Artist Profiles

When you are able to fuse words together and add a melody in all but 2 minutes, you must be international recording artist Lyrikal. Trinidadian born Devon Martin started singing in the church choir at the age 7, once he realized he could actually sing he began participating in school talent shows and neighborhood block parties. As a youngster his biggest inspirations were calypsonian Crazy, Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Bob Marley and Super Cat their styles of music helped him to develop his own style.

“Be strong,” sang Buju Banton the last time he set foot onstage before a live audience. “Hold a firm meditation. One day things must get better.” The date was January 16, 2011. The occasion was a concert in Miami’s Bayfront Park called ‘Before the Dawn.’ After eleven months in captivity, the legendary reggae artist had been granted the opportunity to perform for one night to help fund his legal defense against an extremely problematic case which had already resulted in one mistrial and allegations of juror misconduct.

You are yet to experience the epitome of Grenada’s entertainment industry and music of the wider Caribbean, if you have not witnessed Grenada’s Cultural Ambassador - Mr. Killa on stage, and with The Rebel One Band. Born Hollice Johna Mapp on June 4, 1984, in the action-filled town of Gouyave on the small tri-island state of Grenada, this artiste started exercising his vocal cords from the tender age of ten, focusing on Dancehall and Reggae. In 1999, at the age of 15, he won the first-ever local National Teen Talent Search Competition with all original dancehall pieces. It was two (2) years later that he made the decision to explore Soca.

Drupatee Ramgoonai is a Trinidadian chutney and chutney-soca artiste from Penal. She had her biggest hit in 1988 when her (Roll Up the Tassa) Mr. Bissessar was a Road March contender. Drupatee Ramgoonai was born in Penal, Trinidad. She started singing alongside her mother & in the temples at a young age then went on to learn Classical at the feet of her trainer Ustad James Ramsawak a veteran in the field.

Of great notice is main frontliner KI (Kris Veeshal Persad), who is a most talented, effervescent, and promising crossover artiste, and who has proved that he can compete with the best in the Soca and Chutney business. His professional and affable demeanor as well as his ability to blend his talents as a band leader, musician and singer providing top class entertainment certainly is an inspiration to young people and to those up and coming artistes.

Born in Castries, Saint Lucia to a deeply spiritual home, Teddyson John started his musical journey at a young age, nurtured in the church. In 2007 he made a move from Gospel and R & B to Soca, taking his career to another dimension. This move earned him the Groovy Soca Monarch title in 2015 putting him on an international map that made him become a household name, locally, regionally and internationally.

Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle, five-time St Vincent soca monarch, on the importance of a catchy song, the short lifespan of a hit, and what makes Vincy mas unique — as told to Tracy Assing. I grew up in Lodge Village. All my roots are from the Leeward coast of St Vincent, Chateaubelair. Most of my significant childhood memories are from there, given that every chance my mom had, that’s where we went, to be with family.

Three time Award Nominated Versatile singer DeeVine was born in London, raised in Barbados from the age of 6.  After tragically losing her husband, it changed her family life, dramatically, and music was her only answer.  In April 2011, she bursted onto the Soca seen with her powerful caribbean vocals.