From Village Dreams to Chutney Soca Anthems: An Exclusive Interview with Ravi B.
It’s been a while since our last interview article, longer than intended if I’m being honest. Life has a strange way of pulling you in all directions and between all the chaos of everyday responsibilities and the occasional creative block, sitting down to craft something truly meaningful felt like a challenge. It only felt right, then, that I return with a bang—and I truly believe I’ve done just that.
This time around, I had the absolute privilege of interviewing with none other than Ravi B. A powerhouse in the chutney soca scene, Ravi has been in the game for years, blessing us with hit after hit. Songs like Gunga Ghana and Headshot have each racked up over 10 million views on YouTube alone, solidifying his place as one of the most influential artists in the genre. Getting the chance to share a slice of his journey is something special, and I can't wait for you to dive in. So, without further ado, let’s get into the interview below.
If you had to introduce yourself to someone who has never heard of Ravi B before, how would you describe not just the artist, but the person behind the music? Who is Ravi B at his core?
Ravi: I’m just a regular guy who loves to share his story through music. At my core, I’m someone who is deeply connected to my roots. I’m a product of Trinidad & Tobago, raised on the rhythms and culture that make our island unique. As an artist, I want to reflect that energy, love, and pride through my songs. But behind the music, I’m a family man, someone who values the close bond I share with my loved ones. My music is an extension of me — it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s my truth. At the end of the day, I’m just someone who wants to bring joy, hope, and a sense of togetherness through my work.
Can you take us back to your earliest years? What was life like growing up in your hometown, and how did your family, community, and school experiences help shape the person you are today?
Ravi: I grew up in Sangre Grande, in East Trinidad, and life there was full of culture, and community. My dad and uncle had a band, so music was always a big part of my life. I started singing at 13, and from then on, it became my passion. Even though we didn’t have much, we had music and love, and that was enough. My family always supported me, especially my parents, who encouraged me to follow my dreams. School was a mix of academics and discovering my love for music, but it was really my family that shaped me the most. They taught me the importance of staying true to my roots, valuing culture, and always lifting each other up. Those values are at the core of who I am today, both as an artist and as a person.
When did music become more than just something you listened to? Was there a defining moment or influence that set you on this path?
Ravi: Music has always been a part of me, but there was one moment that really shifted things. It was around my teenage years when I realized that I could not just enjoy music but create it myself. I would listen to my favorite chutney and soca artists, and I thought, "I want to do that." The defining moment for me was when I started writing songs and performing at local events. I felt a connection to the music that was deeper than just enjoying it as a listener — I felt like I had something to say, and music became my outlet to do that.
Your siblings have also played a significant role in your journey. Can you share how growing up with them influenced your love for music and how that eventually led to the formation of Karma? What was the vision behind starting the band, and how did your family dynamic shape its success?
Ravi: Growing up with my siblings was like growing up with built-in bandmates! Music was a way for us to bond, and I think that natural connection is what made Karma work. The vision behind the band was simple — to create music that blends our cultural roots with modern sounds and tells stories people could relate to. Our family dynamic helped us stay grounded. We supported each other through everything, from the highs to the struggles. Having that family support was key to our success.
At what point did you and your siblings start taking music seriously and transitioning from just creating for fun to recording and performing professionally? What was the shift like, and how did you know it was time to take the leap into the music industry?
Ravi: Music was always the dream for us, so there wasn’t really a "shift" — we were always working towards it. From a young age, we knew this was what we wanted to do, and we put in the work to make it happen. My elder sister, Nalini, chose a different path and pursued accounting. She now lives in Florida, but she still performs part-time with her own band. As for my other two siblings Anil, Nisha, and myself, we decided to take music full-time. We were all in, working together to build something meaningful. The decision to go full-time wasn’t something that happened overnight, but rather a natural progression as we started getting more recognition and opportunities in the industry. We just knew it was time to give it everything we had.
What were some of the challenges you encountered in those early days? How did you overcome them, and how did those experiences shape the direction of your music and career?
Ravi: The early days were full of challenges — from finding the right people to work with to dealing with struggles and not always having the resources we needed. But we always stayed focused on our goal, and the love for our craft kept us going. One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of perseverance and believing in your vision. Those struggles shaped my music because they taught me to never give up. Every setback turned into motivation to keep pushing forward.
Looking back on your career, what was the first award or achievement that truly made you feel like you were on the right path with your music? Was there a particular moment early on that confirmed to you that pursuing music was the right decision and encouraged you to keep going?
Ravi: Winning the Chutney Soca Monarch in 2010 was a major moment for me. That was the first time I felt like I had truly made an impact in the industry. It was validation that I was on the right path. But it wasn’t just the award that made me feel like I was doing the right thing — it was seeing how people connected with my music, how my songs spoke to them and brought them joy. That moment gave me the confidence to keep going, knowing I had something valuable to share.
In 2010, you made history as the youngest person to win the Chutney Soca Monarch Competition. Can you take us back to that moment and describe what the experience was like for you? What was going through your mind during your performance, and how did it feel to achieve such a milestone in your career at such a young age?
Ravi: Winning the Chutney Soca Monarch at such a young age was surreal. I remember being nervous but also excited. The moment I won, it was like everything I had worked for had finally paid off. My mind was racing — I couldn’t believe I had made history. There was a lot of pressure, but it was also an incredible feeling. It was a moment of realization that I could take my music to new heights and make a lasting impact. It confirmed for me that this was what I was meant to do.
As you’ve evolved as an artist, how do you manage to stay connected with the new generation of musicians and keep your music relevant in an ever-changing industry? How has your approach to creating and performing music transformed over the years?
Ravi: I stay connected to the new generation by listening to their music, collaborating, and keeping an open mind. The music industry is constantly changing, so as an artist, it’s important to stay flexible and adapt to new trends while still staying true to your roots. Over the years, I’ve learned to blend traditional chutney sounds with more modern influences to appeal to a broader audience. I’ve also embraced technology to enhance my music production and performances. My approach has evolved, but the essence of what I do — creating music that speaks to people — remains the same.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, what can your fans expect from you in the future? Are there any exciting projects, collaborations, or new directions in your music that you’re ready to share with the world?
Ravi: In 2025 and beyond, my fans can expect even more exciting music that blends the best of chutney soca with fresh sounds and collaborations. I’ve been working on some new projects that I’m really passionate about, exploring new directions while staying true to my roots. There will be new collaborations with artists from different genres, and I’m also looking forward to experimenting with new sounds. I can’t wait to share it all with my fans — it’s going to be a lot of fun!
Whether you’ve been a fan from day one or you’re just discovering his sound, there’s no better time to dive into his catalogue. Be sure to follow him on all his socials and stream his music on Apple Music and Spotify—trust me, you won’t regret it!
