The world of Denyse Plummer

. Who were the people who have influenced you the most?
My father, for teaching me about music. Black Stalin and Lord Kitchener for believing in me and teaching me well. And God for my talent.

2. Of all your calypso/soca recordings, which 3 would you want a first-time listener to hear?
Nah Leaving, Heroes, Together Right Here

3. If you could dine with anyone in history, who would that be?
Nelson Mandela…I would learn so much about life, love, determination, strength, overcoming hurdles and how to believe in oneself with humility.

4. Favourite calypso/soca song of all time & by whom?
‘Progress’ by King Austin; ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ by Destra

5. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Born in St James above the “College Bar” opposite Crosby’s. Grew up in Diego Martin: Duval Avenue and Claude Avenue.

6. The one place you would like to visit and why?
Venice, Italy. Because of the historic buildings and culture, the romantic atmosphere and foods. I’d love to sail in a gondola.

7. Your favourite meal or dish/food?
Lobster, stew chicken, callalloo, rice, plantain

8. What is your greatest fear in life?
Being trapped in an enclosed space and can’t breathe. Terrified of underground tunnels, elevators, being in the middle of a very large crowd, very small planes, earthquakes.

9. What are your greatest accomplishments, musically and otherwise?
Winning the calypso queen title ten times. Winning the calypso monarch title 2001. Performing for Nelson Mandela, twice! Winning ‘Amateur night’ at the world famous Apollo Theatre in New York. Performing for the Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) and the Duchess of Cornwall. Giving birth to my two sons, Jesse and Robert.

10. What would be the most perfect day?
No commitments, a sunny day at the seaside with the ones that I love, music, good food, a lot of laughter and a good night’s sleep in a comfortable room.

11. What is your most prized possession?
My children, my health, my trophies and awards and my voice.

12. What was it like growing up in your family?
Lots of music and guitar playing, lots of jokes and laughter, lots of friends, church, discipline and punishment. All 4 children had chores on weekends. Lots of love but not a whole lot of money. Both parents worked hard and we were always satisfied with what we had. Great family support through good and bad times

13. What was your first paying job and what jobs have you had since then, other than as an entertainer?
First paying job was at Berger Paints as a computer key punch operator. Second job as a flight attendant. Third job at Tatil as a computer operator. Then I sang professionally at Chaconia Inn, became a recording artiste, then a calypsonian, saw the world and rest is history.

14. At what schools/institutions did you receive your education?
Holy Name Prep school then to Holy Name Convent. Computer training at Colonial Life.

15. Which were your favourite and least favourite subjects in school?
Favourite: Art, English, Music. Least favourite: Math and Science

16. If you could hire any singer or band to perform in your living room, who would you pick?
Celine Dion. She has the greatest voice I have ever heard. She deserves every cent she has. I’d pay a lot of money to see her perform live.

17. What advice would you give to young performers coming into the business?
It is a long, hard business and you need to be serious and look at yourself as a business. Prepare yourself as a package to be sold. Market yourself. Be prepared for disappointments. Do your homework constantly. Invent and reinvent yourself constantly. Listen to advice and criticism. Study your craft. Lots of money, fame, and success come with hard work. Study at school, it goes a long way.

18. What was your most embarrassing and/or disappointing moment(s)?
In a stretch limo in New York with seven famous artistes after a show. They were complaining that the show was too long and I agreed suggesting that a certain artiste should not have been in the cast. Guess what? One of the persons I called was sitting in the limo and I didn’t know! I could have died! My most disappointing moment was breaking up with my first love at 17 years old. I took it badly.

19 What would you say is your greatest virtue?
My personality…my ability to laugh at myself, to always try to find the good in everybody and every situation and to always have a sense of humour.

20. What daily motto do you live by?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you; I’m too blessed to be stressed; help me to accept the things I cannot change.