Ebuzz News
Prenzo’s on the Rise. New Artiste Makes Big Impression On Major Carnival Riddim.
The stage is set for the upcoming Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago, but not before the newcomers make their grand entry. The world will know Prenzo. He’s dynamic, vocally unique and what he says is God’s grace, has him sitting on one of the biggest riddims that penetrated the Carnival circuit leading into Carnival 2024, in Trinidad and Tobago.
Prenzo was born in Trinidad, but now resides in Tobago. He says he gets the best of both islands. A young, vibrant artiste, he has big dreams to be a successful entertainer, and certainly a household name. Admittedly, he says he started off singing RnB and reggae music from as early as 10-years-old, having been a part of The Love Movement then. The opportunity to perform at Queen’s Hall during that time, sparked an inextinguishable passion that pushed him toward his dreams.
Last year, for the first time, Prenzo released a Soca single. “I was encouraged by my lady to first be a part of the culture of my homeland. She said to me, “to get noticed, you have to start with your culture.””
After eight years honing his craft as an artiste, Prenzo explained that he felt confident in his ability to maneuver in the industry and, as luck would have it, through the encouragement of a friend, he scored the opportunity he had hoped for.
Prenzo’s single, ‘Wuk Up’ forms part of the ‘Pay the People’ riddim – a riddim that happens to be Barbados’ Road March riddim. “I am so happy that I got the chance to add my voice to the riddim. My very good friend is responsible for this and I’m really grateful,” he said. He joins artistes like Yankey Boy and Swappi on the riddim, and says he believes God aligned it all. “Last year I wrote that song, not realizing that it would land on Barbados’ Road March riddim. God had to be working in some kind of way, because to jump on a big riddim like this… I was shocked to know that it was still open for me to get a chance,” he said.
The feel-good single is all about enjoyment, and places keen focus on the women of Carnival. Prenzo says it also encourages elevation and progress, relaying in the simplest way, the need for positive energy and optimism in life. Mindful and practical, Prenzo says he will focus entirely on this single ahead of T&T carnival. He knows that penetrating the market in even the slightest way, is dependent on the strong effort he puts in, to bring awareness to himself and at least one engaging Soca single.
Inspired to push for greatness and rise above the challenges, Prenzo admits that fellow artiste, Voice has been a great source of inspiration to him. “Voice helped me out a lot with all those positive songs when I was going through certain things in my life. I also admire Kees. I’m a real groovy soca lover,” he rationalized. Now, excitedly, he is positioning himself to join some of his favourite artistes in the soca music industry. “I was born for this. There’s no better time than the present to share my gift with the world.”
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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.