Rising Caribbean pop artist Destini Xoda makes waves with her empowering sound and unapologetic authenticity. Born and raised in Brooklyn to a Grenadian mother and a Panamanian father, the 28-year-old singer blends her cultural heritage with a fresh, independent voice in the music industry.

Xoda, whose stage name is inspired by civil rights leader Malcolm X, describes herself as a Black woman advocate. Her journey into music began unexpectedly in 2020 during the pandemic after a problematic breakup sent her on a path of self-discovery. What started as humming at work led to an impromptu studio session, and soon after, she was recording her songs.

“Someone heard me humming at work and asked if I could feature on their song,” Xoda said. “From there, it all just took off.”

Though music had been part of her life since childhood — singing at school graduations and joining the band — she never pursued it seriously due to a lack of encouragement at home. When she was younger, her music teacher suggested she audition for the prestigious LaGuardia High School, but her mother, a strict Caribbean parent, insisted she wasn’t ready.

Despite the initial setbacks, Xoda forged her path, developing her craft and embracing the resilience instilled in her by her upbringing.

Her latest single, “Me Time,” is an anthem of self-focus and empowerment that reflects her growth as an artist and a woman. She is also preparing to release a song celebrating Black women’s financial independence.

“In today’s world, a lot of women expect men to pay for everything, and while that’s fine, I also believe in bossing up yourself,” she said. “This song is about being independent and securing your bag.”

Looking ahead, Xoda dreams of performing in front of a massive crowd, hearing fans sing her lyrics back to her. On a larger scale, she hopes to leave a lasting impact on Caribbean music and be honored for her contributions decades from now.

“The other day, I watched the Caribbean Music Awards and saw them honoring legendary women, and it made me emotional,” she said. “That’s what I want—to put in the work for 40 years and be recognized for everything I’ve done.”

With her powerful message and growing fan base, Destini Xoda is poised to become a force in the music industry, staying true to her roots while carving out her lane.