Ebuzz News
Archived: Slaughter Sings A Strong, Professional Tune- Purpose Steps In.
For years, people have been asking for Derek Pereira aka Dawg E. Slaughter, to jump back into the soca arena. The DJ, Songwriter, Producer and Entrepreneur who gave us a unique sound on urban radio with X-Caliber Disco, delivered infectious and popular Soca hits such as “Tik Tok”, “Carnival I Love You” and “Spread The Love” in the 2000’s. He had even toured the world before going AWOL some six years ago. Today however, the former mainstream DJ has released a video for a riddim he produced, a riddim that features the likes of Blaxx, Orlando Octave, Bunji Garlin and boat ride king, mic man Salty who later remixed his track with Fay-Ann Lyons.
Slaughter has re-entered the soca foray.
The “RR Riddim” was born following Slaughter’s pursuit of a degree in Music Technology at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. He graduated in November 2015, having been presented his certificate by the President of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency, Anthony Carmona. He defined the moment, “indescribable,” something he probably never envisioned would happen. He had set off to pursue the degree based on his personal desire to contribute meaningfully to the culture of Trinidad and Tobago, and that he did!
Dawg E Slaughter emerged from his hiatus for Carnival 2016, having stepped into the studio, a proud UTT graduate and subsequently delivering, in conjunction with his team, the master production he called the “RR Riddim”. In an interview on local radio station 96.1WEFM in January, the entertainer said the riddim was birthed out of a class assignment taken on. “I really wanted this generation of party-goers to experience what my generation had experienced,” he had stated.
The riddim has fast become one of the most requested across the airwaves this carnival and the artistes on the riddim together with Slaughter, have been mounting numerous fete stages, often called to the fore by Bunji Garlin and the Asylum Vikings.
Slaughter, the man behind XCaliber International, holds the trophy won in the International Soca DJ Competition.
Now, if that hadn’t been enough, on January 29th, Slaughter’s XCaliber International Sound made history on local shores when they walked away champs of the first ever International Soca DJ competition held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. The competition had brought together, talented DJs from destinations such as Barbados, Puerto Rico, the United States and of course Trinidad and Tobago. T&T’s Jr. Mafia Sound featuring Nigel Snipes & DJ Skull and DJ Kirk Brown from Barbados came in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
Now being referred to as “Tron”, Slaughter maintains an active social media presence signaling that he just might be sticking around for a while. Next on the agenda, post carnival, according to the man himself, will be the release of the ‘Paradise Riddim’, ‘Heart Break Riddim’ and the ‘Suit Of Black Riddim.’
EBUZZTT STAFF: C. Fermine
RR RIDDIM VIDEO MEDLEY
Ebuzz News
‘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.