Ebuzz News
The Countdown Has Begun to A Barclays Shell Down Like No Other. Machel Is On His Way.
Soca superstar Machel Montano has been busy over the past couple weeks, this as he hits various destinations with his ‘One Degree Hotter’ tour. The Taipan of the art form which originated in Trinidad and Tobago, and has since spread across the Caribbean region, will deliver his special brand of energy at Barclay’s Centre in Brooklyn, later this month.
PHOTO: Anil Mathi
In July, Machel and the Monk band performed at Tipsy Music Festival in Barbados and the Caribbean Melting Pot in Antigua. The tour will see him hit destinations like Toronto, Anguilla, Washington, Miami and of course, Brooklyn New York. The highly anticipated, Planet Brooklyn mega show is set to ignite New York on August 24th ahead of Labour Day celebrations within the West Indian community. “I’m beyond excited to be apart of Planet Brooklyn. It’s an honor to bring the energy of soca back to the borough and to the iconic Barclays Center,” said Machel. He noted that Brooklyn has always felt like a second home to him, explaining, “The vibes, the culture, the people — there’s nothing like it. Every time I step on that stage in New York, especially in a place as electric as Barclays Center it’s a celebration of Caribbean spirit and unity.”
Founded by BSE Global, Planet Brooklyn seeks to celebrate and highlight artists who represent the cultural and creative diversity found within the borough of Brooklyn and the varied genres of music they represent. The two day festival- a first of its kind, hits New York with a slate of both free and ticketed musical performances across three iconic entertainment venues in the borough – Barclays Center, Brooklyn Paramount and BAM – on Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24.
Stars of Soca, Dancehall, Chutney, Zess and Afrobeats will take the stage at Planet Brooklyn, with the one and only, Machel Montano headlining Barclays on Sunday, August 24th. Jamaica’s Ayetian and Skillbeng, along with T&T’s Bunji Garlin, Lady Lava, Ravi B, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Problem Child and Skinny Fabulous. The event will be hosted by Majah Hype and feature, Travis World.
Brooklyn at the Heartbeat of Caribbean Culture.
With more than 150 distinct cultural identities in Brooklyn, the borough stands as one of the most culturally diverse communities in the world. Planet Brooklyn will reflect the unique role Brooklyn plays to influence music and culture globally, while fostering togetherness and uplifting local artists and businesses that make up the heart of the borough.
“When putting together the lineup for Planet Brooklyn, it was paramount that our performers reflected the incredible diversity of Brooklyn itself — a true mosaic of cultures, sounds, and stories,” said DeJuan Wilson, Chief Products and Experiences Officer at BSE. “Our goal is that Planet Brooklyn will further elevate and celebrate those unique voices, bringing together artists who represent the heartbeat of this borough, and we are excited for everyone to experience a festival that’s as vibrant and dynamic as Brooklyn itself.”
In addition to musical performances, Planet Brooklyn will include a free two-day block party in the streets near the three participating venues, designed to connect the festival’s flagship venues with a continuous flow of music, movement, and culture through the streets of Downtown Brooklyn. The block party will be comprised of local food vendors and merchants that also reflect the diversity and creativity of the borough. Open both Aug. 23 and Aug. 24, the block party will also feature multiple stages where attendees can enjoy free performances from a range of artistes and other creatives.
The Planet Brooklyn Brand
Planet Brooklyn is produced alongside Multiply Creative, a cultural marketing and experiential agency founded in Brooklyn with a mission to create meaning and evoke emotion through narrative and creative expression, designing moments that have a profound cultural impact. Planet Brooklyn is part of series of year-long events, programs and partnerships participating in New York City Tourism + Conventions’ Founded By NYC campaign, marking the 400th anniversary of New York City. BKMag is the supporting media partner of Planet Brooklyn. Visit www.planetbrooklynfest.com or follow Planet Brooklyn on all social media platforms at @planetbkfest to learn more.
Ebuzz News
‘I Am Legend’ Concert Promoter, Glenroy Watson Has Passed Away.
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.