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Within the Parang music industry stands a group that radiates an energy that seems to transcend the ordinary, where the harmony isn’t just in the notes they sing but in the unbreakable bonds that tie them together.
As part of our 2023 Parang Series, The Catholic News interviewed Los Sonidos, a close-knit and well-established group of young, Catholic ‘parranderos’ who have been etching their name in the annals of Parang excellence.
Formed over a decade ago, Los Sonidos consists of 11 talented musicians: vocalists: Kyesha Jones (band leader), Sonja Chase and Kenika Quash; instrumentalists: Nadine Hospedales (cuatro), Emile Cournand (guitar & cuatro), Jade Antoine (the maracas), Chinara Remy (cuatro & toctoc), Joseph Bertrand (mandolin); Jasiel Jonas (congas & flute), Darrien Rouse (box bass) and Khandi Morgan (guitar).
Their journey began in the intimate settings of their East Trinidad communities and through school affiliation, either attending the same schools, or neighbouring schools with one exception. Their shared love for Parang was their immediate bond. Close friends, 27-year-old Kyesha Jones, and 28-year-old Kenika Quash told The Catholic News that most of the band members became interested in Parang at the junior Parang level. They called themselves Los Ninos del Este securing first place titles in 2009 and 2010. As they grew in both membership and age, they transitioned to Las Estrellas Del Cielo and the now cherished, Los Sonidos.
Kenika (left) and Kyesha (right)
Their musical prowess is evident in their four original compositions: Regalo de Parranda (Gift of Parang), Parranda es La Vida (Parang is Life), Negro es Hermoso (Black is Beautiful), La Tumba Vecia (The Old Tomb) – an Easter-themed Parang song that speaks to Christ’s Resurrection.
Los Sonidos’ sound lives up to its name by seamlessly blending. From Kenika, Kyesha and Sonja’s soulful vocals to Darrien’s box bass grooves, the music is a rich tapestry of individual talents weaving together to create something truly extraordinary. Quash shared, “Many of our original songs are inspired by all four gospels, but one that stands out for me is Regalo de Parranda which tells the story of our band, Los Sonidos, replacing the role of Three Wise Men who instead bring the gift of Parang to Jesus.”
“I always feel privileged to be able to sing about my Catholic faith through the musical genre of Parang. It [Parang] is so intertwined in our culture and to be able to do that freely in Trinidad and Tobago is really something I enjoy,” she added.
Their journey, they say, is not on their own merit but a gift from God. To sing The Good News of Christ’s Birth has emotionally moved the two friends so much so that they recall crying on stage during performances. Jones said she hopes the band’s music and performances bring joy to their audiences. “We love each other and want people to take away the messages of Christ in song but to also enjoy Parang to the extent that we do. There is so much joy and fun in glorifying God for us and hope we do spread it to others.”
Beyond the glamour of the stage, the bandmates share a genuine affection for each other that goes beyond mere colleagues – they are family. The unwavering support they provide for each other during the highs and lows of life defines their closeness.
They met a challenge in October 2022 when beloved band member, 25-year-old Shaquille John, passed away at the peak of the Parang Season. “Our first gig after his death was very hard but we banded together to continue because he would want us to. To this day, we often look around during performances expecting to see him,” said Jones. John was one of their lead guitarists.
As they continue to evolve and explore new musical horizons, Los Sonidos remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring musicians and a testament to God’s love that exudes when talent, passion, and camaraderie converge in harmony.
For bookings, Los Sonidos can be reached at los_sonidos13@outlook.com
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The Parang Season in Trinidad & Tobago usually begins in October and ends on January 6th. Look out for features from The Catholic News on other bands!
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