Kristy.ramnarine@cnc3.co.tt
“Ah sure ah outside with
meh girls dis summer
Yuh doh have a ring then
yuh doh have a mister
Hands up, leh me see yuh finger
Up up, leh me see yuh finger.”
Lady Lava’s provocative lyrics have become an anthem for women. A message delivered through a non-traditional format with the catalyst being the growing genre of zess music with its raw, unapologetic energy.
It’s a dancehall genre created in the ghettos of T&T that carries a free-up-yourself vibe. A genre that has received both positive and negative feedback locally, regionally, and internationally.
“I believe that music is a form of expression and everyone is entitled to their opinion,” she said. “For me, I do not have any time to focus on anything that is negative. I am focused on growth and development, and my contribution to the genre is an indication of that.”
The humble, outgoing entertainer whose real name is Kesha Rebecca Harris started performing in 2011. She actually broke into the spotlight in 2017 with the releases “If You Beat It Keep It A Secret” and “Tail Light”, but it was her 2024 Summer release, “Ring Finger” that keeps on buzzing.
“Following the release of the song, the feedback has been great. I am happy that the song resonates with so many people,” she said. People like American rapper Cardi B shared a story singing “Ring Finger” and promised to show up at Lady Lava’s performance.
Cardi B stayed true to her word and not only attended but also took the stage with Lady Lava at the event held in Brooklyn, New York. “She was extremely sweet and sincere, and that experience is something I hold close to my heart,” Lady Lava said.
“We had the opportunity to chat and feed off each other’s energy, which will forever be memorable. One thing I must recognise is that Cardi came to my show to show me love; she showed up at an event that had nothing to do with her, and I know for a fact that the costs for someone like her to leave her house are high. Her showing up means a lot to me, and I love and respect her even more.”
For the Cunupia mother of one, it has been a journey, one that includes being a popular vendor on the streets of Chaguanas. “Everything that I have been able to achieve is through hard work and dedication,” she said.
“I am never focused on the naysayers. There were people who saw me selling in Chaguanas and thought that it was beneath them and also felt that I could have done better. Little did they know I was doing better; actually, I was doing great for myself. I left what many would consider a stable job to ‘hustle’, and it was something that I enjoyed doing. I was and still am a great salesperson and marketer—it can be heard in my music. Working for myself also gave me the flexibility to focus on other interests, particularly my music,” she added.
“Of course, it kept me grounded, and it assisted me tremendously in my growth as an adult and businesswoman.”
For Carnival 2025, Lady Lava is venturing into the world of soca with several releases and has already dropped “No Standing Up”, a collaboration with Jamaican dancehall artiste Spice.
“I am always creating music; there are a few other songs that are out, which are “Ms Lucy”, “Flowers” with Viking Ding Dong, “Heavy Rollers”, “Make It Clap” with Nessa Preppy, and “Nasty” with Azarayah,” she added.
“I am a lyricist, and those who are familiar with me and my music are already aware of this, but I also focus on making sure that my lyrics are understood. When I am performing, I love interacting with the audience and showcasing my versatility. I want audiences who are unfamiliar with me to recognise that my performance is an experience.”
Lady Lava is full of gratitude and happy to say that she is booked and busy throughout 2025.
“Outside of T&T’s Carnival, I would also be travelling throughout the Caribbean, USA, and Europe. Her advice to other female artistes out there: “Be yourself, live in your truth, and everything else will follow.”
