Ebuzz News
Trinidad and Tobago Personality, Hans DesVignes Delivers ‘Hans On’ for The Culture.
The name Hans DesVignes has over the years become synonymous with Trinidad and Tobago’s radio and television landscape. A media personality and professional host who has proven his worth across spectrums, DesVignes delivers crossover appeal time and time again. Now, he’s on to something new, necessary and exciting. He gets hands on with something he’s passionate about, something that has already begun to bring smiles to the faces of culture loves everywhere.
A reflective posture amid a pandemic that changed the lives of millions around the world, including cultural stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago, birthed a new project, aptly dubbed, “Hans On.”
The production of a television series that would delve head first into the heartache, frustration and glimmers of hope amid Covid, became as necessary, as it was urgent. “Our stories weren’t being told. It was clear to me that nobody was telling the stories of our entertainers and other people in entertainment, who left our country to pursue income overseas during the pandemic,” said DesVignes. He lamented that there was hardly enough mainstream media coverage to the plights of the country’s cultural ambassadors and other representatives.
In September 2021, Hans joined his entertainment cohorts, flying out to the United States prepared to collect their stories. From Carib Fest in Virginia, to meeting up with Kees Dieffenthaller and his band ahead of their ‘IZWE’ concert in New York, a chat with Boston Caribbean-centric promoter, Scoops Way on his efforts to promote Caribbean culture, Farmer Nappy’s Miami showcase, DJ Private Ryan’s pandemic experience, the Miami Carnival Experience and so much more, Hans accrued the necessary content to bring those back home, up to speed on what was truly happening with their people, outside.
“I felt like these stories really needed to be told and not just the stories of singers, but the stories of all the other people who do it for us – DJs, promoters and every other professional who keeps our culture in focus even when no one is giving them the attention they deserve,” said DesVignes.
Now, a deal signed with local network, TTT allows the media personality to shine the light on all that has happened during the pandemic and onward. “The great thing about Hans On is that it can go in any direction from here,” he said. The 4- minute feature airs each Wednesday at 7:30am, on the NOW Morning Show on TTT. Even with all that, Hans says he’s far from finished, teasing yet another project he’s calling H&S. That, he says will take on a talk show format, something he knows will add immensely to what’s already being offered in T&T.
Hard at work on the upcoming venture, and having created, produced and hosted ‘Hans On’, Hans is leveraging passion and purpose. He’s got a keen sense of hope and pride in a culture that has lived in him for as long as he can remember.
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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.