Ebuzz News
Archived: Soca Artistes All Impress At Soca In Moka!
Endless food, endless drinks and soca artistes defending Power soca like never before. Soca In Moka, held on Sunday evening at Trinity College in Moka was definitely a success for yet another year, with hundreds filling the venue from as early as 5pm. It was at this fete that Fay-Ann Lyons once again made it clear that she defends the artform, but it was also there that artistes like Jaiga, Third Bass, Sekon Star, Voice, Shal and GBM Nutron and others, proved their worth.
The Soca In Moka committee, lived up to their name again this year.
A smorgasbord of food and Caribbean delicacies presented itself, leaving many impressed as usual. From Chinese, Creole and Indian dishes to Ribs, crab and dumplings and more, food was certainly in abundance on Sunday night. Entertainment too, was first class at Soca In Moka this year! Raymond Ramnarine and the Dil E Nadan team were spot on with their renditions of popular cover tracks, priming things up perfectly for the big bands and stage performers that would come.
The Asylum Vikings had a blast at Soca In Moka on Sunday night.
The Asylum Vikings, led by Bunji Garlin and wife, Fay Ann Lyons later came to the fore, initializing an atmosphere of carnival excitement and enjoyment as many had been anticipating. Lyons- Alvarez’s powerful demeanor saw her strut on stage in commandeer mode, belting out her hit single, “Raze” followed by familiar renditions and of course newer hits like, “Block De Road” and later, after a stern warning to those who’ve been saying Power Soca is dying, her power track, “Hands In The Air.” Her husband too, donning an all black get up, somewhat mirroring RUNDMC, delivered awsomely, between it all, smiling with fetters and showing fans a good time.
The event wasn’t without some of Carnival 2016’s unexpected blockbuster artistes. St. Lucia’s Teddyson John enjoyed his stint on stage, even delivering the remix of his track “Allez” with Garlin. Even Third Bass who’s been commanding the circuit for weeks with his hit, Bum Bum, penetrated Soca In Moka in a way only he could. Walking with his own “bush” (guava tree branches), Bass belted out the track to fetters who lapped it up, singing along and enjoying every bit of his stage show. Also delivering well was Jaiga, who’s Shaft Vibes written track, “Anyway” has been growing in popularity and Shal Marshal with Brooklyn based producer and singer, GBM Nutron. Together, they brought a sweet feting flavour, that people truly seemed to enjoy.
Teddyson John joined Bunji Garlin on stage.
The final band to hit the stage at Soca In Moka was Roy Cape which featured heavyweights, Blaxx and Ricardo Drue. Drue, who’s been making big waves on the soca circuit with his hits, “Professional” and “BET” impressed big time with a level of confidence and personality that couldn’t be ignored. Youth on his side, the reigning Antigua Jumpy monarch, worked the stage with endless charisma, much to the enjoyment of the crowd. Later, fans would enjoy performances by Farmer Nappy and Alison Hinds, Benjai, Voice- who certainly had a great show and Asten Isaac who’s track, “Gallery” has been widely played since the season reared its head.
Alison Hinds and Benjai backstage at Soca In Moka
Backstage, several artistes were spotted chilling out and enjoying each other’s company. Miami native, Giselle ‘The Wassi One’ Le Blanche, Lyrikal, Screws, Barber boy Dev, Yankey Boy, Ace of 3Suns, DJ Stephen and even, Patrice Roberts made Moka a fete they simply had to attend, performance or not. Olatunji Yearwood, the reigning Groovy Soca Monarch king was the final performer, taking the stage closer to the 11pm hour. He too was enjoyed, as brief as his time on stage was.
Now, with Carnival just weeks away, the feting season has been pushed into 1st gear. Check out our event calendar, for all the info on where you should be next!
HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS
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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.