Lady Lava Talks Zess, Hard Work, and Staying True to Keisha

There’s something special about watching an artist rise in real time. You get to witness the grit, the hustle, and the glow-up — but you also get to see the human side that keeps them grounded. That’s what struck me most while chatting with Keisha Harris, better known as Lady Lava, the “Queen of the Freaks” from Trinidad and Tobago, who is shaking up the music scene from the Caribbean to stages around the world.

I’ll be honest: putting a name to a song is difficult for me, no matter the genre. Sure, I hear songs I like all the time, but when it comes to naming the artist, I often draw a blank. Thank goodness for Shazam — although even that can fall short for certain categories, like zess. One thing, however, is for sure: I never forget Lady Lava. The more I hear her music and watch her performances, the more I understand why she’s unforgettable. She’s unapologetically herself — bold, funny, real, and still humble enough to talk about selling ice cream, cigarettes, and clothes on the streets of Chaguanas before music took her global.

Even my mother is a fan. After watching clips of Lady Lava’s performances and hearing me talk about this interview, she smiled and asked me to let her know how proud she is. When I shared that with Lady Lava, she took a moment to send my mother a personal shout-out. That little gesture said everything — it reminded me that beyond the bright lights, the sold-out shows, and the Cardi B co-signs, Lady Lava is still Keisha.

During our conversation, she talked about what it means to stay motivated in an industry that isn’t always kind. She admitted her journey has been full of starts and stops, financial setbacks, and moments where she felt invisible. But what stood out to me was how she has always carried a deep sense of self-motivation. She keeps her home covered in affirmations — sticky notes on the fridge, the bathroom mirror, even her wardrobe — with reminders like, “Remember why I got started.” Those words are what push her forward when doubt tries to creep in.

Of course, no conversation about Lady Lava is complete without mentioning her breakout hit “Ring Finger.” She had already been making waves in Trinidad and Guyana, but this single catapulted her to a new level. Suddenly, she wasn’t just booking local shows; she was flying to new countries every weekend, performing for crowds who sang her lyrics word for word. As she put it, “Sometimes we perform Friday, you have to leave Saturday morning, in a different country. Sunday, you wake up in a next country. And it's like yeah, this is really happening.”

What makes her even more compelling is the duality between Lava and Keisha. Lava is the performer — fiery, daring, career-driven. Keisha is the street-smart woman who grew up hustling, the one who still loves to fry bake and relax on the beach with her family. She laughed when she told me that people often assume Lava is tougher, but in reality, it’s Keisha who’s quick to clap back. Lava, on the other hand, is the one reminding her to protect the career she’s built.

That balance — between the zess queen persona and the down-to-earth Keisha — is what keeps fans like me (and my mom) rooting for her. She’s not just making music; she’s carving out space for herself and showing what’s possible when you stay focused on your vision, no matter how many doors close along the way.

Lady Lava described herself as tasting like a tamarind ball — sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter, but always something you can enjoy. And that's really the perfect metaphor for her artistry and her journey. She’s proof that the mix of struggle and sweetness can create something unforgettable.

Check out my full interview with Lady Lava below, where she talks about her rise, her motivation, and why staying true to Keisha will always be her foundation. Don't forget to share your thoughts! Please comment, like, and share with others.

BTW, here is some of the gear I am currently using to capture my content.

• DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro for smooth, dynamic shots

• DJI Osmo 360 for immersive perspectives

• DJI Mic 2 for crisp, clear audio

• iPhone 13 Pro Max for quick, handheld shots

• DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal for stable walking sequences

And for deets on my outfits and other faves, you can check always check out my LTK and Amazon stores.

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