Legendary Vincentian Musicians
Vincentian Artistes
There is a variety of different types of music in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Some of the most popular type of music includes calypso, soca, steelpan and reggae.
One of the most legendary calypso/soca artiste of all time; Mr. Alston Becket Cyrus was one of the most celebrated artiste in the music world. He was born on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, Becket’s developed a passion for steelpan first but then, he later realized that he also had a gift for singing. He decided to become a calypsonian after he pursue a singing career which started out while being an member of the US Army, where he performed in the US Soldier’s Tour-Hawaii during 1972. However, his professional career began in 1975, because of his distinguished musicianship Becket earned his title as the ‘ABC’ of calypso/soca. In 1975, he also earned the title of Calypso King. His music career reached a high point in 1977, where he recorded multiple award-winning single such as 'Teaser' (1990) and 'small pin' (1999). Becket was also honoured a total of three times by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Some of Becket's songs includes legalize the grass, human rights, I am an African, Hezekiah, Mama, Oppression, Cardo, Marie-Anne, I cry, Gal ah rush me, Say no to drugs, Laramania, Rights, Bring back Moses law and Don't look down on ah man. Becket still continues to be an icon and inspiration to the younger generation.
Another celebrated Vincentian soca artiste is Oronde Charles, affectionately known as ‘Bomani’. Bomani’s singing career began in 1998 where he showcased his talent in a local talent show. His flavourful renditions of music from other artiste gave him early recognition as a young artiste on the rise. He began writing his own songs in 1999. Bomani further his singing career when he joined his first musical band ‘Prorogative’ and then later joined his second musical band called ‘Blaksand’. He left the music world in 2003 to work with a Carnival Cruise Line as a vocalist but decided to return to St. Vincent in 2004 and rejoin his second band, now called ‘Hottsand’ which was in the process of producing a debut album. Bomani recorded two of the songs that was included in the album, “Bootie Call (Turn around)” and “I am Soca” which became one of his most popular songs to date. Both songs were number 1 hits on local radio charts and “I am Soca” earned him the title in the Soca Monarch in 2004 and Road March King in 2004. He released other popular songs that continue to be adorned by the younger generations, songs such as “wet” and “time to blaze”. Bomani continues to write and perform musical pieces that continues to wow and amaze everyone such as “This island, Yurumein is home for me” and “wine of your life”.
Link for more information on Bomani Charles:
http://x104fm.com/site/bomani/
One of the most prominent soca artistes in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is Raeon Primus affectionately known as “MaddZart”. This award winning soca artiste was known at first as a young Vincentian dancehall king, he later developed his songwriting and singing career. He collaborated with Kevin Lyttle on his hit song ‘Turn me on’ and also recorded some of the most famous songs in the soca world such as ‘Function’, ‘Roll Bumper’, ‘Larger than life’, ‘Designated Drinker’ and ‘All hands’. MaddZart is a repeated winner of the Raga Soca Competition, which is an integral part of the Vincentian Carnival. MaddZart also started a non-profit organization called “MaddZart Hands on Initiative” (MHI) which is organized to provide human and other resources towards disaster relief and charitable, social causes throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines and its extended community. This organization was started because Raeon wanted direct hands on involvement, participating in the work that would make a difference as opposed to merely making a donation. MaddZart is not only a singer/writer but an entrepreneur, with the collaboration of Island Beverages ‘Posse Rum Punch’ was created.
Link for more information on Maddzart:
https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Caribbean-Nights-presents-One-Night-Soca-Artist-MaddZart-20171023
https://news784.com/local-news/maddzart-and-island-beverage-launch-posse-rum-punch/
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