What happens when a child of two worlds creates music that speaks to everyone? Kalpee, born in London, Ontario, and raised in Trinidad, has crafted an answer that’s taking the global music scene by storm.
With Canadian roots running deep: his mother’s siblings still live here, cousins born in Canada, and his sister recently completing her Master’s degree before getting engaged to a Canadian, Kalpee represents the perfect fusion of cultures. Now back in Canada celebrating family milestones, he arrives with new music that’s turning heads internationally.
His latest release, “Everybody,” a collaboration with renowned duo Full Blown, has captured attention from industry heavyweights like Capital FM, BBC Radio 1Xtra, CLASH, Notion, and Wonderland. What makes this track special goes beyond its euphoric summer sound.
“The lyrics speak about fire taking over my soul,” Kalpee explains. “For me, that’s what inspiration feels like. A raw, untouchable energy that moves through you, unannounced.”
This inspiration has fueled his unique “New Calypso” sound, blending traditional Caribbean rhythms with R&B, pop, and rock influences. It’s a genre-defying approach that’s earned him comparisons to industry giants and landed him performances at prestigious venues like the Singapore Grand Prix, and SXSW London.
What many don’t realize is that behind the music lies a deeper mission. Through Island Wave, the platform he founded, Kalpee provides funding and resources to Afro-Caribbean creatives, enabling them to showcase their talents internationally.
The visual for “Everybody,” shot in California’s Mojave Desert by Grammy-winning director Damien Sandoval, creates a striking contrast that mirrors Kalpee’s artistic journey. The sweeping landscapes and editorial aesthetic redefine genre expectations, much like how Kalpee himself is redefining what Caribbean music can be.
“At its core, this song was my way of speaking to something that matters deeply to me: We are all equal,” Kalpee shares. “We are one race, no one less than another, so send love to everybody.”
As summer fades and the Trinidad Carnival season approaches, Kalpee’s journey from Ontario to Trinidad and back again represents a testament to the power of embracing multiple identities and creating something entirely new in the process.
What will this boundary-breaking artist do next? If “Everybody” is any indication, the answer will undoubtedly surprise and unite us all.
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