Ebuzz News
Archived: Tribe Reflects Ahead Of Tenth Year- Parties Till Dawn At The Paddock.
Tribe will deliver 12 beautiful sections in 2014. This is Navajo.
Saturday night in Trinidad and Tobago was all about Carnival Tribe. Scores came out to the Queen’s Park Savannah for the unveiling of what would be a walk down memory lane for the band, which first emerged in 2004 as part of the big band Poison, with its section dubbed simply, Tribe. In that section, which was designed and produced by Monique Nobrega and her sister, Lana Nobrega, feathers ruled and the Fancy Indian intrigued. Even veteran mas man, Peter Minshall gave the creators the thumbs up for the section’s vibrancy and authenticity, coupled with the energy of the portrayal from the section’s masqueraders. This past Saturday night as the media bore witness to a private viewing of the sections, prior to the main showcase, Tribe’s leading man, Dean Ackin said the past decade in the business of mas has been an amazing learning experience for both himself and his team.
Tribe pays tribute to its humble beginning in 2004, in its 10th anniversary next year. This is Dream Catcher.
Among those spotted taking in the showcase of beautiful costumes were Project Runway Season 9 winner, T&T designer Anya Ayoung Chee who conceptualised and designed the Cheyenne costume in the band’s 12 section collection. Also on hand on Saturday night was comedian, Rachel Price who took to Facebook after the event to announce that Trini drivers are a crazy bunch, this after having had to deal with the severe traffic situation that presented itself following the event. Legacy’s Big Mike Antoine and his wife, Juliet- always supportive of their fellow mas men and women, were also present on Saturday, as was CNC3’s Sampson Nanton, among others. Tribe, never to be outdone, delivered what could only be described as the perfect party atmosphere both before the main launch and after. Tribe supporters came out in their numbers as has become the norm and the atmosphere was nothing short of carnivalesque- signaling that the energy of the season has certainly reared its head.
Tribe in 2014 will showcase the following 12 sections, all of which will epitomize elements of the Fancy Indian, paying homage to the band’s breakthrough year in 2004. Question is… which will you choose?
HERE’S THE LIST OF COSTUMES:
- Cheyenne Anya Ayoung Chee
- Comanche Sunset Melissa James
- Dreamcatcher Anya Elias
- Hawkeye Solange Shaw- Gopaul
- Rain Dancer Monique Nobreiga
- Mohican Valmiki Maharaj
- Navajo Gail Cabral
- Silver Moon Gail Cabral
- Sioux Gail Cabral
- Spirit Seeker Ruane Booker
- Tribal Warrior Monique Nobreiga
- War Chant Lana Nobreiga
To see more of what you may have missed on Saturday night, CLICK HERE.
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.