Red Men Saving Lives! Angela Hunt Reveals How Kess Helped Keep Her Making Music
They say not all heroes wear capes, and apparently, some are members of the Red Men Association.
Soca star Kess, widely associated with the playful title of Head of the Red Men Association, is receiving recognition for something far more meaningful than his complexion or his music.
Songwriter and performer Angela Hunt has revealed that a few encouraging words from Kess helped keep her recording career alive when she was seriously considering stepping away.
Hunt recalled an unexpected encounter at an airport during a period when she was questioning whether she wanted to continue recording and releasing her own music.
Although she still intended to write and contribute creatively to projects involving other artistes, she was uncertain about continuing as a recording artiste herself.
That was until Kess crossed her path.
According to Hunt, he told her that he listened to everything she did and encouraged her to keep making music.
What might have seemed like an ordinary conversation to him became an important moment of reassurance for someone struggling with the demands of a creative career.
But the encouragement did not end at the airport.
Hunt also recalled an emotional experience during a later appearance with Kess in New York, where he surprised her by presenting her with flowers onstage.
She explained that the gesture caught her off guard because she had rarely experienced that kind of public recognition.
For someone who had spent years contributing to music, the simple act of appreciation carried considerable emotional weight.
Hunt described Kess as a friend whose support helped her remain committed to making her own music.
Her reflections also highlighted a broader issue within the entertainment industry: the emotional exhaustion that can accompany the constant pressure to create.
Hunt urged audiences to extend grace to artistes, explaining that entertainers experience difficult periods just like everyone else.
She noted that the expectation to remain consistently creative can become overwhelming, particularly when artistes are dealing with challenges that the public may never see.
Sometimes, she suggested, a little appreciation from listeners or encouragement from a fellow performer can make an enormous difference.
Her experience offers a reminder that behind the performances, recordings and public appearances are individuals who sometimes question whether they have anything left to give.
And while the Red Men Association reference may provide some light-hearted Trinidadian humour, Hunt’s story carries a message about friendship, recognition and the importance of supporting fellow creatives.
In this case, Kess did not need a big stage or a hit song to make an impact.
A conversation at an airport and a bouquet of flowers in New York were enough to leave a lasting impression.
Who would have thought the Head of the Red Men Association was out here saving music careers?