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Introduction
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During Bermuda Heroes Weekend 2015 there were many opportunities for learning. And I was fortunate enough to learn from former Soca Monarch Champion, Kerwin Dubois.

But before I dive into that, please allow me to share some things with you that I've learned over the years.

When  you meet someone that is in the upper echelon of their field or profession.  Or if you meet someone that has achieved a great deal or excelled at the highest levels in their line of work, the 3 best things that you can do are:

1. Listen
2. Ask pertinent questions
3. Let them know how much you appreciate them

I had this opportunity recently with Kerwin Dubois.  And without going into a long post about this portion of my Bermuda Heroes Weekend experience, I will tell you this -- I learned a great deal about Kerwin Dubois which I did not know. I've always been impressed with his music, but now I'm impressed with the person behind it.

And I wanted to share with you some of the things that I learned which you may find interesting as well.

So.....

Please allow me to share .....

7 Things About Kerwin Dubois
That You May Not Know

1. Kerwin Dubois Does Not Listen To Soca Music

When Kerwin made this statement, almost every head in the van turned. But then he explained that he listens to soca all day and everyday when he's working and when he's relaxing he does not want to listen to soca. Or do what he does all day for work. When he framed it like that I could totally understand it. This man eats, sleeps and drinks soca music. He has lyrics, songs, beats, tracks, video ideas, performing, carnival schedule and everything else going on in his head. I can see how he would need a break for a moment.  He did reveal, that he listens to a lot of R&B, Jazz, some EDM, and a little bit of hip hop.  He said that he really enjoys listening to and watching motivational videos and speakers.

2. Kerwin Dubois is a Big Fan of Joyce Meyer and Joel Olsteen

When asked what he does for inspiration Kerwin replied, "I enjoy watching Joel Olsteen and Joyce Meyer."  And then he began to recite the phrase that Joel Olsteen says with his congregation before every sermon. He said, "This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do. Today I will be taught the word of God. I boldly confess my mind is alert, my heart is receptive; Ill never be the same. In Jesus name."

3. Kerwin Dubois Produces, Writes and Edits His Own Music

There are very few high level artists in the world that can do all of this or that have produced, written and sang hits in their respective industries.  R. Kelly does it in in the field of R&B.  Kerwin began as a producer before he started singing and performing and thus does all of his own music, editing and producing because he knows how to do it. When I liken what he does to Kelly, I'm speaking in terms of being in the studio by himself. Kerwin informed us that he goes into the studio and it is just him in most cases. Doing all the tracks for the song, the editing and the producing.

4. Like most high level and successful people Kerwin Dubois is immune to criticism
When you get to a certain point when you are the expert in your field, you have to learn how to become immune to criticism.  You respect the input of your peers. You respect those who mentor you and coach you but you don't take on everybody's opinion just because they have one because all opinions are not equal (please read "The Death of Expertise"). Kerwin appreciates feedback from various sources and resources but does not look to or get moved by critics on social media. He stated that some people criticize without knowing the type of work and labor that goes into making a song, let alone a hit.

5. Kerwin Dubois is a night owl
Kerwin appreciates the quiet time in the morning between the hours of 2am and 7am. This is when he says that he gets most of his work done.

6. Kerwin is a closet comedian!!!
I did not realize this man was so funny. I don't even think that he's trying to be funny at times its just part of his personality and the way that he moves and operates. He is absolutely hilarious.

7. Kerwin is not passionate about music
Kerwin is not passionate about music, he's passionate about people. And his love for people comes out in his music.  There's a reason why the song "Circles" hits you and moves you the way that it does. It's because "Circles" is a love song set to soca music. 

All in all, I was able to hang out with Kerwin and Lyrikal during Bermuda Heroes Weekend 2015 and I learned a great deal from both of them. I think that all of us from Team TriniJungleJuice did.  They are not only phenomenal artists but phenomenal people.   What made portions of Bermuda Carnival so extremely ram was the amount of love in the atmosphere. All carnivals have this, but the people in Bermuda have it from the Taxi drivers to the hotel staff to the citizens. It was truly a great time and an educational experience.

Blessings From Here To There,

Rhadi Ferguson, PhD
"The Carnival Doctor"
Instragram - @TheCarnivalDoctor

P.S. For the best information in the world concerning carnivals please visit www.TriniJungleJuice.com  For the most comprehensive site available for fete tickets and masquerader costumes, please visit www.MyCarnivalBands.com

P.P.S. For more information on how to properly prepare for carnival like a true veteran, please visit www.CarnivalPrep.com