Trinidadian-American musical collaborators Ron Metivier and Rhonda Rosales have embarked on an exciting new artistic journey with their inaugural soca release titled “Poison,” representing a significant evolution for their collaborative venture known as R and R Proj. Despite relocating to the United States in 2019, the duo maintains profound connections to their Trinidadian cultural heritage, which powerfully informs their creative expression.
Rosales, whose musical journey began at age five under the mentorship of her grandmother and uncle Anderson Rosales of G Sharp and Friends, brings extensive performance experience to the partnership. Her credentials include a 20-year tenure with parang ensemble Los Alumnos de San Juan, finalist status on Scouting for Talent, membership in Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO), and performances at Kaiso House calypso tent (now D’Kaiso Dynasty). She has also served as lead vocalist for parang group Fuego Caribeño and performed internationally as a cultural ambassador alongside legendary artists including the late calypsonian Hawthorn “King Wellington” Quashie.
Metivier complements this vocal excellence with multi-instrumental mastery, specializing in cuatro, guitar, and bass while skillfully blending traditional Caribbean sounds with contemporary influences. His musical development began at age 13, earning early recognition through the Junior National Parang Association before becoming the youngest cuatro player in renowned band Salsa Picante under maestro Robert Munro’s guidance. His professional experience includes extensive performances across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe, plus directing and arranging for numerous cultural ensembles.
The collaborators describe “Poison” as an organic development born from their shared musical passion and creative synergy. While both artists have established reputations in parang, soca parang, and calypso genres, this release marks their deliberate entry into mainstream soca music. Metivier explains their motivation: “With our roots in the calypso tent and as proud Trinidadians, we wanted to make a strong contribution to the soca kingdom,” noting how the single captures Carnival’s passion, rhythm, and collective spirit.
Musically, “Poison” represents a fusion of styles shaped by Metivier’s instrumental versatility and Rosales’ commanding vocal presence. The recording benefited from Samuel Jack’s (Jhaqkmix) production expertise at New York’s Maddagain Production Studio, owned by Roger “Patch” Joseph. Despite its international production, the track maintains authentic Trinidadian roots according to the artists.
The duo’s collaborative dynamic leverages years of shared performance experience. Metivier describes their partnership as “a blend of voice and vision” where Rosales’ powerhouse vocals provide emotion and energy while his musical direction shapes sound and arrangement. This intimate creative exchange differs from his experience directing full bands, allowing constant idea exchange and co-creation.
For Rosales, the project represents both artistic growth and personal renewal: “Having spent years in parang and calypso, Poison feels like a fresh chapter for me. It’s a chance to grow as an artiste, try something new and honour my roots.” Early audience responses have been enthusiastically positive, with fans and fellow artists connecting with the track’s energy and vibe.
An animated music video is currently available on YouTube, with additional visual content planned for forthcoming release. The artists confirm this release merely begins their creative journey, promising more original music that blends genres, experiments with rhythms, and celebrates Caribbean cultural richness while honoring musical traditions. Their vision aims to inspire regional creativity and reach global audiences through evolutionary musical exploration.
