Ciara soaks up Trinidad’s culture during her Carnival debut
Mar 09, 2025
Kaieteur News- American singer and songwriter Ciara Wilson immersed herself in Trinidad’s vibrant culture during her first-ever Carnival experience, embracing everything from the island’s renowned soca music to its world-famous rum heritage.
Speaking at a Hyatt Regency press conference in Port of Spain yesterday, Ciara revealed her growing appreciation for Trinidad’s musical landscape, having connected with soca legend Machel Montano during her visit. “Soca music is incredible. It definitely makes you want to wine and pop it—I’m from Atlanta, Georgia, that’s what we do. The spirit of soca music is really infectious,” she enthused, citing Montano’s 11th Road March winner “Pardy,” Yung Bredda’s “The Greatest Bend Over” and Kees’ “Cocoa Tea” among her favourites.
Her cultural exploration extends beyond music into the realm of Caribbean spirits through her partnership with Ten To One Rum founder Marc Farrell. Since 2019, Ciara has served as investor, co-owner and director of the brand, which draws inspiration from Caribbean rum traditions.
“I met Marc during the pandemic,” she shared. “My celebration after finishing breastfeeding was having a drink, and that first drink was Ten To One White Rum in a mojito.”
Ciara soaks up Trinidad’s culture during her Carnival debut
When asked about bringing the brand to Trinidad, Ciara respectfully acknowledged T&T as “the land of rum” while expressing her ambition to make Ten to One a local favorite.
Farrell emphasized the importance of the Caribbean connection, noting, “The soul of the brand is here, so ensuring it occupies the right places in the Caribbean is really important.”
Embracing the spirit of Trinidad’s upcoming Carnival 2026, Ciara is already making plans to return following her cultural baptism this year. Ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday, she also shared empowering words reflecting values of confidence and determination that resonate across cultures: “To my girls around the world, you are that girl—know that—and know that we have what it takes to do what we need to do and go where we want to go.”
Ciara’s enthusiasm for Trinidad’s rich cultural tapestry suggests this first Carnival experience may be the beginning of a lasting relationship with the island and its traditions.
(Ciara soaks up Trinidad’s culture during her Carnival debut)
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