5 Questions with Nailah Blackman

Scheduled for August 2 to 6, Dream Weekend will mark its 15th anniversary in Negril with five days of non-stop entertainment, featuring top DJs and an extensive lineup of artistes. The all-inclusive event will showcase an array of dancehall performers, including Jada Kingdom, Armanii, Mr Vegas, Aidonia, 450, Tommy Lee, and Teejay. True to Dream Weeknd’s tradition, there will be several surprise performances throughout the event. Notably, Trinidadian soca sensation Nailah Blackman will be making her début, electrifying the audience. Born in Port-of-Spain, Nailah comes from a family with a legacy of entertainment pioneers; her grandfather, Lord Shorty, is credited with creating the soca genre. Nailah’s passion for music began at an early age, but she started composing her own music, writing lyrics, and playing instruments at age 11.

Throughout her career, she has collaborated with dancehall artiste Shenseea on the song Badishh, as well as with many soca artistes. With the release of her début album in 2023, Nailah recorded one of the biggest soca hits of the season, Come Home, featuring Skinny Fabulous. Nailah’s talent has not gone unnoticed, and 5 Questions With had a quick chat with her ahead of her Dream Weekend appearance.

1. With the Carnival season coming to a close, what has been your most memorable experience this year?

Most memorable experiences this year, wow, there are so many highlights to pick from. I’ve definitely been to some amazing events all around the world and the islands, but my most memorable would have to be my US début TV performance on Fox!

2. You’re performing at one of the biggest summer festivals in Jamaica, Dream Weekend. How do you feel about that?

I’m excited and ready as this has been an event I’ve wanted to perform at for a long time now. I know Dream Wknd is known for being an extravagant event, so my performance will be nothing short of extravagant. I’ve never been to a Dream Wknd so I’m extremely excited to see exactly what the hype is about.

3. What is your preparation like for an event such as this?

My preparation is much like I do as I would for any other major event. I ensure the fit is up, my set is well prepared and my waistline working properly. Prior to going on stage I have to stretch and do my warm-up exercises so I can bring my A-game.

4. What can fans expect from your performance at Dream Weekend?

I always incorporate something unique to every performance I do. I love keeping that element of surprise, so if it’s one thing the fans can expect is to be taken on a journey through the music and a high-energy performance.

5. What’s next after Dream Weekend?

After Dream Weekend I head to Los Angeles and New York to put finishing touches on a project I’ve been working on. I’m actually really excited about that and I can’t wait for my fans to see exactly what I’ve been cooking up.

BRAWTA

Who is Nailah? Outside of music, what are some of the things you enjoy doing?

I am a true artiste ... I love creating in general whether it be designing outfits, playing my guitar, painting or working out. I enjoy creating on and off the stage. The truth is my career and lifestyle takes up so much of my time that it’s almost all I do.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com