Please tell us something about yourself.
My name is J’Neka, and I’m from Trinidad and Tobago. I grew up in Gonzales, Belmont, and Diego Martin. I got into music from a young age, my dad was the cause of this. He used to play music day in day out. Sometimes we barely got sleep because it’s so loud. I got into performing in school competitions and church events. Also, I danced with a few dance groups as well. I was involved in sports such as running, which I loved, volleyball and I did a little bit of boxing. I was very active as a child, but because of doubt, I stopped doing a lot of things that I loved.
How did you get into what you do right now?
One day I was off from work and as I sat in front of my door, my mind wandered off. I had so much going on, and at the time I had no one that I could confide in so I kept it all in till I couldn’t take it any more. Sad there, I was with a pen and book not knowing I could write, I started pouring out my heart. The things I couldn’t say out loud I wrote in forms of
poems and songs. Some songs I got instrumentals for after and some I just had melodies in my head. My life experiences made me get into music. Imagine being the black sheep and then boom my song being played on the radio, and now many are listening.
Who are your role models?
I look up to my mother. It’s her strength that gave me the will to never give up and her big heart that teaches me to love those even when they wrong me. My aunt, who I grew very close with. I learned from her that when you really want something, you’ll get up and go get it. She was also the first person I played“Some Gyal” for when I first received it. And my sister because she has exceptional determination and ambition in her career.
What inspires you?
My ability to create and inspire. The responses that I’ve gotten on my single “Some Gyal” have been very refreshing to know that there are people who’re listening and they’re vibing to me. It amazes me, and the joy it brings to my heart gives me the motivation to create more.
Please tell us about your art.
My art is about empowering myself and others. I try to be very honest in what I’m doing and what I’m putting out. I’m a big fan of love, so I go deep in to bring it out in my craft. I love romance, dancing, comedy, things that are fun, and anything that makes one feel good about themselves.
What’s your most memorable experience?
My most memorable experience is when I got my very first apartment. Learning how to manage bills, taking care of my daughter and work wasn’t an easy one but it surely was an experience I never will regret. I grew really close to my mother so moving out and living distance apart was hard for me but it made me a hustler because if I don’t work bills
won’t be paid and my daughter and I won’t be fed and the roof over our heads would be no more. I became stronger and much wiser.
What’s your greatest fear?
I don’t have a greatest fear per se but I surely don’t want to lose myself in this world.
Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you understood better before you ever got started?
I wished I understood, not everything that glitters is gold, and not every helping hand is a helping hand. I’ve had people who came into my life and only painted pictures of illusions just to make me stray from my truth. The kindness of my heart made me blind for a while, but not anymore. My mother always told me,” be careful of the company you keep, some will only stick around for what you can do for them and the moment that you can’t you become the enemy.”
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
I keep prayed up and work towards the things I’ve prayed for. I don’t share my ideas randomly and give out info about my next move. I associate myself with people of high standards and who will motivate and bring out the best in me.
What keep you going when things get tough?
My faith in “Jah” for in him all things are possible. My mother’s love and support. And my daughter, she’s the reason why I won’t give up.
Any message for our readers.
Pray and work towards what you’ve prayed for. Don’t sit idle all day and complain. Never depend on nobody to do for you what you can do for yourself. Be self-reliant, and you will never be worried nor disappointed by the things someone hasn’t done for you.
How can people connect with you?
You can connect with me through social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.