Internationally known in two musical genres, Cinnamon Spice (aka Dredria Delsol) enjoys the rare ability to excel in both dancehall and soca. English-speaking Caribbean countries gave birth to these two different styles in the 1970s. Dancehall draws from reggae roots, while soca blends calypso with funk and soul.
Cinnamon’s contributions to this rich musical tapestry began on the tiny island of St. Kitts. She participated in church choirs throughout her childhood, and her talents caught the attention of a local dancehall artist named Jah Fire. Fire asked her to compose a song titled “Your Love” over the “Lava Flow Riddim.” This partnership set the stage for Cinnamon’s career, as the song’s producer (Kelvin Christopher) became her manager.
“Your Love” gained local and international praise and helped Cinnamon record her first single “Your Man” under the Jamaican label Sounique Records. She also received permission from Seanizzle creator of the “Split Personality Riddim” which she used that opportunity to make an answer back dancehall star Mavado on his track “Pon Di Ting.” Pon Di Ting (female version) has over 100,000 YouTube views and both songs received airplay in Germany, Italy, Africa, and Japan.
Cinnamon’s international dancehall fame did not please her, so she looked for a new challenge. Her manager, Kelvin Christopher, persuaded her to enter the St. Kitts Soca Monarch Contest. The Monarch occurs during the St. Kitts Carnival, a national event that attracts talent from across the island. Cinnamon qualified for the finals despite the stiff competition and her lack of soca experience. She also found the spark missing from her dancehall career.
This spark blossomed into fire when Cinnamon won the 2013 International Soca Award for best new female artist. She released tracks for the St. Kitts carnival season titled “Let The Rain Come Down” and “Unity Jam,” while her song “Mash Up” received acclaim in America and in the United Kingdom.
The international dancehall/soca star recently gave birth, but motherhood won’t prevent her from making music. She’s shooting the video for her new song “Show Off.” She released a new single for the St. Kitts carnival in December 2016 entitled “Commander” which enjoyed over 5 weeks on popular network Tempo’s top ten countdown. Already world-renowned in two different genres, Cinnamon’s only limits are those she places on herself.
By Althea Dewor
Cinnamon – Show Off*
FlashBack Riddim
2016 Soca” Saint Kitts – Spice Mas
Fans can reach out to Cinnamon on her website (CinnamonMuziq on Facebook or follow her on Instagram Socaspice_Cinnamon.
Written by J. Benjamin & Shondell Amada | Produced by J. Benjamin
