With her ‘Head Up High’, and many nights filled with ‘No Sleeping’, Nkese P ‘Rocked’ her way into our hearts musically in 2020. Caribbean Entertainment Hub caught up with the Trini-born, UK-based songstress recently to find out more about this new star on the rise.

Nkese Perez was born in St. Clair but grew up in San Juan, Trinidad as the only girl and middle child in a loving household and close-knit family of five. Realizing her passion for music at an incredibly young age, she would create songs with her younger brother and perform them for their stuffed toys and family. Throughout primary school, she participated in music competitions and talents shows around the country. Nkese studied music in high school (St. Joseph Convent) where she joined the choir in her first year and eventually travelled to Vienna, and Austria to perform in a music festival where they placed 2^nd. All in all, she is professionally trained vocally, plays the steelpan and composes music.

 

Nkese P performing

 

On moving to England to attend University, Nkese started performing part time with a band; touring around England for about 10 years. She even performed for some great Motown singers like Chris Clark, Brenda Holloway and Martha Reeves at the 60^th Anniversary of Northern Soul in England. She then moved to Beijing, China, where she started her own band which performed at many events in China.

With plans to take her music career to the next level in 2020, Nkese like many were faced with the negative effects of Covid-19.

‘If it wasn’t for Covid-19 I would be in London, where I recorded my EP and my plan for 2020 was to launch my music career in the UK. Having to return to Trinidad was a bit depressing in the beginning because it felt like being back to square one and not being sure what to do. But I decided to not let my investment go to waste, so I made the decision to release my music as an independent artiste and in a professional manner and I got to work. Since I came home I have been working none stop to put myself out there as an artiste. So Covid-19 ended up motivating more to go after my goals no excuses’.

To date, Nkese has released (3) successful hit singles off her debut EP album ‘Multi-Dimensional’ which features six (6) songs. Showcasing her versatility and multifaceted talent as an artiste; so far the reception has been extremely great. Her 1^st release ‘Heads Up High’ showcases her positive mind-set which represents one important facet of her core personality.

 

Up next ‘No Sleeping, her 2^nd single is the perfect island party song and represents that infectious summer feeling and island life vibes true to Caribbean culture.

 

Her 3^rd single ‘Rock’ is one of our personal favourites and not just because of its soca and afro beat fusion, but because of the music video visuals with her epic fighting scene which showcases her ‘Black belt’ Jiu-Jitsu Marital Arts skills, which she learnt at Purple Dragon International school when she joined with her family at the age of 8 years old. ‘

Behind the Scenes ‘Rock’ photo album

 

 

Nkese considers her musical style a blend of many of Caribbean styles infused with elements of pop and hip hop. Some of her major musical influences include Bob Marley and Whitney Houston, the King of Pop- Michael Jackson, Triple treat- Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Mariah Carey and many more. When it comes to Trinidadian or Caribbean artistes that she would love to work with, Kerwin Du Bois, Kes, Voice, Machel Montano, Chronixx, Koffee and even the likes of Nicki Minaj make her list.

Although, this past year brought with it many challenges, one of the biggest lessons Nkese learnt is to always stay true to who you are, stay true to yourself and your vision. She recalls in the beginning being questioned a lot as people didn’t understand or get what she was trying to do. But she believed in herself and knew that there is no dream too big and if there is a will, there is a way.

So what’s next for the star on the rise you ask? Definitely more music! With (3) more releases still on the way from her EP, we know there are some more surprises well on the way. We are CEH are excited to see all that’s in store for this talented star on the rise and encourage you to stay updated with Nkese P for more new music right here.

 

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