Ebuzz News
Shurwayne As Enticing As Ever. Ladies Excited Over Artiste’s New Releases.
A legacy of being a real hardcore performer, Soca star Shurwayne Winchester is assuring women all over T&T, the region and the world, that he is prepared to give them all they need… Musically that is!
The entertainer has unleashed four songs, two collaboratively done with new artistes outside of T&T, and two brand new singles that are already making heads roll with excitement. ‘Bam Bam,’ produced by Mang Productions and Stone Livingston, was released last week and has been quickly followed up by ‘Iron Man’ on the Bess Box riddim, produced by Shot Master J and Kyle Phillips with Executive producer credit going to Mr. Bessor. Both songs are what Shurwayne calls, ‘tunes for the ladies.’ He makes it very clear that Carnival is woman and unapologetically argues that the more artistes move away from pleasing women, the less enjoyment we’ll see at fetes.
“Women are the heart and soul of Carnival. We love to see them move and enjoy the music. We have to start with them first, please them and when the hardcore music’s released for the real revelry, they’d have already been fed their sweetness. Then they’ll be ready to unleash their fire,” he said. Laughing at his statement, the artiste revealed a bit of his thought process when he sits down to write. “I always think of being the fetter. I think of how the person in the all-inclusive, or the cooler fete feels in the crowd, listening to the music, whether high on life or something else. I think of the man in the fete with his woman – how she may want to be held and danced with. A lot goes into writing and then when I hit the studio, the vocals are the additives really,” he shared.
One of Trinidad and Tobago’s true performers with unmatched vocals, Shurwayne says no matter what, he knows his place as an artiste, and will maintain his standard as a musician and a human being. “I don’t intend to sacrifice being the man that I am for clout or fame. The standard of artistry I’ve delivered over the years will be my legacy in time to come. For now, I want to continue pleasing and finessing these women. Many men aren’t doing that so I’ll take on the job.”
With still more music in his arsenal, the entertainer said he’s over just doing music for Carnival- for a season. “My aim is catalogue building. The bigger, the stronger the catalogue, the greater the value. I’ve done a lot of music, a lot of collaborations,” he said, recalling that he’s worked with Maxi Priest, Christopher Martin, Busy Signal, Major Laser, Serani, Destra, Baron, Bunji, Lord Nelson, Sparrow, David Rudder, Keida, Ultimate Rejects and so many other artistes. “When it comes to music, I really can’t contain what I have inside me. I have to always let it out. Most times, it’s for the ladies, but when the energy is unleashed, the fellas will always get something to get on bad to.”
Two other singles released in late October, ‘Up In Here’ featuring an artiste from Roatan by the name of Jhaytea and ‘Gyal Love Bend’ with It’s Jus from Barbados, Shurwayne says he believes in bringing new artistes into the spotlight, no matter where they’re from. “We all have something to offer the people. Music isn’t a one size fits all. There’s gonna be something sweet in a song that attracts one listener or 10, and another 5 just may not feel it. That’s why the people who share the music with the world have to understand that it’s not about how they personally feel about the song,” he explained.
From Christmas 2023, into Carnival 2024, Shurwayne’s pumping with adrenaline. Soca Parang, a genre of music with hits also in his arsenal, he says he’s just doing what comes natural to him. “There’s no forcing anything. I’m just doing what I love and I hope the people I’m doing it for will receive it in the same way.” Last weekend he got proof of their enjoyment of some of his new music during a trip to Toronto where he performed at a Soca Junkies event. “The ladies again!” he laughed. “The ladies will always be ready for Shurwayne. I love them for that!”
For more on Shurwayne Winchester, follow him on Instagram @shurwaynewinchester. Subscribe to his Vevo Channel, @shurwaynewinchester.
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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.