Unlike International artistes, Caribbean Soca artistes in particular are on a constant hamster wheel. They’re mandated to deliver season after season, and with constant pressure from fans on and off social media, the challenge to remain relevant presents itself.

From online gimmicks and forced engagement to keep their fan bases alive, to touring commitments that keep them away from their families for weeks on end, the job of an artiste in the Caribbean is no easy feat. Still, they do what they must without public complaint, aiming to please fans and take their culture to global audiences. The question though remains, who’s looking out for the artiste? Who’s checking in with your favorite entertainer to make sure he or she is as good as they seem to be on social media?

DR. LATOYA LEWIS BREAKS IT DOWN.

Dr. Lewis is a Trinbagonian award-winning speaker. In addition, she’s a leading voice in healthcare equity, end-of-life dignity, and soul-centered leadership. She serves as an Associate Professor of Clinical at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies. Her chat with Ebuzztt.com was centred around mental health and cultural subjectivity in dealing with what is a very serious health issue, globally.

Caribbean artistes and even international artistes, she admitted, are prone to feel the immense pressure of ‘expectation.’ “As creative individuals, at times you have to put on a mask and it’s not only in the artiste space. You’re putting on a mask where everything is perfect, all the time,” she highlighted. Dr. Lewis cautioned that while creatives generally put their audience first, ensuring that they show up and give their best no matter what, there must be consideration given to ensuring that there is reciprocation. “Because of that high desire to please their fans, they’re constantly pouring out. There must be balance though. There must be systems that allow them to pour back into themselves. Some artistes may not have a community of people to pour back into them,” she said.

In a recent interview, when asked how she had been doing and where she draws her strength from, soca artiste, Patrice Roberts told journalist, Dionne Baptiste- Clarke of Your Caribbean Guide that she had never been asked that question. Roberts became a single mother when her fiancee, fellow soca artiste, Ricardo Drue suddenly passed away almost two years ago. Since that time, the entertainer has continued hard on the soca circuit, performing at multiple major International venues and remaining consistent musically. Dr. Lewis says artistes are always dealing with the weight of the world’s expectations. She suggested that creatives in the Caribbean look beyond the Caribbean-centric stigma associated with rest, and do what is necessary to fill their mental health cup.”They may not be talking to a therapist, but there are other mental health coping mechanisms that may be useful to anyone really. Spending time in quiet places and also spending time with family that doesn’t require you doing something for the family, are just two considerations,” she explained.

On the concept of ‘rest’ in the Caribbean and the long standing Caribbean view that resting equates to laziness, Dr. Lewis said this hidden stigma could go all the way back to Caribbean ancestry. “It’s a traditional concept. If you want to rest you can’t do that. You can never say you’re tired, and you’re expected to be resilient and strong all the time. That can create mental health challenges that can impact creative expression,” said the medical practitioner. She added to her suggestions for self healing, noting that journaling one’s thoughts, sketching, and even recording voice notes for personal documenting, are ways to shift the creative energy inward to support healing that’s not dependent on other people.

STAY TUNED FOR PART II

Former Olympic Gymnast and Founder of health and wellness-based company Stretch4Stress, Thema Williams is partnering with Welcome Week Festival 2023 as its Director to host a new edition of Wellness Wednesday. The event will take place during the first installment of a thrilling 4-day series of events for Trinidad Carnival 2023, beginning Wednesday 15th February in Macoya.

Ms. Williams’ Stretch4Stress, a robust mobility program, is focused on improving the overall well-being, productivity and quality of life of individuals. This year, she has been named Event Director of ‘Wellness Wednesday’ which will focus on a holistic approach to health. 

Williams explains that the theme of the Wellness Wednesday program is “Lewwe hold ah MEDS – Mindset, Exercise, Diet, and Soca,” which represents all the things truly loved by Caribbean people. Her wellness-based initiative – established to teach and encourage positive health-conscious decision-making in an exciting way, will be held at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya from 4pm- 8pm. General admission is $300.00.

Welcome Week Festival 2023 promises to be a much-needed addition to the exciting line-up of entertainment, culture and wellness, which includes food, wellness, technology and music during Trinidad Carnival week. With a special guest performance by Soca Artiste Ding Dong and a host of exciting live experiences in yoga, meditation, Zumba and more, it promises to be an experience that brings fitness with a difference to the national landscape.

For additional information, please visit:

Website: https://welcomeweekfestivals.com/

Instagram: @welcomeweekfestivals