Ebuzz News
Protoje Drops Powerful Video for “80’s Wild” Ahead of Highly Anticipated Film Release.
Protoje is back with a bang, unveiling the gripping video for his track “80’s Wild”. A timely commentary on Jamaica’s political unrest, corruption, and systemic oppression during the late ‘70s and ‘80s, the song serves as a pivotal piece of his upcoming film, The Jamaican Situation, set for release in 2025. Not only does the track appear on The Jamaican Situation: Side A (out now via In.Digg.Nation Collective/Ineffable Records), but it’s also featured as part of the official soundtrack for the film, which Protoje co-directs with SAMO.
The video, directed by SAMO, takes a bold approach with tight, intimate shots of Protoje as he effortlessly moves through various iconic Jamaican backdrops. The visuals are as politically charged as the song itself, with references to key historical moments and figures in Jamaican history, such as the tragic deaths of Jacob Miller, Bucky Marshall, and Bob Marley, displayed on vivid posters throughout the video.
“80’s Wild” – A Snapshot of Political Turmoil in Jamaica
“80’s Wild” is more than just a song—it’s part of a larger narrative Protoje is crafting around Jamaican identity, history, and social struggles. The track is deeply embedded in the themes of his upcoming directorial debut, The Jamaican Situation. Protoje describes the film as a story about “a man returning home and navigating his identity amidst the complexities of modern Jamaican life.” The music, he explains, plays a crucial role in enriching these themes, blending seamlessly into the narrative.
Protoje’s vision for the soundtrack is clear: to tell the story of his homeland through both music and film. In the 5-track EP that makes up Side A, he’s brought together some of Jamaica’s most renowned producers, including Grammy-winning IzyBeats (known for his work on Koffee’s hits “Toast” and “W”), as well as Iotosh, Ziah.Push, and Zion I Kings. Each track on Side A contributes to the wider conversation around Jamaica’s socio-political climate, offering a mixture of sounds and stories.
Exploring Love, Resilience, and Political Struggles
While “80’s Wild” captures the turbulence of Jamaica’s past, Side A also explores a range of other powerful themes. “Mariposa” (produced by Zion I Kings) is a poignant reflection on love, while “Barrel Bun” (Ziah.Push) calls for systemic change. “Where We Come From” (featuring Jahshii, produced by IzyBeats) celebrates the resilience of the Jamaican people, and “30 Million” (produced by Iotosh) addresses greed and political agendas. Together, the songs offer a multifaceted introduction to the larger Jamaican Situation project, with Side B expected to drop closer to the film’s 2025 release.
European Tour Recap & Upcoming Plans
The artiste recently wrapped up his European tour, where he brought the dub-heavy sounds of his 2023 album In Search of Zion to fans across the continent. The album features remixes and dub versions of tracks from his previous LP, In Search of Lost Time, and was produced by the legendary Zion I Kings. On tour, Protoje was joined by Tippy I Grade (one-third of Zion I Kings) for an intimate and stripped-back live dub session.
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.