave, Hysteria, Socavivor U2 and others, kept hardcore soca lovers happy. As the weekend wound down however, Trinidad saw the unveiling of Legacy’s 2014 carnival presentation at the Zen nightclub in Port-of-Spain on Sunday night. Many, in anticipation of T&T’s carnival, showed up at the nightclub to check out Big Mike’s presentation of Nature’s Touch.
Just one of Legacy’s costumes ahead of C2K14. PHOTO CREDIT: Richard Cook.
Legacy Mas pays tribute to Brian Mac Farlane in 2014.
The event, as we mentioned in our pre-launch feature would see tribute being paid to mas maker, Brian Mac Farlane who has bowed out of the carnival masquerade arena, having won several band of the year titles consecutively in the past few years. On Sunday, costumes reminiscent of what Mac Farlane offered over the years, were displayed as Big Mike indicated Legacy’s desire to fill the void that would be left with Mac Farlane’s departure- notwithstanding of course, the continued desire to wow the young beads and bikini lovers. The band launch also proved to be an opportunity for the re-emergence of something old…that being the brass band known as Traffik. Rolling with three new front-liners, inclusive of 2013 Young Kings champ, Stephen Marcelle, the band struck up some familiar tunes but judging from the crowd response on Sunday, it will take some work before they receive the embrace of the masses. Mr. Renzo was also a part of the live entertainment, delivering a couple singles, including his hit collabo with Jamaica’s Aidonia-‘Bend Yah Back’. Renzo thanked the Legacy family for their continued support and later made his way into the crowd where he showed off his wining skills, before making his exit.
Legacy’s band launch, usually one of the final band launches, if not the final one, remains a staple unveiling to many die hards who faithfully support the band annually. In our recent chat with Big Mike, he said Legacy and its masqueraders are all family- this of course, amid condemnation for exorbitant costume prices- a hot topic indeed. Read more on that here.
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.