Kilroy “RasTrinity” Matthias, Carol “JahLioness” Scantlebury and JahBlessed Scantlebury, together are the Trinity Family, and are on a mission to spread the Rastafari message of positive vibes and unity among all, while uplifting and taking care of the youth.
RasTrinity, who is the musical genius behind the group, and a former music selector in New York, formed the Trinity Family in 2008 after returning to the place of his birth.
“When I came here, I wanted to try something different. There was a stage show type of thing going on in Temple Yard, and some of the people there encouraged me to do a lil’ thing, so I went and it was incredible. It was like I saw myself trying to write music and trying to make something out of it,” he said.
Their first appearance as a family was at an HIV Commission community competition in Gall Hill, St John, as guest performers.
“At the end of the night, we received the prize for best performers and we were blown away because we weren’t expecting it. From there we were propelled to do more, to get our message across,” said JahLioness.
JahBlessed, the youngest member of the group, mainly sings backup vocals.
“We’re trying to get him to do some more stuff, and trying to train his voice and expand his writing skills right now,” said his mother, while he looked on quietly.
They have recorded a few songs and worked with people like veteran Reggae artiste Easy B, Tuff Gong International studios in Jamaica, and were opening acts for reggae sensation Miguel Sizzla Kalonji Collins and the late John Holt.
One of their biggest hits to date, Proud To Be Black, is a song they did as a tribute to all the people who have worked towards the liberation and advancement of black people, which also earned them a lot of mixed reactions.
“When we first recorded the song, a lot of people asked why we had to use the word black so much, because being black was as much as a controversy then as it is now. And that pushed us to do a video, so people would see us and know who we are.
“That experience, however, showed us the controversy that arises with some songs. When we go into studio and sing the demo for the producer to decide if he would work with us, sometimes they tell us stuff that is supposed to be constructive criticism, but then we realise Barbados isn’t free speech,” said JahLioness.
“They say they can’t record it because of what we’re saying, it sounds too you know . . . . You have to change this or change that; we’ve gotten that quite a few times. But we decided to stick to our roots because we believe in keeping it clean. We like to make music that you don’t have to put your hands to your child’s ears; any age group, any race can listen to us and enjoy it,” declared RasTrinity.
Despite being listed as reggae artistes, the Trinity Family believes they embrace all forms of music.
“I rap and JahLioness does jazz as well. Our foundation is reggae but we believe all music is somehow connected, and have branched off into other genres. I believe in not only writing tunes that will make the top ten, but tunes that will live on. Bob Marley’s tunes may not have been played a lot while he was alive, but right now every single one that he sang is a hit all over the world,” said RasTrinity.
And because they believe all genres of music should embrace each other, RasTrinity wants to form a Caribbean movement with other artistes and give them much needed exposure.
“We definitely want to strengthen the artistes of Barbados to link with other artistes throughout the Caribbean and the world. We want to keep shows and use our business, Roots Reggae Vegetarian Café, to help push other artistes.
“I would like to take some local artistes to St Vincent or St Lucia and carry on throughout the Caribbean and start a movement of sorts. I am interested in that because I know there are artistes that are so talented but are not getting the push they need,” explained RasTrinity.
The group also believes that all music should be uplifting, hence they push reggae as it is known internationally as the King’s music.
“The lewd music gets pushed to the max, and I think there is a need for more positive music and music that can be enjoyed by all, where there is no need to censor the expletives while it is being played on the radio,” said JahLioness.
“A type of lyric that you can learn something from. It’s like eating a bellyful and not being able to get any nutrients from the food. We want to put music out there that you enjoy, but still learn something, and tell people what is going on in Barbados; the good, the bad and the ugly,” interjected RasTrinity.
Collectively, they have their wishes; JahBlessed, who was quiet throughout the interview, was the first to pipe up.
“Just fight the struggle. Don’t let bad mind keep you down and do what you feel is best and keep striving for the stars,” he said, as a smile lit up his face.
“Despite the fight, if you believe in something, stick with it and keep pushing on,” said RasTrinity.
“Whatever you do, always do the best. Strive for excellence so in years to come it would still be relevant,” said JahLioness. (RA)
