DJ
I’m known as the ‘fun’ one. But fun isn’t just fun. There is math, science and Spirit in the making of fun. Thankfully, I relish opportunities to make experiences more engaging and enjoyable. I believe that for our music to achieve its maximum potential, we must share our vision and enthusiasm with the world. As a DJ, Production Engineer, TV Show Host, Event Producer and Sound Engineer, I have learned how to share my passion with others. One of the main ways that I have done this is through music. I believe that music is a mission: that mission is to make a better future for my daughter and all the other children in the world, for whom we are now all responsible.
Supporting Vocal
I was born into a musical family and started performing from an early age. I began to play the steelpan (National instrument of Trinidad and Tobago) and sing calypso on stages by the age of five. This path has not only led me to opportunities to sing in different parts of the world but it also inspired me to follow the path of my mother and become a teacher. Five years ago, if someone were to tell me that I would be teaching music in different schools across the country, I would say that it would be highly unlikely. Yet, I have discovered that I love it! I consider it a privilege to be able to spread messages of love as a musician through Freetown’s music. My personal belief is centred upon making an effort to be kind and loving to all who cross my path. This applies especially to the example I work to set as a mother, to my daughter, Xyon! Whether I’m playing an instrument, singing on stage or I’m in front of a classroom, I’m amazed at how much I’m able to learn and grow on this journey. As I develop and continue along my journey, I hope to uplift, help and inspire others as they traverse their own unique paths. “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively” – Bob Marley
Supporting Vocal
Do what you love and make sure it’s LIT! The money will come. I left a Biochemistry degree and drove my parents crazy when I decided to be a “career creative”. But to live your own life is the biggest gift you can give to yourself. I only gave my energy to things that made me feel happy, trusting the process and moving through the madness of being a young adult. I decided to jump out of the rat race before I was even properly in it. It was all worth it. I’ve become the best version of myself. I’m an actress in internationally acclaimed screen and stage productions. I also sing with the best band in the Caribbean (Freetown Collective), lecture at the University of the West Indies and travel to work on social change initiatives with the United Nations and Girl Be Heard. Add to that being sought after as a writer for major publications like Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown, the Caribbean Export Development Agency and LargeUp. Now, life is the adventure that pays my bills.
Supporting Vocal
“I am building an existence where dreams and creativity forever light my path.” It’s a fair statement to say the stage is no stranger to me. Born into a family of musicians, performers and music educators I have always been surrounded by music-making and examples of the limitless possibilities of losing and finding yourself in the notes. Music continues to fuel my life and has already taken me as a vocalist and instrumentalist to U.S. classical music festivals, the Winter Olympics Games Opening in Salt Lake City (2001), the Llangollen Eisteddford (Wales), London and Edinburgh since the age of 12. Life offstage is no less exciting as I am always working on a number of cross-sectoral creative industry initiatives. My roles are many and include teaching, arts administration, writing, research, and development across sectors such as literary arts, visual arts and fashion.
Lead Vocal
Coming from a rural village in Tobago, the smaller of the twin islands that make up Trinidad and Tobago, I always felt like there was much more to life. I had to prove myself in order to gain access to opportunities that would propel my life forward. This drive took me on a journey through many destinations – from Journalism to Law (as a registered Barrister) and then back to my first love, MUSIC. Music is home. It is the language of philosophy in which I am most fluent. I’m always more concerned about how music makes you ‘feel’ rather than how it ‘looks’ or how it’s ‘done’. I don’t have it all figured out and I enjoy that. Sometimes I don’t know how to do what I am doing or how to replicate what I did already and I love that. Knowing everything beforehand can distract from the main focus – using our gifts to improve the lives of people. Becoming one with the music during a performance teaches me time and time again how to surrender completely to what I love and trust that the journey will get me home safely. Play the Music!
Lead Vocal
I am an Artist. I’ve always been an Artist, my greatest tragedy is not knowing it earlier but that is also probably the greatest gift given to me by the Universe. Nothing amazing is born out of ease. My story is one of searching. I enrolled in university to study Civil Engineering but quickly realized that it wasn’t for me so I transitioned to Theatre Arts. It didn’t take me long to discover the freedom that comes with true self-expression. Once I tasted that everything else became bland and unsatisfactory. I began to believe in my own power and I sought to find the fullness of myself. That journey led me to spoken word and then ultimately, to music. Freetown Collective is about freedom. Our ancestors worked hard for us to have the luxury of choice and what we choose determines the strength of our link in an unbroken chain. I am here ultimately to create a world in which people are free to be their unedited selves and aim for the highest manifestation of whatever that may be. Love over everything else.
