As Trinidad and Tobago settles into a three-month extension of the state of emergency to contain the spread of covid19, the public is again called upon to exercise restraint, sacrifice and responsibility.
But for those who have experienced lockdown measures over the past 18 months, abiding to an extended curfew, may very well be an uphill battle, as the restrictions, reports suggest, have already taken a physical, emotional and psychological toll on many.
So, how does one balance these restrictions with the need to preserve lives and revive the economy?
In his new song, Crossroads, artiste Xavier Edwardz suggests that people have options and are responsible for their own destiny.
“Crossroads is inspired by a simple unavoidable element of life called choices,” Edwardz, 29, told Sunday Newsday.
“It’s woven closely into ideas surrounding free will, critical thinking, perpetual learning and the ability to listen to divine guidance, that which many call ‘God.’”
Released on August 20, the Tobago-born singer described Crossroads as “a radical song reflective of the radical times we living through right now.”
In light of the covid19 challenge and other issues confronting the country, he believes the song should appeal to society as a whole “as we are all currently at a shared crossroad.”
Edwardz is hoping listeners will internalise its message.
“One is faithful that people leave feeling more empowered to truly ask for divine guidance when challenging or confusing life choices are presented and that the highest point of reasoning should be intuition.
“We learn a whole ‘setta’ things from family, school, church and TV and had to unlearn because they were never truth, at least not the truth that resonates in you. However, when the answers come from within, it is truly wisdom if we learn how to really listen.”
Edwardz wrote the song, which, he said, was conceptualised five years ago.
[caption id="attachment_912528" align="alignnone" width="922"] Xavier Edwardz says Crossroads is a ‘radical song’ for a ‘radical time’. PHOTOS COURTESY XAVIER EDWARDZ -[/caption]
“Most of the music came as divine inspiration that I now have to interpret as best I can.”
He said late soca producer Daryl Braxton, whom he met through a mutual friend, was also a major contributor.
Describing himself as a revolutionary artiste, Edwardz sings several genres of music, including calypso, hip hop and neo-soul.
“I see music as a great way to catalyse positive changes in this space we all share called Earth. I am a lyrical genius with a poetic and conscious mind. I represent my art not just in song but every breath.”
He also believes his music is timeless “because I know who I am, an artiste to inspire a generation in a time where we need that type of inspiration.”
An emerging voice on Tobago’s socio-cultural landscape, Edwardz was elected president of the Tobago Writers Guild earlier this year and is also a member of the NGO Tobago CivilNET, which comprises noted personalities from various sectors on the island.
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