Destra: “I Love My Soca. I Love My God.” | The Corie Sheppard Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Destra Garcia has spent more than two decades becoming one of the defining voices and performers in soca. But behind the Queen of Bacchanal is a story of faith, family, ambition, sacrifice and an unwavering love for Caribbean culture. In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, Destra takes us from growing up as a pastor’s kid and becoming “addicted” to the applause at just 10 years old, to Roy Cape taking her under his wing, her decision to go solo and the songs that would eventually travel around the world. 👑 **WATCH THE EXTENDED VERSION ON PATREON** This YouTube episode is only part of the conversation. The **extended Destra interview is available NOW exclusively on Patreon**, with more from our conversation that didn’t make the YouTube cut. 👉 Join us on Patreon for the extended episode and more exclusive CSP content. Destra opens up about stepping away from Carnival to complete her gospel album, her relationship with God and the criticism that can come with being both deeply spiritual and the Queen of Bacchanal. We also get the stories behind some of the biggest moments of her career — including how **“It’s Carnival”** was originally intended for another artist before Machel Montano joined the record, why she once believed they were robbed of Road March, and why she now sees the song’s longevity as something far more important. Destra also talks about the true story behind **“Lucy,”** growing up in Laventille, motherhood, Roy Cape’s passing, being underestimated, building a catalogue that has lasted decades and the R&B career that almost took her outside of soca. And then there’s the Rihanna story: **“I gave Rihanna my dream and she ran with it.” 😂** **FOLLOW THE CORIE SHEPPARD PODCAST** Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coriesheppod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corieshep Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoriesheppardpodcast Like, share and subscribe to help us continue telling Caribbean stories and having conversations that entertain, educate and inspire. #Destra #DestraGarcia #Soca #TrinidadAndTobago #Caribbean #TheCorieSheppardPodcast