Robbie Khan: Guyanese Soca Artist on Music, Culture, and Community
- Hailey Bell
- Feb 9
- 4 min read
Name: Robbie Khan
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Talent Name: I AM KHANTRA
Instagram: @only1robbiekhan
YouTube: youtube.com/RobbieKhanForever
Category: Rapper | Hip-Hop / Soca Artist | Producer | Videographer | Director | Songwriter
💬 INTRODUCTION
I go by I AM KHANTRA. I’m a Toronto-based rapper, producer, and creative raised in Jane and Finch. I was one of the youngest rappers to come out of the area in the mid-1990s. My journey into music started early, watching my older brothers — founding members of Jane and Finch’s first hip-hop group, Black Kreek — build culture in a neighbourhood that felt like the Wild West at the time.
I grew up surrounded by the sounds of KRS-One, Wu-Tang Clan, N.W.A., Tupac, Nas, Shyheim, and Mobb Deep, so music became second nature to me. I was that kid on the corner freestyling nonstop before the rest of the world knew what Jane and Finch had to offer. From early on, my dream was always to put my community on the map.
I’m a first-generation Canadian of Guyanese descent, raised in Metro Housing by a single mother with five boys. Life wasn’t easy growing up in one of the toughest neighbourhoods Canada has ever seen, but those hardships shaped me. They moulded the artist and storyteller you hear today.
I’m proud to be Canadian, and I’ll always rep the red and white flag.
🔥 THE PASSION
Music wasn’t something I chased — it just happened naturally.
Nobody put a mic in my hand. It just happened.
From the streets to the stage, hip-hop became my outlet for truth, survival, and self-expression. The environment I grew up in didn’t break me — it moulded me. Every hardship I faced became fuel for my pen and my purpose.
One of my biggest achievements hasn’t been charts or accolades. It’s hearing people tell me my music helped save them from self-destruction.
That’s priceless.
🇨🇦 COMMUNITY & CANADIAN PRIDE
Jane and Finch taught me the real meaning of community, struggle, and loyalty. Those roots still ground everything I do and guide my mission.
Guelph is growing. More eyes are starting to look toward Guelph. Shout out Analog for helping push the culture forward.
Wherever I perform, my goal stays the same: engage the people, respect the crowd, and leave an impression.
🚀 BUILDING THE DREAM
From underground shows to new stages, I’ve learned that every crowd is different, and adaptability is key.
I’m a people’s person. No matter where I go, I engage and have a good time.
I’ve experienced setbacks too. I’ve forgotten my lyrics on stage before — and it was embarrassing.
I told myself, never again.
That moment reinforced the importance of practice and focus, and those are values I carry into every performance.
🤝 NETWORKING SPOT
If I had the chance to collaborate with any Canadian artist, Jessie Reyez would be at the top of my list.
With her voice and her talent, and my penmanship, I know we’d cook the sickest project ever — from street records to love songs.
Beyond personal collaborations, I’m thinking bigger too. I’m actively planning to create platforms for artists to showcase their skills and shine a stronger light on Canadian talent.
More to come soon.
🚀 CLOSING
Looking ahead, the mission is clear.
2026 — more music, more shows, more money.
But my biggest dream goes far beyond numbers.
My biggest dream is to do a world tour and share my story with the world.
When I’m not in the booth, I stay grounded through my family — spending time with them, supporting their interests, and staying connected to what really matters.
The advice I give to emerging artists is simple but hard-earned: follow your passion and never let a job get in the way. Money comes and goes, but once time is spent, you can never get it back.
🎙️ COMETS QUESTIONS
COMET: Guelph has its own pocket of culture and talent. How would you describe the scene there?
KHANTRA: Guelph is growing. More eyes are starting to look toward it. Shout out Analog for pushing the cult
ure forward.
COMET: You’ve travelled and seen different crowds — what has that taught you as a performer?
KHANTRA: Every crowd reacts differently. I’m a people’s person — I engage wherever I go.
COMET: Who first put a mic in your hand?
KHANTRA: Nobody did. It naturally happened.
COMET: What helps you perform better to this day?
KHANTRA: Practice and focus.
COMET: What mindset do you bring into new spaces?
KHANTRA: Stay focused and have fun.
COMET: What’s a mistake that taught you something important?
KHANTRA: Forgetting my lyrics on stage. It was embarrassing — but it made me better.
COMET: How do you see yourself contributing to Ontario’s next wave?
KHANTRA: I want to create platforms for artists to showcase their skills and shine more light on Canadian talent.
COMET: What’s the biggest dream pushing you forward?
KHANTRA: A world tour. Sharing my story with the world.
COMET: What do you listen for when working with new artists?
KHANTRA: I need to know if you can really rhyme or really sing. I don’t work with artists who can’t write or depend on autotune.
COMET: What keeps you grounded outside music?
KHANTRA: Family.
COMET: How important is marketing?
KHANTRA: It’s very important — and expensive. Use free platforms and don’t stop posting content.
COMET: One lesson you’d teach your younger self?
KHANTRA: Follow your passion. Don’t let a job block your purpose.
Comments