Vanessa John, better known by her stage name Nessa Preppy, has carved her own niche in the music industry.
Born to a German father and a Trinidadian mother of First Peoples descent, John blends soca, dancehall and hip hop to create a unique sound.
She burst onto the soca scene in 2018 with her hit Tingo, followed by another smash hit, Issa Snack.
But her journey in music began much earlier, as she competed in junior calypso tents during her teenage years.
A proud alumna of Arima Central Secondary School, John has continued to rise as one of the genre's most distinctive performers.
She said her German heritage does not significantly influence her artistic persona, as she left Germany at the age of five. She later moved to Calvary Hill in Arima, the home of some descendants of the First Peoples.
John revealed she is set to appear on a German television show in the coming months.
"In the episode, I work with a German pop star Lea, and together we remix one of her hits with a soca influence. I also teach her a bit about our culture in Trinidad. I sang in German as well.
"The cultural exchange was amazing: Lea was very intrigued to learn about the steelpan, tamboo bamboo and Carnival.”
[caption id="attachment_1139302" align="alignnone" width="683"] Soca artist Vanessa 'Nessa Preppy' John -[/caption]
Although she speaks German, she admits, it is not perfect, but enough to hold a conversation.
In November, she released her debut album, Little Miss Arima, which captures her love for her hometown. The album features 13 songs that blend traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds, creating an electrifying energy.
The themes of love, joy and celebration are explored throughout the tracks, making it a dynamic and vibrant collection.
In an interview with Newsday, she cited Machel Montano, Nicki Minaj, Lauryn Hill, Bunji Garlin and The Mighty Sparrow as some of her primary musical inspirations.
"My album Little Miss Arima was a big achievement for me," John said.
In August 2024, John was the only woman signed as a brand ambassador for Rude Boy drinks, alongside Akhenaton "Yung Bredda" Lewis and Llano "Jahllano" Grant.
The three were chosen as part of the brand's mission to integrate the brand into Trinidad and Tobago's musical culture.
Asked about her 2025 season, she said: "I can’t complain at all. I just have to prioritise my rest and drink enough water.
[caption id="attachment_1062549" align="alignnone" width="671"] Nessa Preppy performs at Sokah Origins concert at SAPA, San Fernando on February 2. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
"It can be pretty hectic sometimes. There is media stuff during the day and events at night. It’s often a pull and tug and I have to remind myself to rest."
John says she is enjoying not just her music but her peers.
"I think there is a nice balance between the sweet and groovy and rough power songs. As I reflect on my own music, I am also excited about my own growth as an artist, because each year my catalogue and I keep growing."
John, who has col
