Black Star Inspiration: Nadia Batson – The Voice, The Writer, The Storyteller of Soca
Bôhten's lineage can be traced back to a long and storied history of black cultural innovators. In this series, we celebrate the style inspiration of icons who flawlessly express their flair through lenses.
Our Black Star Inspiration for the month of October is none other than Nadia Batson — a powerhouse in Caribbean music. A soca artist, singer and songwriter, Nadia’s gift for storytelling has carried her from Tunapuna, Trinidad to stages across the world. Her words, melodies, and presence have resonated with generations of fans who sing along to her hits every Carnival season, cementing her as one of the leading voices of Caribbean women in soca.
From Words to Music: A Storyteller from the Start
Born and raised in Trinidad & Tobago, Nadia’s love affair with writing began early. Her mother, an avid writer herself, fostered a home filled with creativity and expression. By age three, Nadia's mother says she was already reading the newspaper, and soon after, she began writing short stories, mirroring her mother’s passion. That early love for language would later become the foundation of her remarkable career as one of soca’s most respected lyricists and performers.
Before she became a household name on stage, Nadia’s words were already shaping the sound of modern soca. She formed her all-female band “Sass”, a bold move that showcased both her leadership and commitment to empowering women in the industry. Her skill as a writer quickly caught the attention of major soca artists — leading her to pen songs for some of the genre’s biggest names. Her compositions began entering and winning competitions - both in Trinidad & around the Caribbean region, making her one of the most sought-after songwriters in the Caribbean music scene.
Finding Her Voice and Owning Her Story
While Nadia had already made her mark as a writer, her solo journey as a performer brought her artistry full circle. Through songs like “So Long”, “Catching Feelings”, and “Market”, she channeled her truth with authenticity and flair. Her lyrics often mirror the realities, joys, and strength of Caribbean women — navigating love, life, and liberation in ways that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Her ability to infuse storytelling into her music — blending soca’s high-energy rhythm with calypso’s cultural depth — has made her a beloved voice of Caribbean identity. Each performance feels like a story unfolding in motion, connecting audiences not just to the beat, but to the essence of who they are.
Style, Soul, and Shades
Beyond her music, Nadia Batson’s personal style speaks volumes. Her bold fashion statements often incorporate sunglasses and eyeglasses into her looks — whether on the stage or at a casual event, she gives an effortless mix of confidence, edge, and elegance.
We love how she uses eyewear to embody a blend of authentic identity and self-expression, reminding us that true style is about owning your vision — literally and figuratively.
The Voice of Caribbean Women and Culture
Over the years, Nadia Batson has not only carved her own space within soca but also helped elevate the authenticity and storytelling of Caribbean culture. Through every lyric and melody, she brings the region’s spirit to life — uniting fans across islands, continents, and generations.
As Trinidad Carnival gears up for another fantastic year, fans across the Caribbean and diaspora eagerly await what Nadia will bring next — new songs, new stories, and new anthems for women who see themselves in her music. Her words have become a chorus of Caribbean unity — and when her voice rings out in the next fete, you can be sure the crowd will sing along, word for word.
What's your favorite Nadia Batson song? Let us know in the comments!
Bôhten does not own the rights to any of these photos. Photos were sourced from Nadia Batson instagram.