Ebuzz News
Archived: Soca On the Rise. Bass Gets Hot97 Endorsement
It’s a noticeable fact that Soca music is touching people in places one would find difficult to even believe. Some say the emergence of the genre’s ‘dopeness’ came with Bunji Garlin’s ‘Differentology’, which was remixed by Major Lazer to offer an even stronger EDM undertone than it started off with when it was dropped in Carnival 2013. Some are even saying Soca is becoming the Caribbean sound of choice in the region, overpowering dancehall, and with Jamaica’s World Boss, Vybz Kartel incarcerated for murder, and obviously unable to perform his countless dancehall anthems, the question provoked is whether the other dancehall deliverers have what it takes to keep the genre on top.
Bass’ ‘BumBum’ received endorsement from the Massive B duo in NYC.
On Sunday, in New York City, Hot 97FM delivered Bass’ Carnival 2016 anthem, ‘Bum Bum’, best known as ‘If Yuh Stush’. The single was played by Bobby Konders and Jabba on Hot97’s very popular ‘ On Da Reggae Tip’ Sunday show between 10pm and 12am. Bass, who’s dropped the ‘3rd’ from his sobriquet , told EBUZZTT that he’s known Bobby Konders for quite a few years personally, having worked at Hot97 when he lived in New York. “When I got up to New York in late 1999-2000, they were still playing a lot of old soca songs- my old song, ‘Yuh Make Meh Feel’ and ‘Big Truck’ and ‘You Ain’t Nothing But A Teaser’ and that kinda thing. I was instrumental in going to the distribution in Brooklyn and getting them to get new soca music, so we’ve had a relationship since then and that’s how they started to play new soca on Hot97,” he explained.
HOT97’s Bobby Konders and Jabba have been instrumental in getting dancehall music delivered to the masses in NYC.
Having just released a new song called, ‘Summerparty’, Bass says he’ll be heading to New York at the end of the month where he’ll be featured at Bobby Konders and Jabba’s event ‘Fire Sundays’ at a club in New York. He’ll even be making a guest appearance on the weekend show on Hot97 with the Massive B duo. Bass says he expects the new single to do well in the New York area since it was done specifically with that New York West Indian market in mind.
Radio airplay remains an essential part of growth for any musical genre- this despite the strong emergence of modern day social media and video sharing tools in the promotion of music. Bass is undeniably appreciative of the love shown to him by the New York radio heavyweights who have, in the past, made a number of dancehall anthems reach the ears of Caribbean and non caribbean listeners. With a number of Caribbean carnivals on the horizon in the US, Bobby Konders and Jabba’s endorsement of ‘Bum Bum’, he knows, could go a very long way.
BUM BUM PLAYS ON HOT 97 IN NYC.
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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.