Ebuzz News
Teja’s ‘Mas’ Exceeds Expectation. Young Road March King Brings Real Good Vibes.
Mical Teja may very well go down as one of the most influential entertainers of this generation in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. His music, never failing, has infectiously mesmerized audiences, with some verses and choruses though written for others, distinctly carrying his flavorful vibe. Now, as January 2025 makes its exit and the season of revelry intensifies in Trinidad and Tobago, all eyes are on the hit-maker, many eager to see if he will in fact secure a second Road March win, or better yet, become so undeniably integral to the culture, that no promoter, anywhere, could resist hiring him.
In 2024, Mical Teja performed around the world, his hits, ‘DNA’ and ‘Runaway’ sending crowds in a frenzy. This year, he is pretty much doing the same with ‘Energy’ and ‘Higher Power.’
On Sunday, January 26th, at the Normandie Hotel in St. Ann’s, Trinidad, Teja hosted ‘MAS’ The Experience, a showcase that promoted him even higher, if that is in fact possible. Supported by the illustrious, Brian MacFarlane, creativity stood out front, beckoning eyes, ears and all other senses, in a moment in Carnival 2025 that will be remembered by many.
Prior to last season, Mical Teja was often quiet and reserved in the background. He hopped on the scene as a producer and songwriter, but when 2024 came around, the world would come to know him as a performer. His elevation was supported by artistes like Viking Ding Dong, Kees Dieffenthaller, and others who were impacted by his creativity over the years. Teja had written for Machel Montano, Destra Garcia, Olatunji Yearwood, Kerwin DuBois, Patrice Roberts, Nailah Blackman and countless others, prior. Now, infected by the stage and the excitement of it all, he is back on stage in 2025, pouring his heart and soul into all that he does.
On Sunday, Teja made his way to the stage at around 8:30pm, amid a true cultural explosion – Jab and blue devils on full display, making their way through the thick crowd who’d come out in support. In the background, heavy riddim echoed, bringing fans to loud outbursts of appreciation. Teja would go on to sing his 2025 hit, ‘Higher Power’ backed by dancers who showcased special choreography to suit the song, bringing immeasurable impact on stage.
The event featured a number of performers, among them Coutain, Kees Dieffenthaller, Kris Kennedy, Anika Berry, Farmer Nappy, Freetown Collective, GBM Nutron, Nadia Batson, FullBlown and Yung Bredda. “They are some of the writers on some of the biggest soca songs,” he had said of Fullblown, as he thanked them for joining him at MAS- The Experience. “To see this – y’all making full circle – brothers, this is allyuh time,” he said to the siblings who, like him, have ventured to the stage after years of writing songs for other artistes.
Undoubtedly appreciated by his peers, Teja was warmly greeted and his energy matched each time he introduced a new artiste. When Freetown Collective took the stage with him to single, “Mas Cone Again,” the moment was pure, real, tangible. Freetown would go on to take charge of the perfectly in tuned and alive audience, delivering his 2025 hit single, “Come Home,” – a song that has echoed the feelings, though sometimes willingly subdued, of the real Trinbagonian patriot.
The energy of this year’s MAS – The Experience may never be truly replicated, but it is certain that Mical Teja, Brian MacFarlane and team have delivered to patrons, a slice of carnival that has been missing – something true, fresh and authentic.
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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.