I was born in Trinidad and came to Canada when I was six months old. A lot of people joke and say I’m not really Trini because I only lived there for six months. But even though I didn’t live in Trinidad for long, I claim my Trini roots.
Despite growing up in Canada, I grew up in a very Trinidadian household. I really connected with Trini culture and my Trini heritage because of my dad.
I remember him playing a lot of Soca
I remember him playing a lot of Soca. He would also expose me to other Trinidadian things such as food and ways of being, but the music stands out.
My dad was deported from Canada to Trinidad when I was young. He still lives in Trinidad and although I don’t get to see him often, music from home reminds me of him. It reminds me of my childhood.
Music from home reminds me of my dad.
Every Christmas we listen to something called Parang. It’s Trinidadian folk music that is like Spanish infused calypso but only played at Christmas time. Last week was the first I listened to it for the year. It’s this time – the season, and I get in it. There are a few songs or playlists that I have on repeat. They just take me back to growing up and the experience of Christmases with family.
There were always people around. I remember my dad drinking and laughing – the good times. Family, close friends, good food. Parang just sort of brings you back to that. Yeah, music has a way of conjuring emotions… good, bad, and ugly.
Anonymous
Greater Toronto Area, Canada