Trinidadian Soca artists participated in a protest this week regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding Kaia Sealy. The protest was organized in response to the police-involved shooting of Joshua Samaroo, which has sparked significant public outcry and demands for justice. Notably, Soca artiste Nailah Blackman has been vocal, calling for empathy and unity among the authorities and the public amid these tensions.
The protest saw around 200 participants, with many carrying placards expressing their demands for truth and justice. Videos from the event have been circulated on social media, showcasing the artists’ involvement and the community’s response.
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A wave of prominent Trinidadian entertainers has launched a coordinate social media campaign to protest what they describe as a profound injustice in the ongoing case of Joshua Samaroo and Kaia Sealy.
The public outcry intensified following a police-involved shooting on 20 January, which ultimately led to manslaughter charges being laid against Sealy. Tensions escalated further last week after the arrest of protest leader Alyssa Phillip and the implementation of 15 no-protest zones under the State of Emergency Regulations. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar dismissed the widespread demonstrations as “publicity farming” and “victim gimmickry”, sparking fierce criticism across online platforms.
Numerous local celebrities have now broken their silence to stand with the protestors. Dancehall singer and podcast host KG condemned the situation as “blatant injustice right in front our eyes”, whilst criticizing peers who “continue to keep their mouths shut”. Freetown Collective lead singer Muhammad Muwakil branded the requirement to seek protest permission from the state a “colonial holdover” that is “ludicrous at best”, later releasing a video performing in support of Sealy and Phillip.
Soca star Nailah Blackman also expressed her immense frustration, stating that “what is going on right now with Kaia Sealy is not right” and pleading for urgent empathy from the country’s leaders. Former national Calypso Queen Amrika Mutroo shared a similar sentiment, declaring her art “a cry for justice, not an incitement to violence”, with explicit support from fellow singer Anika Berry.
Additional tributes and statements were posted by Lady Lava, spoken word artiste Derron Sandy, and jazz singer Vaughnette Bigford. Meanwhile, Soca artiste Trinidad Killa, real name Kern Joseph, called for a 100,000-strong public mobilization to fight the current system. In a significant political shift, the performer announced he is withdrawing his support for Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to back the People’s National Movement instead.
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