Patra Speaks Her Truth; Talks Personal Highs and Lows

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Dorothy Smith, better known as Patra, is a dancehall artist who achieved international prominence in 1993 following her featured appearance on Shabba Ranks’ song “Family Affair.”

Distinguished by her signature braids, she is acknowledged for introducing a liberated female perspective to a genre that was predominantly controlled by male artists during that era.

In recent recognition, she was honoured as a Lifetime Achievement recipient at the Caribbean Music Awards held in Trinidad and Tobago.

Patra – Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, CMA ’26
“I’m so blessed to be here to actually receive such an honour, and I’m humbled by it at the same time.”

In addition to receiving the accolade, Patra performed on the CMA stage on Saturday night and during the post-event Stars And Steel concert held on Sunday evening.

Patra captivated the audiences, transporting us to another era as she demonstrated the distinctive high-energy performance style for which she is renowned.

Yet, notwithstanding the cherished nostalgic sentiments her music evokes across multiple generations, in 1995, during her Scent Of Attraction tour, she walked away from the spotlight, choosing to isolate herself.

Entering a 20-year battle with depression.

She revealed to me that while her struggle was not uncommon among entertainers, her personal journey toward recovery was unique to her.

Patra – Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, CMA ’26
“Allowing myself to feel those pain that I was going through and how to also, you know, relieve those pain. So it was like a process for me.”

Patra also shared that in her moments of vulnerability, she found strength through her faith.

Patra – Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree, CMA ’26
“God is so amazing if you call upon him, man, and pray. I could be whining, doing these things that’s not important. What’s important is finding who you are.”