Ebuzz News
The Biggest Party in Sport Will Be Epic. COLLABR and CPL Set to Create A New Regional Superstar in 2025.
A premium sporting experience in the Caribbean demands an equally desirable entertainment experience, and one of the world’s biggest tournaments – the Caribbean Premiere League is gearing up to offer an opportunity of a lifetime to several up-and-coming artistes. “I’m happy that CPL has given me the opportunity to use their platform to make this a reality,” said global cricket sensation, Dwayne Bravo. He is the founder of the COLLABR app – a digital space that offers creatives exactly what’s needed to foster development in the Caribbean music industry.
With the CPL kicking off on August 14th through September 21st, Bravo approached organisers for a collaboration that would include the integration of the COLLABR app as a scouting tool for new talent across the region. The owner of 47 Productions in Trinidad and Tobago, Bravo, who is also a music enthusiast, has spent millions creating a state-of-the-art music engineering studio in Port-of-Spain, which works to his advantage in the execution of the COLLABR project. His vision is simple – “In one of my meetings with CPL I told them we cannot just put on a contest and have a winner and that’s it – you never hear about the artistes again. We have to be able to monitor the artistes, help the artistes from a financial point of view and from a branding and marketing point of view. Our vision is to create the next regional music sensation,” he said.
Response to the competition has already been encouraging and Bravo says the goal is to offer other undiscovered talent the opportunity that his artiste, Ronzy – a Trinidad and Tobago singer, received a couple years ago. “Discovering Ronzy through the COLLABR app and seeing the talent that she has – she is from Couva – nobody would’ve known that this talented person was there in Couva trying different avenues to be seen or heard, and because of this app, I was able to identify her,” he said, adding, “She is now the face of the COLLABR app. She has gotten the opportunity to work with people like Sizzla and Buju and this year she worked with Machel, Patrice, Lyrikal and Rupee on the Pineapple riddim. In a short space of time she was able to create a name for herself. That was something she would not have even imagined,” said Bravo, explaining that this has since fueled his passion to find more undiscovered talent in the region and bring them into the spotlight.
[ Photos: 47 Ronzy and Dwayne Bravo in studio at 47 Productions ]
The competition will see these artistes who are chosen via COLLABR, based on votes and reviews, hit stages across the Caribbean region, and be seen globally via the televised streaming of the entire CPL experience. “My production company will, at the end, offer free production on two songs, after the tournament, to ensure that the artistes are promoted and kept relevant. This is CPL and 47 Productions investing in these artistes,” he reiterated.
The performances will take place during the half time show of each match during the CPL tournament. Bravo explained that the COLLABR artistes will perform before the bigger artistes, offering them the necessary exposure. “To all the unknown artistes out there, this is your moment to really show your talent to the world and an opportunity like this, you don’t want to miss it. Because of this app, I was able to discover Ronzy and she is gold,” he said heartily, making it clear that he genuinely believes many more talented people are just waiting to be discovered.
The Caribbean Premiere League is dubbed the biggest party in sport. Sponsored by Republic Bank, the tournament is an annual Twenty20 cricket tournament held throughout the islands and sees six teams vie for the championship in Caribbean cricket. Undoubtedly a party atmosphere across the region with every match, CPL Twenty20 this year, will be further energized with the inclusion of COLLABR and Dwayne Bravo’s dedicated effort to unveil new talent in a major way.
Ebuzz News
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Caribbean Buzz
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.