Ebuzz News
Archived: Orlando Octave, Swappi Billed to Make Waves on New 868 Project
They’re two artistes who’ve got a lot of support from the masses, generally. Swappi’s been a man in demand in T&T and even overseas for some time and even when things seem slow, he has a way of putting himself right back into the mix- and undoubtedly that’s a sign of a true superstar. Fellow entertainer, Orlando Octave’s been out of the loop for quite a few months, having been seemingly laying low and focusing on, as we understand it, his Mayan movement. Recently, however the names of both Trinidad entertainers have been generating some buzz. There’s news this week that both artistes have been selected for a project that’s quite unique- one that was conceptualised by Pengco Music’s Randal Alexander.
Randal with Orlando Octave in studio.
In our chat with Alexander he noted that both Swappi and Octave have mass appeal when it comes to the youth demographic. For that reason, he chose them strategically in a bid to attract a young, bubbly crowd to his new project he’s calling, Riddim 868… and don’t you for a second, get it mixed up- this is not a riddim as Randal explained, the project will consist of only these two artistes. “It’s not a riddim and it’s not a solo. It’s two artistes and that’s what makes it unique. I was trying to find the median here so that’s what makes this project special- makes it different,” he said.
Swappi is also a part of Riddim 868
Riddim 868 consists of Swappi’s single, “Protect Me” and Octave’s “Twerk It.” Asked about the project’s name, Randal said he simply wanted to make it completely relative to Trinidad and Tobago. “I want people who are looking on from outside of Trinidad and Tobago to know that we’re not only about carnival, Trinidad James and Nicki Minaj- we’ve got a lot more to offer.”
Videos for both singles are already in the works with Swappi’s having been started this past weekend in the Sealots, Trinidad community he grew up in. It was the first time Swappi had returned to the area to shoot a video since he shot to fame, some years ago.
Randal’s Pengco Music has been hard at work, teaming up with a number of entertainers to create good music. His focus in recent months however, has been on local entertainer, Aaron Marquez. They’ve been arduously seeking perfection on an album being completed by Marquez. “It’s almost completed,” said Alexander, in the same breath noting that he has a lot of faith in Marquez’s ability. Amid all of that, Randal’s been working on other musical projects with Swappi, Orlando, Nigel Rojas and others, including Jamaican entertainer, Gyptian. “I have over 30 new songs to release from various artistes out of T&T and Jamaica,” said Alexander. He said he expects these to be released continuously between this present time and the next 18 months.
NEW MUSIC:
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‘I Am Legend’ Concert Promoter, Glenroy Watson Has Passed Away.
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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.