Ebuzz News
Soca Star on the Rise; Leighanna’s Reminding All Men, Women are ‘Flowers.’
With the most powerful vocals heard in the Soca music industry in some time, Shavon Leighanna David is hitting the carnival 2025 scene hard, and early. A South native who’s more than just a pretty face, the singer who’s simply called, Leighanna, has a brand-new single called ‘Flowers.’ It’s guaranteed to stir things up as T&T’s carnival season comes into focus.
“I’ve been singing since I was three. I’ve always known that this is the path for me; It’s what I do,” said the artiste. Her humble beginnings, having been encouraged by her father, a former singer himself, took her on a journey that started with songwriting, before being redirected onto the stage. “I was a teenager then and my first release was called, ‘Ah Feelin’ It,’” she explained, adding that at that time, fellow female singers, Lil Bitts and Patrice Roberts were also making their presence felt on the entertainment scene. “Things were ticklish back then. I didn’t know anyone. I had never taken part in any of the Soca or Calypso competitions but I went around to the radio stations with my song and I was well received.”
Her follow up singles included collaborations with D Angel Journey and Terry Seales. “Back then the stage fright was strong but the music was well received,” she said. Despite her best efforts however, circumstances halted Leighana’s upward mobility and she took a break from music, to focus on essential matters in her life. Time away coinciding with the pandemic, Leighanna was forced to assess her career and strengthen her strategy in a bid to make a stronger breakthrough in the industry. In November 2023, ahead of Carnival 2024, she released a single called, ‘Bam Bam Good’ and according to the entertainer, the song was embraced by the DJs at all major radio stations in T&T. “I have a strong team now, with my manager Zoe at the helm, my assistant, Jalyan and international interest, Chris. It’s an exciting time,” she said in the wake of the new release. Now, as 2025 looms, she once again strengthens her posture and positions herself to push hard into the music business. “Flowers was written by Kambon and produced by Shot Master J and Body Roc. My daughter who’s just 3-years-old is also fascinated with singing and she is so brave. Her braveness inspires me. I’m doing this for her as much as I am doing it for myself.”
A true fan of the male Soca artistes in the business, Leighanna says Patrice Roberts, Destra Garcia, Terri Lyons and sister Fay Ann, also give her great inspiration. “I love Fay-Ann’s controlling personality in the industry. I’m also so happy for Patrice and I always remember her telling me that I should never give up,” she admitted. Leighanna says she is also friendly with Jadel and appreciates the friendship they share. “We are friends and we connected easily.”
Having worked with Kyle Phillips on the new single, the South native expressed complete satisfaction on the project. “I love working with Kyle. He is great at what he does.”
‘Flowers’ was released last week and has already won the hearts of Soca music lovers on music sharing platform, YouTube. The track comes complete with visuals and features a cameo by radio personality, SupaHype. “This song is a powerful expression to men. I want them to understand that women are the flowers of life and should be respected, loved, appreciated, treated with compassion,” said the singer. “Women – mothers, daughters, aunts, grandmothers are the nurturers of life and this is a reminder to all men, in song.”
To learn more about Leighanna, follow her on Instagram @leighannaofficial.
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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.