Ebuzz News
YUMA Welcomes Chocolate City Mas to Awakened Treasure.
One of Trinidad and Tobago’s most well reputed J’ouvert and International mas brands, Chocolate City Mas, is delving into bigger things ahead of Carnival 2023.
Earlier this month, Chocolate City’s committee signed off on a deal with Carnival Masquerade band, YUMA, cementing its association on the ‘big mas’ scene. “It’s a major move for us,” said Larry Williams, President of Chocolate City Mas U.S. Together with Zarin Morean, President of Chocolate City J’ouvert in T&T, Williams and the rest of the committee now prime up for T&T Carnival 2023. The duo and their committee are eager to deliver to Trinidad and Tobago, new promotional efforts that could boost tourism through what they believe will be an equally beneficial partnership all the way around.
Ahead of next year’s carnival in T&T, Chocolate City, via this exciting association with YUMA, will promote Carnival particularly to its international market, offering dynamic promotions and exclusive offers on the road with YUMA, via a code, which will be exclusive to Chocolate City customers.
Both Williams and Morean agree that the Chocolate City brand has done well over the years, in T&T and overseas. Now, they’re excited to offer something that includes the pretty mas dynamic in Trinidad and Tobago. YUMA Director, Tanya Gomes says the entire team at YUMA is happy to welcome Chocolate City. “We’re thrilled and excited to be partnering with Chocolate City Mas. Carnival 2023 promises to be the mother of all Carnivals. As you know, Carnival in T&T has been dormant for 2 years (that’s 730 days and approximately 17,520 hours), and now, the Carnival spirit has awakened. We’re happy to partner with Chocolate City, an entity that matches our energy, vibe and spirit. Good things are coming!”
On Saturday, June 25th, YUMA launched 12 sections under the theme, Awakened Treasure. “Every section will be available to every customer who purchases via the Chocolate City code. We’ll be packaging the sections with unique additions that’ll offer increased satisfaction to masqueraders,” assured the Chocolate City team.
Carnival 2023, set for February 20th and February 21st, the journey to delivering on this promise, is now underway. Chocolate City’s committee assures that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that everyone who buys into YUMA, via Chocolate City, returns each year thereafter.
Ebuzz News
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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.