Today we’d like to introduce you to Merina Neal.
Hi Merina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Trinny Cee Productions was established in the summer of 1997. The name arose as I am Canadian & raised in Trinidad (Trinny for sweet Trinidad & Tobago and Cee for Canada). I am a Media Host, Event Strategist & International Promoter. In 1997, I visited my family in Minnesota. A started creating my own niche in the Entertainment industry by appearing in the local Afro-Caribbean scene in the twin cities while also assisting with the Promotions of local events. I had her signature sexy Island voice on several local KMOJ deejays radio spots such as Bro Jules, Lyle Major, Otis the Entertainer & Paris Tyler.
While traveling back & forth from Canada to the United States I have had the honor to be part of several projects, festivals, and events. After taking a break to complete an Accounting Degree and spend some time raising my sons while also being a caregiver to my former partner who was on dialysis, I started promoting shows not only in Minneapolis but across the Midwest. I loved events so much that I switched career paths and in 2011 became an Event Manager for the Minnesota Science Museum. I plan and consult on a few annual community events in the Twin Cities. Since 2013, she has partnered with AEG Live, and several Twin Cities concert venues to market and promote Afro-Caribbean events while also hosting her own curated annual and monthly events. She also hosts several Reggae Dancehall and Hip-Hop festivals & concerts around the cities such as Carifest, Rondo Days, Twin Cities Jerk Festival, and RWFA Annual Caribbean Fashion Show.
Merina is an active member of the Afro-Caribbean and Rondo community and believes in giving back to the community and industry through volunteering, sponsorship and creating standards of excellence, and raising the bar of professionalism. Merina is an active member of the Jamaica Minnesota Organization, Caribbean Disaster Relief Fund. Currently, I have my own TV Show “On Stage Live On Hip Hop Nation on CCX Media that airs monthly.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth ride to creating my own brand as well as being a woman of color in Corporate America.
In the beginning, it was very hard being a Black woman in the Entertainment Industry. Also as a Trinidadian mainly focusing on Jamaican events that was a huge hurdle to overcome and gain respect.
We’ve been impressed with Trinny Cee Productions, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I plan and manage Caribbean Focused Concerts, Festival, and events as well as: Event Management,
Festival Management, Artist Management, Hosting, Promoting (Street team/Social Media), Booking services, Graphic designs, Security Services, Live Entertainment, Caribbean Chefs, Travel arrangements, Concierge Services, Media & PR.
Accomplishments include Event Manager for International Dancehall Queen (20) years. Event Consultant with AEG Live 2012-2016 (Promoted Stephen Marley concert, Toots & Maytals, Protoje, Morgan Heritage, Stone Love, Etana, Wayne word and many more as well, Promoted almost sold out show at Cabooze (3000 people) “Catch A Fire Tour” featuring the Marley Family and Tarrus Riley, Morgan Heritage.
Resident night at local venues such as Red Sea, Blue Nile, Arnellia’s & Pimento. KMOJ Radio Host 2019 -2021 CCX Media Hip-Hop Nation TV Host 2019 – Present. International Dancehall Queen Award Recipient July 2015. The Promoter of the Year Minneapolis 2009.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see myself continuing to grow both my business and career Internationally.
I eat, breathe, and sleep all things events. I would really like to plan an international Soca Dancehall Festival. I am also focusing on taking the time to train women of color to be powerhouses in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @trinnycee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinny.cee/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinnycee
Image Credits
Jeffery Fortson Instagram.com/jeffreyfortsonphotography
