Singer and songwriter Madam Nirosa performed an intimate acoustic set at the Harquail Studio Theatre on 9 May, in the first of a series of ‘Unplugged Serenade’ concerts to be held at that venue.
The concert series, which is curated by local artist Beneil Miller, in partnership with the Cayman National Cultural Foundation and UCCI TV, was inspired by the MTV ‘Unplugged’ series and aims to recreate the magic of stripped-down, intimate performances.
“I enjoyed engaging with the audience and having the opportunity to share my creative journey and goals,” Madam Nirosa, 23, whose real name is Antonia Mena- Hebbert, told the Compass. “I love to inspire others and I believe I got to that through this series. I felt more connected to my supporters as well.”
She was born and raised in Cayman Brac, and spent most of her life participating in choirs, musicals and competitions, taking music lessons from past teachers and self-teaching.
“I am very grateful for the education I got and especially the teachers who looked out for me along the way,” she said.
At her recent concert, with her smooth, melodious jazzy voice, Madam Nirosa performed several popular songs to set the mood as well as original songs from her current project, ‘Caribbean Tea’.
“It consists of singles that reference day-to-day activities observed in my community and neighbouring countries,” she explained.
“I like to have a bit of ‘Soca tea’ or drama in the mix as well as experimenting with traditional and modern ways of music. So far, they have been favoured in my community, [allowing] me to [collaborate] with other creatives and perform at significant events,” she said.
The unrehearsed evening also included Madam Nirosa sharing insights into her musical journey, current projects and her life.
“It was great to see how creative both myself and Beneil, who accompanied me on keys, would sound in an acoustic style. It definitely kept the audience engaged and excited.”
The first of the Unplugged series ended with Madam Nirosa doing an extended jam session featuring two members of the Swanky Kitchen Band.
“It was truly a memorable moment, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity,” she said.
Miller told the Compass the series is “my contribution to get people familiar with Caymanian musicians and artists… I hope this is something that can grow and we can develop something in Cayman where everybody knows their Cayman artist, can be proud of it, celebrate it and promote it.”
Part two of the concert series will be held on Thursday, 16 May, at 7pm at the Harquail Studio Theatre, featuring poet and rapper, Jus P. Admission is $12 at the door.
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