March 2025: An Incredible Journey of Poetry Promotion

March 2025 was incredible. I had several poems published and numerous performances, including a feature. My article on a featured local artist will appear in early April.

Zartaar Lit
Zartaar Lit is a new literary magazine and they selected Living My Story and sultry schemes for the inaugural issue in February 2025.

Verse-Virtual
Verse-Virtual selected The Path of Clarity for the March 2025 edition.

Pulse Poetry Magazine
The March 2025 Edition of Pulse Poetry Magazine included two of my pieces, Endurance and Impact, in there. Check out this edition which features Toyer Fahie (pages 3 and 4), Nelly Vee (pages 20 and 21) and many more talented poets. There are some erotic pieces throughout the magazine.

Feature on The Inter-Viewer
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, I was interviewed by Laxman Rao from The Fertile Brains team. The interview was very natural and flowed seamlessly. I was very comfortable and again, very humbled to even be considered. We spoke about my poetic journey and the poems in Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt (Kindle). I performed Proud and Out Loud, one of the pieces in the book. Do share your feedback in the comments.

Orenaug Mountain Publishing Online Reading
I participated as a featured reader in the March 1, 2025 reading hosted by the Orenaug Mountain Publishing. I shared four pieces, Temptation and Living from my earlier writings, The Ladder of Hope which was written in February 2025 and Music Calls Me written on the same day.

The Fertile Brains Open Recital

• March 2, 2025: I shared two pieces, Reciprocation and The Star's Tale, from 1:56:21 close to the end of the event.
• March 9, 2025: I shared To a Grand Lady from 1:18:40.
• March 16, 2025: I shared A Writing Tale from 59:20.
• March 23, 2025: I shared Do You Mind if I Touch Your Pen

Cultivating Voice Live Poetry Readings

• March 2, 2025: I was able to share Indecision during the open mic portion of the Cultivating Voice Live Poetry Reading on March 2, 2025. The focus was on the body with the publisher, editors, and contributors of the anthology, Braving the Body.
• March 23, 2025: I shared Do You Mind if I Touch Your Pen during the Fifth Anniversary reading.

Papi's Poetry Corner
I joined Papi's Poetry Corner along with some other talented female poets on March 6, 2025. The vibe was authentic, inspiring and energetic. Please ensure that you watch this show!

Calling All Poets Series
I performed during the Calling All Poets Series March 7, 2025 reading which featured Joann Deiudicibus, Thomas Festa and Julian Matthews.

Orenaug Mountain Poetry Journal
Thank you to Orenaug Mountain Poetry Journal for the opportunity to grace the virtual stage on March 1, 2025! See the full video of my performance here.

Fire & Dust Zoom Around the World
I was invited to perform at the Fire & Dust Zoom Around the World on March 13, 2025. I had a great time sharing with poets from around the world. I shared 15 pieces spanning my earlier to recent works.

Renga Competition 2nd Place
I participated in a Renga poem competition with Aleks Hannibal from Trinidad and Tobago and we placed 2nd! The competition was hosted by KVI Network Creations LLC. 

World Poetry Day 2025

Read about my fun activities on March 21, 2025! I had a blast!

Let's Po-et
I was live with the Let's Po-et team on March 22, 2025 led by the fabulous Nita Chase and co-hosts Stephanie Catlin Piper and Nuri Desvigne! Nelly Vee and I shared along with all the awesome poets that blessed the mic. I performed re-birth and Not On Our Own.

New Video: The Garden Life

I originally shared this poem, The Garden Life, with The Bounty Brunch Podcast Episode: Spring Clean. I decided to close off March 2025 with this recording which has footage of my garden and produce in 2024 and 2025. Feedback always welcomed!

DoubleSpeak Magazine

DoubleSpeak Magazine was one of the first publications to share my work. I am very grateful for See It and Freedom being published in the Fourth Anniversary issue. They are both older pieces but have great significance to our journey as a people. Six photos were also selected.

Collaborative Poem

Technology today proves that you don't have to be in the same region or country to collaborate. Here is Maybe Tomorrow by The Infamous Strategy & I on the vocals. Thank you to Clarence Ferguson Jr. for putting this together. Here are the words to my piece.

Maybe Tomorrow

Some days you didn’t hold me at all

I remember the days you didn’t answer my calls

Even though I had some stumbles and falls

You left me stranded - face down and sprawled

Instead of loving me, you put up walls

And I was stupid because I was still willing to crawl

Back crying to beg you to stick around

Even when my heart had again fallen to the ground

And tears fall from my eyes – yet I make no sound

Distressed because I see that you have found

A new love interest who you think is better

But I see she is just another empty headed go-getter

You left me for her so now I’m the ‘regretter’

Sad and lonely - a broke love investor

Who fell too quickly for a man that didn’t love me

Blinded, broken and very unable to see

Maybe tomorrow but most likely never

It’s going to take a miracle for me to feel better

Maybe tomorrow you may come my way

Love’s unpredictable is all that I can say

© Linette Rabsatt

Poem: The Garden Life by Linette Rabsatt

I originally shared this poem, The Garden Life, with The Bounty Brunch Podcast Episode: Spring Clean. I decided to close off March 2025 with this recording which has footage of my garden and produce in 2024 and 2025.

World Poetry Day 2025 was a Blast!

Display at Highland Library

World Poetry Day 2025 went something like this:

• 3 schools visited: Elmore Stoutt High School, Francis Lettsome Primary School and Willard Wheatley Primary School
• 5 presentations: including Grades K, 1st and 9th
• Online Reading: Oooh Beehive with Clive Oseman and some other awesome talents including Ashley Edge, Kate Jenkinson and Charlotte Faulconbridge
• 4 poems composed!
• My information is being shared in the Highland Library in Kansas.
• I was listed as a Caribbean breakout poet by Tropical Literature Creatives.
• 7 Virgin Islands poets' voices were aired on ZBVI and ZROD

1. Toyer Fahie
2. Kedrick Malone
3. Nikiesha McMaster
4. Justin Hodge
5. Nelly Vee
6. Akin Chinnery
7. Linette Rabsatt

Sharing an acrostic poem with the students

School Visits

My intention was to inspire the children with positive words and encouragement. I prepared by choosing age appropriate poetry and techniques to get them involved. I used their participation, acrostic poetry, visuals, musically infused poetry, rhyme and relatable themes to keep them interested, despite their ages. I really hope that they were inspired! Two special poems were Go Light Our Way and Rainbow because I created visuals to help the children better understand how to use the acrostic technique.

Poem shared with the children. Do you see the special word?

Haikus for World Poetry Day 2025

unification
joining of liked minds and loves
bring peace into life

broken machine blues
some frustrated customers
the payday line blues

With Allison Flax-Archer, Secretary General, BVI National Commission for UNESCO

a glittered diamond
butterfly smiles with might
love personified

insecurities
halt, strip, hurt, break, blur, scrape, tear
progression stays stalled

Performing a poem that included the children's participation

poetry will lead

you back to your roots, culture
heritage – new love

Acrostic poem shared with matching photo

I am poetry

words personified through me

creative outlet

© Linette Rabsatt 3-21-2025

February 2025: The Ongoing Poetic Journey and a New Poem

February had its share of triumphs and rejections. I always say that for every poem a publication accepted, other publications rejected twenty others. I work harder and submit more. I've never been a quitter and will continue to push my pen.

Remember, these words from my poem, Revisited:

... words written

and hidden

are no use

share them and let someone peruse

Here is my journey for February 2025.

Pulse Poetry Magazine
The February issue of Pulse Poetry Magazine featured poems by Toyer Fahie, Nelly and I and the other awesome contributors. I shared Deny in honor of my mother and The Nurturer for those with love on their minds.

Louisiana Lyricists Lounge: Open Mic
I performed during the February 1, 2025 open mic hosted by Louisiana Lyricists Lounge. Special thanks to PAWCRAM da Poet for creating this venue. I shared Mama's Prayers from 11:29. This was the first open mic that PAWCRAM hosted and it was very well supported. The poets shared some heavy inspiration.

The Fertile Brains Open Mic
I joined The Fertile Brains Open Mic on February 2, 2025 and shared Inspiration, a poem inspired by a writing prompt in Papi's Poetry Corner MVP Facebook Group. I'm on from 44:08 until 45:41. The Fertile Brains Open Mic showcases poets from across the world. 

Talentourney Feature
Aleks Hannibal, a fellow poet from Trinidad and Tobago featured me on his webpage, Talentourney. He has been hosting writing competitions to encourge us to keep our inspiration flowing. Three of my pieces are featured, My Love's Locked Down, Yellow and Filled with Flaws.

Cultivating Voices Live Poetry
I shared Sight (CAPS Anthology) during the Cultivating Voices Live Poetry which featured Lynda VE Crawford and Indran Amirthanayagam, two well-traveled and published poets. 

Syncopation Literary Journal
My poem, Music Is, was published in the Syncopation Literary Journal on February 3, 2025. Follow the link and look for my name. This is one of my pieces from the archives.

Lucid Voices Black History Month Open Mic
I shared in the Lucid Voices Black History Month Open Mic, hosted by Adonis Richards. I shared My Thoughts on Black Love.

All Your Stories Magazine
My short story, A Bird's Life, was published in All Your Stories Magazine February 2025: Quick Reads and Memories. It's available on the magazine's website and Amazon (Kindle and printed).

Micromance Magazine
My poem, Sweet Lady, was published by Micromance Magazine. I was inspired by a writing prompt shared by Ashanti Taylor from Pulse Poetry Magazine to write a poem based on Sweet Lady by Tyrese Gibson.

Calling All Poets Series Reading
The February 7, 2025 session of Calling All Poets Series featured Megha Sood, Linda McCauley Freeman and Harvey Soss. I performed my poem, Pages to be Fulfilled, from 1:52:50 to 1:54:00 during the open mic. Open mic poets included Tom Holland, Heather Kays, Patricia Carragon, Richard Spisak, Rich Boucher and many more talents.

Ameslounge Interview
I am grateful for the interview with Andrea M. Echols of Ameslounge on February 8, 2025. I shared two pieces with her, Granny Said a Lot and De-Stress.

Highland Park Poetry
Shout out to Highland Park Poetry for featuring my poem, Subtle. Do let me know if you think it is subtle or frank!

Artist Feature: Diamond Plus
This month, I featured Diamond Plus, an artist from the Virgin Islands. Read more to learn about him and check out his sound.

WOC This Way for Poetry
My poem, Love and Affection, was published by WOC This Way for Poetry on February 14, 2025. It was written based on a prompt with Pressure's song, Love and Affection, as the inspiration.

February 16, 2025 Poetry Events
Inspired Poetry Corner
I had the honor of listenting to the featured poet, Stella Magal, at the Sunday at the Corner, hosted by the Inspired Poetry Corner. I was able to share two pieces during the open mic, Honeybee and Writer's Block. I'm on from 1:19:59. The entire reading was an awesome experience.

Cultivating Voice Live Poetry
I performed during the Wild Card Open Mic along with a group of talented poets from all over the world. I shared Honeybee and The Panther Within.

Silver Birch Press
My poem, Sweet, was shared by Silver Birch Press on February 16, 2025 in their series, My Favorite Things. Of course, it is an ode to my favorite tart filling, pineapple.

Haiku Feature
Thank you to St. Petersburg Library System for featuring my haiku on February 18, 2025.

New Video for Erase and Embrace
I've uploaded a new video, Erase and Embrace. The title was inspired by the talented Nita Chase. Please leave a comment with your feedback! Thank you for your kind support!

February 22-23 Readings
Let's Poet
I performed during the February 22 edition of Let's Poet with Nita Chase and some other amazing poets. I shared My Thoughts on Black Love and Stitched Love.

The Fertile Brains
I shared Fruit on the Vines and This Piece of Me during the February 23 edition of The Fertile Brains open-themed recital. Grateful to be performing with poets from India.

Pour Your Heart Out Open Mic
The February 23, 2025 edition of the Pour Your Heart Out Open Mic, hosted by Nakenyia Sheree Stokes, was a beautiful experience with feature poet, Vitamin D. Poets who graced the mic included De'Asia Thompson, Pawcram DaPoet and Emanuel Cole. I shared a tanka, This Escape, and a new piece, The Ladder of Hope.

Sense & Sensibility
My haiku was featured in Sense & Sensibility. Click the link for my piece and several others.

New Poem

This poem is a Renga and it was inspired by a prompt from Nelly Vee of KVI Network Creations, LLC.

Split Personalities

bury the hatchet

let go, forgive and forget

regret is wasteful

forgiveness – no, not this time

their lies hurt me to the core

turn the other cheek

just be the bigger person

you can still trust them

bitten already – no way

trust is out of the picture

give them one more chance

just continue to be nice

your good deeds will stand

not accepting disrespect

this nonsense must end today

© Linette Rabsatt 2-26-2025

Upcoming Interview

I have an interview on Saturday, March 1 at 8:00 pm IST which is 10:30 am BVI time. I will share the link.

Meet Diamond Plus aka Puny Lukey Don, Artist from St. Thomas, VI

Diamond Plus aka Puny Lukey Don

I met this artist online. He is my cousin, Jevon Rabsatt, who I found on Facebook. I reached out to him to ask questions about our family tree and found out that he has been into music since he was a teenager. I chatted with Diamond Plus aka Puny Lukey Don on February 8, 2025, while he was in Gambia to learn more about his music and journey.

 

What inspired you to become an artist?

Diamond Plus shared that he grew to love music just from listening to it. He recalled that Beenie Man and Buju Banton had a great impact on him. He saw Beenie Man at a concert in St. Thomas and was so enthralled that he became determined to be an artist. He also saw Buju Banton in concert on another occasion and decided he really wanted to pursue music professionally.

 

Diamond Plus also recalled that he would chant and sing along with his nephew, Romeo, who was a good drummer. He also shared the first time he saw 2Ekwip, who we now recognize as Timothy and Theron Thomas of R. City. Diamond Plus shared that those boys were quite young at the time but would come to his brother-in-law’s studio to record music. He was amazed at their talent and drive at their age and became more determined to push and nurture his talent. Diamond Plus would hang around them and chant with them.

 

He fondly shared a memory from his 8th Grade year at a Team Rally, which involved all the local schools. Diamond Plus said that he along with Maurice ‘Verse’ Simmonds and Rakeem, now deceased, competed in a competition. Diamond Plus was declared the winner. These various experiences all help to inspire the artist we know today as Diamond Plus.

 

What was your first single that you put out?

My first release was Gal from All Nation. It was also my first dancehall song, released in 2001 while I was still in high school.

The hook:

“Gal from all nation is on the dance floor, Puny Dan ah come an dem ah broke out like sore, well if you love they style then scream out for more, cause badman no deal with whores.”

Who helped you to get your music out there?

 Tony Gee was one of my first producers that helped me to grow, taught me to record, and put me on Boston airwaves. He did a show with Movado and took me to Gambia for the first time. Dis N Dat band with sister Debbie and Rango aew who 'buss my live' in Boston and surrounding areas. I would do sold out gigs with them in and around New England.

Who is your team behind the music?

My DJ is Jagga Movements. My support team includes my close friends who believe and support me. I currently manage myself along with the support of the LUKEY Family, who encourage and support me on the journey. I thank God for his continued guidance.

Diamond Plus purchases beats online and often works with Abu Shaq, a talented producer based in the Gambia.

What does LUKEY mean?

LUKEY means Loyal United Kings Educating Youths. Olord Lukey Don, Diamond Plus, and Lukey Flames are the founding members. Anything in the positive light that brings uplift-ment to the world, to each other, a teacher, a blogger, a good dad, someone that tells the younger generation to stay away from drugs etc. - that’s considered Lukey. If my friends read this article they will say, .. 'that article on you is Luke, my boy, or it's Lukey.'

 

What are your plans for your music for 2025 and beyond?

I want to release another EP entitled Diamond Time Now and drop some new singles. I already have the music but I’m continuing to work on the visuals.

 

“I know I have the hits in all genres but they just need to be shown in the light”

 

What type of music do you listen to and who are the top artists on your playlist?

I listen to a variety of music - I try to stay away from negative music even though I support the various genres.

• Lovers Rock – as much as I have the bad boy aura, I still have a lot of love in my heart!
• Hip hop
• Afrobeat
• Dancehall
• Gospel
• Soca

My top artists include: Ruger, Busy Signal, Vybe Kartel, Buju Banton, Sizzla, and Pressure.

 

“I cut my dreads but still am a Rasta!”

 

What’s your writing process?

I like to flow from the top of my head – I don’t pre-write. Inspiration comes from anything – could be a word, or seeing someone pass by. I like to keep myself grounded in the way I make music – I write from different perspectives.

 

Diamond Plus aka Puny Lukey Don

As we chat today, you are on the African continent. Tell us about your experience.

Gambia is beautiful. It’s a little warm right now. There’s a lot of love being shown and I also consider it home. Africa is not like what we see on TV. I was inspired to travel to Africa because DJ Jagga Movements inspired and encouraged me. I performed at a show with Movado and the crowd was over thirty thousand strong.

 

Within Diamond Plus’ first four days in Gambia, one of the DJ’s friends was transporting him. He saw a flyer in the car for an upcoming show and started freestyling about the headliner’s name and the name of the show. The driver recorded him and sent the video to the featured artist. When Diamond Plus arrived at his hotel, he went to shower. When he was finished, he met several people waiting for him because they all wanted to hear him freestyle. That interaction opened the door for him to meet Attack and they both visited the studio to record the song the next few days. The song was released and within the first 8 days, it captured over 100K views on YouTube. To date, Hundred Taw has over 300,000 streams on YouTube. Diamond Plus said that the feedback was overwhelming and people love the song.

The culture of Gambia is love! Africa is home! I encourage everyone to touch down on the motherland. I love the versatility of the music here.

 

What stage have you always dreamed of performing on?

I would love to perform at a big concert in the USA with over 30,000 people in the crowd. I would also like to perform at stage shows in the USVI and BVI – from St Thomas to Tortola.

 

Which artists would you want to collaborate with (local, regional, and international)?

Diamond Plus works with other artists by co-writing, mentoring, collaborating, and being featured.

 

I would love to collaborate with R City, Pressure Buss Pipe, and any upcoming artist who is willing to work with me. On a national level, it would be Busta Rhymes.

 

Share something with the readers that most people don’t know about you.

• I am a very humble, praying, and caring guy.
• I follow the lead from God.
• I am willing to go above and beyond to help upcoming artists.
• I want the best for everybody. While people may think it’s a competition, that’s not the case.

 

Please share some advice for the younger generation.

• Keep a prayerful life
• Don’t follow bad company
• Work hard for what you want
• Don’t let anyone throw their fears on you

 

Anything else you’d like to share?

• I encourage everyone to subscribe to my social media: Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
• I have lots of videos coming soon because I want to fulfill my fan’s requests for more visuals.
• I am working hard this year to please my fans.
• I am going to continue getting back to the roots and my prayerful times.
• I want to spend more time with my family.

January 2025 - New Energy, Work and Features

I have thoroughly enjoyed the 10 weeks of January 2025 (lol)! I've had work featured in several publications and was blessed to have a 30-minute Solo Poetry Recital hosted by The Fertile Brains. I am looking forward to doing more in February and I plan to have great fun!

Here's a chronology of what has happened in January 2025!

Pulse Poetry Magazine
My poems, Another Year (page 34) and I Envision (page 37), were published in the January 2025 issue of Pulse Poetry Magazine. Nelly Vee and Akin Chinnery are also in the Magazine.

Feed the Holy
Feed the Holy published two poems in January:

• * Every Day on January 2, and
• * We Say Yes on January 17.

Personal Freedom Anthology
My poem, Personal, was published in the Personal Freedom anthology by Orenaug Mountain Publishing. You can purchase a copy here: https://www.orenaugmountainpublishing.com/poetry-collections/personal-freedom.

My Eintou Poem
My eintou poem placed second in a competition! I entered two pieces and Love Heals placed second.

Rebirth Anthology
The anthology, Rebirth, features two of my poems, Re-birth and Break Through the Cracks. All proceeds will go to New Hope For Families in Bloomington, IN. You can find the paperback here https://a.co/d/6SPAiH0 and the hardcover here https://a.co/d/6o5Fr6H. Thank you to Walden Quinn Ceasar for having confidence in my work.

Literary Cocktail Magazine
Literary Cocktail Magazine accepted my photo, Morning Blues in its Fall 2024 issue.

Darkly Beautiful
Magique Publishing selected my piece, Dark Snowman, for the Darkly Beautiful publication. Dark Snowman is on page 12.

Synchronized Chaos
Synchronized Chaos published two of my pieces, A Day Out and Pack Mentality, on January 1, 2025.

Dem Dope Poets

• On January 7, I was the surprise guest on Dem Dope Poets, hosted by Kim Mosby Summers on Instagram. The 3 Goats and a Mic, the featured poets, delivered some powerful and impactful pieces. I shared Another Year. It was awesome being in their virtual company.
• I performed during Dem Dope Poets on Instagram Live hosted by Kim Mosby Summers on January 14 along with Pawcram and Gerronteed.

The Poet Heroic
My poem, Filled with Flaws was published by The Poet Heroic as the Poem of the Week on December 27, 2024. It's one of the pieces that I originally submitted to Visual Verse based on a photo prompt.

Calling All Poets Series
I performed during the Calling All Poets Series reading on Janaury 16, 2025 which featured LJ Sysko. I'm on from 1:39:44 to 1:42:41 sharing What is Next, Pack Mentality and A Walking Inspiration.

YouTube Upload
I wrote my poem, Indecision, based on a photo prompt. It's a piece that I had some fun with based on the image. 

January 19, 2025 Online Readings

• Verse Virtual: I attended the Verse Virtual Poetry Reading, which featured Page Starzinger and David Baker. I'm on during the open mic from 47:42 to 49:08 sharing two pieces, Red Umbrella and The Cooling Aura.
• Orenaug Mountain Publishing: My poem, Personal, was published in the Orenaug Mountain Publishing Anthology, Personal Freedom. A poetry reading was held on January 19, 2025 and I was able to share my piece from 39:10 to 40:00.

Inspired Poetry Corner

I performed at the January 19, 2025 Inspired Poetry Corner's Show #36: Sunday at the Corner featuring Lady Dia  &Troph, Kinfolk Nation, who were awesome! I shared Indecision and The Table.

https://youtu.be/mJRpxnbbg6E?si=T5ueJ5eCFIuKTA2a

January 25-26, 2025 Online sessions

• Brownstone Poets: I performed during the January 25, 2025 online poetry reading, which featured Michael Broder, Allyson Paty and David Groff. I was on from 10:00 to 11:26 and shared Family Tree and Ugly Faces.
• Let's Po-Et: I joined the talented Nita Chase, Stephanie Piper and Nuri Desvigne for the January 25, 2025 session of Let's Poet. I shared my pieces, Erase and Embrace and Strong Woman.

The Fertile Brains

• Online Reading: I joined The Fertile Brains online poetry reading on January 26, 2025 and shared Roots to Routes, which was inspired by the BVI Lit Fest Poetry Competition. I'm on from 1:14:13 sharing my piece.
• The Fertile Brains Solo Recital: The Fertile Brains featured me in a Solo Poetry Recital on January 29, 2025. I shared a variety of my pieces throughout.

Artist Feature: Bari

I love highlighting our Virgin Islands talents on my blog. This month, I featured Bari, who is a multi-talented musician and athlete.

New Poem

Never Tired

drifting

a piece of history

once on an SUV

next on a swing

hurricane winds

took me to the river

I don't degrade

will be here forever

never tiring

just traveling

as the wind or water

take me

© Linette Rabsatt 1-31-2025

Thank you for your continued support!

Meet Bari - An Upcoming Virgin Islands Talent and Athlete

Jabari Pemberton, who is known as the Virgin Islands artist, Bari, is a 2024 graduate of the Elmore Stoutt High School. As a former Prince (2017) of the Virgin Islands Festival Prince and Princess Pageant, everyone saw that he was talented, intelligent, and confident. Bari is also an aspiring track athlete specializing in Long Jump and sprints. I chatted with him on January 26, 2025, so that he could share some insights with his growing fan base.

What inspired you to become an artist?

Bari said he is still shocked that he is writing and performing music at this level. He started with a band, Pure Drive Squad, but they eventually separated. His parents encouraged him to continue his musical pursuits, especially with his father's legacy as a vocalist in a local band.

What was your first single that you put out?

His first single was Squeeze with Jayqoi Hopkins in 2022. However, his first solo single was Which One? which was released in  2024.

Who is your team behind the music?

• Diamante & Djimon Gumbs
• Johntà Charles

Who writes your lyrics?

I write my lyrics.

What are your plans for your music for 2025?

I look forward to dropping more material. I haven’t been performing so much because I am working on a new sound. Creating my own sound is one of the goals.

What type of music do you listen to and who are the top artists on your playlist?

I listen to a lot of genres, including:

• R&B
• Soca
• VI Calypso/Soca/Bram
• Soul.

The top artists I listen to are Big Shaw, Kes, Machel Montano, and Riiqo Live from St Croix.

What stage have you always dreamed of performing on?

Anguilla was the biggest stage I have performed on so far, and Virgin Gorda will be next.

My dream is to travel to perform in St Thomas or St John, and once the call comes, I’m going!

Which artists would you want to collaborate with (local, regional, and international)?

I've had the pleasure of collaborating with Boss on a song, Follow Through.

I would also like the opportunity to collaborate with:

• Big Shaw
• Riiqo Live
• Papo Productions
• Jougo
• Adam O

Are you willing to experiment with other genres?

Bari said that he would be willing to try reggae or afrobeat, and he has been encouraged to try reggae.

Will you be continuing your aspirations in track and field?

Yes for sure. I love being versatile and have never been comfortable just doing one thing.

Share something with the readers that most people don’t know about you.

I’m not really good with getting attention. I’m not doing the music for that. I just love music!

Please share some advice for the younger generation.

 Bari was happy to respond to this question to share his advice.

• Be yourself!
• I don’t think people should focus on fitting in.
• Be genuine! Be positive!
• With the effort you put in – you will reap the benefits.
• Once you get too comfortable – everything will go downhill.

Anything else you would like to share with the readers?

Bari is a hardworking guy. I work 24-7 and I hardly sleep. I am a humble guy. Even though I don’t do well with getting lots of attention, I am a very kind person and I love to have conversations with people.

Who would you like to shout out?

• My parents,
• Everybody who had a part to play in my music journey and overall upbringing – those who helped to mold me,
• My team, Djimon, Diamante and Johntà,
• Khari Fahie, my bassist,
• The whole BVI massive for pushing me because one hand can’t clap, and
• A special big-up to my management team, Promo by Putna.

Bari is a talented young man with a positive mindset. He knows how to rock a crowd and get them energized. We will see him on the international stage one day!