A New Poem for National Poetry Day (UK)

Today is National Poetry Day in the UK. I am sharing a new poem, Weave, which was written based on a word prompt in the Inktober Challenge. This poem takes a slightly different on the word. Feedback always welcomed. 

A September to Remember: Poetry in Motion

Succulents in My Garden

September was a great month. It is my birthday month! I returned from CARIFESTA XV, motivated and ready for the next challenge. I had a few poems published and a couple of performances. Of course, I continue to have fun uploading videos and sharing the spoken word tracks produced by Legendary Ink. I wrote 16 poems this month. Here’s what happened in September 2025.

Verse-Virtual

My poem, The Beautiful Sunset, was published by Verse-Virtual. You can also listen to the spoken word track on SoundCloud.

Pulse Poetry Magazine

The September 2025 issue of Pulse Poetry Magazine features my poems, Growing Pains and sanity on pages 16 and 17. 

The Writers' Journal Vol. 2 Doors: Doorways to memories, adventures and imagination

Paradise is featured in The Writers' Journal Vol. 2 Doors: Doorways to memories, adventures and imagination. It's available on Amazon. 

Disturb the Universe Magazine

Indecision was published by Disturb the Universe Magazine. An excerpt of this poem was displayed at CARIFESTA XV.

Performance at Launch of the Law Enforcement Associate Degree Program

I performed Exist at the Launch of the Law Enforcement Associate Degree Program on September 22, 2025. It was reworked from the original version to suit the event.

Book Feature: Black Girls Soliloquy by Zenna Lewis

On Saturday, September 13, I featured Zenna Lewis’ book, Black Girls Soliloquy: An Anthology of Poems by Her, for Her, about Her on this blog. I met her at CARIFESTA XV. Her 16 poems speak to our souls with encouragement, challenge and passion.

Finding Poetry in Business Free 5 Day Challenge

I joined with Kate Jenkinson and participated in the Finding Poetry in Business Free 5 Day Challenge from September 22-26, 2025 . You may have seen my poem, GLOW, before, but I’m re-sharing it because I was inspired to GLOW. In October, I hope to have an opportunity to further develop this GLOW concept. I write to inspire the world with my worlds. May my words GLOW and inspire you!

GLOW

Virgin Islands Artiste Feature: LJ

On September 28, 2025. I featured LJ, a Virgin Islands artiste with a lot of enthusiasm. He is our reigning Soca Monarch (in both categories) and a member of U.T.B. Read about his inspiration and plans for his music. 

Stars Anthology

My poem, The Star's Tale, is featured in the Stars Anthology.

Stars Anthology

Poetry on YouTube

• Members: https://youtube.com/shorts/AF6Id0OuPo4
• Reciprocation: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/t4I32r8nsWs
• Some Memories Fade: https://youtube.com/shorts/cEAJ8Crd3t4
• Honeybee: https://youtube.com/shorts/op0zRY7eN8Y
• Some Memories Fade: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cEAJ8Crd3t4
• Leave Me Alone: https://youtube.com/shorts/vBqOz-DeeBg

Spoken Word Tracks

1. Escape: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/escape-part-2-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
2. The Silent Grip: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/the-silent-grip-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
3. Nobody's Watching: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/nobodys-watching-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
4. Kiss Your Love Goodbye: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/kiss-your-love-goodbye-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
5. Long Way from Home: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/long-way-from-home-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
6. Rockabye Baby: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/rockabye-baby-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
7. Welcome to the Truth: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/welcome-to-the-truth-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
8. Talk Yo $#*%: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/talk-yo-shit-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
9. A New Life: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/a-new-life-la-rabsatt-vocals
10. How Easy We Forget: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/how-easy-we-forget-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
11. A Love Mashup: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/a-love-mashup-la-rabsatt-vocals
12. Misunderstood: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/misunderstood-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
13. Forbidden Desire: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/forbidden-desire-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
14. Lucky Star: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/lucky-star-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals

New Poem

BVI Monopoly Game

BVI has its own Monopoly Game
our little territory has its name
on this special box
that carries special cards
that feature our local sites
our history and our culture
just to whet your appetite
on what an adventure
we have to offer
if you visit our little gem for real

© Linette Rabsatt 9-27-2025

Virgin Islands Music Spotlight: LJ - 2025 BVI Soca Monarch

LJ

LJ is a Virgin Islands artiste who has been showcasing his talent for some time, but more recently on the soca scene. He took some time from his busy schedule to share some insights on his inspiration and plans for his music. These are his words.

Who is LJ?

LJ is a young artiste who is trying to push positive and good music out to the community. I’m just trying to bring back real music.

Who's the team behind you?

The team behind of me is UTB, Up Top Band, which is the band that I'm in, and Press Da Button aka PDB, who does all my mixing and beats. There’s also Nat, who has been pushing me for a long time. He is the reason why I even started doing Soca music. I can't forget Rennie who plays keyboard for UTB and is also my recording engineer. Shout out to my whole UTB team and PDB for sure.

What inspired you to get into music?

I’ve been around music my whole life. My father is a DJ who has been on the radio for as long as I know myself. He worked with Neil Blyden (RIP). My whole life has just been surrounded by music. Both of my parents sing as well. I started singing in church and then it just kind of went from there. Soca Monarch 2023 was my first time performing as a solo artiste.

What has been your greatest musical achievement thus far?

My greatest musical achievement has been making history this year in the Soca Monarch competition. I knew that I was capable, but winning still took me by surprise. I won the Soca Monarch Groovy Section last year, so winning the title two years back-to-back would be the greatest musical achievements so far.

LJ on the Stage

Who do you listen to?

I listen to a whole lot of different artistes. My musical selection is vast. I listen to R&B, Soca, Dancehall and Reggae. Once it's sound good, I listen to it. My list of artistes is too long to list - I listen to everybody, basically.

Which song of yours is your favorite?

My favorite song is Don't Stop, which was on the Tropic Fusion Riddim produced by PDB. It’s on Apple Music and Spotify.

Who have you collaborated with?

I recently had a performance with Jougo in St. Thomas this past weekend. I've performed with Boss, and I have a song with him called, Carjack. I've had the opportunity to hold a jam with the late Sasso from Karnage. Of course, I work with PDB. I’ve opened for Beres Hammond when he came to the BVI. I was also part of the HLSCC Stingrays (Band). I also have a song with Intrusive Band, called J.A.M (Just A Minute).

Which international artiste would you want to perform or write with?

I would really love to have a chance to work with Kes, whether I'm on the same card as him for the night or for a collaboration in the future. I would love for that to happen.

What are the plans for the rest of 2025 and heading into 2026?

For the rest of this year, I want to focus on writing music and also preparing to go to Saint Croix for their Soca Monarch competition. I performed in their 2025 competition and I'm going again for the next one.

"Don't worry about what people might have to say."

What advice do you have for young people who are interested in music?

My advice would be to just go for it. Don't worry about what people might have to say. I know we have this thing as locals where we like to say that, you know, the old generation won’t help but don't worry about all of that. Push yourself and once your music good, once your product is good, people will love it. Stay positive and do what you have to do.

LJ in Performance

Can you share something that most people would not know about you?

I guess most people probably don't know that I'm into boats and sailing. I’m working on becoming a captain.

Who would you like to shout out?

I want to shout on my team, PDB and UTB.

"Always keep a close connection with God and you will be straight."

Is there anything else that you'd want to share with the readers?

The last thing I would like to share is just a general message for everybody, whether you're into music or not: whatever you put your mind to, just know that you could do it for sure. Just stay positive, keep a good mindset, keep your head up and always keep a close connection with God and you will be straight.

LJ on Stage with Dancers

Continue to follow LJ and UTB as they produce music to keep up grooving.  

Poem: Exist

we all exist for a reason
because our lives are like a season
we’re here for a moment to do our part
our time aligns to the beating of our hearts
so within your time of existence
what are you going to do to show your brilliance?
it does not have to be a great big feat
you could be a great dancer who inspires with your feet
or someone who does a menial job
but still being the best at doing your job
maybe a Customs Officer who checks our goods
or a Police Officer who canvasses the hood
maybe an Immigration Officer safeguarding the borders
or a Prison Officer overseeing the prisoners
existing is more than having a big title
or leading an orchestra and recital
it’s about what you do to nurture your talents
because learning and growing are the real investments
the impact you make through your legacy
leaving a shining example for your family
so use your talents and time wisely
learning and growth from a seed to a mature tree
we all exist for a reason
and we know our lives are like the seasons
it starts with you believing in you
and not forgetting to invest in what grows you

© Linette Rabsatt 9-22-2025

This poem was shared at the Launch of the Law Enforcement Associate Degree Program on September 22, 2025. It's reworked from the original version to suit the event.

Let's Embrace Peace

Sunday, September 21, 2025 was the International Day of Peace. Here is an exercise for you to play with during the day. Thank you to Ixora Wong for inviting April Glasgow and I to share in the Peacefest.

Looking forward to next year!

Your assignment: Pick a word and create an acrostic poem that speaks to PEACE.

MILD
May I remain cool and collected
In my daily interactions with others
Let me be a beacon for peace
Doing unto to others as I would have them do to me

© Linette Rabsatt 9-22-2025

If you choose to post yours, use #peacemaker

Book Highlight: Black Girls Soliloquy by Zenna Lewis

Black Girls Soliloquy: An Anthology of Poems by Her, for Her, about Her

I was amazed at the scenery as I walked through the CARIFESTA XV Grand Market in Waterford, Barbados. I passed by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines booth and a book caught my eye. I picked it up and thumbed through. Black Girls Soliloquy: An Anthology of Poems by Her, for Her, about Her contained 16 poems and I was intrigued because my Kindle book has 14 poems. I asked the people in the booth about the author and they encouraged me to visit the next day to meet her. I was attending most of the workshops at Grand Market, so the next day, I met Zenna Lewis, the author. Of course, I purchased a copy and asked her to sign my book.

As I thumbed through the pages of Black Girls Soliloquy: An Anthology of Poems by Her, for Her, about Her, I got a better understanding of the title. Here are my thoughts on each poem.

1. Demon in Disguise speaks to how women struggle to be seen as more than objects. 

2. I am Human provides a testimony of the women affected by the Demon in Disguise.

3. In Cursed, Zenna expresses those feelings we all sometimes have:

Empty
but filled with fear, anger
and regrets that hurt my heart...

But how do I solve
the conflict and the confusion? Do I just let it
Hey! I may not be an amulet of perfection....

4. Madam Anxiety tells the story of how anxiety hold us captive. She ends the piece,

Nothing is good enough
nothing will ever be good enough nothing shall ever be good
enough for this lady called madame anxiety

5. Zenna calls out our obsession with social media in Social Monster, an ode to living for likes and hearts.

6. Blackish is an anthem that reminds us to embody our melanin and strength:

...Hence, they created and fattened

an ecosystem of the deceit

that being ebony is dreary sooty....

7. Every Bob Marley fan is familiar with the song, Rat Race. Zenna's Rat Race brings a different message. This poem takes the reader on a journey that touches on what and how we were taught, our goals and how corruptions impacts us.

8. Descendants of Eve is an ode to womanhood with scriptural references, and metaphorical and real-life analogies in relation to our journey as women.

9. In Blood Sisters, our familial links are highlighted with references to the ongoing crimes that affect our young people:

I echo the injustices

of our young gunned down in potholes

in the system of inequality

10. Seen and not Heard is the shortest poem in the book, but it provides a powerful message about how we are often behind the scenes but making big impact.

11. I love the way that Zena weaved her words in Panties on the Line. This is another short poem which packs a powerful message. The poem ends:

Our panties hang on the line connected to glass on top of

equality, barely holding on by a string.

12. Dear Njinga (Queen) is an inspirational piece that every woman should read because of the positive affirmations shared.

You take air and dominate

Even when your heels are on tight...

My signed copy

13. In Our Love Philosphy, Zenna offers an ode to love and the importance of unity in a relationship. It reads like a vow from one lover to the other.

14. Between clouds 8 and 10 play on the cloud nine cliché. It is a beautiful poem with sultry expressions.

And somewhere between cloud eight and ten

I landed peacefully

15. Zenna shares sensual sentiments in Curse 2, a debate about a love affair and the feelings evoked from it. 

16. The final poem is Serve and Protect, which begins and ends with a call to action:

Sir

Minister

Monster

Here are some lines from different stanzas that evoke thought:

Murdered by his hands raped in his sheets

no answers as to why our daughters are being held captive

and selling our daughter's virginity you raped their minds

in a world where my voice is silenced by those who are assigned

our scars are visible but covered with plasters of injustice

Your wives' silence speaks so much...

I am glad that I added this book to my collection. I am even more happy that I was able to connect with Zenna. I look forward to reading more work from her in the future.

Virgin Islands Book Highlight: In the Beehive by Andria D. Flax

Front Cover of In the Beehive published in 2024

Bees are essential to our lives! In the Beehive is a book that perfectly describes the importance of bees, how they work as a community, and how we use the liquid gold that they produce. 

The author is Mrs. Andria D. Flax from the Virgin Islands. She has published several books, including Sharing the Vision, A Walk through the Valley, and The Way We Were.

Back Cover of In the Beehive

In the Beehive provides a fresh approach for children to learn about bees. The text is written as a poem with each stanza prominently displayed on a page. Bee-inspired photographs also capture the reader, with many featuring the apiary activities of Virgin Gold, the Flax’s beekeeping and honey business in the Virgin Islands.

The book is ideal for early readers and teenagers because the content is easy to read while imparting knowledge. The book has showcased on the reading list for Grade 3 students in the Virgin Islands.

The book begins:

 

I hear loud, buzzing sounds

all around me

then I spot tiny insects

on a nearby tree.

The first stanza engages our senses of hearing and sight, and the poem continues with appeals to our senses of smell, taste, and touch. Readers get a clear description of the queen, drone, and worker bees, and their roles. It further describes where bees prefer to settle and the role and precautions of a beekeeper. Readers also learn how we consume honey in our homes.

An Excerpt from In the Beehive

The book ends with a reminder about the role of each bee and our love for honey.

I recommend this book and encourage you to visit Mrs. Flax’s website to order your copy: https://www.andriaflax.com/. 

If you’re in the Virgin Islands, please ensure that you order Virgin Gold honey!

Honey from Virgin Gold

My Experience at CARIFESTA XV in Barbados

Ready for another event!

I was blessed to attend both CARIFESTA X in 2008 and CARIFESTA XV in 2025 as a poet. Here are my thoughts.

Mission

2008: I was an active member of the Callaloo Poets, and our mission for CARIFESTA X was to promote our book, Virgin Islands Callaloo: Poems from the Caribbean, and to showcase the Virgin Islands' talent. April Glasgow and Jerome Joseph, authors in the anthology, also travelled to Guyana for the event. Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley, also known as Sowande Uhuru, joined the delegation at the time. We interacted with other regional poets, performed, and displayed our book.

2025: Seventeen years later, the mission was more personal but still wider. I wanted to promote my book, Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt, showcase my versatility, and support the other members of our delegation, especially three young poets, Trinity Lettsome, Abbria Hodge, and Michael Jefferson.

Delegation

2008: The delegation in 2008 included visual artists, moko jumbies, writers, artisans, and other talents, including Ghost, Trenita Hodge, and Gregory Tye.

2025: Our 53-member delegation included visual artists, writers, dancers, a core youth presence, animators, tourism experts, and filmmakers. 

Dressed for the Literary Gala

My Experience

2008: I travelled on different days from the delegation and was stranded in Trinidad overnight after being bumped from my flight. Despite that challenge, after arriving in Guyana, I listened to other regional talents and performed. I wrote a poem about the event in 2008, CARIFESTA X, and it was recently published by Wax Poetry Magazine. 

2025: I had no travel issues! I attended seven workshops covering children's fiction, prose, playwriting, technology-infused publications, and reframing our stories. I also facilitated a workshop, Understanding One's Poetic Journey. I first hosted this workshop through Pass the Word VI for a small group in the USVI in July 2025.

More about CARIFESTA XV

My Workshop

I did not sleep well the night before the workshop because I was still unsure of my content. When I started the session, the audience was filled with my delegation. Eventually, others joined in, including Robert Gibson, a notable Barbadian poet and CEO of Passionate Words Editing Services, and a young lady I met at another event. Another poet also joined in and participated. I also gave Mr. Luke, and Ms. Anika Christopher, and Mrs. Andria Flax from my delegation an opportunity to share insights on their publishing journey.

During the session, I saw people in the audience shed their inhibitions and share their work. I was most impressed with five young people from our youth cohort. We had encouraged them to create a group poem. I was about to close the session when one of them reminded me that they were charged with sharing their piece. I didn't have to prod or encourage - they were ready. I was inspired.

Posing with Kacey Garvey, 2025 National Spoken Word Awards Best International Poet

Making Connections

I would say that this was the greatest benefit of CARIFESTA XV. I linked with a Barbadian HR Colleague and met poets from Jamaica that I have interacted with online. Most importantly, I was able to get to know our delegation. I attended film debuts, Big Conversations, and art showcases because I wanted to witness Virgin Islands talent on display.

I also linked up with a few talented poets: Alistair from St. Kitts and Nevis, Kwame from Trinidad and Tobago, Kacey, Britton and Steve from Jamaica, Zenna from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Fiona from Anguilla, Jeffrey from Suriname and many others from Barbados and Anguilla.

Posing with Robert Gibson aka PassionPoet and CEO of Passionate Words Editing Services

Working with the Young Poets

I had the pleasure of working with the three young poets that I mentioned above. We met virtually and in-person a few times to prepare for the trip. I challenged them with prompts and poetic forms. They always remained respectful, sharp, and creative. I was very proud to see Michael and Trinity perform in the first WAPAX Poetry Slam. Initially, when we met, I told the young people that we should perform every time a mic became available. They listened and shared their inspiration!

The Poem that Broke Me

I attended a workshop hosted by Dr. Opal Palmer Adisa, and she introduced an exercise by asking us to think about our ancestors. I was already teary but holding strong. She then directed us to think about walking into the sea, letting the water cover our heads, and listening to an ancestor's voice. I wrote a poem, and when I went to read it, I broke down. I really felt like my ancestors were calling out to me to wake up. Here is the poem that broke me.

My Breaking

You are the warrior

Called to awaken your brothers and sisters

Reminding them of the need to stay steadfast

All that glitters won't last

I call on you to stand up

For those who are voiceless

And that's regardless of creed or color

You have been sitting on your dreams

You can't stand in what seems to be okay

You weren't made to be mediocre

Let go of the chokehold

Even as this water gets cold

And you feel like you're drowning

You still wear a crown

You still have to be what you

Were molded to be

So even as you turn the leaf

Because your pages seem filled

It is in your will to be

Don't let me down

Don't disappoint your ancestors

They struggled so you can have it better

They gave you inspiration and passion

The basic facets for you to make a difference

Just renew your commitment to being you

© Linette Rabsatt 8-25-2025

Suprise Recognition

I was invited to a Literary Gala, and it was a beautiful event that featured Barbadian Literary titans. When we went outside for refreshments, Mia Lennard told me that my information was being displayed. I was shocked! My writing has come a long way since 1996, and I am grateful for every encouraging word, criticism, and rejection because I have seen the difference in my work. I want to inspire the world with my words.

Photo taken by Mia Lennard

Thank You

I am very thankful to the Premier, Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development for affording me the opportunity to represent the Virgin Islands at CARIFESTA XV. I hope that my work, words, and passion made BVI proud. I have to mention our lead officer, Mr. K’Mari Fahie, Assistant Secretary, for his excellence in ensuring that we were comfortable and engaged.

Investing in What Grows Me

I invested in a small tablet to read from and update my social media while I was in Barbados. I also want to shout out my son, Anthony Cheltenham Jr., of 3AL Productions. He created my logo, Be Inspired, long before the book came to life. I wore several of his designs in Barbados.

Posing in Barbados close to Rihanna's House wearing a grad shirt designed by Anthony

Takeaways from CARIFESTA XV

I have to keep writing

I need to take the ideas out of my head and share them in print, on social media and in the community. When I wrote  my short story, A Paltry Poultry Tale, I was just playing around with the behavior of the chickens that visit me. At the workshop with Delvin Howell, I dissected that story and linked it to relationships, women's issues, our prejudices and comedy. Who would think that a story about Henito, JaQuiche, Egglantina and Henrietta would have so much layers (pun intended)? The tools that I learned will help me to develop stories that are relevant and engaging. I am truly thankful for the experience.

We Need to Create Bios

Every creative needs to have a 50-100 word bio. The bio should clearly state where you are from, what you do, and your accolades.

Here is my bio:
Linette Rabsatt is a Virgin Islands poet with roots in the BVI and USVI who began writing in 1996. You can find her work in her Kindle book, "Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt" and on her blog, Words of Ribbon. Her poems and short stories have been published in various journals, magazines, and anthologies, including Pulse Poetry Magazine, Visual Verse, Syncopation Literary Journal, Spillwords, and Micromance Magazine. She won the 2024 Read Yuh Ting TOO Virtual Caribbean Poetry Contest and placed second in the 2025 Tell Yuh Story Contest.

My first bio shared with a journal or magazine may state that I have written 400 poems. I think I should be close to 1,000 if I include the haikus, tankas, and eintous. Since I've become more active in Facebook poetry groups that share prompts, and after teaming up with Legendary Ink, my collection has exploded.

My content that was on display

Give the Crowd Something to Take Away

I displayed a letter-sized sheet with my contact information, bio, and social media links with QR Codes. I think that everyone displaying literary and visual arts needs to create similar or business cards. We must use technology to our advantage.

I want to inspire the closet writers who have a story to tell. My duty is to share my insights on writing, performing, and publishing. I am no expert, but I think that I am good at encouraging others!

Be inspired!

Repping my BVI pin made by Clovers

August was a Blast - Publications, CARIFESTA XV & New Poem

Photo by Mia Lennard

August 2025 provided me with new avenues for my work in various journals, magazines and anthologies. I was also blessed to participate in CARIFESTA XV in Barbados. CARIFESTA XV needs a special blog post, which I will share soon. Here are the other updates!

Pulse Poetry Magazine
I have three poems in the August 2025 issue of Pulse Poetry Magazine, Party, Old School Reggae and The Message in the Music. 

Everscribe Magazine
The Shadow Eyed Wolf, made it into Everscribe Magazine. 

Parcham Magazine
Whimsy was selected for the July 2025 issue of Parcham Magazine. 

The Literary Times Magazine Issue 06
Forbidden, was published in The Literary Times Magazine. 

Away with the Faeries
'Lovestruck' and 'Floating Ghosts' were selected for Away with the Faeries, which is available on Amazon. 

Feed the Holy
Silent Prayer has been published by Feed the Holy on August 28, 2025.

Spillwords
My poem, high, was published by Spillwords on August 22, 2025. 

Poetry on YouTube

• I Owe a Poem: https://youtube.com/shorts/Vb3MnWgt5zo
• Our Father's Love: https://youtube.com/shorts/6c8lpj9EwNk
• One: https://youtube.com/shorts/DPR4bb_uAX0
• Against All Odds: https://youtube.com/shorts/gVnezh1eqz4
• Have You Heard: https://youtube.com/shorts/XbDPEcSOapY

Spoken Word Collaborations

1. Trials and Tribulations: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/trials-tribulations-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
2. In a Field of Weeds: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/in-a-filed-of-weeds-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
3. Quench: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/quench-part-2-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
4. My Mind Went Out to Play: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/my-mind-went-out-to-play-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
5. Out There on the Ocean: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/out-there-on-the-ocean-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
6. Casted Out: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/casted-out-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
7. Neptune: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/neptune-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
8. Living in the Mix: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/live-in-the-mix-la-rabsatt-vocals
9. The Strangers: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/the-strangers-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
10. Unknown Territory: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/unknown-territory-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
11. Cruel Intentions: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/cruel-intentions-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
12. Sinful Stranger: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/sinful-stranger-part-1-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals
13. A Testament that You're Gone: https://soundcloud.com/clarencefergusonjr/tell-me-sumthin-good-la-rabsatt-c-double34-music-vocals

Photo by Mia Lennard

New Poem

Eintou: The Web

my parlor
awaits the fly
I, the brown wise spider
you, bright beautiful butterfly
I pray you visit me
let’s weave magic
as one

© Linette Rabsatt 9-1-2025

Meet the Bruce Wayne of Soca: Don Trent

Don Trent

I would like to extend a special thank you to I-bari for connecting me with Don Trent. Don Trent will be the first international artiste featured on my blog. I appreciate him taking the time to chat with me about his musical journey and plans. Currently, Don Trent's hit song, Baddest Gyal, is trending. He was in Barbados performing for Cropover when we spoke. These are his words.

Who is Don Trent?

Odwin Trenton and Don Trent are two different versions of the same person. Don Trent is an artiste or a musical construct that emanated in Barbados. I was born in Guyana, and I came to Barbados when I was 17 or 18 years old. I fell in love with Soca music in Barbados.

In 2005, a few months after moving there, I decided to record Soca music, and the idea of the artiste, Don Trent, came to life purely from my genuine love for music of all genres. I also created Don Trent because I wanted to be an artiste with international appeal, yet with a sound that was rooted in my culture.

This is my twentieth year in music, even though I have taken two hiatuses and I've been out for some periods to pursue other aspects of my life. It's probably my sixth or seventh year of participation. Sometimes people ask, ‘Are you a Soca artiste?’ I'm an artiste, but Soca music is the dominant art form that I've sung thus far. I don't like to be boxed in because music is music.

Quote: Music is music.

Who is the team behind Don Trent?

My team is my employees at this point, meaning everyone on the team has been hired by me to do a specific thing. I've been doing most things myself. I'm practically self-managing, but I have booking agents. I'm working on my marketing strategy, but I have a marketer and a social media expert assisting me.

Are they part of my team per se? Not necessarily, but they've been commissioned to work for me on this project. At this point of re-entering the fray, I am a one-man band - just pulling together everything. I'm the one who has invested in my artiste development and created the financial budget to move my material along.

I would say you do need a team but I always encourage artistes:

• to be the leader of that team
• to be the person who's really employing people for their services to help you construct your vision of music - what you want for your career as an artiste.

I don't have a starting five but I do have guest players.

What inspired you to get into music?

Inspiration comes from many places and it takes many forms. When I moved to Barbados, I was very academically inclined. I had just finished my CXCs and had gone on to sixth form. My intention was to attend the University of the West Indies Medical Sciences School, but that didn't work out because of financial constraints or restraints my mother had. I mention my mother only because I'm the product of a single parent. I quickly recognized that I needed to automatically grow up, as we would say, and do more, become more of a man who was in control of my destiny. 

I started working in construction and at bars in Barbados. I did everything, so I would that say part of my inspiration was me wanting to better my life. I wanted to create a platform where I could have transitioned into other aspects of my life. The music was part of that finding of self. Therefore, that was my inspiration – a better life knowing that I had these talents that the creator blessed me with and I wanted to use them for my benefit.

What has been your greatest musical achievement thus far?

I've never really thought about that but I have achieved several things in music but I have not graded them in terms of what is the greatest, what is greater and what is great. I would say the collective feeling of being a Soca superstar is my greatest achievement. I guess achieving the status of Soca superstar or international Soca star, meaning you have escaped the borders of where you began and you have not been restricted to those borders only. I think that is an achievement and supporting that is my nomination for two international Soca awards in 2007-2008. 

I’ve written for Kevin Lyttle and Alison Hinds. In Barbados, I've been in the semi-finals for the People's Monarch, and in the semi-finals for the Street Soca Monarchs on two occasions. I've had achievements but I have not graded them, per se. One of my songs was also featured on the famous VP Gold compilation, Soca Gold.

I have seen these achievements as lessons along the way and things that have allowed me to be recognized in a field that I truly love. I've always thought that if one person liked my song that I had done something. I remember walking around with a book of songs written down and I would sing for any person who listen. It's just a beautiful thing when you can actually take things you've created on paper and actually see them come to life.

This was a unique question because if a person is very much into accomplishments and achievements, then he goes through a list. If you see achievements as a spiritual awakening of self, then it's a totally different answer.

Who do you listen to?

I listen to so much music. I’ll start with my art form, my Soca. I grew up listening to Krosfyah and Square One. My mother used to play mass and create costumes in Guyana during Mashramani. She was really into Soca. I remember one time she had traveled to Trinidad and when she came back, she brought some cassettes with a lot of popular Soca songs from Trinidad. That may have been the year of the Bajan invasion. There were songs there that I really liked from Anderson Blood Armstrong, Kitty Cat and other artistes. 

My initial Soca influences were Rupee, Blood, Kevin Lyttle, Red Plastic Bag and  Mighty Gabby. I listen to most of the genres in Soca from all throughout the islands. Red Plastic Bag is really huge as he is the ten time Calypso monarch in Barbados. What I like about him is not even his voice necessarily, but his melodies and his writing is so beautiful. He's a brilliant artiste and an unstoppable performer.

In terms of pop culture, I'm a Michael Jackson fan. I am Michael Jackson obsessed. When I was a kid, my mother would tell a story of me getting dressed in my pajamas and putting my shirt in my pants and dancing like Michael Jackson all night before I slept. I like Prince, and in terms of the R&B Motown style, I like the Temptations and Sam Cooke. I like David Ruffin in his solo career and with The Temptations, Ray Charles and Terrence Trent Darby. These are some of the influences that I've used to create certain riffs on my voice. In contemporary form, I like Usher, Chris Brown and Miguel.

I like rap as well, but I'm more for the old school rap. I prefer people like Nas, Biggie, Tupac, and Jay-Z in the older forms, maybe Blueprint 1. I do like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. I like Drake, particularly because he has worked with Caribbean artistes and artistes from the other parts of the world.

I also like country music, including Dolly Parton. I worked in a record shop in Barbados when I first moved there. I really love all forms of music. You would be surprised at the things that I listen to. I like gothic music. I like Christian music. It all helps me. I even listen to Punta now that I live in Belize. I listen to Spanish music. Everything gives me a vibe, and from anything, you can just build an energy. Music is a universal language. It becomes very easy for you to like anything with a beat really, especially as a musician, because your creative juices start to pump from the time you hear something musical.

Quote: Music is an expression of culture and from the music and you are able to go through this experience of a cultural awakening from that part of the world.

Which one is your favorite song of yours?

I don't have such a thing. I am too diverse a person to have a favorite song. I would say that I have had different songs that have had success at different levels and maybe I have appreciation differently for them. But to say a favorite, not necessarily, because I love all of my music.

My favorite song to sing has to be my hit, When Tomorrow Come. Why? It stands out as being my high energy song - maybe my only high energy song to date. It's faster than my normal slow-mo vibes. It's more of a faster song.

Another song that stands out to me is Dangerous because when I wrote it, I was thinking of an international market that was interested in me at the time. Also, it was an evolution of my sound. Interestingly, Dangerous is not one of my most popular songs, but it represented my evolution into a different state as an artiste.

Is there a particular stage that you have always dreamed of performing on?
There's no particular stage if we're physically speaking of a stage. If we're speaking of a stage in my musical career that I would want to be on, I would say the stage where my music is internationally accepted, consumed and loved by people everywhere. That is the stage I would want to be on.

Quote: If there's a million people in front of me or ten, I will perform with the same level of joy.

Who have you collaborated with?

As I mentioned earlier, I've written for Alison Hinds and Kevin Lyttle, and have collaborated with several other artistes including Mighty Gabby. I have written with the person who linked me with this interview, I-bari along with Culcha (Seventh Wing). I opened for Neo when he came to Barbados, and I've been an opening act for shows with Lauryn Hill and Keisha Cole. I haven't done many musical collaborations, like features, but I've done a few features with some local artistes. I've worked mainly production-wise with the Red Boyz here in Barbados. They are world-acclaimed producers. I've done work in Trinidad in terms of production with Junior Joseph and with Anson Pro, Nailah Blackman's manager.

Which international artistes do you wish to perform or write with?

My ideal artiste would have been Michael Jackson; unfortunately, he has passed. Of course, I would welcome any performance with any international artiste simply because it will show that my music has arrived at that stage. I am not very obsessed with people much; I'm more obsessed with constructs. I'm more obsessed with whether that artiste has a purpose or not, not necessarily whether they're a big deal. I would welcome any collaboration that gives my music an opportunity to entertain new audiences.

What other arts do you partake in?

I love poetry, honestly. I have books and books of poems that I write. I was thinking about publishing. I write different styles of poetry – haikus, free verse and other forms. Art is where it's at. It's where the love is, at least. I do love the law, because the law is so purposeful in its in its positioning. A lawyer helps us create and structure a society. Therefore, as an attorney, I get that opportunity as well, not only to influence mainstream music, but to help craft the vision of my future society. It's really powerful to be in both places. Law is also a very adversarial environment, while the music is much more peaceful.

Quote: Art is where it's at.

What are your plans for the rest of 2025?

I am currently in Barbados performing for Cropover and I’m hoping to be able to perform at the Labor Day festivities. USVI Carnival season is coming up and I would love to perform there. There’s also Miami Carnival in October and Orlando Carnival in 2026.

Quote: It’s time for the return of Don Trent!

What advice do you have for young people interested in music?

Believe in yourself with genuine self-belief:

• belief that allows you to persevere
• belief that allows you to withstand challenges
• belief that allows you to recognize that timing is important
• belief that allows the artiste to master their craft
• belief in the things the self is doing

Can you share something that most people wouldn’t know about you?

I am a Hebrew-Israelite – I believe in the Torah and follow the teachings of the Old Testament mainly. I am also an extremely passionate sports enthusiast – basketball, tennis, cricket and boxing. My favorite NBA player is Lebron James because he shows how he defied the odds.

What reactions do people give you when they learn that you are an attorney by day?

I call it my Bruce Wayne existence! People seem to be impressed with my growth. I am a multifaceted individual – living out my abilities, like a modern day Aristotle. I encourage people to show their different versions of themselves. I think of myself as a capable attorney and artiste because I am compelled to entertain on both stages.

Who would you like to shout out?

I want to shout out my family and all of the people who supported Don Trent including the people of the Virgin Islands, Belize, Guyana Trinidad, Barbados and whole Caribbean. I want to shout out all supporters of Soca and Caribbean music.

Anything else that you'd like to share?

As an artiste, it’s a great feeling. Please support your local artistes – help them realize their dreams and support the development of the local artform.

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I am always amazed and inspired when I speak with our local and regional talents. Be sure to visit Don Trent's social media and streaming pages for updates on his new releases:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Amazon Music
• Apple Music
• Spotify