Ebuzz News
Patrice Applies Sweet Pressure to Brian Lara at Soka In Moka.
While the food and drinks ran like water on Sunday, it was the heat of Soca temptress, Patrice Roberts that stole the show at Soka in Moka, when all was said and done. One moment, stolen with the Prince of Port-of-Spain, Brian Charles Lara, captured the essence of the event, which starts the most thrilling experience on the Caribbean calendar.
For 25 years, Soka in Moka has maintained its standing as the most anticipated all inclusive fete to start the season of revelry in Trinidad and Tobago. Its anniversary saw fetters arrive in dazzling fashion, some adorned with sequenced silver and others with gold. For one of Soca’s leading ladies however, the energy of the music and her movement to it, was enough to bedazzle the entire fete.
Patrice Roberts and the A Team Band followed Dil-E-Nadan with Raymond Ramnarine and Stephen Marcelle on Sunday. The crossover band, known for its non stop engagement of the audience and chutney-induced renditions, served up the right entree as evening turned to nightfall and after-dark fetters strolled in. They would be right on time for the show many had waited an entire year to experience once again.
PATRICE HITS A SIX
Even as chilling weather conditions may have kept many Caribbean people living abroad, indoors, safe and warm, no cold front could stop the heat that Patrice Roberts would bring to the stage at Soka in Moka 25. Strutting onto the stage with confidence and power, the woman who has overcome immeasurable challenges over the past year, spoke to her fans openly, sharing that after enduring what she had, nothing could stop her now. Hits rained throughout her set, but it would be a brief but memorable show featuring Brian Lara, that would send the crowd wild and take the internet by storm.
Inviting the cricket legend to the stage, Patsy proceeded to test his winning skills and, the legendary cricketer, not one to shy away, stood firmly in contest, ready to show her just what he could do. The pair gyrated on stage to Roberts’ 2025 single, ‘Kitty Cat,’ provocatively yet hilariously getting the crowd enthused, in the end providing great entertainment for fans and friends. “Ah doh think he ready but he alright,” said Patrice, and like a good sport, Brian Lara found the humor in the energy on stage, leaving after a quick hug and show of appreciation by the artiste, for all that he had done for country.
THE MOOD AT MOKA
The event, always an opportunity for new music to be tested and, classics reintroduced, was a balanced vibe with those who’d come to enjoy the food and drinks while chatting with friends, making the best of the event. Closer to the stage, the soca lovers stood looking on, undoubtedly listening to see what would be their favored hits for the season.
A number of artistes showed up, creating the perfect vibe to increase the expectations of fetters. Shal Marshall, Lyrikal, Grenada’s Blaka, Dominica’s Trilla G, Swappi, the Full Blown Entertainment brothers, College Boy Jesse, Zan, Nishard M and Kerlz, Viking Ding Dong, Soca hitmaker and Road March King, Mical Teja and Olatunji Yerawood, all offered their contributions past and present, making for a pretty good start to a season that will be long, but without a doubt, fun filled.
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.