One week after arriving in Trinidad and it's time for Carnival! The date that's in every Trinbagonian's diary and being planned from the week after the last one finished. Thanks to my mother, who grew up in Iere (the old native name for Trinidad, meaning the land of the humming-bird) I already knew a lot about this vibrant gathering that attracts visitors from across continents. Yet, despite having visited T&T a multitude of times already, this was to be my first experience partaking in what is known as one of the greatest 'fetes' in the world - and I planned on dancing through the streets until I was peeling myself off the pavement. This time of year encapsulates the Island Nations' pride in their history and the people's love of celebrating life, friendship, sunshine and freedom. It is one last blow-out before lent and lasts days with preparations carrying on for months in the run-up to it.

Music is at the heart of the festivities and runs through the veins of the two sister- islands and in the blood of the islanders. The whole affair - decorated in colourful beads, feathers, jewels and gems – and splattered with paint, clay and oil, then blasted with glitter and powder for good measure. Streets are full, trucks are blaring, and intoxicating colours fly. Arms twirl and booty's bounce in a way I could only dream of shaking. Port of Spain is pulsing as fast as my heart and for the next week I'm singing nothing but the latest Soca road-march tunes. Senses tingling, feet sufficiently aching and spirit feeling welcomed, free and satisfied; I had arrived, or in other words, 'ah reach'.

Shortly after, was time for Friendship Festival in Tobago. This annual two day camp-out on the Friendship estate (a part of the Island that holds great historic significance) to showcase the diversity of T&T music during Carnival season; the idea being a collaboration of two well-known and well-loved members of the community - Derek Hearne and Sheldon Blackman. Sheldon Blackman, son of Ras Shorty I (known as the man who invented Soca) and legend in his own right, has long been a musical hero of mine. And here on this beautiful land, I had the opportunity to sing and play alongside him, as well as other with other musicians of a jaw-dropping calibre. I was gaining confidence with every day that passed and beginning to realise that I could do much within the community and further afield, using my musical gift and creativity to make lasting, positive change.

Round 2 of the grassroots Friendship Festival lay across the waters, back over in Trinidad, in the stunning setting of the Blackman Family Ranch in Piparo. Here the good vibes continued; collaborating with local musicians, poets and entrepreneurs, uplifting the spirit and feeding the soul. The vibrations here were so sincere. It was super-inspiring to meet like-minded members of the community, striving to make a difference through art and outreach projects, such as chocolate making, spoken word and open expression events.

Next came the gift of recording with Isaac Blackman, OKSmith and Jus Now, all outstanding international producers. I began recording some songs from, 'Find Your Tribe', as well as working on writing new tracks, gaining invaluable knowledge of how the industry works through the eyes of established artists. Learning and soaking up as much as I could. I was (and still am) counting my blessings daily to be sharing my time, heart, energy and passion with such self-assured, talented and ambitious characters.

Weekly performances gigging at some of the hottest joints on the islands included, Revs, Jade Monkey, the Shade & Rossco's, all of which kept me on my toes. I entertained and interacted with audiences from around the globe and on special occasions I was blessed again to share the stage with breath-taking artists such as Nilah Blackman and Vanna Vee. Weeks passed and my smile, heart and repertoire grew bigger. I have kept in close contact with Vanna Vee since and am working on a mind-blowingly exciting new musical project with her – a female duet group called, 'Arrows'.

As part of her World Tour, Joss Stones' band reached Trinidad. What an opportunity for me to jump in alongside world class musicians! Taking the microphone was a chance to jam, unleash some pent-up melody and just the definition of soul food. Being involved with Tobago Jazz, watching revered artists, such as 3 Canal, Third world and Etian Charles perform was icing-on-the-cake, and the most incredible wind-down from three months in the wild and wonderful island-nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

It is fair to say that these islands pulse to a beat like no-where else on Earth. Perhaps down to my family history or maybe to something bigger, being part of the landscape of wide sunsets, coconut trees and rain-forests, I felt more connected to myself and the planet, than ever before. The surroundings made each breath more sweetly, and I was singing with fire. Music making, and LIVING felt natural and effortless. After a whirlwind of adventures I couldn't have dreamt up, & gaining a new family of inspiring creative stars, my heart cramped to say goodbye to the nation that I am proud to call a second home. But returning to the UK, to my birth-town Leicester City –THE CHAMPIONS- I am beyond excited to begin compiling all of the last 6 months words, melodies, tears, laughter, memories and magic into you my debut album - which I would not be possible without the help of JHMT.

Thank you!