Ebuzz News
“Please Programme Directors, Do Better.” Soca Artiste Calls for Equity.
“Please programme directors, do better.”
Solemnly and with no malice in heart, one son of the soil is pleading for equity in the music business as the Carnival 2024 season rears its head in Trinidad and Tobago. Mr. Bessor is working with two well respected music producers this year – Kyle Phillips and Nikholai Greene. Already, he’s unleashed a single called, ‘Brighter Days’ alongside M1- an artiste he credits with giving him the strength to push harder in the music business, despite the challenges faced. The song, he says, has received little to no airplay across the nation’s airwaves, since its release three weeks ago.
He isn’t complaining though. What he intends to do, is push even harder. The ‘Brighter Days’ project was first produced by Kes Keys of The Asylum Vikings before being co-produced by Phillips who he says, truly worked with him, to deliver what he knows is A class quality when it comes to music and sound engineering. “Kyle has worked with many, many artistes and there’s really no reason any DJ should ignore the work that comes out of his studio,” said Mr. Bessor. He believes in the young producer’s ability and likewise, he says Kyle chose to work with him out of sheer belief in his talents and capabilities.
Grateful for the support of fellow entertainer, M1, Mr. Bessor said the Sangre Grande based artiste has been rooting for him since they began working together in 2007. Compelled to keep going as a result, this season he decided to invest in his very own carnival project. “I am the executive producer of the Bess Box riddim. I purchased the riddim from Shot Master J and we have tracks by Rocky, Shurwayne and my song is called, ‘Anything Goes,’” he explained. “I’m trying different avenues to get my name out there- to get myself seen and heard,” he admitted.
Mr. Bessor’s deep rooted feelings aren’t very different from the feelings expressed by many in the soca music industry. He is however taking a different approach, empowering himself by making an investment in the music he believes in.
At the end of November, the artiste will unleash his third contribution to the upcoming Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago. “I have a song called ‘Soca Taking Over Places’ – the acronym to which is STOP. It calls on the people to stop saying that soca isn’t going anywhere, stop self-sabotaging the genre and stop selling it short,” he explained, excitedly recalling the way dancehall artiste, Bounty Killer was brought to strong condemnation of current dancehall trends when Machel Montano’s ‘Pop A Bottle’ was played at the annual Sting showcase, earlier this year. That single is produced by Nikholai Greene of NMG Productions and gives clear indication of Mr. Bessor’s solidarity when it comes to the soca music genre.
A short season of revelry ahead, the artiste acknowledges the challenges that abound for everyone involved, but maintains, every artiste deserves an opportunity to be heard, with the listening audience being given 100% choice when it comes to what makes them feel good.
For more on Mr. Bessor, follow him on Instagram and Facebook @mrbessor.
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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.