Ebuzz News
Rikki Jai’s Homesick. Artiste’s Love for Soca Runs Deep.
No matter where they roam, and for what purpose foreign lands become their home, Trinbagonians always yearn for their island in the sun, even if it’s just for a short while. “Looking out at the scenery from a bus – scenery that is bleak and the place is just cold… at some point the average Trini gets homesick,” admits Soca and Chutney Soca artiste, Rikki Jai. He’s in Trinidad now, unleashing new soca music, and happily taking in the island breeze. One of his singles, ‘Home Sick’ gets real about the reality of migration to foreign lands.
For Rikki and others like him, who’ve set up businesses overseas and are even raising families outside of their homeland, the desire to be in the islands increases when festivals like Carnival come around. “You don’t feel the same breeze, hear the same sounds, and the food just isn’t the same outside of T&T,” says the Jai’master. He has created a brand in the music industry in the Caribbean and even in Caribbean communities overseas, that is sturdy, respected and valued. Even so, he feels compelled to consistently deliver music, remind fans of his love affair with Soca music, and build on that with younger artistes, for a legacy worthy of praise.
Even after years in the business, Rikki Jai says each season feels brand new to him. He’s excited and his desire to make people smile, dance and enjoy themselves through music, is unwavering. “When I started my career, I did not start with Bollywood of Chutney music. Soca music has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember,” he says, noting that while many may brand him as a Chutney Soca artiste, he entered the music business as a Soca artiste. “I’ve had songs like Pumpin, Sumintra, Bolo and Wine on A Bumcee, but because I spent many years winning the International Chutney Soca Monarch, people have probably forgotten that I am a Soca artiste.”
Now, having teamed up with songwriter extraordinaire, Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop, Jai shares ‘Home Sick.’ The song was produced by De Red Boyz out of Barbados. It’s a top tier combination and offers a sweetness that’s reminiscent of island life, all by itself. He didn’t stop there. A second track, ‘Total Freedom,’ done collaboratively with All Starz band frontline artiste, College Boy Jesse, showcases Jai’s desire to share his style, knowledge and energy with the youths who are next in line to carry on the cultural vibe.
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.