Destra - the music, the mission

For many years, Destra Garcia has been working to make a name for herself in the music industry. In spite of challenges along the way, she is now one of the biggest soca entertainers and songwriters in the world. Born in Trinidad, Destra has grown from strength to strength since her 1999 debut and continues to take her music to higher places.

For Destra, the possibilities for success are limitless and she is in full pursuit. She has won fans over all across the world and has proven naysayers wrong, with music and lyrics that have gained accolades and have endured years after production. She is well known for her high-energy performances and her strong vocals.

"I strongly believe that as I grow in this industry, I am learning more and more every day," says Destra. "I am learning about myself, resistance, persistence and spirituality, all of which I rely heavily on in my career."

Jamaica is not new to Destra, who has been to the island for countless performances. This Thursday, September 27, Destra will be the sole female performer at the Arthur Guinness concert to be held at the National Indoor Sports Centre. The event is being held in celebration of the life and legacy of Arthur Guinness, the creator of the famous brew, Guinness. No doubt she has a fantastic show planned for Guinness-lovers.

With a catalogue of nine albums, Destra will have no shortage of material to deliver at the event.

"I have to choose wisely to deliver a compact show and give the crowd something that they will remember. I am definitely going to mash up the place," she said.

"I know the story of who Arthur Guinness was. So, for me, it's not just about coming and singing and jumping and waving and whatever. I do that naturally," she said.

Destra has won many awards and accreditations, some of which include 15 soca awards and five COTT awards, three of which were best female songwriter from 2004-2007 and best pan song in 2006. She remains the most-requested female Soca artists of the Caribbean and the world. She has also copped Best Female Soca Performer at the IRAWMA awards.

Another great accomplishment for the lady of many talents is the acquisition of having her own band, which has worked well for her over recent years.

Ultimately, Destra is determined to achieve her dream of taking soca music to international markets.

Focused

Being a guaranteed hit with music-loving audiences everywhere, you might think it's easy for the success to consume her, but Destra knows the ropes in the competitive music arena.

Destra is focused on the bigger picture. She wants to continue making hits and pleasing her fans.

"When I get on the stage, I do what I do to entertain the people and trust me, they are going to be entertained as always. But I also want to know what the event is about, why are all these people here, why is it important to them so that it can also be important to me, so when I put on the show I feel it, not just do it," she added.

The eldest of four siblings, Destra was raised in the community of Desperlie Crescent, Laventille, in eastern Port-of-Spain. She discovered her love for singing and music while in secondary school and has won the Calypso Monarch title for five consecutive years. Another feat that very few artistes can boast is that they composed all their songs. Destra's musical roots came from her grandfather the late Frankie Garcia, an island jazz musician, and her father Lloyd Garcia, who is an accomplished guitarist.

Destra is famous for her style, and has captivated audiences during her performances with her radical clothing choices, consisting primarily of revealing clothing such as tight, short pants, and low-cut bra tops. Onstage, Destra is wild and explosive in her movements and vocals, sometimes seemingly performing in her own world due to her passion.

From a new glam hairstyle, to her bold, risqué wardrobe, Destra's new look has been described as one which "is going to rock the town and will be a fashion force to reckon with." Let's wait and see what she brings to the Arthur Guinness event.