Ebuzz News
Archived: R Kelly Toys With Patience of Trini Fans At Highly Touted Redlight Concert Series But Locals Stun!
While Rihanna’s Barbados leg of her Diamonds World Tour may have been postponed last month, Trinbagonians and those who hopped over from neighbouring territories for the RedLight Concert Series, got a dose of a similar offering with some soothing R&B when acclaimed international R&B artistes, Ne-Yo and R Kelly performed at the Hasley Crawford stadium in Trinidad on Saturday night. The concert however, did not pull the crowd that would have been anticipated by promoters, and much was the same scenario in East Trinidad where organisers of a concert dubbed The Homecoming which featured Jamaica’s Konshens, I-Octane and Darrio, saw a less than favourable gathering.
R Kelly left patrons waiting for some time. He was the final performer of the night.
Following both shows however, Trinidad and Tobago entertainers, Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Fay-Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin and a surprise performance by Kees Dieffenthaller on show night have since left many Trinbagonians boasting about the greatness of their own. Not withstanding the fact that Ne-Yo and R Kelly both performed well as expected for those who came out and enjoyed the perks of their $1500 and $1800 tickets in the first of what is expected to be a series of concerts under the Red Light Concert series banner. Many however lamented that the wait to see and hear the pied piper of R&B, R Kelly, was a bit too long. Promoters, via Facebook and Twitter explained that the artiste had been finishing his smoke of a cigar backstage- something that some may not have appreciated considering that they spent quite a bit of cash to come out to the show on Divali night in Trinidad.
Fay-Ann Lyons rocks a stylish outfit at the Red Light Concert Series. At her side is her husband and fellow entertainer, Bunji Garlin.
PHOTO CREDIT: ADRPORTFOLIO.COM
On Saturday night, Fay-Ann, Bunji and The Asylum Vikings started the show, and with soca the force of attraction, they engaged happy go lucky Trinbagonians with their style and flavour. Fay-Ann’s fashion sense was a cut above the ordinary as she donned a glamorous dress that teased the eyes of many, having been cut shorter than normal toward the front. She rocked it well however and with her hubby by her side, what was there to worry about, right?
Machel Montano who released his new single ‘Happiest Man Alive’ on Friday, got the opportunity to perform it live and with no hiccups, he impressed. By the end of the night it was the cast of local entertainers who seemed to have hit a high note with concert goers, many of whom left a bit bothered by the fact that while they may have paid big bucks for their tickets before hand, scalpers on the outside were selling them way below initial prices, outside of the venue.
For more photos from the Red Light Concert Series taken by our partners at ZoomPhotograpyTT, check out our BUZZ GALLERIES in the main menu.
Ebuzz News
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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.