Ebuzz News
Archived: Nigel Rojas Keeps Leaving Those Big Impressions…
Nigel Rojas’ name seems to be at the tip of everyone’s tongue these days and after years of labouring with his craft, he deserves the recognition no doubt. On Independence night in T&T, the singer/songwriter and his band, Orange Sky delivered well for artistes as the first back-up band on the night of the Good Life Music Festival. Rojas’ accompaniment on the guitar, together with the Orange Sky band’s all round accompaniment, offered acts like Marlon Asher, Jamelody and Prophet Benjamin a good sense of comfort, allowing them to deliver at their best on Saturday night.
Nigel Rojas says he feels good to have participated in the Good Life Music Festival.
Rojas has been in the musical mix for the past 17 years and having recently been bitten by the Soca bug after his accompaniment of Bunji Garlin on the hit single, ‘Differentology’ , there’s no doubt that he is likely to dabble in soca some more. Amid thoughts of that however, Nigel is enjoying pretty good rotation of a recently released single called ‘Blue Skies Ahead’. It’s a nation building track that can only be described as infectious.
Recently, Rojas and Orange Sky performed for international music industry execs at the AMMBCON music business conference showcase in Port-of-Spain and of course, he followed up with Saturday night’s performance at the Good Life Music Festival. In a statement, he said, “I feel really great about participating in this concert. It is always a great honour to share the stage with artistes that I love and admire. In this event, there were many such artistes, however the local reggae performers are very close to my heart.”
Marlon Asher, on Saturday, thanked Rojas and Orange Sky for their accompaniment- this as he sent the large crowd gathered at the National Stadium’s training grounds, wild with excitement. Asher proved to be a favourite on the local cast as did Prophet Benjamin whose lyrical humour could never be mistaken. Also on the local cast were Jamelody, Mr. King, and Isasha who performed between Richie Spice and Sizzla Kolonji.
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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.