LU: What has it been like for you coming up as an artiste and female in this industry?
Kushite: [Turns to Queen] There were so many times I wished I could talk to you about this life. It’s not easy to go to nursing school, come home, cook and mind baby then go to studio. As the younger one, there are more females for me to look up to now—Desiree, Queen Ifrica, Jah9, Queenie. The trials they had to face, I don’t have to deal with that. And then, with social media, I can just go to the studio and upload a song easy and reach my audience—bypassing a lot of the stress. My manager is also female so I also have that double power behind my music, to push through whatever stereotypes or issues people may have.
Omega: I remember trodding just me one and Jah, feeling that no one had my back. It was hard coming from Trinidad, and having to travel on my own. I was on the road with my eight-month old baby. I remember the doctor signing my paper as seven months, when I was close to nine months, cause I had to go on the road. I would be performing and meditating on the road and knowing Jah wouldn’t bring me all that way to make me pop. One of my hardest times was coming back home after leaving my baby girl, and she was walking. I am the mummy type. I like to be around so those things are really tough for me.
LU: Your son was born abroad?
Omega: No, all my children are born here. I not into that excitement of giving birth on the road. My last two were actually born at home. That’s me. Just natural. I like my comforts. Wake up, do my medi, love up my husband, take a walk and baby born. [Laughs].
LU: With all the hats you wear as female artist, how important is family support?
Kushite: Family support is like life support! My dad and sister are Muslims but they attend and make more noise than the Rastas.
Omega: My family is always there. My husband is a strong lion. When I am on the road he is at home with the cubs and he always takes care of me. You have to big up the men who do their part working and taking care of home.