Ebuzz News
Archived: Possible Machel/ Iwer Collab? Only If The Soca Monarch Purse Goes to $5 Million!
Machel Montano and Iwer George’s relationship has been perceived as shaky, over the years.
No hard feelings toward anybody who has criticised him over the years. That’s The Boss Neil Iwer George’s stance when it comes to that. Revealing that he will be coming again with his concert, Iwer Wednesday in 2014, the radio station boss and veteran soca artiste said the show is in its early stages, having only been sown last year. In an interview on an urban frequency in Trinidad on Wednesday, George answered quite a few topical questions. He said his relationship with industry heavyweight, Machel Montano is not as bad as people perceive, and indicated that there has been a history from way back when, involving calypso veterans, the Mighty Sparrow, Lord Kitchener and Melody relative to their tumultuous relationship. “History has a way that it repeats itself and if you look at Captain Carnival and my relationship,” he said, referring to that of he and Montano, “it sort of resembles that,” he continued.
Iwer George is ready for Carnival 2014 in Trinidad.
George, somewhat of a controversial entertainer when it comes to his lyrical contributions, said if Montano was his enemy, the situation would have become volatile a long time ago. “It is what it is,” he said, recalling that he and Montano shared the stage during Trinidad and Tobago’s independence and he even revealed that recently, he sent Machel a text message, congratulating him on his new track for C2K14, Happiest Man Alive. “I sent him a text two weeks ago. I said boy, ah just see yuh tune mash up a party in Toronto dey. But ah call de name of the tune wrong and he actually correct meh and he tell meh – Happiest Man Alive.”
Iwer said he sent a subsequent text to Machel asking him when they would be doing a collaboration. He said Machel responded telling him they would work that out when Iwer released the big hit. Whether that will be in the very near future, remains unknown, however according to a jovial George, if the Soca Monarch prize monies were to be increased to $5 million, they would do it.
Iwer George has a massive catalogue of Carnival anthems. Ahead of 2014, the artiste who is known to create a stir at major fetes like Fire Fete, Army and others, has already unleashed four singles- ‘Mama Oye,’ ‘Burning Up’ with Denise Belfon, ‘Bad For Your Music’ and ‘Trini Suge Knight.’ He said the people could expect more.
Meanwhile, the International Soca Monarch will be launched this coming Thursday. ETCETERABUZZ has learnt that there will be a major announcement relative to the management of the show, at the ceremony.
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.