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Archived: Rihanna Tells Fans in Barbados, “Keep the Faith.” Singer Honored on Barbados’ Independence.
“I couldn’t be more honoured to have the street that I was raised on, the street that I grew up on . . . my dreams were born on this very street right here. I know that the saying believe in your dreams sounds cliché but I guarantee you that the only thing that got me here was believing in my dreams. I never doubted it.” – Rihanna.
The internationally acclaimed singer, actress and philanthropist was yesterday honored in the country of her birth, Barbados on the occasion of Barbados’ 51st Independence. The renaming of the popular Westbury New Road to Rihanna Drive took place amid inclement weather and among guests like Barbados’ Prime Minister, Fruendel Stuart and the island’s Opposition Leader, Mia Mottley.
Yesterday, Rihanna offered advice to those with big dreams in the audience, saying that while there were days when she was doubtful and discouraged, prior to making it out of Barbados to pursue her dreams, she kept the faith. “It really was just faith, that childlike faith and even now, when I get a little bit discouraged or doubtful, it’s the thing that I go back to, having faith in God. I want to encourage not just the people of Westbury New Road and the community but all the people of Barbados, all the young women and young men, who have dreams and think that the world is up against them, it is possible so just keep believing. Never forget that faith could go a very, very long way,” she said.
The Caribbean born superstar rocked a deep yellow colored dress with an updo that showed off her unique features. The bestowed honor at home comes on the heels of Rihanna’s launch of her Fenty Beauty line a few months ago.
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‘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.