You had a nice performance at Café Omar in New York City with Problem Child and Zoelah. How did you get started singing in St. Kitts?
I started singing in Church on the youth choir. I moved to Antigua when I was thirteen. I kept on singing at plays and talent shows. At age fifteen, I joined a band and started to take it seriously.
Which Band did you join?
John and the bald head. Most of the songs were sequence and sometimes we would have a drummer play along.
That was amazing! you were doing this at fifteen.
Oh yes, when I moved back to St. Kitts to finish High School. I competed in the Calypso competition and then went on to win the junior Calypso monarch competition. All of this helped to build my confidence.
How different is it as a solo artist versus playing with a band?
In St. Kitts, we are open to a variety of different music. We have the Creole, Soca, R & B, and Reggae. Playing with so many different bands over the years, I could pick a style and make it my own.
Who are some the bands you played with over the years?
The legend band which backs up the Calypsonians. I worked with Tribal Love band in Fort Myers, Miami area and Onion who is now Burning Flames.
You have been busy at work!
Yeah, last year I was with a band in Dominica. Doing work all over.
What type of music do you like to listen to?
I like the groovy Soca. I even listen to country. [Laughs] I like groovy Soca because it is not too fast or slow.
Where was your favorite place to visit and perform?
It was a festival in the park in Calgary, Canada. I played for about 12,000 people. They were like, who is that, Onika? God bless her soul. She is not with us anymore, I felt so good to be compared to her.
My favorite tune is Ridin’. Maybe because I am West Indian man with a dirty mind. [laughs] I have a different explanation about the meaning of this tune. Tell me about your explanation of this song?
I wrote the lyrics years ago back in 95 or 97. I was going to call the song biker girl. For some reason, I am really into bikes. For years the song was sitting there. A couple years ago, I picked it up and start writing more to the song. I decided to name it Ridin'. I knew Caribbean people would twist it and make it nasty. [Laughs] I also knew it would be catchy.
I love the song because I can create whatever I want in my own mind. [laughs]
Exactly!
I was talking to Cameron [CEO Black Roots] the other day he said no man, “it is a motorcycle she talking about”.
There are moped bikes with all colors and shapes. [Laughs]
Who produced the song?
Parry Jack, he worked with Jamesy P, Ragga, and Bomani. He is from St. Vincent.
You have a few good tunes out. Are you preparing to do a full album?
I will be doing a compilation at the end of the year for St. Kitts Carnival.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I see myself on top with the well known artist. Not just Soca, but Reggae, and R & B. my plan is to mix it up and show the people what I am capable of. I also want to help other artist in the music industry.
You recently performed in Portland, Jamaica. How did that come about?
That was awesome. I was invited by the vice president of Patterson Youth Marathon Health Club. It is an organization which provides help to the elderly and youth in Jamaica. They assist with food, clothes, books, school uniform, and soccer shoes. She told me last year about the show. It was too late, so we decided to do it the following year. It was surprising to see the Jamaicans into Soca like that. They were ridin’ with foot in the air. They were ready for the Soca.
It is always good to hear a variety of Caribbean music display in venues like that. What is your average day like?
I spend my time I spend doing my music.
You are opening up for people like Problem Child and Zoelah. So, the road is yours. Who are you listening to in your car?
I listen to everybody, Claudette Peters, Denise Belfon, Patrice Roberts, and Destra. They all have so much talent. It is unbelievable. The females are taking over. [laughs]
How did the relationship with you and Black Roots come into fruition?
I am not really a computer person. I decided to work on my myspace page. I was looking at Jadine’s page, who is a friend of mines. She is from the Island of Montserrat. I was impressed with what she was doing. I linked with Milestone and he refer me to Black Roots. I reached out and we talked. They helped me to build up my confidence and help to push me where I am now.
What advice would you have for other artists who are trying to push their music out to the masses?
Do not give up. Keep pushing your music to people who can help you. A lot of time you might be frustrated. You have to just keep doing it.
Thanks a lot for the interview Juliette.
I want to thank you for the support and also those guys over at CTFLAVA.com