Trinidad- born recording artiste Keba Williams is one known for exploring love, femininity and identity as an immigrant and a millennial in her music. At the age of 16, Williams left Trinidad and Tobago to reside in the US where her passion for music began.
After completing her degree in chemistry and another in music at Florida International University, Williams quickly burst onto the music scene in 2013 with her first studio album Wildfire, composed in collaboration with producer Erik Nunez.
Williams has been making strides in her music career. She has earned her recognition both from the USA songwriting competition and the International Songwriting Competition for her original songs.
Keba regularly headlines top venues in South Florida with her band The Usual Suspects, and she recently performed as the opening act for Jill Scott and Kool & the Gang at the 2015 Tobago Jazz Experience. In 2016, the singer went on a European tour of Portugal, France, England, and Spain to promote the release of her latest EP, Filmstrip.
CNW recently caught up with Loco for the Coco singer to find a little more about her and her inspiration behind her latest single.
What inspired your song Loco for the Coco?
Loco for the Coco was inspired by an experience I had while performing at a VIP lounge in Miami. An elderly Caucasian man tried to kiss me on the lips while I was in the middle of a song. It was such a tense moment because he was obviously a VIP member of the organization, and I did not know if they would condone his behavior. Thankfully, they discontinued his membership. But that experience was a chance for me to reflect on what it had been like as a Caribbean woman in entertainment, being fetishized for my ethnicity and having this be one of many instances where men have crossed the line verbally and physically with me in my line of work.
So the song Loco for the Coco was actually written on my drive home. I wanted to continue to celebrate women like me through the lyrics. And make sure that we don’t feel we have to apologize for taking up space and doing what makes us feel beautiful. We get to express ourselves, love the skin we’re in and hold men accountable for their actions and that’s powerful.
You’ve always managed to present an international sound. Is this part of your strategy as an entertainer and are there any particular markets that you are targeting?
I grew up hearing and playing many different types of music: calypso, classical, jazz, musical theater. So my taste is naturally eclectic. For a while, it was a challenge to find my musical formula because everything is ear candy to me. But I think what makes me unique as an entertainer is my ability to bring those influences together and use my music to tell stories from the perspective of a woman who wants to have it all.
Coming from the islands, being an immigrant, being a woman of color, there are so many expectations people place on you. I love using my music to push those boundaries and remind people like me that we’re limitless. That’s the kind of message that is universal, so ultimately I’d like to represent the Caribbean throughout the diaspora and wave the Trinidad & Tobago flag high through pop music.
How was performing at the Tobago Jazz Festival, and what would you have done differently?
Performing at the Tobago Jazz Festival was life changing for me. It was my first festival stage and being able to open for Jill Scott and Kool and the Gang was such an honor. There is nothing I would change about that performance. I sang my heart out and people really responded to my music. At one point I couldn’t believe the audience was singing along to the songs.
I was received with more excitement than I ever expected. To have people actually want to know my name, while they were waiting for a main act like Jill Scott to perform, was a revelation. That moment gave me so much validation at a time when I was still trying to figure out if I could even call myself an artiste. If anything, I wish I would have had the confidence to recognize and express that power in myself earlier …
What’s one of the most memorable or strangest experiences you’ve had with a fan during a performance?
I once had someone come up to me after a show and share a really touching story about a toxic relationship she had just found the strength to leave. My song “Good Love” had reminded her that she made the right decision, and she was worthy of so much more.
Moments like that are unforgettable because it makes you feel like your music is really changing people’s lives for the better.
What should we expect next from Keba?
Loco for the Coco is just the tip of the iceberg. I’m currently working on my next album, and it has been an opportunity to celebrate my Caribbean roots even more. I’m always moved by the fact that people listen to my music not just for entertainment but for a message.
So this next project is filled with feel-good anthems to make you sing and dance through any situation life brings. And lyrically it’s meant to remind you of the beauty, power, and freedom within you. As we all continue to figure out life following a pandemic, I want to give people messages of hope and help them tap into the best versions of themselves through music.
What was the experience like during your European tour?
Doing the European tour was very special. Being able to share my music in Portugal, Paris, London, Spain…I was performing for people from totally different backgrounds who speak different languages, and they were so appreciative of my music. That meant a lot to me as an artiste.
How do you make time for yourself?
Honestly, I don’t do a good job of making time for me. I’m learning to rest more and take breaks but I’m definitely a workaholic. When I make appointments to get my hair done, I try to take that time to put down my phone, relax and just enjoy some uninterrupted self-care.
If you could vacation outside of the Caribbean region, which country would you visit and why?
I’ve always wanted to visit Bali. To visit the Eastern hemisphere and see how they live in that southern Pacific region of the world. I admire their use of bamboo and their respect for the environment. Plus, it just looks like such a gorgeous and serene place to get away to. Who wouldn’t want to go?
