Mela Caribe is advising aspiring songwriters – if they want to be successful – that reading is essential to that.
Mela Caribe was discovered by DJ Private Ryan through social media and has been consistent in delivering music under his guidance.
She is among the new generation of singers giving voice to soca and calypso.
Since her debut she described her career as developing at a steady pace.
“Nothing feels rushed. It feels really aligned,” she said in the face-to-face interview at Newsday’s Port of Spain office.
Not only has she been sharpening her mind but also her mind and spirit, “making sure I am aligned with my purpose and my path,” she said.
Mela Caribe believes she is on the cusp of grabbing her success and being in a good mental space is necessary for that.
“If I am not right here,” she said pointing to her head, “I cannot be right here,” she added making writing gestures.
[caption id="attachment_1061844" align="alignnone" width="819"] Mela Caribe believes she is on the cusp of grabbing her success and being in a good mental space is necessary for that -[/caption]
But she feels blessed to be part of the new voices giving face to soca and calypso.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be in the position I am now, especially so early in my career. Being blessed with the collaborations I have been blessed with, being able to work with the producers I have worked with so far: locally and internationally,” she said.
For Mela Caribe, one of the biggest challenges she faced as an upcoming artiste was comparing her journey to other people’s.
“Often time we consider age in this industry; we consider so many other factors. We compare ourselves and I always say comparison is the biggest killer of your joy.
“It really isn’t worth it because we are all individuals and we are unique. There is no way your experience and your journey could equate to mine,” she added.
That was one of her toughest challenges.
However, being surrounded by a team who “shields her from certain things” also makes it easier.
“As a young woman, a young entertainer in this industry, it is very easy for me to get exploited, taken advantage of in many different ways shape and forms.
“I am very happy that was my only challenge. The way I navigate this industry being a new artiste, is just to be myself. I believe that authenticity is the key, is the only way I can create impact and creating is aligned with my only purpose in this world.”
God is central to all she does. Mela Caribe said she moves with God and believes once someone has God in their mind and spirit, they would not face a lot of problems.
“He is always there to shine that light and guide that way. So that is how I navigate,” she said.
Low, her 2023 Sugar remixed with Patrice Roberts and Spirit Waist with Olatunji are her songs for 2024.
Sugar was released last year but she decided to do a remix with Roberts this year.
“She allowed me to take control. All of the projects I wrote them, I wrote her part and stuff. I am so grateful she trusted me enough
