Caryl Jacobs enjoyed a steady diet of soca and calypso in her native Trinidad and Tobago, but reggae and dancehall from Jamaica and American pop music were never far from her ears. 

For her cover of Adele's "Easy on Me", she went for a reggae feel. Released in late January by Tad's International Record, her version is co-produced by Mark HoSang of Boiler Room and Chris Knight for Chris Knight Music Group. 

Though the original was a big hit for the British star, Jacobs was not looking at sales when she cut her version. 

"I don't think hit song when I record. I think, 'must execute every word and pitch as practised'," she said. 

Jacobs, who lives in South Florida, has been around music all her life. Her parents, Carl and Carol Jacobs, are respected musician/producers in Trinidad and Tobago; being around their band prepared her for a career in entertainment. 

"My influences came from the environment created by my parents. Their style is soca, jazz, soul and pop," she said. 

To date, Jacobs has collaborated with acts like her compatriot, soca king Machel Montana, Beenie Man and Glen Washington. She has also performed at major events like Trinidad Carnival and Caribana in Toronto.

Written By Howard Campbell