Two, young, talented nationals whom I have known from their childhood continue to make me proud. They are singer/composer Tylah Ariel Head and model/dancer/producer Janeel Abraham
Tylah Ariel
Tylah, 26, the daughter of photographer Andrea DeSilva and former US Marine Master Sargeant Leroy Head Jr., has been singing since childhood, usually in the shadow as background vocalist to her elder sister Leandra. But she has emerged and is now radiantly aglow, composing, recording and performing her own material.
Tylah debuted her first single, Misery, in October last year, inspired by her own life’s events or those closest to her.
She said: “I dug deep into my soul and engaged in some introspection. I drew inspiration from Billie Eilish, Linne La Havas and John Mayer.
"I am a Trinidadian-American pop-alternative singer and songwriter, and my soothing vocals have been compared to that of Sade and Jhené Aiko.”
Within a year, Tylah has released her second single, Breathe, released on May 21 on all major social media music platforms.
She explained that Breathe feels like a step in the right direction, and is almost a continuation of the story following Misery. “It captures the journey to release from pain to breaking free."
Breathe was produced by Kyle Phillip of Badjohn Republic
To follow Tylah Ariel: Facebook and Youtube – @TylahAriel, and Instagram – tylahariel
Janeel Abraham
I have also known Janeel from childhood as her father was iconic calypsonian Brigo (Samuel Abraham). Having grown in adulation of her father it is no surprise that Janeel, now domiciled in the USA, is making her mark in the arts. She has been inserting Caribbean dance and T&T Carnival into the cultural tapestry of Lima, Ohio.
In the wake of both of her parents dying a couple years ago, Janeel shifted her focus to giving breath to her father's legacy as a creative. About losing them she said: “An indelible cultural impression amidst the gaping void was left, nonetheless.
"In honouring his legacy, in 2018, my sister, mas-band producer Janelle’s presentation, Brigo’s Cultural Band, topped its category at New Jersey’s carnival, while last year, 2020, covid-19 hindered my Brigo’s Legacy Band, for said carnival, but for his birthday on July 1, we hosted a call-in, prize-award, calypso-singing show via WACK Radio, Trinidad.
"I am a driven young lady with a cultivated passion and love for culture. During teen era, I always dreamt of bringing my vision of introducing a Festival celebrated by everyone to fruition.”
Saturated with Caribbean culture, but residing in Lima, Ohio, USA, Janeel wants to see her hometown “become a spectacle of creativity and jubilance…the first of a kind for the town.” In 2018, she partnered with JayMark Smith, and established a family Company, Lima Caribbean Festival (LCF), located in Lima. The annual Festival will fashion said name. Despite introducing the Caribbean experience, LCF goes beyond fetes/parties or parades encapsulating an educational component. “I want to make my parents, the town, the Caribbean, and God proud. “We aim to cover all aspects of Caribbean culture to produce a dynamism of a Festival." LCF attracted the interest of their Chamber of Commerce. Enrolled as members, relative discussions commenced.
Janeel Abraham
Janeel danced the bélè while in T&T; modelled professionally for Meiling, House of Jackie, Eclif Ellie, apart from others. She’s a music composer, background vocalist, engages in collaborations, and plans to pursue acting. In early May, Janeel theoretically and practically facilitated a presentation on Caribbean culture at one of her hometown’s educational institutions, Heir Force Community School. Their Youth for Change Programme learned of calypso, calypso king and queens and the Caribbean folk dance, Bélé. Bélé skirts and waistbands were manufactured in Florida by T&T-American fashion designer Crystal Lyons. Relatedly, Janeel was interviewed by television news channel, Lima News Fox 8.
“I will eternally love my parents. I pray like my mom, and wear my hat in style like dad. I tip mine to culture.” Janeel Graham: jempressj@gmail.com