In this series, we’re highlighting our VERSIONS Alumni. You’ll learn about their transformative journeys with and through the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship.

AMI: A Melodic Beginning

From a young age, Trinidadian-born AMI was drawn to music like a moth to a flame. She describes feeling as though she “came out of the womb singing,” with melodies constantly swirling in her mind. Morning, noon and night, she would hum, whistle, or sing to quiet her
mind.

AMI was raised in a single-parent home and a low-income household, and her early exposure to music was deeply rooted in faith. The living room stereo options ranged from gospel to dancehall to reggae, though gospel reigned supreme. AMI’s initial love for music took on a Christian tilt. Her weekly church visits would expose her to the church musicians who inspired her to learn more about music and eventually teach herself guitar.

While she enjoyed faith-based music, reggae is where her passion was ignited.

AMI’s late brother, Nicholas, first introduced her to reggae and dancehall. The strong beats and hypnotic rhythms sparked her lifelong love of the genre. AMI would consume reggae whenever she had the chance. She didn’t have easy access to the internet or data, but that didn’t phase her; she would seek out places where she could stream the music for free and sit in the tunes that inspired her own creativity.

Self-Discovery

AMI’s journey with music took an unexpected turn when she took an interest in music production. She decided to dabble in creating her own music. Even without formal instruction, she explains, “The music seemed to make itself.” AMI found herself effortlessly crafting melodies and rhythms that resonated with listeners on a profound level.

As she got more comfortable making music, her confidence grew. AMI began releasing music professionally, setting the stage for her future endeavours.

It was around this time that she stumbled across the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship.

The Chance at VERSIONS

When AMI discovered the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship, she jumped at the chance to apply. She was intrigued by the chance to mix music and social change.

It was during the interview phase that a sense of knowing flooded her brain, and she just knew she was going to be part of the program. She recalls, “It just felt right when I was interviewing.” When she received the news of her acceptance, it was as though the stars had aligned, affirming her belief in the power of music and social impact.

Eyes = Opened

For AMI, the VERSIONS Fellowship was a transformative experience that transcended the realm of music. Immersed in a diverse community of fellow changemakers, she not only leveled up her artistry but gained new perspectives on issues such as racism and social justice.

As part of VERSIONS, participants are educated on the dark and violent roots of their countries. Oftentimes, school systems fail to expose the raw, unfiltered truths about history and its impacts in the modern day.

“I learned the truth—things our school systems never taught us but that we need to know.”

AMI remembers feeling shocked when fellowship facilitators guided the Fellows past the surface-level understanding of Christopher Columbus. Prior to the Fellowship, AMI recalls learning that Christopher Columbus played a key role in history and land discovery. But she hadn’t been aware of the atrocities he and his comrades committed. Learning that Columbus’s “discovery” of Trinidad still has residual negative impacts on her country and others was eye-opening.

Growing into Leadership

Before the VERSIONS fellowship, AMI didn’t have experience in leadership roles. She held a desire to make a change but wasn’t sure where to start.

“I was hyper-aware of the crime in my country. Especially the gun and gender-based violence. I feel the issues deeply and wanted to make a difference but wasn’t sure how.” As an empath, she was seeking an opportunity to act on her longing for a better world.

VERSIONS offered her a chance to take action. As part of the Fellowship, each Fellow is supported in designing and implementing a social impact project. For her social impact project, AMI offered basic financial literacy workshops to racialized youth ages 15-25 in her community of Siparia.

AMI says it was challenging in the best way. “Leading the social impact project took me out
of my comfort zone, but I learned how to make solid plans and take meaningful action.”

Change is Serious Work—But it Can Also be Fun

Between the celebrity mentors, international activists, and professional artists, the Fellowship is a constant stream of advice, education and support. AMI says every element was helpful, but there’s one piece of advice she often refers back to.

“Since I began making music, I was always very serious and militant; I didn’t allow room for fun. Lila Ike’s advice on remembering to have fun while making music and Sean Paul’s advice on creating balance in life resonated with me.”

AMI now feels lighter, knowing that she can make meaningful music while enjoying the process.

A Note to Future Applicants and Fellows

AMI encourages future applicants and Fellows to apply. “If I can say one thing, it’s to apply with three exclamation marks! This Fellowship has transformed my life in more ways than one; it helped me grow, it informed me about my world and the different issues that affect us and taught me how to be a light and make a positive change.”

What’s Next?

Now that she’s graduated from VERSIONS, AMI is excited to continue and expand her community projects. In addition to financial literacy workshops, she wants to help youth find mentors and employment opportunities.

“I’ve got big ideas, but thanks to VERSIONS, I now have the confidence that I’ll be able to make them work.”

AMI’s Parting Words

AMI’s commitment to social change runs deep. Her experiences in VERSIONS have not only given her the tools to make change and broadened her understanding of the world but also inspired her to be a beacon of hope and compassion in her community. Through her music and community projects, AMI seeks to spread love, positivity, and resilience, believing that even the smallest acts of kindness can spark monumental change.

“I just want people to share more love and be compassionate. Be the light and the strength. One kind word can be what keeps a person’s world from crumbling, and one unkind word could cause it to fall apart. So be more kind and push more love. You never know what might cause someone to crumble,” AMI says. “Oh, and don’t limit your dreams. Dream big.”