Rikki Jai: The Hits, the Hustle & His Return to Calypso | Extended Conversation

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Rikki Jai never planned to become a chutney star. His dream was to make his mark in calypso—but music took him on a journey he couldn’t have predicted.

In this extended conversation, we explore the ambition, sacrifices and turning points behind his career. From selling his car to finance his first record to discovering that “Sumintra”—the song he placed on the B-side—was becoming his breakthrough hit, Rikki shares the stories behind the music.

We also get into:

🎙️ How Kenny Phillips gave him the name Rikki Jai.
🔥 His journey through Chutney Soca Monarch and the competitive drive behind his victories.
🎶 Why veteran artistes still face pressure to produce a new hit, regardless of their catalogue.
💼 The pandemic’s wake-up call and his advice on building income beyond music.
🏆 His return to calypso and the emotional significance of receiving an honorary doctorate.
🥃 The criticism of “rum songs” and the real-life stories behind his lyrics.

There’s humour, honest reflection and a deep love for the culture throughout this conversation.

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