Claudette ‘CP’ Peters, aka ‘The Diva’ is one of the premier Soca artistes in Antigua & Barbuda. With multiple Jumpy and Groovy Party Crowns under her belt, she has well and truly earned the title of Antigua & Barbuda’s Queen of Soca. Hailing from a musical family, and like many of her peers, Claudette cut her teeth at church, where she sang regularly from the age of nine. After singing with various groups such as the Taxik Bank, Claudette has enjoyed continued success as a solo artist. The Citizen met up with Claudette to learn more about her music and why she is passionate about taking Antiguan culture to the world.
How would you describe Soca music to the uninitiated?
Soca music is simply described as a vibe, a feeling you can’t resist. Its blueprint comes from Calypso music with a fusion of African and Indian rhythms. Soca music has two spectrums- Jumpy, which is upbeat and faster but has soulful rhythms and Groovy, which has a mellow and sensual touch. This music satisfies your soul. It’s not even an acquired taste – it just connects with you.
You started singing at church – how did that shape the kind of artist you are today?
It gave me a deep understanding of what lyrics in music meant and how to connect with what is being sung. When you focus on the words of a song, you understand the message, giving you a better appreciation and passion for the art. I have always strived to produce music that can leave the shores of Antigua & Barbuda to empower people. Singing hymns or gospel makes you feel a connection with God, as if He is right there at your side. You praise and worship to connect and feel a presence; likewise, as an artist, I produce music for people to connect. I create an avenue for soul, passion and deep connection with our heritage.
Why do you think other Caribbean music genres are more well-known than Soca? What would you like to tell anyone unfamiliar with this music?
Other Caribbean genres are more well-known because they were given that level of airplay. Jamaicans have made reggae music their badge of honour. Additionally, having a closer interaction with the USA has afforded them the opportunity to be mainstream and gain more recognition. World-renowned Bob Marley was also a vessel to the international stage. The government and citizens have to own the music and push it to make it reach far and wide. We need to have the confidence and love in our product to sell it to others. Likewise, Zouk and Kompa derive from French territories which are governed by France, which helped expand their market. While we try to push Soca into the international scene, niche marketing in this industry serves as a hindrance. All the islands would have to unite to create a ‘Soca Lives’ campaign to inject into the larger markets.
Who has been your favourite collaboration, and who would be your dream collaboration?
Allison Hinds has been my favourite person that I’ve worked with since she is my mentor and personal friend. She represents class, integrity, passion, self-awareness and, most of all, self-motivation – which is necessary for women in this industry. We have shared so much together in our careers. And ultimately, as a woman in this male-dominated industry, it’s rewarding to have someone to lean on who understands the challenges and milestones achieved.
Lauryn Hill would be my dream ‘collab’. She started at a very young age and has remained humble throughout her career. Her music inspires and speaks of so many of our stories as black Caribbean women.
What makes Antigua’s carnival so special for you, and what would you tell anyone who has never been?
Antigua Carnival has been a part of me from a very young age as my family is very involved in carnival and culture. From the days of ‘Ole Mas’, I always marvelled at this spectacular show highlighting the true essence of Antigua’s culture. It gave me a sense of pride, belonging and excitement to be a product of something so rich. Like performing, it is gratifying to see people enjoy the music and be liberated in the moment. If I were to invite someone who has never been to Antigua’s Carnival, I would tell them to be prepared to feel free and have a burst of extended euphoria.
You’ve won ten Monarch titles! Can you explain what it means to you to win a title and why you have decided to give up competing?
When I look back on my journey, I sometimes get emotional. I feel a sense of accomplishment, but I also feel like my work is not done. With every title, there is a story to tell. My journey has given me so much character but also forced me to be humble and grateful. My wins are never just for me; they are for the people who support me year after year: my family, not only my blood relatives but also my Soca Army, who have rallied behind me through it all. These titles represent my passion and love for the arts.
It is an expensive venture, and a lot goes into preparing for Soca Monarch competitions. First, the right song has to be chosen – it is never about just singing a song. The choreography, the visuals, and the ‘wow factor’ are also to be considered. I have always given my heart to Soca Monarch, and whether I’ve won the title or not, I look for ways to improve and inspire someone who needs a push to make the first step. Now that I have retired from the competition, it is time to make myself available to those who had the dream I had and help them make that dream a reality.
Can you tell us why you think it is so important to preserve and celebrate Antiguan culture?
Travelling has exposed me to so many cultures and experiences. Each island has characteristics which are unique to them. Antigua has so many aspects of culture that can be showcased and taught to the younger generations so they won’t become extinct.
Our Benna sound needs to be preserved, marketed, and stamped as an Antiguan gem, just as the JabJab is unique to Grenada and Bouyon to Dominica. To top it off, we have 365 beautiful beaches waiting to welcome everyone looking for a paradise to relax and rejuvenate after indulging in our festivities.
You’ve said a lack of female presence exists in the music industry. What do you think can be done to remedy that situation?
I have already started by mentoring and creating special projects for upcoming and established female artists. We must first understand that there is room for everyone to thrive; we all bring something unique to the art form. Empowering each other is the first step to success, and I have started with me. I am available to be a mentor and a voice for those who are struggling to take the step.
It is important that we understand the culture and purpose of what we are committing to. Education is the door of opportunity, and as we know, we need to be willing to equip ourselves with the necessary tools to learn the different levels of our art/industry. It cannot be only about singing – we have to be ready to learn the business and how to be marketable as artists.
Female artists are usually overlooked in this industry, but if given a chance, everyone would be blown away by the plethora of talent and skills that can be produced. Therefore, my foundation is seeking to foster a relationship with these artists to give them the tools and confidence they need to succeed.
What’s your favourite place on the island?
I can’t choose a favourite place. I love spending time in Barbuda, just as I love spending time here. Wherever I am is my favourite place, especially when my friends and family are around.
What’s next for you?
The Claudette Peters Foundation is what’s next for Ms Culture. With the unwavering support of my Soca Army, my industry partners and friends, this dream has started to manifest. I am ready and excited to explore this new chapter of my career. I just lean on God, move with purpose, interact with a pure heart and good intentions – and enjoy life while doing it.