Reporter
kristy.ramnarine@cnc3.co.tt
T&T-born Sherane ‘Rane’ Blackman, a member of the US Navy, wants to become a household name in soca.
Blackman grew up in Maloney Gardens where she started singing with the Maloney Government Primary School choir. Her love for the culture also led her to dance and pan from a young age. One of her fondest childhood memories was participating in the Prime Minister’s Best Village Competition as a dancer and playing the double tenor with a small steelband, Blue Diamonds, in Port-of-Spain.
After moving to the United States, Blackman enlisted with the US Navy and eventually pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies. Her passion for entertainment continued to grow.
She currently serves as a Legalman First Class petty Officer in the Judge AdvocatebGeneral Corp and continues to release music motivated by her dream of becoming a top performer.
Blackman’s first single, Ms. Whiner, came out in October 2018.
“My first performance was in Brooklyn, New York, in January of 2019 before heading to T&T Carnival that year to perform for the first time,” she recalled.
“To date, I have released 19 songs. My love for the art form is what inspires me most to sing Soca.”
For Carnival 2025, Blackman has released four singles, Careless (Gone Again Riddim) produced by Barbados’ DJ Kai, Doh Fraid produced by Nyce Nation, So Hot (Eyeland Riddim) produced by Body Rock and Shot Master J and Free Up (Sunrise Riddim), written by Shaft and directed by Keelan “Azaryah” Callender.
The Bajan-produced Careless enjoyed immense success at the 2024 Barbados Crop Over Festival which Blackman hopes to also receive in her birth land.
Last year, her single Leh We Go was picked up by someone in Spain and used in Zumba choreography. The Sass Riddim song, which was road-remixed became popular internationally.
“I allow my music to do what it will. My songs have always been received well outside of the traditional soca spaces,” said Blackmen.
“Right now, Let We Go is playing hard in Korea and Japan. It feels good to know that people who do not even speak English, are enjoying my music.”
When asked about maintaining the balance of being a member of the US Navy and entertainer Blackman responded: “This is a question I get a lot. I honestly wonder how I do it myself. I just know I find a way to get it done.”
She added: “My shipmates who are not aware of my singing path are always shocked and amazed when they find out either by stumbling upon my TikTok videos or hearing about it from another shipmate. One shipmate even found me on Google one time and started spreading the word.”
Last year, Blackman also delved into the world of media.
She wanted to showcase the real behind-the-scenes of the entertainment industry. Her Instagram series, Behind the Soca, which goes live, features fellow creatives in the soca space.
“The reception has been very overwhelming. Sometimes the interviews go on for hours and it’s because the viewers are so engaged,” she said.
“The history shared by some of the artistes has been really educational for me as well. Since I started doing the show, I’ve had to go from twice per month to weekly because people are eager to be part of it,” she said, noting that guest requests by fellow creatives have been consistent.
“No matter what, I’ll continue to pour my heart and soul into this music because this music is the joy that sustains so many of us, every day.”
With several performances already booked for Carnival 2025, Blackman will be heading to T&T next month.
For her, it is just another step in accomplishing her dreams of touring the world and performing for audiences.