Da Flava, a.k.a. Kianyo Patrice, is a Caribbean artist who grew up in a melting pot of many different musical cultures. Armed with a passion for music and strong belief in God, he has been a memorable presence in the Trinidad and Tobago scene. A DJ and composer, Kianyo knows how to touch people’s hearts with his music. He shared his unique perspective on world music, his disdain for the music industry, and his experience living as an unsigned, independent artist.

Hello! Tell the world about yourself. How did you grow up to become the musician you are today?

I am Kianyo Patrice a.k.a. Da FLAVA. I am a 44 year-old, unsigned artist born in the Caribbean region. My homeland is called Trinidad and Tobago, a twin island republic where we have a melting pot of many different races and cultures. This mix gives us our unique musical sound — a sweet rhythmic blend of African, East Indian, Spanish, French Creole, Chinese and Arabic rhythms. They are present in the different styles and sounds of my music.

I was first introduced to music as a young child at about 9 years old when I was placed in my elementary school choir, where we took part in a lot of our National Music Festivals. Before I went on to the Secondary School system, and because of being bullied by other kids about where I was living — at a state run children’s home — I became introverted and very shy. So music was placed on the back burner until, in my late teens, I became a DJ and started composing my own music.

Introduce your current musical projects and tell us what makes each one special for you!

I am currently wrapping up a remake of an old classic, ‘Only A Fool’, giving it a touch of my style and FLAVA, plus a gospel track, ‘Praise Your Name’. Both are being released in the upcoming months. The gospel has been a composition inspired over many years. It was about 13 years ago when I started writing it, but I was trying to get someone else to sing it, which was unsuccessful. I had a dream earlier last year where I felt moved by God to sing the song myself and have it completed, so this upcoming project is very close to my heart. I have uploaded the demo on my wall, so feel free to check it out now!

You have been playing music for a long while! How do you find the drive and inspiration to keep going all this time?

So far, music has not yet brought me much financial benefits, and was treated in part as a hobby. That was until the end of August 2017 when I took an early retirement from my regular 9-to-5 job as a salesman, which I have been doing since 1998, to focus on my music and change the dynamics of it being a hobby into a music career and business. I must admit it’s a lot of hard work with sacrifices, but it’s worth it to see my passion and love moving forward in a positive way. I truly believe that a breakthrough is coming soon and I’m keeping my faith in God and myself that things are going to get better.

What draws you to being a DJ and sound engineer?

My passion for music and the desire to provide an excellent, exciting, enjoyable experience for my fans.

Do you feel mainstream media shows no respect to musicians? Why does this happen?

It’s my personal feeling that the mainstream media intentionally shows a lack of respect for musicians. If their work is not being backed by big or major labels, or if the musician has not gotten a lucky break with a monster hit that they simply cannot ignore, they give you no chance. So, year after year, a whole lot of good quality music goes unnoticed and not given a fair chance of airplay. I think this happens so that they can protect their interests by promoting artists that are connected to their mediums of interest.

What is the most memorable thing you ever heard about music?

That music can inspire, uplift, enlighten and motivate our spirits.

How is your local music scene in your perspective? Do you feel like you belong there?

My local music scene is very guarded and not as supportive as I would like. Many aspiring musicians complain about getting little or no airplay. My music has also suffered the same fate, but I have long learned that the world is much bigger that they feel. So now I try marketing my music outside of the local music scene. To be honest, in my perspective, I don’t feel connected to it.

What is your all-time favorite record and how did it change you as an artist?

‘Dangerous’ – Michael Jackson. It made me want to record music that can connect, touch, and uplift people.

What are your favorite software and hardware tools for music production?

My preferred software is Logic Pro X for home demos only, the main production is done at external studios.

Out of all the live shows you played, which one was the most memorable, and why?

There are so many! So I guess it’s the first time I performed doing karaoke and the crowd reactions to my style, vocal tones, the applauds overwhelming with congratulations and compliments coming long after that day.

What is your biggest musical goal?

My biggest goal is to achieve international recognition and appreciation for my talent and music. Money would also come naturally, once the world accepts your work.

How has being on Drooble helped you as a musician?

Drooble has helped me to connect and make new links with fellow musicians from all around the world and provided a new medium for my music to touch more hearts.