Ebuzz News
Archived: Pure Grenada, Pure Spice- Mr. Killa, Tallpree, Boyzie and More For Spice Mas 2014!
Grenada is very proud of the sons of its soil. The island known for it’s ‘Wicked Jab’ element of carnival is preparing for Spice Mas 2014. Together with Grenada’s Tourism Authority, The Spicemas Corporation launched its carnival in Trinidad on Friday at the recently introduced Radisson Hotel, in Port-of-Spain. In 2013, ETCETERABUZZ.COM took in the excitement of Spice Mas and of course, we delivered all the happenings to you as it took place and as we observed. Grenada’s Mr. Killa, having had a monstrous season in Trinidad and Tobago this past Carnival, is certainly one of Grenada’s and the SpiceMas corporation’s biggest selling points. On Friday, they noted that the young artiste was first runner up to Machel Montano in the Power Soca Monarch competition in T&T this year, adding that he also managed to secure the Carib Breakout Artiste of the Year award. Now, with that made clear, we’re guessing Mr. Killa will be instrumental in bringing many to SpiceMas 2014.
Much like carnival in T&T, the revelry on the road is wonderful in Grenada!
The JabJab is an integral part of Grenada’s J’ouvert and overall SpiceMas experience.
Grenada is truly a beautifully, rustic island- known for authenticity. Jab Jab J’ouvert is huge over there and on Friday at the launch, the island’s Minister of Tourism, Senator The Honorable, Brenda Hood boasted that Grenada has the “best” J’ouvert bar none! No dispute there… But, beyond that, Grenada’s hospitality is also a major factor in luring people to the island for an event such as SpiceMas. During our SpiceMas visit in 2013, our EBUZZ team took in the warmth of the people and their expressiveness, noting that their body language speaks of a need to keep any visitor indulged and happy!
The SpiceMas season starts on July 25th and ends on August 12th. Included on the calendar of events are the Groovy and Power Soca Monarch competitions on August 8th, the Panorama Competition on August 9th and J’ouvert on August 11th. Of course, there’ll be lots of fetes in between. Last year we partied at White in the Moonlight- an extraordinary event staged in the countryside of the island. Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Grenada’s Valene Nedd and other awesome acts added to the sweetness of what is certainly a mammoth event. We expect 2014 to be even bigger!
The Spice Island Hotel is definitely a paradise of its own in Grenada! Check them out at www.spiceislandbeachresort.com
At Friday’s launch, a small display of what can be expected during any SpiceMas carnival, was delivered by our hosts. Covered in black oil- or as MC Marc Anthony explained, a charcoal mix of some sort, the JabJab made its presence felt. We also heard from reigning Power Soca Monarch and Road March King, Boyzie who sang his winning single, ‘Mas Everywhere’. Kudos must be given to Caribbean Airlines, T&T organiser Kristy Ramnarine and her team, and of course, Spice Island Beach Resort- a wonderful place to stay in Grenada, along with Grenada’s Tourism Authority for what we already foresee will be an amazing Spicemas 2014 experience, thanks to their well coordinated efforts on Friday. We’re looking forward to Grenada’s carnival this year and we invite you to stay with us as we take you there and into the excitement!
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.