Kesi Tempro, a vibrant musical talent hailing from Trinidad, is rapidly carving out her place in the Caribbean music scene. Growing up influenced by a diverse palette of musical genres, Kesi’s journey is marked by her relentless passion and an inspiring story of perseverance.
From a young age, Kesi was surrounded by music. Her father, a Rastaman with a profound love for reggae, and her mother, a devout Christian with an affinity for gospel music, instilled in her a rich understanding of various musical forms. This eclectic background exposed Kesi to legends like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Lord Kitchener, and Super Blue, shaping her musical sensibilities.
“I grew up in a household where music was a constant. My father’s love for reggae and my mother’s gospel hymns created a diverse musical environment,” Kesi shared. This richly woven tapestry of influences is evident in her unique musical style, which she describes as a fusion of calypso, gospel, jazz, and reggae, culminating in a fresh, contemporary sound she calls ‘SoDa’—a blend of soca and dancehall.
Kesi’s talent shone brightly during her school years, where she participated in and won local soca and calypso competitions. These early triumphs showcased her potential and fueled her dreams of a musical career. However, it wasn’t until 2006 that she made her recording debut with tracks like “On D Road” and “Carnival.”
A pivotal moment in her career came last year when Kesi won the Magnum SummerStage TT Spotlight competition. Initially hesitant to participate, it was the encouragement from her sister Keda Tempro, herself an established figure in the Trinidad soca scene, and an unexpected endorsement from dancehall icon Bounty Killer that propelled her to enter. Despite a last-minute entry, Kesi’s performance captivated the judges and audience alike.
“Winning the Magnum SummerStage TT Spotlight was a dream come true for me. It was the platform I had been praying for to showcase my talent to the world,” Kesi recounted. The competition’s highlight for her was performing alongside some of dancehall’s top acts like Teejay, Jada Kingdom, Valiant, and Jashii at SummerStage TT 2023.
Her victory also opened doors to new opportunities, including a significant recording prize with Romeich Major, a prominent figure in Jamaican dancehall. “Working with Romeich Major is the next great milestone in my career,” she expressed enthusiastically.
Meeting influential industry figures like Spragga Benz and securing a new manager, Nigel Telesford from Overtime Media, has further bolstered her career. “Nigel’s experience and support have been invaluable, helping me gain more airplay and opportunities,” Kesi noted.
Her latest single “Money,” produced by Jesse Beats and released on July 24, is already making waves. Kesi remains grateful for the positive sequence of events that have shaped her journey. “If it wasn’t for the Magnum SummerStage TT Spotlight competition, I might still be working my day job only and may not have pursued my musical ambitions,” she reflected.
Kesi Tempro’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a testament to the power of perseverance. With her unique musical fusion and relentless drive, she is poised to make an indelible mark on the Caribbean music scene. As she continues to rise, fans and industry insiders alike eagerly anticipate what she will bring to the table next.
