This post first appeared on Sokah2Soca, where Caribbean music meets wit, rhythm, and real talk. Island Vybe Radio spins the tunes—we decode the culture.
The future is in positive hands with Princess Celine and producer Black Starr! Today is the day we refer to as "Friday Pop Up!" For this week's "Pop Up," we have something special; it is a celebration of youthful fire, seasoned mentorship, and the kind of musical synergy that makes you pause mid-scroll and listen. The new musical fire is burning brightly in sweet Trinidad and Tobago. And today we feature the 13-year-old dynamo whose voice is already carving space in the Dancehall/Reggae scene—and her latest collab with Jhallano is proof that purpose knows no age. These songs have a vibe!
We are here to present to you and to celebrate, via an interview, new music: "Purpose" and "Block Dem." Celine and Jhallano’s new track “Purpose” is a Dancehall/Reggae fusion that hits with clarity and conviction. It’s not just a vibe—it’s a statement. The lyrics express resilience, self-worth, and an unwavering inner fire, regardless of the surrounding noise.
And then there’s “Block Dem,” Celine’s solo bounce on the 90s Bounce Riddim—a playful yet assertive anthem that channels vintage swagger with Gen Z precision. It’s cheeky, confident, and unmistakably hers.
The interview took place on the Ojo World TT prime show "Madder Drive." Shal Marshall brought out his smiling personality and added a little magic to the interview. He was enthusiastic and celebrated the talent of Princess Celine. The trio—Celine, Jhallano, and producer Black Starr—recently appeared on The Madder Drive with Shal Marshall, Goofy, and Ding Dong, and the energy was electric. Shal couldn’t help but marvel at Celine’s poise and lyrical sharpness. He noticed that she’s already showing the instincts of a seasoned performer.
Black Starr told the story about how he met Celine at age five and from that time he has been mentoring her—she is now thirteen years old, still a baby in the music world. He shared insights about her growth, discipline, and creative process. His mentorship is clearly more than musical—it’s foundational. Then there is Jhallano. He’s not just a collaborator; he’s a co-conspirator and an inspiration, he is focused on elevating young talent and pushing the genre forward.
The future of Celine and her path to a successful music career look excellent. What stood out most in the interview wasn’t just the music—it was Celine’s clarity of vision. She spoke about her love for writing, her dream of performing on big stages, and her commitment to staying grounded. She is poised and exhibits a quiet confidence in her delivery, the kind that suggests she’s not here for a moment—she’s here to build a legacy. We are confident that with her current team, she will be successful.
? Sokah2Soca Says…
Princess Celine’s emergence is a reminder that Caribbean music is constantly evolving, always regenerating. With mentors like Black Starr and collaborators like Jhallano, she’s stepping into a lineage of artists who blend tradition with innovation. Trinidad and Tobago is not just about Calypso, Steelband and Soca; we can do it all, and we’re here for it.
So go ahead—stream “Purpose,” bounce to “Block Dem,” and keep your eyes on this rising star. Because if this is what 13 sounds like, the future is sounding really sweet.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Interview: Celine, Black Starr and Jhallano
Show: OJO World TT Madder Drive with Shal Marshall, Goofy and Ding Dong
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Dancehall/Reggae ?
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