Janiq - Interview

Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Janiq is a bold pop icon who moves with a silky pop finesse and cinematic style. Now lighting up London with her electric sound and too-hot-to-handle style, she has cemented herself as a rising star who commands attention.

A former leading lady of London’s West End, she has cemented herself as a star of the stage with roles in The Lion King and Six The Musical, now looking to do it all over again with the release of her new music. Since the release of her debut single ‘My Vibe’ in 2022, Janiq has moved from strength to strength. Her releases celebrate love, sexiness, confidence, and unapologetic flirtation. Looking forward, she looks to release new music for Autumn 2025.

Janiq sat down with Wordplay Magazine to talk about all things music:

1. Tell me how it all began, what sparked your love for music?

I grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, and I think even the way we speak has a musical quality to it. My mom was a firefighter, but she also played clarinet and saxophone in the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service Band. That definitely sparked my early interest in music. My primary school offered music programs where we learned to play the steel pan and joined the choir. The steel pan is our national instrument, by the way.

Trinidad and Tobago is also home to the greatest carnival in the world, and music, rhythm, and flavour really run through our veins as a people. From a young age, I leaned toward being artistic. I was influenced by artists like Rihanna and JoJo, whose voices I loved. At the same time, our local music, soca, chutney, and calypso is unapologetic, full of energy, and often playful with its lyrics. It’s something we take great pride in, and it pushed me to dream of a career in music and art.

Still, growing up, it wasn’t easy to see that path clearly. In the Caribbean, and in Trinidad especially, becoming an artist isn’t simple. There is always an emphasis on becoming a doctor, lawyer, or engineer for stability and upward mobility. But my family was supportive. They took me to talent shows, encouraged me to audition, and gave me the confidence to perform.

At St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, my secondary school, I often performed at talent shows. Being in an all-girls school gave me a strong sense of sisterhood and encouragement. Even though I was studying with the idea of possibly entering medical school, my mom still made sure I had opportunities in music. She found me a vocal coach, even though it was expensive, and took me to lessons. She supported me in dance as well, so I always had the chance to explore my passions.

One of the biggest turning points came when I had the chance to audition for Disney Theatrical. Every few years they visit places like Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad to scout talent for shows such as The Lion King, Aladdin, or their cruise line productions. I auditioned and landed a role in the UK tour, and from that point on I never looked back. I’ve continued to push forward as an artist, whether in music, theatre, or acting, but music has always been the common thread.

That’s where I am now. After those experiences, I decided to really dedicate time to creating music that resonates with me. I draw from the styles I grew up with soca, dancehall, and reggae, but I also love hip hop, R&B, rock, and musical theatre. Right now, my sound reflects all those influences. I’m happy that it comes through authentically in my music, because that’s something many artists struggle with. For me, it’s about blending those inspirations into something that feels true to who I am.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you would like to work with in the future?

Before anything else, definitely Beyoncé. I’ve watched her evolve through so many different eras of her life and career, from her girl group days, even before that when she was a little kid performing with so much confidence, dancing and singing her heart out. Then came Destiny’s Child, followed by her solo journey, and now we have the Renaissance concerts and Cowboy Carter, which are completely different from where she was a couple of decades ago.

What I love about Beyoncé is that she embodies what it means to have a vision for your life and career as an artist. It’s not easy, and it takes courage, but she’s never been afraid to try new things, push herself creatively, and keep refining her craft. She’s unapologetically herself, and that’s something I deeply admire.

For me, that kind of confidence and evolution is important, especially coming from the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago is the home of soca, chutney, and calypso, so doing pop music isn’t exactly what’s considered mainstream here. In our region, if you want to break into that space, you often have to go abroad first, like Rihanna did, and make a name for yourself internationally before people at home start to take you seriously. I love my people, but that’s one thing I’d love to see evolve. We should celebrate and support a wider range of musical styles and tastes.

As a Caribbean artist with dark skin who wants to make pop music, I want to represent something that’s still rare in the mainstream. I look at artists like Britney Spears, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tate McRae, they all bring this fun, flirty, confident energy that’s playful yet aspirational. I want to bring that same energy to pop, but through my own lens and identity.

I think there’s space for more diversity in what a “pop star” looks like. I’d love to see, for example, a Southern Indian or Caribbean dark-skinned artist owning that pop star moment, not just being boxed into R&B or other stereotypical genres. That’s what I’m aspiring to do, to take up that space and show that we can be all those things: glamorous, desirable, talented, and unapologetically ourselves.

Normani was starting to do that, and I really admired her for it, but she eventually leaned more into R&B. I’d love to carry that torch forward and keep pushing the idea that pop can and should be more inclusive.

3. What projects have you got coming up, and can you give us any information on them?

Absolutely. So, I’m working on releasing an album, which will include the two songs I’ve already released, “So Hard” and “I Know Your Secret.” There will be eight new tracks added, making it a ten-song album in total.

In Trinidad, we have a local dish called callaloo. It’s a mix of all sorts of ingredients, kind of like a pepper pot or a pilau, and at first, you might look at it and think, “What is all this?” But once you take that first bite, it’s bursting with flavour and you just want more. I was actually toying with the idea of calling the album Callaloo because that’s what it represents for me: a melting pot of sounds, influences, and experiences.

People often say you should stick to one lane musically, but for me, that’s just impossible. I’m influenced by so many different styles and emotions, and I wanted this project to reflect all of that. It’s a full mix, a pepper pot of everything I love and I’ve worked hard to execute it in a way that feels authentic.

The album explores a few recurring themes: love, heartbreak, stress, and imposter syndrome, things that so many of us deal with. But at the same time, it’s about joy and release. Coming from a theatre background, where everything is very regimented, warm-ups, rehearsals, performance schedules, I wanted this project to feel freer, more spontaneous, and true to myself.

The music isn’t too serious; it’s about having fun and celebrating life. The world can feel so heavy sometimes, with so much negativity and chaos in the news. I just wanted to create something that feels good, something you can dance to, celebrate to, something that reminds you to just enjoy the moment. Whether it’s at a festival, a carnival, or a party, we all need that space to let go and have a good time.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I think I’ve been describing it throughout, but to put it simply, my sound is a melting pot of Caribbean influences mixed with that nostalgic 90s and 2000s American pop, the kind of bubblegum pop girliness that still has a bit of bump and grind from R&B. It’s the kind of music that you can dance to, sing along with at the top of your lungs, or just have playing in the background and still feel connected to.

If you want a visual reference, think Beyoncé, Rihanna, Normani, Tate McRae, and Sabrina Carpenter. That kind of eclectic energy and range. I love that blend of rhythm, attitude, and melody that draws you in and makes you feel something.

Beyond the music, I’m someone who loves colour, fashion, and the idea of being memorable. Not in an “everyone look at me” kind of way, but in the sense that memorable things, whether a sound, a look, or a moment, leave an impression. Even on a stressful day, when something catches your eye or ear, it can shift your mood. I want my music to be that positive shift, something that makes someone’s day a little better if they happen to stumble upon it.

I saw you mentioned those press shots, the ones of me on stage in the big red furry boots. I love those. They’re bold and fun, and I think they capture my personality perfectly. Honestly, if I could wear a Carnival costume on stage, I would. People might say, “Oh, that’s just Carnival,” but really, that’s me, Janiq. I love Carnival, texture, fashion, and anything that catches the eye and tells a story.

I also spend a lot of time in the gym. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about celebrating my body and my strength. There’s so little we can actually control in life, but how I care for myself physically and mentally is something I can. When I’m stressed, I run or train, it’s how I channel my energy. And I like to wear clothes that highlight the parts of my aesthetic that I’m proud of. For some people, it’s their long hair or their eye colour, maybe green or blue, and for me, it’s my body and how I present myself. It’s all part of how I express who I am as an artist.

5. What is your proudest moment to date as an artist, not just as a singer, but in all the other aspects that you perform in?

There isn’t just one single moment that stands out, but what I’m most proud of is my perseverance and the way I’ve gone after the things I’ve dreamed about and worked so hard to achieve. When I decide I want something, I go for it wholeheartedly. I try, I fail, I try again, and I keep going until I get there.

One of the highlights of my career was playing Nala in The Lion King on the West End for a few years. That role didn’t come easily and it took three auditions. I remember at one of them, the director even asked, “Shanique, are you okay? Do you need a Xanax?” because I was so nervous. Every time I auditioned, I kept questioning myself, wondering, “Am I good enough?” But even if I hadn’t gotten the role, the process itself taught me so much. It pushed me to reshape myself, not to fit someone else’s mould, but to grow into the version of me that could reach that goal.

Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don’t, and that’s okay. There are moments when someone else might be a little further along, and it’s simply their time. But for me, the real pride comes from seeing something through, from the moment a dream is planted in my heart, to figuring out how to make it happen, to going through the ups and downs, and finally achieving it. That’s the most rewarding feeling.

Those moments have been scattered throughout my life, and they all remind me of how sweet success feels when you’ve truly earned it. When you know you’ve worked hard and given everything you have, it means so much more.

The truth is, sometimes you can be the hardest-working person in the room and still not get the opportunity right away. That’s something I’ve had to remind myself of constantly as an artist. It’s not always about being the best; it’s about staying consistent, trusting the process, and believing that preparation will meet opportunity at the right time.

And when it finally does, when you get that call saying you’ve landed the role or you’re performing at a major festival like Glastonbury, that feeling is indescribable. It’s such a rush of joy and relief that you almost want to pass out, but you’re just overwhelmed with happiness. That’s the kind of moment I live for.

6. Have you got any advice for any of our readers who maybe are also trying to play the mad game of music?

Yes. Resilience, resilience, and more resilience. Treat it like it’s your nine to five. I truly believe that good habits are the key to growth and progress in anything you’re pursuing. That means being consistent with your vocal training, your dance practice, your creative process, and everything that keeps you prepared.

As I mentioned earlier, preparation has to meet opportunity for things to really happen. And as an artist, you never know when that opportunity might come. You could get months of notice for a performance, or someone might hear you sing one day and ask you to perform the very next night. The music industry can be unpredictable like that, much more so than film or television, which I’m also involved in. That’s why it’s so important to always be ready.

Another key part of it is believing in yourself. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true. This industry can be tough, especially when things aren’t being handed to you left, right, and centre. You need to have that inner strength, that juice, to carry you through the dry spells. There will be ups and downs, but if you stay disciplined, keep your habits strong, and trust your journey, the right opportunities will find you.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that you think we should be aware of?

I would definitely advocate for more of my Caribbean artists. In Trinidad, we have something called Groovy Soca, and during events like Notting Hill Carnival, you’ll see Caribbean artists out in the streets and on the trucks. But I feel like Caribbean Soca music is still somewhat niche, and I would love to see it reach a wider, mainstream audience.

Alongside my own work, alongside international acts like Little Mix, I want my culture to have that same visibility. I have to be honest and selfish here. I’m pushing my pop music, but one of my dreams is for local artists who perform in our traditional styles to get more recognition. For example, there’s a huge Soca artist named Marshall Mantano. I want artists like him to have a global platform, similar to what Bob Marley achieved or Coffee has done.

I’ve spent this entire interview talking about myself, but I would love for our local artists and their music to be showcased internationally. We’ve seen it happen with Afrobeat, reggaeton, and other genres, where artists collaborate across countries and bring their music to a global stage. I want that to happen with Soca as well.

It’s really about celebrating your roots while also pushing them forward, and I want that for my culture and our artists.

8. What albums have you got on heavy rotation on your Spotify or Apple Music playlist at the moment?

Albums? I don’t really listen to full albums. I think part of the reason my taste is so eclectic is because of my experience with West End shows and all the auditions I’ve done. That has exposed me to a wide range of influences. I’ve been listening to artists like Tina Turner and Elton John, often going back in time to prepare for audition pieces. Sometimes they’ll ask, “Can you sing one of Elton John’s songs?” and I need to be ready.

I can’t always name the album, but I focus on specific songs. I listen to Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, and other tracks that speak to me, even if I’m not entirely sure why I’m drawn to them.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music or creating?

I love the gym. I’m always training hard and pushing myself, and I also love reading. Learning has always been a big part of my life. This year, I graduated with an LLM in Internet Policy, and now I’ve been researching how to pass the bar.

I wasn’t able to pursue it earlier because, while I was in a show, I really wanted to do the bar vocational studies. From what I’ve learned, the training requires a combination of in-person and distance learning. Most schools require you to be physically present, and since I was working in musical theatre, I could only do distance learning. Now, as I focus more on music, TV, and film, which I’m also pursuing, I need the time that a musical theatre schedule can’t give me. That’s why I’ve told my agent to hold off for now. I’m hoping to do a part-time bar training course eventually.

Not to steal your thunder here, but I love, flair bartending and mixology, it looks amazing and is a great excuse to have a little drink every now and then as well….Oh my god, you weren't even talking about that were you at all? You were talking about the bar as in legal terms, and now I am talking about the bar as in bar where you have drinks. Oh man, can I go out and come in again?

Haha, no, listen, I would love to be able to learn how to make a cocktail as well.  But yes, I was talking about a bar as in the legal sense, haha. So yeah, I'm going to see if I can do that and pass the bar. And then I will pass the drink over the bar, haha.

Oh my goodness, right, well that was embarrassing. Haha, no, I love it.

10. Can you name three things that you can't live without when you're in the studio?

First, Blue Mentos. There’s just something about the hard outer shell, the chewy center, and the minty fresh taste with a bit of sugar. I probably shouldn’t have them as much as I do, but they help me get through long studio sessions.

Second, some kind of flavoured water to balance out the sugar from the Mentos.

And third, I like to have a little privacy when doing certain vocal exercises. I sometimes ask the engineer to step out of the room, or I leave the room myself for a few minutes. It gives me a chance to do my weird vocal exercises or just check my voice without feeling self-conscious. I call it my little five minute “meditation time” in the studio.