Ebuzz News
Archived: The Motto That Made Soca’s Newest Sensation, A Millionaire
He may have never thought he’d become a millionaire overnight. At 23, he’s the youngest soca artiste out of the Caribbean to have secured the big win many others have yearned to attain, but haven’t. Voice, Trinidad and Tobago’s reigning Soca Monarch champ says bookings are coming in fast and furious and this afternoon en route to St. Vincent, the young “Winner” says he’ll be heading to Barbados, the Bahamas and New York before returning to Trinidad and Tobago.
He collected his Soca Monarch prize money yesterday- a hefty $1 million TT dollars. All smiles, Voice said his mom would be making some investments on his behalf, going forward. “She handles the financial aspect of things,” he assured. There was no talk of a fancy car or a lavish home- just “investments”. Still in school, Voice told EBUZZTT his final year had to be split in two, so that he’ll actually be graduating in 2017. He’s studying Theatre Arts.
Music a constant on his mind, the millionaire explained that he’s been working on some international ‘things’, but wouldn’t reveal much else, only that he wouldn’t be straying too far away from his soca roots. He has plans to hit various summer music festivals in the Americas and Europe. For a young artiste, it seems quite ambitious, but according to this youth, “there’s nothing such as failure, just preparation for future success.” It’s a motto he lives by and hopes other young people, especially at home in T&T and the Caribbean, will understand and incorporate into their lives.
In T&T, many young men are dying. He acknowledged this in his interview with us but was quick to suggest better communication tactics, as a possible solution. “The authorities and adults generally need to communicate better with the youths. I think that’s key to bridging the gaps. It’s not always about criticising. It’s about finding out why, and then we can find out how to solve the problem,” said the young soca star.
“I’ve been going without sleep,” he confessed in our chat. He may be exhausted but his motto, “There’s nothing such as failure, just preparation for future success,” keeps him going. He’s definitely preparing for big things and with songs already set and ready for T&T’s carnival 2017, including a Power Soca track, Voice will likely be enjoying continued success and maybe more millions, in the year ahead.
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.