‘Little Miss Arima’: A Tribute to Her Roots and Heritage

Caribbean music star Vanessa “Nessa Preppy” John has released her sophomore album, ‘Little Miss Arima’, an evocative tribute to her hometown and heritage. The album, named after Arima, the town where she was raised in Trinidad and Tobago, takes listeners through her roots, cultural heritage, and personal evolution.

This project further solidifies her presence as a powerful voice in Caribbean music. ‘Little Miss Arima’ isn’t just a sonic journey — it’s also a visual homage. The album’s artwork beautifully reflects Nessa Preppy’s cultural heritage as a direct descendant of the First People of Trinidad and Tobago. The artwork celebrates and honours her ancestral lineage and is a tribute to her ancestors and identity. It is a reflection of the strength and beauty of our First People.

The 13-track album showcases a unique blend of genres, blending soca, dancehall, and island-infused rhythms. Collaborations with local and regional artistes M1, Lady Lava, Jahllano, Freetown Collective, Vghn, and Yung Bredda bring an authentic Caribbean flavour, each artist lending their distinct voice to the vibrant storytelling. Each track captures the heartbeat of Arima, weaving together stories of unity, resilience, and celebration that are intrinsic to Caribbean culture and Nessa’s identity.

Now, Nessa invites listeners to delve deeper into her roots with this new collection, a personal homage to her Arima upbringing, lifestyle, and the energy that drives her artistry.

“With Little Miss Arima, I wanted to create a love letter to my hometown — to my roots and the community that raised me,” Nessa Preppy shares.

“These songs reflect who I am and the journey I’ve taken to be here, and I’m thrilled to share that journey with my fans.”

The album is being distributed by Trinidad and Tobago based record label Monk Music, and is part of their Soundbridge project, which is specifically designed to foster innovation and inclusivity in the local music industry. Soundbridge is being implemented as part of the Shaping The Future of Innovation project. Shaping the Future of Innovation (STFOI) is a project of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the European Union (EU) and IDB LAB in collaboration with the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) as the executing agency. STFOI is funded by the European Union and the IDB LAB.

Available now on all major digital platforms, Little Miss Arima invites fans to experience the energy and the pulse of the Caribbean like never before. Nessa’s distinctive sound and cultural pride position her as a transformative artist, redefining Caribbean music with her authenticity and passion. Nessa continues to experiment with her music while adding global appeal to Caribbean culture.

Stream/ download the album anywhere music is available

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Vanessa “Nessa Preppy” John Unveils Sophomore Album‘Little Miss Arima’ was originally published in Artist Reviews & Caribbean Lifestyle on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Interview by Valérie Toto

The FSL have paved their own way since 2008

The founding members

BLANKA and SO SO are true Soca Music and Caribbean culture enthusiasts. They set everything up for the association, they manage the marketing and the socials.

 

RIDDLA who needs no introduction, is gifted singer, as well as an outstanding performer. He remains very active in the FSL and he really helped with developing the social medias.

Musically speaking, he is the G.O.A.T to any genre, he knows his thing ! He has quite a few Soca records, the more recent one being “Le Deejay est Bon”.

➡️ Follow The French Soca Lovers Instagram | Facebook

Their Vision & Mission

FSL is an association that aims to gather the vast French Community of Soca enthusiasts and admirers, by providing a simple and unique mean of communication and exchanges while spreading of message of unity, sharing and solidarity.

“We are not just from the Caribbean. We represent any person speaking French who loves Soca.”

They gather Ethiopian, American, Canadian, people from Switzerland who speak French or of French origin, but also French people living in these countries who totally partake in the culture.

They also aim to:

• Promote Soca music and the French-Caribbean , musically, culturally as well as the French territories. All of this in order to develop and facilitate exchanges of any kind, such as tourism for instance
• Organize (or collaborate on ) worldwide events which promote the Caribbean and its culture
• Support any initiative which falls into their framework

To sum it up their goal is to create social links, as well as a true dynamic.

We have facilitated interactions by helping people to understand the lyrics of some Soca songs, helping them to be conscious of the customs, to seize the language and also by helping them organize their travel or carnival trip.

“We are always happy to see others making connections and getting the most of their travel throughout the region”

_How are the FSL received when travelling abroad?

“WOOOW”. The federative energy is always welcomed. We bring the vibe as they say and it is contagious. We are now recognized and requested. We have lived some amazing experiences, we have created some meaningful connections and we are proud of it. We are always pleased to bumped into our friends from abroad during carnivals, fetes or festivals.

_What kind of connections do you have with the artistic world abroad?

First, we have developed some links with quite a few artists as fans, then we were able to link up more as party or event promoters or collaborators.

They have also set up some Caribbean concepts in Martinique, Guadeloupe or even France in which some Soca artists performed: WAC Picasso Party, Jab Jab Party, Private Caribbean Cruise, CariBrunch, Soca in Paris just to name a few.

_Do you connect professionally with people from the industry for partnerships or collaborations?

Yes of course! Collaborations or partnerships ( events, mas bands, festivals) around the world. From the Caribbean to the United States, including France and Europe.

For instance, before COVID-19 we exchanged with an Asian organization. We had some very nice opportunities presented to us and also to our deejays.

Dankers from Guadeloupe and Payou from Martinique are very eclectic deejays furthermore they are recognized as Soca Specialists. They represent us internationally: France, USA, Canada, Dubaï…

 

There is also Dj Karlito, very active and close to the Carnival Festivities in Martinique.

Our main goal being to put forward our regions, we must also bring out our talents and our expertise. We commute: we travel with some products from Guadeloupe or Martinique in order to show them to the world.

_What is your vision of Soca music in France and in the French Caribbean?

Today, Patrice Roberts has several hits in rotation in the radio in the French Caribbean. Swappi, KES, GBM, Wetty Beatz, Bunji Garlin, are played in the radio whereas a few years ago when you said the word Soca, people were only seeing Machel Montano (when they actually knew about soca music).

“We come from a long way… a very long way”

 

For France on the other hand, it took a bit more time to show up (which is normal) but there is a soca scene now.

Soca music is a niche when it comes to marketing, it remains pretty difficult to integrate it into the vast musical universe of France.

Some work was really put in and we are proud to have strongly contributed to it. We do not regret having worked so much or even investing in this community.

_How do you keep in touch with your members and network during COVID-19?

FSL: This COVID time is not easy to deal with for a lot of us. Soca music and carnivals have this therapeutical effect, and some totally ignore it.

In order to keep the joy alive, we organized some live Soca music session with Deejays on social medias.

For some, the occasion was good to take a little rest, since we travel pretty often. We are opened to discussion and we love talking about any subject via our socials.

The French Soca Lovers are among the instigators that deeply endeavor unity in the region. From the beginning their appetite for acknowledgement is what made them all in for sharing and spreading.

They have highlighted several times their appreciation for their numerous meaningful encounters with people from all over the world thanks to Soca music. They radiate benevolence and warmth which is definitely what we need especially in this worldwide pandemic situation.

 

There is much more to know about the FSL contribution to the Caribbean Culture, and we, at KRIBBEAN are going to make sure we keep you posted to continue sharing and spreading unity.

➡️  Follow The French Soca Lovers Instagram | Facebook

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Meet The French Soca Lovers was originally published in Artist Reviews & Caribbean Lifestyle on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

On February 28th 2021, Nailah Blackman will stream her first virtual full-length concert to the world.

This concert will begin at 8pm and will be aired on Nailah’s Official Youtube page, Digicel’s Facebook page and D’Music App.

The ambitious project brings together an amazing team of artists, designers, producers and technicians to distil, reimagine and represent some of the most memorable hits from Nailah’s discography as well as new singles.

Sokah the Band will accompany Nailah as well as many amazing and talented artists!

Trinidad & Tobago’s Carnival Season 2021 may have simmered down, but a new world of entertainment has been ignited and the FIAH will always remain.

This event is being powered by Digicel, Republic Bank, White Oak, Advance Dynamics Limited, SoundForge and Travee.

Follow Nailah Blackman on Instagram | Facebook | Youtube

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“FIAH”NAILAH BLACKMAN FIRST VIRTUAL CONCERT was originally published in Artist Reviews & Caribbean Lifestyle on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

BY VALERIE TOTO

Aisha Noel is a singer and songwriter from Trinidad and Tobago. Her genres include pop, soca and fusion.

 

“I prefer to feel the music and go where it takes me and where I feel most confident “ — Aisha Noel to @theglobaltrotteur

ONE DANCE

#ONEDANCE is featured on the One Link Riddim produced by Bjorn Graham, known as KVG, and Xplicit Mevon. The riddim is distributed through the Monk Music Group, features songs from Preedy, Grenadian singer Teddy Rhymez and songwriter/singer Mical Teja, Groovy Soca Monarch College Boy Jesse.

 

When asked about her inspiration for the song, the songstress, who writes her own lyrics, mentioned the beginning of the pandemic as being a nostalgic period for her :

« There was a lot of uncertainty during this time as to whether there would be a very lengthy period of quarantining, how long this would be and how this might affect our social lives ».

Quarantine has definitely put everything on hold but what’s best than music to put people in the mood of fetes, partying and boat rides while stuck at home?

 

Aisha Noel groove and voice balance the energy out : it is pure sweetness to your ears and rhythm for your hips.

What seems to be the next carnival anthem for the ladies to sing along with, is also a rich avatar of different genres: The influences from pop music and electronic music make it more relatable for the international audiences.

The music is infectious and we LOVE IT!

The « One dance » singer has great ambitions for her art as well as for soca music.

« I also hope for the success of the single and that people will be hooked on the chorus as much as I am because it’s so easy and makes you feel like dancing »

As for Soca music, she truly desires to « push the genre beyond its boundaries. »

Stay tuned for what she has next to come.

 

FOLLOW AISHA NOEL ON INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

Our team wishes a huge success to this rising star.

 

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AISHA NOEL GOES WHERE THE MUSIC TAKES HER was originally published in Artist Reviews & Caribbean Lifestyle on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

“MUSIC & REAL WORK IS TIMELESS”

“I am different and I think thats one of my strength.”

Fay- Ann is a Trinidadian Born entertainer, singer and song writer that has been in and around the Music industry from a very young age. Her Parents both were heavily involved in the Music industry. She writes her own material as well as for other Artiste. She is very involved also in the production part of most of her songs and works closely with producers.

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💯ALL THE WOMEN IN ME

I prioritize my day, my missions, my objectives almost everything and I must admit I have help. My day is spent doing things that relate to each other, meaning I do gym to keep fit, I keep fit for my daughter and family, I cook to help stay fit as well as keep my family well fed and spend time with them because sometimes I do meetings for a huge part of the day so cooking helps keep the bond. My daughter travels with us and we do homework on the plane or hotel or Bus etc and i get to be Mom from that aspect.

“So every thing serves a purpose to keep that connection between all the hats I wear.”

HOBBIES & PASSIONS

Let's go!! #AzaEmpire #AzaSefu

A post shared by The HyBrid (@fayannlyons) on Mar 1, 2017 at 5:14am PST

I am very involved in anything fitness oriented, gym, cross training, boxing,martial arts, etc. I run half marathons for charities and have on occasion played football with some of our national team members to help raise funds. I also do school seminars with young children and collaboration with the women board I’m on to mentor and assist women in high risk areas.

Cooking is a passion and past time of mine as well as designing (I designed 2 of my past homes and I do decor as well)

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BREAK THE WOLRD

“My influences come from life itself, I learn from each day and from everyone I meet. I think if you constantly want to grow you keep looking for knowledge like a plant looks for the sun.”

FIRST ALBUM

Its my deliberate first one, and I wanted past and present on it to show diversity. I love being able to do different types of styles within the soca aspect and I had to go this route.

Stream & Download here

WORK IN PROGRESS

Mind blown!! Working with the talented @fayannlyons !!!!..shoutout to @bunjigarlin in the back… Repost: @fayannlyons ・・・ Work mode, humbled to work with a man that has produced for the likes of Lady Gaga, Sia and tons of others. Working on new music and learned so much already. @fernandoGaribay we definitely doing this BIG. #AzaSefu

A post shared by Garibay (@fernandogaribay) on Aug 29, 2016 at 10:30pm PDT

I have work that I’m to resume with Fernando Garibay, he’s so awesome and has the most fascinating way of doing writing, producing etc. I also have work with some producers from Jamaica that I’m excited about.

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TAKE NOTE! REAL TALK

Avoid getting caught up in selling your body, face and sex appeal as your major strengths. Too many women come in industries and seem to love getting compliments on their looks more than their Music and works. They fall into the girl vs girl drama and don’t realize looks fade….Music and real work is timeless.

I don’t like when people create a situation and act like they are victims. I also don’t like when people use the sympathy card to get ahead in life, every body go through tough time but to use it to get people support via them feeling sorry for you is just low.

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I LOVE THE FRENCH CARIBBEAN ❤️

We spent so many years enjoying music from that side of the music spectrum that it is nice to be a part of it now. I would definitely love to play in those areas as I always enjoy new zones and places. The cultures are what I like seeing how they live, eat, their music their fashion, their way of talking, how they live etc. All things we use to make music, communicate and understand other cultures. I would definitely love it.

EVERYBODY JOLI

Last collaboration with the french caribbean music industry (Joli Rouge Sound & Don’s Music)

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I would definitely recommend it. I have done St Lucia before, but never that event. The Energy of the people, and the fact that I only knew like 2 words in their language and they enjoyed my performance was awesome. It shows the power of performance and Music.

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RECOGNITION & CONSISTANCY

How soca & caribbean music can bloom worldwide without loosing its authenticity?

RECOGNITION FOR ITS ORIGIN

The thing is everybody borrows from everybody, we do it with raga soca, pop soca, afro soca, edm soca etc. The problem is not the fusions its the credit not being given aspect thats the problem.

Once the Music is being fused, mixed added etc and recognition is not given to the genre or country it originated from thats the biggest threat, then its seen by the rest of the world as a NEW sound and we who helped keep it alive and viable for years get no acknowledgement. The authenticity of any music will be questioned as long as we have young people taking up the mantle. The music I do now sounds nothing like in my fathers day, and will continue to evolve and change. Recognition for its origin is more important.

CONSISTANCY IS KEY

A constant flow of music and Artiste makes different, its like your fav bakery brings cake and you go back to buy it and theres none, eventually you buy another type of cake and move on. The next is marketing and opportunity. We follow the Ga Ga, and Beyonce with the hair and dress code and look like them and dress like them…. but they’re already doing that, why follow?

Its like some of us are afraid to market our looks so we adopt a look thats familiar and just dress and get a hairstyle like a celeb that already exists. Also from an opportunity we tend to not take risk, meaning some of us only perform for people that know us and stick to safe zones.

“Opportunity to expand also comes from sharing links and creating connections”

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THE UNITY

IT’S OK TO BE DIFFERENT BUT THINK ALIKE FOR THE GREATER GOOD

The unity people saw and continue to see is what is needed, not just for building and industry but because real things come out of real intentions. The message that we are showing, meaning both teams is that for us to have the industry we want we need the best and strongest builders. We need people that are willing to puts aside differences and make mature moves that benefit all. The fans wanted this for a while because they were split between figuring out a way to love and support the both Artiste without feeling like they were being put in a position to choose who was better…. They are different and that is what we want to show. Its ok to be different but think alike for the greater good.

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“World peace starts with inner peace”

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“Thanks to KRIBBEAN & its team for giving my words ears and eyes via their readers and applaud them for being one of the bodies that are looking out for and promoting culture and persons in it”

As we all know..

“I BROUGHT COLORS INTO SOCA MUSIC”

..which apparently works.

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THE CAPTAIN’S FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

I introduced myself to the world for 2017 ,as “Captain Yankey Boy”

On a scale from 1 to 100, I suggest you use 10 percent talent, 40 percent who knows you and 50 percent marketing.

In the event that you don’t know 40 percent, market yourself and 40 percent will get to know you.

The reason why you only give 10% talent to move ahead is so others won’t feel intimidated.

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🇺🇸US KNOWS

Kevon Health aka Captain Yankey Boy has been in the soca industry for 6 years. As a US based soca artist, he learn to first dominate his home than to dominate outside.

HEAD NICE 2011

One of my first collaborations was with an artist by the name of Patch. Together, we made a song “Head nice”, which was a hit!

BARTENDER 2012

My second successful collaboration was with Makamillion, where we put together “Bartender”

At this time, I am working on a few solo projects.

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🛥BOAT ROACKING

THE NEXT STEP FOR THIS HIT IS MAINSTREAM

I have great feedback from all those who have heard “Boat rocking”

Like a smell of “Rumors”

This song reminds me of “Rumors” Where I started all my marketing in the US, which was a successful strategy. Later, my focus is bringing it to the islands.

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UNCLE ELLIS THROWBACK

We followed what happened with Uncle Ellis, how he became popular thanks to your video (close to KFC)… then coming bad talks from some people .. What do you retain from this experience?

I did discover Uncle Ellis and maybe this was God’s plan for his future. I am very happy for all his success and future endeavours.

“May God continue to bless him”

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ENTERTAINER , MARKETER & ..

..ENTREPRENEUR

I have an Internet radio station “Red Apple radio station”, which primarily plays soca,reggae and chutney music.

My influence growing up was my grandmother, who exposed me to all genres of music.

MY PASSION IS MY MUSIC

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Buy music on iTunes | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Red Adpple Radio Station

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For Bookings or inquiries :

USA: (917) 482–5780

“Team work makes the dream work!”

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