Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2017 | Page 66

Esmeralda Ophelia Schotman shared with Mélange . . . About her Musical Background I was born in the Netherlands into a heart warming, multicultural family where music was always playing somewhere in the house. At the age of 16, I started performing with an African Dance show and soon after started singing with a band called Los Bravos. My career then took off, as a singer, dancer, base guitar player, MC and all-rounder. I was eager to learn more about music. Over the years, I was fortunate to perform with various people and bands, such as Las Chicas Del Can (Dominican Rep.), Anita Meyer (Netherlands) Buju Banton (Jamaica), Mighty Sparrow (Trinidad) , Musical Time, Quasi and other bands in Aruba during Calypso and Road March festivals, as well as performing during Carnival parades. Entertaining hotel guests daily with my one-woman show is always a fun experience. Along the way there were a few CD’s produced as a solo artist of which a few were known Internationally such as “Ecstasy” in 1991. In 1998 I took a break from my artist career to dedicate time to my new-born daughter, and family. The dedication that’s needed and wanting to be there for her to make sure that she is well guided and protected to become a well rounded, warm, loving, caring, educated adult, was a priority for me. Then I got married and I gained another daughter - family life was good. From 2010 – 2013 I had the pleasure of doing a TV/ radio show called “Papia bai off” (talk till you drop) and also the Morning Show at Cool FM 98.8 FM Aruba which gave me a chance to let out my silly side, having fun during sketches and interviews. With music being always around me day and night, it kept giving me that bubbly feeling right underneath the surface and in 2014 I couldn’t resist it anymore. My love for performing came back out and I joined the Kawura Roots Band and the Reggae influences from my young age came running out again. The Kawura Roots Band consists of 7 members who all love reggae music and are hoping to record music in the near future.