Overnight, the world has been rocked by news that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has died after suffering cardiac arrest.

The icon’s passing has left a void in the industry that many agree, will never be filled. One such believer is Trinidad and Tobago Soca artist, Shurwayne Winchester, whose immediate reaction to the news, was that of disbelief and utter grief.

“ I still can’t believe that Michael Jackson has died,” said Shurwayne. “ This is a man who improved so much in the world of video making, dancing and its incorporation to make music what it has become, marketing as an artiste and really, he revolutionized the music industry from the 70’s to now.”

Shurwayne said that he saw Michael Jackson as a true humanitarian in every sense of the word, having supported causes such as the End Hunger Network and so many more. “ Strangely, I’d been making plans to go to London to experience his performance. I was gonna do that for me- unfortunately, he’s gone- too soon.”

He added that the man who gave the world hits such as, Billy Jean, Bad, Heal The World, Beat It and a whole lot more, was really responsible for bridging many musical genres, adding that what stands out in his head, is the fact that MJ was the first black entertainer to have made it to MTV.

As T&T and the world mourns the death of this legendary entertainer, Shurwayne Winchester and the band Y.O.U. extends condolences to fans, friends and essentially, those who knew him best, saying, “ as a fan of this man who has even had an impact on me, as a Caribbean artiste, Michael Jackson will truly be missed.”

ABOUT SHURWAYNE WINCHESTER

Caribbean-based Soca Mega-Star Shurwayne Winchester is phenomenal on and off stage. He has performed for audiences across North America and the Caribbean, Europe and India. In 2004, Shurwayne won the Road March title for the hit, “De Band Coming, following up in 2005 with a second title win for, “Dead or Alive.” He started his career at the age of twelve and hasn’t faltered since. He has proven his worth as a prolific songwriter and singer, topping charts and receiving numerous awards throughout the years. In 2006 Shurwayne created history by becoming the first person ever to win both the Power Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch competitions at the International Soca Monarch Competition, in Trinidad with his massive hits “Can’t Wait” and “Don’t Stop” respectively. These days the artiste, along with his newly formed band Y.O.U. are diligently working on bringing hits, not just for the local arena, but for the world.