Despite strife in the US, Cardi B happy to be in TT

SHANE SUPERVILLE

THE much anticipated return of hip hop superstar Cardi B to TT, began with fanfare yesterday as the 25-year-old Bodak Yellow hitmaker was met with moko jumbies, masqueraders and a traditional rhythm section band at the Piarco International Airport shortly after midday.

Speaking with reporters at a brief reception ceremony, Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar, said she was overwhelmed with the reception and said despite tensions in the US, she was happy to be back home in the country of her mother’s birth.

“I just want to say thank you so much. As soon as I got off the plane I felt the energy and it really put a smile on my face because I wasn’t so happy because, in America there are a lot of bad things going on over there. I’m so excited, where I’m from and every place I’ve been to around America, they don’t party like in Trinidad. I am proud of my heritage and everyone should be proud of their heritage, that’s what makes you what you are.”

Cardi B, who is expected to play mas with the band Tribe on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, was presented with gifts from the bandleaders as well as from designer Marie Collette during the reception, before being shuttled off by her entourage.

The rapper who is of Trinidadian and Dominican descent, rose to fame in 2013 after several social media videos of her humorous antics on screen went viral and was later featured as a cast member of reality television series “Love and Hip Hop”. She has since enjoyed international success as a recording artist from her tracks and collaborations with headline acts such as Nicki Minaj and Migos.