Welcome to the first edition of the Women of Soca series, where we shine the spotlight on women in the male dominated soca world who have not only become a tremendous influence on the genre, but on the culture as well! At the end of each blog, expect to see our Fete Expert Picks, which is a list of songs that we feel are timeless, has made or will make a lasting impact in music and on the culture, and highlights the artist's personality. 

It is without question that Destra Garcia is a soca icon. Both on and off the stage, she always finds a way to keep things fresh by bringing new sounds and looks to the soca scene. During an over twenty year span, soca music has transformed and revolutionized the music scene of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean as a whole. Her career catapulting song 'Carnival' which featured Machel Montano, still gives soca and carnival lovers chills and feelings of nostalgia. Some of her other early songs like 'I Dare You','Fly', 'Max It Up' and 'Bonnie & Clyde', are certified soca classics!

Destra is also well known for her ground breaking collaborations. 'Come Beta' featuring Shurwayne Winchester is another song that elevated her career. However, the collaboration between Destra, Allison Hinds, and Denise Belfon deserves some more shine. Before 'Obsessive Winers' in 2009 , it was hard to name any soca song that featured more than one woman on a song together. Each of them brought their unique styles, voices, and personalities to create something powerful. In our opinion, this song proves that women can and are a driving force in the soca world-- Carnival and soca are woman! Some newer Destra favourites among the masses include songs like 'Technically' featuring Farmer Nappy, "Closer", and " Just A Little Bit". 

Although soft spoken, Destra clearly has a more extroverted side. And might we add! Destra is not afraid to flaunt what she's got and experiment with new looks. She consistently proves that she is still a force to be reckoned with by keeping her outfits, hairstyles and makeup looks risky and youthful. As early as 2002, she wore a sheer  nude bodysuit with strategically placed vines and leaves that caused all of Trinidad and Tobago to stop in traffic -- this is well before sheer bodysuits became a thing among younger music artists of today.

As one of the leading ladies of soca, Destra knows how to build authentically and is heavily active on social media. Her daily interactions with fans allows her to connect and cultivate a community around her music. Through her music, Destra is one force behind the slow but steady change regarding how women, especially Caribbean women are perceived by themselves and by others. Although she has yet to win a road march title for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival or an International Soca Monarch, there is no questioning that she is one of the most consistent soca artistes in the industry -- a verified soca veteran.

1. Just A Little Bit -  https://open.spotify.com/track/4swKkhCf3hmiXEFYFnUs5w 
2. Call My Name - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtnC4r6Arhk 
3. Bonnie & Clyde - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DieuVqLUnPs 
4. Gyal Bubble - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqmGZVcSHw0 
5. Stress Reliever (with Kerwin Du Bois) - https://open.spotify.com/track/4pQxriFr6l5lQMjXA88TDk 
6. Obsessive Winers - https://open.spotify.com/track/6AecXpiNETPx olGCC6Z5YU    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjUNhITPEnA 
7. Come Beta (Shurwayne Winchester feat. Destra) -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCgh_ld4bBk 
8. Too Bad ( With Nessa Preppy) - https://open.spotify.com/track/4BLKFgL3gLlXa92x8pQWXv 
9. Carnival (ft. Machel Montano) - https://open.spotify.com/track/1onPy0sa2R4jqSx5zFlEff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWfqn9lPT9A       
10. I Dare You - https://open.spotify.com/track/6JCm0aU8GlfiwyWzha3eHL