Ebuzz News
Soca Must Make It. Team Soca Boss, DJ Spice, Is Doing What Must Be Done.
Around the world, there are people of Caribbean ancestry, fighting the good fight with high hopes of establishing the Soca music genre, as a solid one, on the international music market. DJ Spice of TeamSoca.com is one such person. In 2008 when he made the decision to “do something for the culture,” he envisioned an international music spectrum, inclusive of Caribbean artistes, DJs and personalities. His mission continues.
Forty years in the DJing and music business, Spice who resides in New York city, has taken on the massive undertaking and has no plans of slowing down. In fact, as one of the only Caribbean DJs that has worked at major mainstream radio stations like, Power105FM, Hot 97, 105.9FM, WBLS in New York and now, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Spice’s inroads are being made strategically and certainly, with powerful intention.
TeamSoca.com, a powerful tool that has proven effective in bridging the gap between Caribbean nations, remains as active today, as it has ever been. It employs the services of many prominent names in the music business, among them, DJ Stephen, Walshy Fire, Willy Chin, Dr. Jay, Freeze International, The Wassi One, Barry Hype, Deejay Puffy and countless others. For these DJs who hold the arsenal of Soca music power in their music libraries, the opportunities for expansion and growth are endless. “The Djs at TeamSoca are carefully selected and maintained based on their quality and standard,” explained Spice. He also highlighted that the network affords DJs to break new ground based on affiliations between each other. “My network becomes their network and vice versa,” he noted, adding that each DJ comes fully equipped with their personal studio and is able to deliver online, from the comfort of their personal space.
The brand, a solid one, built from a place of passion and enterprise, Spice says the aim is to continue building. “Our TeamSoca clothing line is something we’ll be putting a lot of effort into. We see it as yet another tool when it comes to the promotion of ‘brand soca.’ Our prints are conversation starters and once that conversation gets started, you become an ambassador of the culture,” he said.
Soca music played around the clock at teamsoca,com, Spice says he believes it’s only a matter of time before an interested party or parties make the choice to lift the Soca genre to its rightful position in the music market. “All it truly takes is the interest of one person to spark a shift. I’ve made it my mission to keep the conversations about Soca going, within the spaces that I personally occupy time and space,” he said.
It’s not the only way Spice has been increasing momentum for Caribbean culture though. In Brooklyn, he is the owner of PiCH or People in Caribbean Heritage. It’s a restaurant, bar and lounge that adds to this culture lover’s efforts to promote the Caribbean Diaspora. “The restaurant isn’t just for Caribbean people. We entertain and welcome people from all cultures and when we do that, they have the opportunity to feel the Caribbean energy, in a very tangible way,” he explained.
In 2022, as Soca King, Machel Montano celebrated 40 years in the Soca music industry, so too did DJ Spice. He has proudly flown the Trinidad and Tobago flag around the world, however, his highpoint in the business, he recalls, was being among the Caribbean men and women to perform on stage at Barclay’s Centre in New York. “That was a feeling that I cannot begin to describe. It’s Barclays!” he said.
This carnival, as Trinidad and Tobago prepares for the Mother of All Carnivals, DJ Spice will be atop a music truck in Port-of-Spain, delivering soca for the revelers of Paparazzi Carnival. He has done the same for numerous bands over the years. “This is who we are. Soca is Life! We are soca ambassadors and the world needs to recognize this genre. #teamsoca,” he underscored.
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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.