Veteran calypsonian Robbie is back this year with a powerful social commentary that has already begun turning heads on the calypso circuit.
His 2025 offering, Pa Plwé, takes aim at a troubling issue he says continues to eat away at the soul of the nation, parents and guardians enabling their children’s involvement in crime.
In an interview following his quarterfinals performance, Robbie revealed that the song was born out of deep concern about the role families play in shaping youth behavior. “When I spoke to the writer of the song, I told him we need to do something before things spiral even further, locally and around the world,” Robbie said. “The idea that came out in Pa Plwé is a hard truth, but one that needed to be told.”
He emphasized that Pa Plwé, which translates to Don’t Cry, speaks directly to the choices made by adults who turn a blind eye to their children’s actions until it’s too late.
“Some parents know exactly what their children are involved in, but they still defend or cover for them. Then when tragedy strikes, they cry. That’s what the song is about,” he explained.
Describing the production process, Robbie admitted the song took a lot of work, both creatively and emotionally. “This one took plenty of work because it’s not just a song, it’s a message. We wanted to make sure it hit hard, especially now, when so many families are feeling the impact of crime and violence,” he said.
With strong confidence in his delivery and message, Robbie says he feels energized and believes this year’s performance could take him deep into the competition. “I have serious confidence this year. The reception so far is good. If I make it to the finals, I’m sticking with this one, it’s too important,” he said.
As for what he wants Saint Lucians to take away from his performance: “This is our country. We all have a role to play in saving it. I’m asking parents to reflect. Let’s stop enabling. Let’s raise our youth with values. Support the country by supporting the truth,” Robbie declared.
