Soca artiste Jadel takes on Carnival in Ja in heels
Published:Friday | April 21, 2023 | 12:53 AMStephanie Lyew /Gleaner Writer
Trinidadian soca artiste Jadel was stepping high in her Red Whine costume and sparkling heels for the first leg of the road march.
As she echoed the saying “it hurts to be beautiful”, Jadel explained to The Gleaner that wearing extremely high heels has become the norm for her while playing mas.
“The beauty of the pieces coming together with my costume takes away from any thoughts of pain. Every carnival I wear heels then switch over to flats at some point,” she said.
“I don’t recommend someone just trying to put on high heels like these for the first time unless they’re sure they can handle it. But I’m used to wearing heels everywhere I go.”
Jadel, whose given name is Jardine Cherelle Legere, went to more than five fêtes during carnival week, including Caesar’s Army A.M.BUSH, the Sunnation Breakfast Party and WiFete, all of which she said gave her a different energy and showed another side of Jamaica’s carnival culture.
“It’s been amazing so far,” said Jadel, sharing her plans for the rest of her stay and what she hopes to she’d like to see more of on the road during carnival. “For the rest of this day and trip I’m just looking to have a good time and set myself free. I do also want to see more unity amongst the people and the bands on the road,” Jadel urged.
Her popular tracks include Up In D Party, Fix It and Hot Topic and for this soca season alone, Jadel secured two major collabs, De Right Track with Skinny Fabulous, and Shake Up (Remix) with dancehall star Demarco.
“I just want people to check out what I’m giving to soca and want to unify our cultures a little more through my music,” Jadel shared.