Fast Five Featuring Machaio Carter

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Photo provided by Machaio Carter.

What sparked your interest in music and art?

My father. He was definitely the biggest influence on me creatively. He was a singer, keyboardist, and producer, so growing up I was always watching him. Wanting to be like him, I naturally followed in his footsteps and that really shaped the path I’m on today.

What other careers did you consider, if any? And why did you ultimately choose not to pursue them?

I explored several career paths growing up, but the only one I ever seriously pursued outside of music was graphic design. I went on to earn an associate degree in Visual Arts and later began a BFA in Graphic Design at Barbados Community College. At the time, it felt like the practical choice, especially since I had already had an interest in design.

Music, however, was never something I was able to formally study at Queen’s College. There simply wasn’t enough interest among my peers to form a CXC music class. Around that same period, like many teenagers trying to be heard, I began acting out in school.

My parents were frequently called in, and music was increasingly viewed as a distraction rather than a genuine calling. I was told to choose something else, and I remember that moment vividly—it marked a turning point in my life.

Even while studying graphic design at the tertiary level, my heart was never fully in it. I felt constantly pulled back to my first love. I remember sitting in BFA classes with two screens open—one for coursework and the other for music production—quietly nurturing the passion I couldn’t let go of. Over time, the disconnect became impossible to ignore.

Eventually, after years of feeling unfulfilled, I made the decision to walk away from the degree and commit fully to music. It was a leap of faith, but it felt honest. From that moment on, I’ve never looked back.

What do you think makes you unique as an artist?

I don’t really see myself as just an artist—I see myself as a creative vessel, and that’s part of what makes me unique. I’ve always viewed the world differently, and I’ve learned to use that perspective as a creative advantage. My background in Visual Arts and Graphic Design plays a big role in that. It’s given me a strong eye for visuals, but more importantly, it’s expanded how I think about communication.

I no longer care about being the most technically proficient. While technique has its place, what matters more to me is emotional connection. Whether it’s music or design, my goal is the same: how do I make someone feel what I feel?

How has your work and your process changed over time?

Early on, my focus was primarily on enjoyment; now, it’s about purpose, collaboration, and serving the music.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the region’s best, both as a keyboardist and a producer—artists like Alison Hinds, Edwin Yearwood, Shontelle, Jaron Nurse, John Yarde, Mikey, and Arturo Tappin, among many others. I also serve as Musical Director for Krisirie and Lagoon Wavey, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with 2 Mile Hill alongside some of the island’s top talent.

Those experiences have shaped me more than any formal training ever could. My creative process has shifted from simply creating for the sake of it to really listening and understanding intent. That change has allowed me to work in a more structured way and develop a deeper appreciation for the art form.

Every experience has pushed me to mature—not just as a musician, but as a professional—and I’m incredibly grateful for it.

Of all of the projects you’ve worked on, which one was the most creatively fulfilling?

I’ve been fortunate to work on a range of projects that were creatively rewarding in different ways, each pushing me in its own direction, so it’s hard to single out just one.

What I can say is definitely stay locked in. I’ve got a lot of cool projects dropping this year, and I’m excited for people to finally experience them.

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K.F. Cumberbatch
K.F. Cumberbatch
An avid reader who accidentally discovered her love and talent for writing as a preteen and has loved movies for as long as she has been watching them. She stumbled into filmmaking and found her second love because she decided to read for a degree in it on a whim — kind of. Kota is the creator and producer of ZEITGEIST!

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