Ebuzz News
Vale Vibe Lives Up to The Hype Again. Next Stop Miami Carnival.
Fashionable women showed up and showed out on Saturday morning in Trinidad, as the team behind the original Vale Vibe Breakfast Cooler Fete, dished out another epic experience.
Trinidad and Tobago’s pretty much back to normal when it comes to the entertainment scene, following pandemic period shut downs and restrictions. Now, as event promoters get the ball rolling in preparation for Carnival 2023, events like this past weekend’s Vale Vibe event, are pretty much the warm up. From as early as 6am on Saturday, fetters began showing up at Drew Manor- an incredible venue located in Santa Cruz, Trinidad. With ample parking space to facilitate even major event crowds, the ease of access and not to mention, security detail, streamlined the entrance and exit, to perfection.
This edition of the party was held in a smaller area of the venue, toward the front of the premises. A number of brands were effectively showcased within the venue, among them, Lucozade, Mount Gay Rum, Maggi and Brunswick. Prominent female DJ and promoter, Alicia D Duchess told Ebuzztt.com that this event is the prelude to the brand’s Valentine’s edition, which will be held on February 14th, 2023. She said the event would be dubbed, ‘Love and Vibes’.
On Saturday morning, the energy was unmistakeable as hundreds streamed into the venue, pulling their coolers and readying themselves for happy vibes with friends and faces they’d more than likely seen at Vale Vibe before. DJs included Selector Kerry, Nuphoric, Lord Hype and D Duchess herself. Miami Carnival coming up in October, The Original Vale Vibe will also be making its presence felt in the North American city, sharing its carnival energy with the masses out there.
Here’s how we rate the event!
Now, take a look at what you missed if you didn’t make it to Vale Vibe Breakfast Cooler this past weekend.
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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.