Patrice Roberts
Patrice Roberts…The Songstress of Uniqueness
It was in 2005 when the world heard her voice alongside that of Bunji Garlin. … Speedily the question of who she was circled the Caribbean entertainment industry, with only a few being able to provide an accurate answer. It was her refreshingly soothing and powerful vocals that quickly got her the attention that many established entertainers would have desired years before her name popped up. Now, fondly referred to by her close friends and family as Patsy, Patrice Roberts has assumed her position in the Caribbean music industry as a force to be reckoned with.
Prior to her collaboration with Bunji Garlin and her alliance with Machel Montano and HD Patrice had numerous Calypso accolades under her belt. How was she able to move from her Calypso days to current day Patrice? Who created “this” Patrice Roberts? The answer – “Kernal Roberts created Patrice Roberts” said Patrice. She explained how this occurrence took place “Dan Nero and George Stanisclaus were moulding my career in calypso and Kernal was with Traffik at that time…they approached Kernal to write a song that would introduce me to the Soca world” shared Patsy. “The Islands” was birthed by Kernal, “He teamed me up with Bunji and we created a hit that was accepted by the masses.” From then Kernal Roberts, son of legendary Calypsonian Kitchener became her biggest supporter and; everywhere he went he took Patrice with him.
One of her greatest achievements soon followed, Roberts was named the youngest female Road March winner for her collaboration with Machel Montano titled “Band Of The Year”. This achievement would solidify her existence in the Soca world and prove to critics that she was more talent than they expected. She continued to motivate herself; working on her craft to meet the industry standards as well as the standards of her band mates; “To match the standards was hard…I was intimidated, I faced periods of frustration but I pushed myself until I got the hang of it” she admitted.
To date Roberts has been recognized for some of her hit singles namely, “A Little Wine”, “Bruk Out”, “I am Soca”, “Tempa Wine”, “Sugar Boy”, “Wukkin Up”, “Rollin” and “Single to Mingle”. She has collaborated with talents such as Kerwin Du Bois, Swappi, Tian Winter, Macka Diamond, Zan among others. Roberts lists some of her influences to be Machel Montano, Kernal Roberts, Elizabeth Montano, Lady B, Verline Bobb, Dwain Antrobous, Danbers Nero, George Stanisclaus and Shawn “Roots” Mitchell.