By: Menelsa

Destra Garcia, born in Trinidad, has grown from strength to strength since her 1999 debut and the entertainer is showing no signs of slowing down — challenging herself every year, taking her music and her fans along for the exciting journey.Her music has already proved its staying power and its ability to captivate multiple markets. Destra has won fans the world over and has set the mark for high energy live sets that leave audiences wanting more.

She’s determined to achieve her dream of taking soca music to international markets. A guaranteed hit with music loving audiences everywhere, her energetic performances and eye-catching costumes commanding cameras, you might think, its easy for all her success to go to her head but Destra knows the ropes in the competitive music arena. READ MORE

Davina Henry, Staff Writer

Bacchanal J’ouvert got off to a slow start. At about 10:45 p.m., the venue was practically empty.

However, not long after, patrons began filing in, dressed for the paint in their tee shirts and shorts, most of them with their heads wrapped.

People lymed and danced while others scampered to the Bacchanal booth to get some of the giveaways.

An hour later, the emcee, ZJ Bambino, took to the stage to kick off the night’s proceedings. DJ Ryan from Trinidad got the crowd amped up with songs such as Palance by JW and Blase, Miss Behave by Fay Ann Lyons and Throw Wine by Prophet Banjamin.

The patrons were ready to party as was evidenced by their gyrating, wining and waving of flags in the air.

It was just minutes after midnight when Bambino and DJ Ryan kicked the show into high gear. Bambino invited the Appleton girls onstage with the Jamaican flag to provide entertainment for the patrons. There was also brief laughter when Bambino remarked, “thank God, you have green in the flag.”

The ‘Bacchanalists’ were then ready to ‘get on bad’ when songs like Pon The Floor by Vybz Kartel, Wotless by Kes The Band, 6:30 by Skinny Fabulous and Go Dung by Lil Rick and Machel Montano were played.

One of the night’s biggest response came when DJ Ryan dropped Bruk It Down by Mr Vegas. Patrons were on the ground wining, gyrating to prove who could ‘bruk it down’ the best.

Bambino then called onstage a fluffy young lady, who thoroughly entertained the crowd with her antics.

Hit after hit

The feature performer for the night, Destra Garcia, took to the stage at 1 a.m., dressed in a white and sequin form-fitting romper and sporting blonde hair. At this point, patrons started to move closer to the stage area. She reeled off hits such as Cool It Down, I Dare You, Wine It and Max It Up.

Destra also remarked that she heard that “some people were saying that this year’s Beach J’Ouvert was the best, but I thought last year’s J’Ouvert was the best,” she said jokingly. READ MORE

For the most part, entertainers have erratic schedules that can prevent them from pursuing interests and, though in good spirits and engaging, Trinidad & Tobago’s high-energy soca artist, Destra Garcia, was understandably subdued when she arrived in Toronto last Good Friday for a series of events that included a photo shoot, a CD signing and an appearance at the Polson Pier’s Fire Fete.

She had fasted 40 days and was looking forward to her first big meal.

Raised in a spiritual family, this was the first Lent that Garcia did not perform on stage. Her last appearance prior to Saturday night was the Champs of Steel Plus event on February 25 in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago.

“My parents are churchgoers and they observe Lent,” she told Share. “As a member of a band you have to think about the other members. I, however, took control this year and opted not to perform. I am blessed and grateful for many of the things I have achieved in life and I don’t think it’s asking too much to give up some of the things you are accustomed to for 40 of the 365 days in a year.” READ MORE

Today, Destra spent the day with the group from the Strategic Learning & Special Education Institute group, to help in celebrating their Family and Fun Day.  The Strategic Learning and Special Education Institute, a private institution in Trincity and it works with special needs children.  The organization was found in 2000 and has been registered with the Ministry of Education since 2005.

Nonetheless, today’s Family Fun Day,  was by far an overall success, with happy smiles seen from all directions.

We’ve posted a few pics from the day below, as our way of  sharing today’s magic with you!

CONTRIBUTOR: Camille Scott

Since the release of her album ‘MyDestra.com’ fans have been praising Destra for her versatility and the album’s high production quality. Since the album’s release the singer who gave fans ‘Link Up’ in 2012, released her gospel track ‘Walk with me” which many admit showcases her true talent. Some have even said the track reaffirms her position as one of the best voices in the Caribbean’ music industry.READ MORE

Purchase your Fire Fete ticket and your ticket number will be entered into a draw to win an afternoon with Destra Garcia – April 7

Event to take place at Harlem Underground, Queen St Location, 745 Queen St West, Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1G1

Walk With Me by Destra Garcia

For those of you that I have been in communication with for a while or those of you who follow me on Twitter, you know that in addition to being a soca artiste and mother, I am also a very spiritual person.  I take seriously the business of thanking God for the gifts he has given me (life, family, friends, health, etc…). So, as we are in the season of lent, I have taken to fasting, reflecting and praying; keeping top of mind the things that matter most and make me focused. As you read this, I would love to hear how all of you observe the season and if you don’t, that’s ok too; you can share your thoughts on how you get into that focused and reflective mindset.

To close this post, I am embedding a song off of my new album called Walk With Me. It is the gospel track off of the current album and very relevant to my current mindset.  I hope you enjoy it!

Bless and give thanks.

Love Destra