Ebuzz News
Sean Paul and HOT 97 To Celebrate 20th Anniversary of ‘Dutty Rock’ in a Big Way.
International Dancehall Superstar, Sean Paul and Hot 97FM in New York are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the release of the artist’s Grammy-winning album, Dutty Rock. The anniversary event will take place on November 16th at Webster Hall in New York City.
Sean Paul’s multi-platinum album changed the pop music landscape in 2002 with its authentic Jamaican dancehall tracks, spawning his first #1 U.S. single, “Get Busy”. The album was more than just a one-hit-wonder, delivering five consecutive Top10 Billboard singles and topping the charts in both the U.S and UK.
“Gimme the Light”, “Like Glue”, “I’m Still in Love with You”, and “Get Busy,” along with his duet with Beyonce “Baby Boy, his second #1 single, were all tracks on the album. The reggae superstar stayed true to his Jamaican roots as all of his hit records were recorded on authentic Jamaican dancehall and reggae “riddims,” which made the crossover success of Dutty Rock even more of an urban and pop music cultural phenomena.
The Dutty Rock album, was independently produced almost entirely in Jamaica by Sean Paul and his team.
“We knew we were on the road to somewhere big, but nobody could foresee just how big the album would become, especially internationally. It was a story of an artist reaching the highest heights against all odds” said Murray Elias, Sean Paul’s A&R executive for both Dutty Rock and the multi-platinum Trinity album.
Sean Paul’s success led to his historic signing to Atlantic Records as part of an equally historic joint venture with reggae label VP Records. With more than six million sales worldwide, he laid claim to platinum and gold success in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and Australia.
Sean Paul has had an unprecedented and unmatched run of more than 20 “Top 20” Billboard Hot 100 commercial radio crossover hits starting in 2002 with “Gimme The Light” through to the present day. His legacy of his 20 plus year run of industry success and longevity has secured his place in history and that all began with Dutty Rock. Now, on November 16th, at Webster Hall, Sean will celebrate that legacy with a special Dutty Rock 20 concert and party.
The globally recognised artist recently earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Reggae Album for his 7th studio album Live N Livin, which was released in 2021, featuring collaborations with Buju Banton and Damian Marley. He is currently enjoying a major resurgence with a new generation of fans through high-profile collaborations with artists like Sia, Dua Lipa, Clean Bandit, and Enrique Iglesias.
“I’m looking forward to celebrating with my Hot97 family and my fans the 20th anniversary of Dutty Rock. This album changed the landscape of dancehall and pop music worldwide, therefore its only right we have a party. I’m inviting you all out to celebrate with me and my band November 16th inside Webster Hall, NYC,” said Sean Paul.
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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.