Jamaican dancehall icon Patra is back — and this time she says she is happier, healthier and more in control of her life and career.
In a revealing interview, the “Queen of the Pack” reflects on everything from her childhood in Westmoreland and international breakthrough to her personal struggles, return to music and plans for life beyond the stage.
FROM WESTMORELAND TO INTERNATIONAL STARDOM
Patra traces much of who she is today back to Whithorn, Westmoreland, where she grew up surrounded by family.
She remembers playing at nearby rivers and dreaming from an early age that she would one day become a superstar.
Even after becoming internationally known as Patra, she says people in her community still call her “Mum,” her childhood pet name.
When international success eventually arrived, Patra says she did not fully realize she was making history. Her focus was much simpler — she wanted to represent Jamaica and take the country’s culture to the world.
She also credits Shabba Ranks with helping her during her rise internationally. Patra says Shabba treated her like a sister, helped open doors and taught her an important lesson about commanding the stage.
FINDING FREEDOM AFTER DIFFICULT YEARS
Patra also speaks candidly about the more difficult side of her journey.
She says there was a period when she was dealing with depression and was not ready to accept some of the awards and recognition people wanted to give her.
Instead, she focused on herself and on gaining greater control over her career.
That included getting her music masters back and making sure her business affairs were properly structured.
Now, Patra describes the dominant feeling in her life as freedom.
After working toward that point for more than two decades, she says she now feels happy, healthy and more business-minded.
PATRA HAS PLANS BEYOND MUSIC
Music isn’t the only thing on Patra’s mind.
Cooking has become another major passion, and she revealed plans for a cooking show called “Hot and Sexy Cooking with the Queen.”
Patra says she learned to cook from her mother and later developed her culinary interests through travelling and experiencing different foods around the world.
She plans to reopen her restaurant and eventually wants cooking, products, sauces, seasonings and cookbooks to become part of her life after music.
Patra even said she would love to have a cook-off with fellow Jamaican entertainer Popcaan.
CARIBBEAN MUSIC AWARDS RECOGNITION
The interview also touches on Patra being recognized by the Caribbean Music Awards.
For the Jamaican entertainer, the recognition carries special meaning because so much of what she has accomplished internationally has been connected to her Caribbean roots.
After decades in entertainment and years spent away from the spotlight, Patra is entering another chapter — but this time, she is doing it on her own terms.
Watch the full interview below to hear Patra tell her story in her own words.
