5 Questions With Lil Kerry
Published:Friday | March 27, 2026 | 12:05 AM
Grenadian soca artiste Keron ‘Lil Kerry’ Noel has spent over a decade steadily making his mark across the Caribbean. His musical journey began in 2004 with experiments in rap, but it was soca–fuelled by Grenada’s vibrant carnival energy and the raw expression of Jab Jab culture – that became his true calling.
Since then, he has evolved from early releases like Banana Truck to becoming a recognised voice in Spicemas, with standout tracks such as Dynamite and Go No Way. That momentum continued in 2025, when Bury All placed third in the Power Soca Monarch competition and went on to win road march.
Now, Lil Kerry is set to bring that same high energy to Carnival in Jamaica, with a highly anticipated performance at the Smirnoff-sponsored Gen XS Immortals J’ouvert on April 11. Beyond J’ouvert, the artiste will also be stepping out for Carnival Sunday with Gen XS, where he is eager to experience Jamaica for the first time, connect with revellers, and fully take in the island’s carnival atmosphere. Ahead of his debut, he shares more about his journey, influences, and what fans can expect from him on the road in this week’s 5 Questions With….
1. What’s your all-time favourite carnival memory?
Winning the Road March in Grenada last year stands out as one of the most defining moments of my journey so far. Releasing music is one thing, but seeing thousands of people move to a song in real time is something else entirely. Hearing the crowd sing every word of Bury All, and watching the energy it carried throughout the carnival season was surreal. It felt like a full-circle moment, where all the years of work, growth, and persistence really paid off.
2. Who are your favourite Jamaican dancehall/reggae artistes and why?
On the male side, I would say Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton. Kartel’s influence on dancehall is undeniable. His consistency, his creativity, and how he has been able to stay relevant all this time is something I really respect as an artiste. Buju Banton, on the other hand, represents message and longevity. His music carries substance, and he has been able to maintain that level of impact for decades. For the females, Spice stands out because of her presence and how she commands the stage and the culture. She knows how to make an impact and stay true to herself. Shenseea is another one I rate highly because of her versatility and global reach. She has been able to move between different sounds and audiences while still representing where she is from. All of them have contributed to the culture in a major way.
3. As a road march champion in your home country, Grenada, what are some essentials you believe every reveller must have?
First thing is real energy, because carnival is a full experience that can take a lot out of you if you are not prepared. You have to come ready to enjoy yourself from start to finish. Comfortable footwear is also key because you are on the road for hours and want to be able to move freely without distractions. Another important thing is your crew – the people you are with can make or break your experience. Once you have a good group that shares your vibe, everything else falls into place. Most importantly, you have to come with the right mindset. Carnival is about freedom, expression, and living in the moment, so once you are prepared and open to the experience, you are guaranteed to have a great time.
4. This will be your first time in Jamaica. What’s on your bucket list?
I am really looking forward to experiencing everything firsthand. I have always heard about the culture, the energy, and how strong the connection to music is on the island, so I am excited to finally be a part of that. On my bucket list, I definitely want to visit the Bob Marley Museum and take in that history, because of how much reggae has influenced the world. I also want to explore the food, the people, and just the general vibe of the island. Being there during carnival makes it even more special, so I am really just looking forward to soaking it all in and creating my own experience.
5. Tell us five songs that are currently on your playlist, and which one you have on repeat?
Right now, my playlist includes Vybz Kartel’s God is The Greatest; Hey Choppi and MadLypso’s Boomerang; Skillibeng’s New Gears; Lil Wayne’s Mirror, and Bury All. If I had to pick one on repeat, it would be Bury All. Not just because it is my song, but because of what it represents. Every time I hear it, it reminds me of that road march moment, the energy on the road, and how far the journey has come. It keeps me motivated and locked in.
BRAWTWA:
‘Bury All’ has become a soca anthem. What does the song mean to you, and how does it feel to see masqueraders connecting with it on the road?
Bury All represents confidence, dominance, and a moment where everything aligned for me as an artiste. It is about stepping into your power and owning your space without hesitation. Seeing masqueraders connect with it on the road has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. The energy, the reactions, the way the song takes over a crowd, it is something you cannot plan for; you just have to experience it. That is what we create music for– to see people feel it, live it, and make it their own.