A superstar in the making. That’s the energy being touted by those who’ve been privy to the talent of 9-year-old, Kymani Kaloo. The Carenage, Trinidad native has been gaining popularity over the past year, and with a strong desire to perfect his musical ability, the singer/songwriter is pushing full steam ahead.
Yung Kymani is a dynamic stage performer. Engaging and thrilling to see, he is not deterred by his youthful age. In fact, with youth on his side, his parents are making the investment to ensure that the elementary school student is prepared for the big stage and the music career that comes along with it. “We are giving our all, making sure that he gets all the necessary support as he pursues music,” explained his mother, Kezia Hector. The boy, who attends St. Peter’s RC Primary School is the only child shared with her spouse, but is one of two children to his father.
Armed with a song for the brief period of youthful abandon, now called JAVA in T&T, Kymani released his self-penned track, “Summertime,” a few weeks ago. The song has all the elements necessary to help teens and pre-teens vibe along as they head to the beaches, rivers, water parks and wherever else they gather with their families, over the next few weeks, school being out. “It’s all about what kids do when school’s closed, things that kids look forward to, like going to Five Islands amusement park, going to the beaches and so on,” said Hector. The track also features Del Unit who co-wrote his verse specifically, and the song was produced by Nigel Lopez of Sincerity Studios.
Earlier this year, as Trinidad and Tobago engaged in its annual carnival festival, Yung Kymani entered the soca arena with a track called, “Soca Paradise.” He walked away from the season with titles for Best Songwriter and Best Party Calypso on the national level for his age group. It was just what his family needed to see, to further encourage him, and invest in his ability. Now, the young, rising entertainer is learning to play the piano and there’s even more interest in molding him into a better songwriter.
As a parent, Hector says it has proven crucial to ensure that her son has the necessary wisdom and understanding to navigate the ever-changing social landscape. With social media’s strong and sometimes negatively impactful presence, she says her words are all that she has to arm her son with that much needed direction and wisdom. “There is negativity all over the internet and in the world. All we can do is talk to our children, encourage them and provide the strong support system they need to live out their dreams and purpose,” said Hector. She says more than anything else, her son has a very strong support system at home.
Yung Kymani will release music for the upcoming Christmas and Carnival seasons.
Set to release new music for the upcoming Christmas season and certainly even more tracks for Carnival 2024, Yung Kymani is likely to become a household name in the Caribbean as time progresses. “He loves rap music. I know that, but we wanted to make sure that he has a good grasp of our music here at home in the Caribbean as well,” said his mom. She encourages parents who are able to support their children’s talents, to go full speed ahead, nurturing these talents and encouraging them, while planting seeds of wisdom for their ultimate rise to stardom. “The children are the future and we have to prepare them to take up their roles as they grow,” she said.
Grateful for Robert Baptiste who first saw the possibilities for Yung Kymani, Hector is excited for her son. Like his father who manages Kymani’s social media platforms, she is anxious to see his future unfold. “Machel Montano didn’t just become the superstar he is today. His parents invested their time, money and energy into him. That in itself is a perfect example of what parents who believe in their children’s ability and talent, ultimately must do.”
To follow Yung Kymani’s journey, follow him on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook @yungkymani.
Though weary, family and friends, along with Damian ‘Ace’ Oliverie himself, will not give up on the prospects of a bright and happy future. Now diagnosed with Multiple myeloma – a cancer of the body’s plasma cells, a type of white blood cells charged with producing antibodies- the well-loved Trinidad and Tobago entertainer, husband and father, will require chemotherapy and constant treatment for the rest of his life.
Oliverie was rushed to hospital on the morning of March 2nd. Initially, a diagnosis had not been confirmed, however a surgical procedure to decompress his spine had been accomplished. His wife has explained that since the surgery, he has been receiving continued treatment and requires round the clock care. “In recent weeks Damian has been plagued by a number of infections and complications, but he is strong and we are faithful,” said Kizzy.
Unwavering in spirit, many in the entertainment industry have pledged their support to the artiste’s recovery. On June 14th, they will gather as one to raise funds for Damian’s medical expenses and his continued healthcare. Recovery The Concert will take place at WASA’s St. Joseph grounds with patrons being asked to contribute $200 to attend and experience the music of reggae, soca and dancehall artistes from both Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. The event starts at 7pm and will go until 12am with all proceeds going towards Damian’s healthcare. “Although the initial surgery addressed the spinal issue, doctors have advised that there is still a great deal of treatment necessary,” said Mrs. Oliverie.
Tickets for the Recovery Concert are available online at islandetickets.com and the list of physical ticket outlet locations can be viewed @recovery_the_concert on Instagram. “We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of love, prayer and support received,” said Kizzy, adding that assistance offered in any way, is appreciated. “Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. This has ultimately shaken our family to the core, but we will get through it with God and the support of our village. We are grateful to you all,” she said.
A livestream on TikTok ended suddenly under tragic circumstances when the son of reggae artiste, Jah Mason was shot at point blank range. The victim, Jabari ‘Baba Skeng’ Johnson was reportedly approached and shot execution-style on Monday while live-streaming on TikTok near a shop along Red Hills Road in St. Andrew, Jamaica.
Jabari ‘Baba Skeng’ Johnson
The St. Andrew North Police have launched an investigation into the incident. According to the Jamaica Observer, the young man’s father, Jah Mason has since confirmed the death of his son but at the time, was still coming to terms with the devastating news and preferred not to speak in detail.
According to reports, Johnson was broadcasting live on TikTok when he was approached by a masked individual dressed in black. The assailant shot him in the back of the head at close range, then continued firing after Johnson fell. The gunman then fled the scene.
Johnson’s death marks the fourth killing of a Jamaican TikTok personality in recent months.
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