Ebuzz News
Phia Is Unique. Artiste All Set For Queen’s Hall.
Youth’s on her side and positive energy propels her spirit. Twenty-three year old Phia Smith is a dedicated artiste and performer who hones her craft, delivering RnB, Pop and Soul self-penned songs to the world. She’s gearing up to share her gift with a Trinidad and Tobago audience on May 29th at Queen’s Hall in Port-of-Spain. She hopes her move will inspire other young artistes to step out and pursue their dreams.
Phia’s been in the shadows of bigger artistes like Orlando Octave, who’ve worked with her at PengCo Music. Producer, Randal Alexander has effectively molded the young entertainer’s sound, over the years. “My sound is very unique and I like to think of it as a special sound, considering that I’m not doing the traditional Caribbean genres– soca, calypso, reggae or dancehall,” she says.
She loves all the Caribbean music genres, but Phia says that from as early as she can remember, she’s been drawn to the international soft sounds of RnB, Soul and Pop. “I felt it was time to create a platform for myself, to showcase my voice and style to those who’ll listen. I’m hoping that the music authorities here in the Caribbean will now see the need to create spaces and opportunities for artistes like me,” she announced, referring to artistes who are untraditional.
Phia’s concert, “Purple Reign,” will double up as an album release concert – the entertainer explaining that her new album and all of the songs on it, will be shared with her Queen’s Hall audience on show night.
HER EXPRESSION
“Royalty is at the core of my expression here, and I’m really hoping that those coming out to the event will grasp my overall effort to have them find their love for music again, fall in love with lyrics that come from the heart- relatable lyrics that almost everyone has experienced, or will likely experience in their lifetime.”
The young entertainer’s album is called “Emotions Aside.” Next week Wednesday – May 29th, she will perform alongside a live band, something she anticipates. “My aim is to show people here at home and internationally, just how much talent there is here in Trinidad and Tobago. We’re so versatile, so creative, and I feel like everyone should hear and see what we have to offer the world.”
Other artistes billed to grace the stage include Umi Marcano and Orlando Octave– both of whom have collaborated with the young singer, in the past. “I’m very excited to meet and share my love for music with everyone who’ll be at Queen’s Hall. This is something I’ve waited a long time to do and I truly hope it encourages others who have been blessed with the gift of music, to create their own spaces, and opportunities,” said Phia.
For more information on Phia, music lovers are encouraged to visit www.phiazworld.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.