Five Questions with Nailah Blackman
Published:Friday | January 5, 2024 | 12:05 AMShanel Lemmie/Staff Reporter
Singer and songwriter Nailah Blackman is Trinidadian music royalty. Hailing from a strong musical family, she has ties to the origins of the genre through her grandfather, Garfield ‘Ras Shorty’ Blackman. Blackman has been steadily building a reputation as soca princess for the last decade. Known for her hits like Come Home, Badishh and Sweet and Loco, Blackman’s discography is now a part of any soca essential playlist. Stopping by I Love Soca in Kingston, Jamaica, on Boxing Day, The Gleaner caught up with Blackman for Five Questions With ... .
1. How does it feel when you travel within the diaspora and region where your songs are basically anthems for soca?
It feels amazing and it really shows me that my hard work is really paying off because I eat, sleep, breathe this. I barely have a social life because it’s something I really love. I always wanted to do music, it’s my dream. I put my whole passion into it so when I see people loving it and giving me that energy, it just motivates me to work harder and do more, to bring more classics.
2. You have these songs that are so strong vocally and yet you always sound the same as the track when you’re live. How do you take care of your voice?
I have to admit it’s very challenging, especially with the rigorous schedule that I have, but rest is like literally the most important thing and your diet. I [had] been slacking because it [was] Christmastime so I [was] eating bad but usually I have to eat really healthy and really clean, like no fried food to really take care of your voice. It’s a whole [list of] things I have to do. I sleep with my upper body a little raised, all these things because it protects your vocal cords. If it’s cold, make sure you wrap up your throat. Those kinds of things.
3. What’s your workout schedule like?
To be honest, like the last two months I’ve really been slacking. I’m not gonna lie, I’ve really been slacking all the way off just because I was really busy with Christmas and my event but for my event, Sokah Origins, I’m doing a lot of dancing so I’m still getting a little something in. But my workout schedule is really [made up of different things]. I work out four to five days a week, even if I just do a little something on my own in my house or if I go to the gym. I try my best to get to the gym or if I’m staying at a hotel I go to the gym wherever I am. It takes like 20 to 40 minutes. Take your own time to stretch. It’s something really important for overall health which is something I’m really big on.
4. As a soca princess, you get to travel to all of these countries in the Caribbean. I know Trinidad is your home but which country is your favourite to visit?
I love St Lucia and I love Jamaica. Jamaica would have to be up there for me because it’s so beautiful, it has everything. When I say everything, I mean there’s the nature life and there’s the party life which is dope. St Lucia is very nature-[oriented] as well; I love nature. I love to go by the waterfalls and see hot springs, so those are my top two for the Caribbean.
5. Carnival 2024 is coming up. Give me a tip for the girlies who are coming out for the first time.
Definitely work out, you need that. Hydrate yourself, drink a lot of water; water is super necessary. Stay hydrated and just don’t have any expectations. You should expect to have the best time of your life but like don’t get hung up on your plans because the best part of carnival and enjoying the festivities is literally just going with the flow. If something cancels, if something doesn’t go the way it’s supposed to, okay, we on to the next because everything is vibes. Just take the vibes as they come.