Nailah Blackman, soca songstress and granddaughter of the late Ras Shorty I (Garfield Blackman), venerated soca music pioneer, has diversified into children’s books. Set to take young readers on a captivating journey through Blackman’s childhood memories of her first carnival experience is her upcoming release, Love Lah Lah. Compiled over the past three years, Blackman’s inaugural children’s book is a testament to her dedication to preserving the culture and music, and her grandfather’s enduring legacy.
Love Lah Lah is a delightful tale revolving around Blackman herself as a young girl. Through this enchanting narrative, she invites readers to step into her shoes and embark on a magical adventure that is a celebration of family, culture, and the vibrancy of soca music.
The project’s completion is the result of a collaborative effort by a dedicated team, including Kenneth Monroe, producer, manager Anson Soverall, Lucia Soto, and illustrator Jade Orlando, with the support of industry giants Penguin Random House, East West Literary, and Alfred A. Knopf Kids.
Nailah debuted the cover of Love Lah Lah on her Instagram page, and has indicated that the book, set to be made available in bookstores worldwide, will launch on 9 January, 2024.
