Ebuzz News
Archived: Promoters Warned of Local Impersonator Swindling Down-payments In Exchange For Buju Banton Booking
The Caribbean has been placed on alert by Reggae/Dancehall artiste, Buju Banton’s Defence Support committee, following their unearthing of an alleged scam by an unnamed but reportedly renowned DJ and former radio personality who had allegedly been acting as the incarcerated artiste’s agent in Trinidad and Tobago.
Buju Banton remains behind bars however he has filed another appeal in a US court.
PHOTO COURTESY: http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com
A media release issued by the artiste’s Defence Support Committee on the weekend, indicates that the situation is being dealt with legally. It stated that the impersonator has already approached several promoters with the false claim that he is the agent for the incarcerated artiste. Additionally, the organisation claims the impersonator has further sought to collect funds for a concert he claims is being held in Buju’s honour sometime this year.
Already, several media houses across the Caribbean and locally have published the information, ensuring that promoters are informed about this very serious allegation. ETCETERABUZZ.COM has learnt that the impersonator in question is the very same person who allegedly took a downpayment from a prominent promoter in Trinidad and Tobago, in exchange for a Jah Cure booking. That situation, we’ve learnt, has in fact sorted itself out to some degree, with the alleged culprit having reimbursed the promoter partially with an assurance to pay the rest on dates that have been mutually agreed upon. You can check out that story we brought you last week, by CLICKING HERE.
Buju Banton meanwhile continues to serve his prison sentence for his conviction on drug related charges. He was arrested at his Tamarac, Florida, home in December 2009 and charged with conspiracy to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine. His arrest followed a sting operation at a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)-controlled warehouse in Tampa, which also resulted in the arrest of James Mack and Ian Thomas, who were attempting to purchase cocaine from undercover agents.
Buju has maintained his innocence and claimed he was entrapped by government informant Alexander Thomas, who allegedly hounded him for months to get involved in drug smuggling. Earlier this year the artiste filed another appeal to reverse his conviction on the drug charges.
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.