Why have you chosen to be an artist? What is your “raison d’être” as an artist?
I wouldn’t necessarily say that I chose to be an artist. It is something that has always been within me; a gift that I carried for as long as I could remember. Growing up in a household where both Barbadian and Trinidadian cultures were present played a significant role in shaping that part of me.
Staying up late to watch Pic O de Crop, watching the bands on television [on] Kadooment Day, even as far as learning about various calypsonians from both islands and throughout the Caribbean, and how they impacted the entertainment scene in their time. At the time I didn’t realize how much I was absorbing, but those experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for the history, culture and storytelling behind our music.
As I grew older, that artist started to reveal itself through experiences. Some [were] being in Junior Monarch, where I place[d] second and won Best HIV/Aids song, participating in [the] Miss Holetown Pageant, travelling outside of Barbados to perform, dancing for a number of artist[s], and even taking the time to enroll at the Barbados Community College, where I studied Theatre Arts.
So the artist has always been there, no matter how many things I have explored. Being an artist is where I feel most fulfilled. Whether it is through movement, music or simply creating moments that people remember.
How would you describe your artistic style or creative approach?
My artistic style is versatile, expressive and authentic to who I am. But my creative process is very personal. I genuinely need silence and solitude to create. I enjoy being in my own space away from the noise and constant stimulation, because that’s when I think clearly and listen to my own ideas. I like to sit with my thoughts, think out loud, write down my ideas and just let my imagination run wild.
Adding to that, I pull inspiration from different places. I don’t like to be confined to one thing I like to explore, but at the same time still create something that is authentic, genuine and recognizable to me.
For you as an artist, is there a work of art or an artist that resonates with you on a profound level?
To name the artists who would have resonated [with]/inspired me, we would be here all day. But I really love Alkaline. Anybody who knows Jahlyn knows I am a HUGE Alkaline fan. I also love Erykah Badu, Chrisette Michelle. Soca wise, I love Fayann Lyons, Alison Hinds, The Mighty Gabby, Red Plastic Bag. So many others.
What I take from these artists is not necessarily that I want to replicate them, but rather. how they were able to create an identity for themselves within the entertainment industry and keep their authenticity.
So many people have contributed to my journey to this day. But I must give a special mention to my mentor, Peter Ram, who has had a profound impact on my journey as an artist. Having him as a mentor has given me opportunities to experience the entertainment industry on a whole new level. Just when I thought I had all the knowledge and all the gems to move in this industry, he painted an entire new picture that really reshaped my mind.
Seeing his creative process and how he approaches his craft, the way this man does hear a beat and free style an entire song, does baffle me to this day. But he has show[n] me it isn’t only about being on stage, it is about understanding your identity, your creative process, the business, staying disciplined and being responsible for developing something that belongs to YOU and be[ing] unapologetic about it.
What does success look like to you?
For me, success isn’t about being famous. I want to be recognised for my individuality and my contribution within this space. And I guess the fame will follow after. Who knows.
Obviously, performing on major stages, representing Barbados across the world and hearing people singing my songs word for word.
I want to look back at my journey and know that I stayed true to myself while creating something meaningful and having fun while doing it.
What do you ultimately want to achieve with your work?
A long lasting career and a recognizable brand that represents who I am. Everything that I have learnt, even though learning never stops, but I am using those experiences to continue developing myself and my brand.
I desire for my music and creativity to travel beyond Barbados while still carrying the energy, culture and spirit.
I will one day add my own chapter to the story of Barbadian/Caribbean entertainment, while creating a legacy that people can feel, remember and connect with.
