From the moment she first set foot on stage as a wide-eyed 14-year-old entrant in the Junior Soca Monarch competition, the woman who would become known simply as “Empress” knew she was destined for greatness. “I remember wanting to ‘be there, doing that’,” she reflects on those early days, when the pulsating rhythms of soca first captured her heart.

Her journey from starry-eyed teenager to crowned champion reads like a modern fairy tale. When asked about her Party Monarch and Road March victories, her voice still carries the weight of that achievement. “It was a dream some people only get to wish,” she admits. “Professionally, it gave me the opportunity to be heard – to really reach people through music.” These triumphs weren’t just personal milestones; they were the foundation stones of a career that would see her become one of soca’s most distinctive voices.

The music industry, particularly the soca scene, has never been static, and neither has Empress’s sound. “Music, like people, goes through changes,” she observes, tracing the evolution from her early work to her current productions. “Different topics, melodies, harmonies – it’s all part of the journey.” What hasn’t changed is her connection to the essence of soca. “There’s a distinct sound in our local music that your ear just can’t resist,” she says with quiet conviction. “Without that, it wouldn’t be our music.”

Her rise hasn’t been without its challenges. When pressed about being a woman in what was traditionally a male-dominated field, she’s quick to note the progress. “The playing field is pretty level now,” she states, citing recent competitions with seven or more female finalists. But her advice to aspiring female artists reveals the steel beneath her calm exterior: “At first it seems impossible, then it gets hard, then you learn to cope. Remember – we’re built to fight.”

This fighting spirit shines through when she discusses her creative process. “It’s an energy release in the form of melodies,” she describes, making songwriting sound almost effortless. “Words can easily fit a melody in my opinion, so I usually start there first.” This instinctive approach has served her well, from her unforgettable debut performance – “nerve-wracking” but ultimately victorious – to her current status as one of soca’s leading lights.

Now, as she prepares for this year’s Calypso Monarch competition, there’s a sense of coming full circle. “I’ve only properly sung calypso twice before,” she confesses, recalling her junior days and a pandemic-era virtual contest. “But when people keep asking you to do something…” Her voice trails off with a smile. The plan? Simple: “To do my best and have a good time.”

Looking to the future, Empress sees soca’s evolution as both inevitable and exciting. “We’ve had legends grace our ears, and now their children are carrying on the tradition,” she notes. “At the same time, new talent is bringing fresh flavours.” For an artist who has spent her career balancing tradition with innovation, it’s a development she welcomes with open arms.

As our conversation ends, one thing becomes clear: for Empress, success was never about complacency. It was always about the music, the connection, and that unshakable determination that first propelled a 14-year-old girl onto the stage. All these years later, that fire still burns as brightly as ever.

Experience Empress’ Electrifying 2025 Releases:

🔥 “Cape” – A modern patriotic masterpiece that powerfully showcases the unifying strength of our flag amongst our people. This rousing anthem blends Empress’ signature vocals with uplifting lyrics: 📺 Watch on YouTube:

🎶 “Hear Our Cries” – A powerful blend of social commentary and irresistible rhythm:📺 Watch on YouTube:

Both tracks demonstrate why Empress remains at the forefront of contemporary soca, masterfully blending traditional elements with fresh innovation. The recordings are currently available across all major streaming platforms, including Youtube, Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer.