Destra Garcia Receives National Award, Says She Finally Feels Seen

Soca artiste Destra Garcia says receiving a national award has left her feeling humbled, grateful and, most importantly, “seen” after nearly 27 years in the music industry.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Garcia reflected on her journey from humble beginnings in Laventille to becoming one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most recognised soca artistes.

“I feel humbled. I feel grateful. I feel seen,” Garcia said.

She said she grew up with big dreams and a strong sense of patriotism, with a love for pan and calypso that began long before her professional music career.

“I came from humble beginnings. I’m from Laventille and proudly so,” she said.

Garcia recalled watching the National Awards as a child without imagining that she would eventually be among those honoured for pursuing her passion for music and soca.

She said the recognition was particularly meaningful because of the conversations that have surrounded her career over the years.

“Everybody always talks about, ‘Oh, you don’t have a Road March, you don’t have a this, you don’t have a that.’ Today I feel seen,” Garcia said.

She thanked Trinidad and Tobago for recognising her work and said the achievement demonstrated that hard work pays off.

Garcia also reflected on what her position means for women and younger generations, saying she did not always fully embrace being described as a role model when she was younger.

Now older and a mother, she said she has become more conscious of the example she sets and the messages she shares.

Garcia said she wants women, particularly her daughter, to see her journey from Laventille, her resilience, passion and continued growth as evidence of what can be achieved.

She added that she hopes the next generation will aspire to go even further.

“I would hope that the ladies that are looking at me today could say, ‘Wow, Destra is doing it and I want to do it better than her,’ because we want the next generation to be better than the one before,” she said.

Garcia described her daughter as her biggest fan and said becoming a mother helped her recognise the responsibility that comes with being a mentor to others.

She encouraged women to develop confidence, educate themselves, remain strong and recognise their own worth.

“You are all beautiful and you are enough. You are enough,” Garcia said. “Great things happen when you believe in yourself.”

Article and image source: facebook.com