Manmay LaKay Magazine Issue 2 April 2018 | Page 28

their preacher so to speak, they get the
message and that I am convincing. So 
if I'm not feeling the message I cannot deliver
it effectively. I really wanted to give a good
account of myself and as I said I realize if you
want to roll with the big guns, you have to
carry yourself like a champion.  
Speaking of which, who are your Kaiso role
models?

Ashanti. I really like the Ashanti because he
has that zest, that energy. Every calypsonian
has his or her own style but there's something
about Ashanti's style that’s just so captivating.
And would you know Ashanti performed right
before me at the semi-finals?! I was like wow;
here's an opportunity to just set the stage on
fire.
 Were you intimidated?
I wasn't. If anything I think I had that extra
boost of confidence.
Outside of St. Lucia Singing Sandra from
Trinidad is my real inspiration. 10 years from
now you might hear me singing similar topics.
Because just like me, she values unity, culture
and women’s rights, etc. 
Another singer I like is Calypso Rose who is
also from Trinidad.
So as practically a newcomer you made it all
the way to finals beating out some of the
people you grew up listening to, veteran
calypsonians so to speak. Describe finals
night.
At finals, it was a lot of pressure. When you
work with people you always try to
accommodate everybody. And that can be 
The Legendary Ashanti
Photo Credit: YouTube