2022 Was Challenging and Yet Thrilling

I have had both ups and downs in 2022. I have cursed, cried, yelled, gotten fed up, and thrown tantrums. I got hit in the eye with a mango, and also damaged my foot. I have been bitten and stung by insects and people.

My social media pages were filled with harsh words, stinging memes, and direct criticism. My favorites were:

• "My ancestors rolling in their graves,"
• "A refugee where I pay taxes"
• "If you're going to be lionhearted, you can't hide, manipulate, dig holes for people, refuse to apologize, or use systems to hurt others. You are a coward!"

I feel like I was Sophia in "The Color Purple" - just fighting. I saw every deficiency in the systems around me. I complained and shared ideas and solutions. However, people have ignored me in most cases. I do not often ask for help, but in 2022, I asked and received no assistance.

I am undeterred. As Jougo sang in "Good Vibes," "they can't stop this shine." This song stayed on repeat this year.

Despite these challenges and situations, I have invested in what "grows my family and me." I even wrote a poem, "I Invest in What Grows Me." I look at all the ups and downs and hurtful situations and smile today. I am thankful for many things. I have put energy into my writing, garden, and other pursuits. Also, I have met some goals and influenced positive change. If we are not making a difference, then we serve no purpose. The difference you make does not have to be great. Start in small increments and help someone.

I decided a few weeks ago to also 'push for the positive' in all I do. I understand 'turning the other cheek.' For me, it is no longer about who is right or wrong; it is about doing the right thing. My actions should display that I am rational, trustworthy, hardworking, and decent.

In 2022, I wrote more and shared more poetry with a wider audience. I was published in Visual Verse and participated in several poetry competitions. Also, I have attended online poetry readings hosted by poets in the USA and UK.

I will continue to fight the battles that I need to. I struggle with my inconsistencies, bad habits, and temper. I am a "work in progress" and will continue working on myself daily. I do not make New Year's resolutions; instead, I adjust as I go along.

In parting, I encourage you to set goals and be ready to adjust them as needed. Life is not preset by dates and timelines. Remember, "you gotta know when to hold em, when to fold em, know when to walk away, know when to run...."

I wish you all the best for 2023!

POEM: Filled with Flaws

while dogs guffawed

and split their jaws

the cats cut their paws

because their catatonic laws

were filled with flaws

because no one saw

what was about to descend

the genus didn't know how to append

what a pen

couldn't see

couldn't be

wouldn't decree

and this oddball spree

was over before it started

because the cats

catapulted

to what suited

their strange needs

with their conscience freed

this was meant to be

it's one of those inevitabilities 

like the toes that bled

blue and yellow - not red

as some words

that may seem dry or dread

and lack substance 

like dried old bread

they serve better 

when left unsaid

© Linette Rabsatt

POEM: Brave?

some of us are so brave
maybe like more insane
because naivety runs in our veins
we don't want an ''F" in courage
or to fall in the scrimmage
so we push hard
and break ourselves
along the way
because the likes
seem to outweigh the loves
but my gloves
are stretched out
from outstretching
and outreach
my heart has become bleached
for every and each
that I give up my seat
without wallowing in defeat
or digging holes in deceit
but a hero's a zero
a refugee
where you pay taxes
with all the laxness

no one reciprocates

all that has been given or done
they don't care
...
the life of a martyr

© Linette Rabsatt

Poem: It's Me

It's me

I gladly say and admit

that I did it

I didn't win

I took

I didn't look

to see if you noticed

I was blatant

coherent

and content

with taking

there was no mistake

I didn't contemplate

what you would think

because I was at my brink

I knew the consequences

yet I jumped all the fences

it was intense

and I meant every word

every movement

I sounded all vowels

and all consonants

and all was resonant

because I didn't hide

I didn't stay quiet

I did it

out in the open

for all to see and hear

and I admit it

so cast your blame

call me lame

but you started the game

and I answered by doing it

I took a stand

I raised my voice

I took action

Yes, I did it with conscience

I made the tough decision

to blow the whistle

POEM: Proud and Out Loud

Proud and out loud

That means no shrouds

And only pink clouds

I have no doubt

That If you turn me over

After you inspect my spout

My mouth is not broken

It’s a token

To a fair that is never unclear

So be aware that

I don’t haunt or hint

Because I am proud

I don’t stop and squint

Because I live out loud

There’s no mute button

There’s no refute notion

It’s a love me as I am kind of vibe

And while I may be my own tribe

You’ll know that I’m here

You’ll know that I care

I’m loud

I’m proud

And I don’t hold back my sound

© Linette Rabsatt

POEM: Shaken and Stirred

I'm often flaky
but these days
I've been more shaky
maybe shaken
unstirred
deterred
troubled
in my little bubble
that I don't know
if the world is ready for it to pop
because I stop
I stop myself
from expressing myself
leaving thoughts on a broken shelf
because if I unleash
what's on my heart
you may think I'm dark
or even a shark
but never so
nothing at all 'go so'
even though you think you know
you're wrong
because my song
ain't about that flack
cause this is not the time to be wack
but to be a Jack or Jane of all trades
so even as my beauty fades
I stand honest, unassuming but
definitely not jaded

© Linette Rabsatt

Meet the Multi-talented Soca and Rap Artist: BugZbugs "BZB"

BugZbugs "BZB" is a multi-talented soca and hip hop artist from St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. I had the pleasure of chatting with BZB on September 14, 2022, about his musical journey.

Musical Influencers
BZB recalled that he felt he always had a hidden musical talent. When he was younger, he wrote raps/poems in a book. He was also heavily influenced by the traditional Crucian soca/calypso that everyone recognizes. BZB shared that he loved the energy of jouverts with riddim and calypso that got people off their feet and dancing in the streets.

He told me that he was inspired by Dennis the Mennis because he enjoyed how Dennis rocked the crowd. He also mentioned that Rock City was especially relevant because they rap in the native USVI dialect.

One Artist – 2+ Genres
Some ten years ago, BZB started singing with Toy Soldiers, a calypso band. Mr. C., a community role model, started the band and gave the young men involved a head start. Toy Soldiers performed at teem jams, Halloween parties, and other activities. BZB recalled how much he enjoyed those performances and the reactions from the crowd. He recollected those experiences while smiling and commenting that those events helped him to develop his musical talent and overall career. However, he shared that the vision of the individual members started to shift, and they eventually grew apart.

Another colleague, Pojo started a group called All Star Band, and BZB was able to link with Kyle “Kylo” Sylvester. This opportunity became another pivotal point in his music career, but eventually, the team grew apart and spread to other local bands. Eventually, Kylo transitioned to The Stylee Band. BZB recalled that Iaryn "Marvelus" Williams, also known as Swanks, reached out to him to sing on a soca riddim.

The artist confessed that he creates more rap songs than soca. He recollected the positive feedback that he would get from friends and fans who commended him for being lyrical. While he writes his soca music for the people, his rap music focuses on his life. He shared that while people vibe with both genres, they tend to understand and connect with rap more.

The Latest Song, "See Yuh"
He recently released an afrobeat song, "See Yuh," which was produced by Swanks. BZB shared that "See Yuh" was written in 2019 and performed on a different instrumental. He had posted a video with fellow rapper Petty God, where he featured the song. However, he re-released it in 2022 and is getting positive feedback from his fans.

He smiled as he shared how this song came about. He was going through some challenges in his relationship in 2019 when he wrote it. In 2022, he started to experience similar issues and decided to re-release the song.

Loss of Close Friends
BZB has lost a few close friends he holds dear to his heart. Buku was a childhood friend, Kylo was a bandmate, and Petty God was a fellow rapper. These talented persons, who we have lost, all impacted BZB and the wider Virgin Islands. BZB’s song, “Closure,” was dedicated to Kylo.

Motivations
When BZB started to get serious about music, he wanted people to hear his voice. He would work hard to develop the craziest punch lines that he thought people wanted to hear. However, as he matured, he shifted his focus to writing about real-life scenarios, as reflected in "See Yuh" and "Closure."

His original dream career was to be a basketball scout. He was able to attend university and attain a degree and benefited from internships at events. Those experiences have also inspired him and aided him in becoming disciplined. After he achieved his qualifications, he shifted focus to his music and started what he terms "the real BZB era." He procured equipment and set up a studio. Since then, he has been pushing his music continuously. He shared that although he has been through some tough times, these events have strengthened him as a professional, a father, and a role model.

BZB was very open when he shared that he has a support system. He counts his journey as fulfilling. He also shared that he appreciated everything that goes with it. He said he has lots more great music coming.

BZB conveyed that his fans are what keep him going because they often send messages asking if he plans for new music releases. He loves that his fans keep him on his toes! He describes himself as a simple person who 'keeps it real.'

BZB’s Favorite Tracks by BZB

• Rap: His favorite Hip Hop song is "Street Convo." It was released in 2020 on his most recent album, "Secure the Bly."
• Calypso/Soca: His favorite soca/calypso track is "Wuk Together," a 2020 release.

Accolades
BZB won the "People’s Choice Award" and the Soca Monarch title during the 2020 Crucian Christmas Festival for "Wuk Together," which was produced by Swanks. He recalled performing this song during the Soca Monarch competition dressed in construction gear with dancers who dramatized fixing a pothole. Funnily, shortly after that performance, BZB worked for a short stint as a construction worker. He also won the Soca Monarch title for "Handcuffer," a song he performed dressed as a police officer.

Artists He Enjoys Listening To
BZB enjoys listening to Lil Durk because this artists uses melodies in his raps. He also enjoys music from Nipsey Hussle because he feels a connection to his music. He described Nipsey Hussle as a 'purpose rapper' because he "did things for a reason."

Encouragement to Other Artists
I usually ask the artists what advice they have for the youth. BZB offered these words of wisdom generally during our conversation. I was impressed when he said that for every 100 fans, you have ten haters. He added, "Don’t focus on the haters – choose to show the love to the 100! Focus on the love!"

Thankful Thoughts
He was very humble as he expressed gratitude for the support from fans in St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Tortola and from his followers in the United States. Upcoming events include gigs in St. Thomas, Miami Karnival Invasion in October 2022, and his upcoming birthday bash in Orlando.

He applauded his fans in the British Virgin Islands for always embracing him whether he performed with The Stylee Band or by himself. He conveyed one experience when he visited the British Virgin Islands and attended an event that featured The Stylee Band. He said that Kylo called him on stage to join in the performance.

New Music
BZB promised some new carnival music coming and encouraged his fans to look out for the new tracks.