Courtesy Overtime Media and Jermaine Cruickshank
Carnival 2026 is set to be one of the shortest seasons we’ve had in a long time, but that only makes it sweeter, as the ladies emerge from “hibernation” to command the spotlight, grab the attention of cameras, and set the tone for the season.
So, how else could we kick off the first issue of XVibes Carnival 2026 but with the trending soca ladies—Nessa Preppy, Nadia Batson, Nailah Blackman and Lady Lava—alongside some of the trending ladies of the gayelle, ready to take over the parties, events and streets in the coming weeks.
Vanessa John is generally a private person, but her alter ego, Nessa Preppy, has had her fair share of viral moments on social media over the past few years.
Since her breakout hit, “Tingo”, in 2018, she has existed on the edge of the soca industry and become known for her fashion-forward looks, outspoken demeanour, and her hybrid artistic ability to blend soca, dancehall and hip-hop. For the Carnival, she is rocking Aria Applewhite Monday wear.
“I don’t like to think of my personality as a style,” she declared. “I think being myself is important at all times. I have worked really hard to grow my vision and to keep my authentic energy.
“In time, I’ve learnt to balance my persona very well without being too raw, but still maintaining the essence of my attitude. My inspiration for exploring genres comes from loving music and not just one particular style, but all genres.
“I love listening to R&B, reggae, soul music, disco and plenty others. Listening and expanding my music pallet really helps me to be a better artiste and be more of myself, which is naturally a mix also.”
Born in Germany to a German father and Trinidadian mother, Vanessa moved to Trinidad at age five and earned her nickname “Preppy” in school for her neat uniform.
After following “Tingo” with “Issa Snack” in 2019, she continued to build a noteworthy catalogue of singles, culminating in the release of her Little Miss Arima debut album in November 2024.
With the album’s title expressing her love for her hometown and the collection featuring 13 songs that blend traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds, Preppy explored themes of love, joy and celebration, making the LP a dynamic and vibrant collection, which also sold well by local album sales standards.
Her latest hit single, “No Feelings”, speaks to her constant awareness of societal trends and her commitment to being a voice for women everywhere.
“The song ‘No Feelings’ wasn’t really planned,” she confessed. “It was penned really quickly. I just made an observation on the content I kept seeing on social media with regard to the current social climate with relationships, life and everything. The song is just for anyone who is putting their own feelings first because the reality is, self-love is key!
“I knew the ladies would love the song,” she added. “Women support my shenanigans and I love being an unapologetic voice for women, especially the ones that resonate with my art.”
Citing Machel Montano, Nicki Minaj, Lauryn Hill, Bunji Garlin and the Mighty Sparrow as some of her primary musical inspirations, Preppy shied away from sharing at this time anything about her personal relationship status, which has endured much speculation and some level of trepidation over time—mainly her marriage to longtime partner, video creator Kern Rose.
Little Miss Arima is not spilling any beans or sharing any tea, but for our readers, and her being the goddess she is, “we had to ask”.
“I wish to keep my relationship status private at the moment,” she declared resolutely, before adding, “So far, I am pleased with the performances of my releases and I anticipate the upcoming season to be a nice, short one. I do, however, plan on releasing more songs.”
