Ebuzz News
Archived: Trinidad and Tobago's Positive Secures His Spot on The Billboard Charts
Positive’s album, “Stand and Be Counted” has debuted at #9 on the Billboard reggae charts.
There’s a genuine sense of pride being expressed across Trinidad and Tobago these days. On the heels of a bit of great news in the soca music industry, all with India taking notice of soca music, a gospel reggae artiste from the island is making inroads to infect the world with his brand of music. Last week, word came that Tobagonian act, Positive, released a new album that immediately debuted at #9 on the Billboard Reggae chart.
“It is absolutely remarkable to be charting on Billboard and I’m ecstatic because of what this means for Gospel reggae and for the music of Trinidad and Tobago on a whole,” said the artiste. “It isn’t just for me but also for everyone who supports Gospel, and good music – we are in the top 10 of Billboard‘s Reggae Albums chart. The entire globe is listening so we will keep sending inspiring messages as we seek to make a positive difference in the world. This is a call to Stand And Be Counted,” he said, quoting the album’s name. As low key as he may be, the artiste who burst onto the music scene in T&T with his hit single, “Never Let Go”, has since released three albums and has been dubbed an ambassador for the island of Tobago. He’s also had the opportunity to share the stage with renowned artistes like Mary Mary, Israel Houghton, Deitrick Hadden, Vashawn Mitchell and even reggae crooners like Buju Banton, Morgan Heritage, Jah Cure and others.
Positive is calling on you to Stand and Be Counted.
The album also debuted at #1 on the iTunes Trinidad and Tobago national Top Albums chart and peaked at #21 on the iTunes U.S. Reggae Top Albums chart. It is currently featured on the iTunes U.S. Reggae section, receiving a top banner on the Reggae page since its release on May 5.
Stand And Be Counted sees collaborations with American Gospel star Jonathan McReynolds on its lead track “All Over The World,” which is co-produced by pop-reggae producer Dwayne “Supa Dups” Chin-Quee, and American Christian pop singer V. Rose on “Scars.”
It also boasts production from stellar names in pop, Gospel, reggae and soca music, including aforementioned Grammy-winning Supa Dups and Grammy-nominated producer Jason “J-Vibe” Farmer, soca heavy-hitter Precision Productions along with JLab Pro and Deer Panteth Productions from Trinidad, and Barbwiya Music of Jamaica, all joining forces with Positive, who produced the majority of the album for his own imprint Bricksvale Records.
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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.