I was classically trained as a singer by Ms. Patsy. She is the leading choir director in the country. She does everything from Classical music to Soca. There is no limit with her. I am fortunate to have been a part of that.
That is an interesting background, how do you feel that being classical trained has influenced your Soca music and writing?
I started writing early and branch off into R &B music. When I did classical training it enhanced my range and helped me to explore the different things I can do with my voice. With Soca I have to use my voice in a different way than I expected.
How did you get involve with the Magic Box Agency?
Around this time last year, I was going to do my first Soca song “attention”. My manager contacted them because they have been doing such a good job with other artistes. They took it from there and we have been working together ever since.
With the busy summer season now underway Jamaica’s biggest, baddest and most anticipated beach party - Fully Loaded returns this year better than ever with a scorching hot line up of artistes and blood thirsty sound systems, all looking to make their mark.
The event, which has seen many memorable performances and sound clashes over the years, is slated for Sunday July 26th at James Bond Beach in St. Mary and although an official press release is yet to be distributed Public Relations Coordinator at Solid Agency Chris Campbell confirmed the appearance of an international act. "Yes I can confirm that we have booked a particular international rapper for this years staging but at this point in time the final lineup for the show is still being decided so until then I will only say look out for the official release which should be ready in a few days time".Read more
Machel Rocked Radio City
After a number of sold-out appearances at the WaMu Theater in Madison Square Garden last summer, Trinidadian Soca luminary, Machel Montano, returned to the Big Apple on June 13 for a night of musical mayhem. Radio City Music Hall’s city-block length marquee lit up the street as thousands of Soca fans flooded to the world-renowned venue to see Montano and a diverse cast of artists grace the stage.
Considered the largest indoor theater in the world, Radio City Music Hall seats 6,000 and measures 160 feet from the rear to stage with an 84-foot high ceiling. The venue has showcased many of the world’s biggest and brightest entertainers and performances including Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, the MTV Video Music Awards and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Read more
LIFELINE: Sheldon ‘$hel $hok’ Benjamin
Just two days before his passing, a mega benefit concert, entitled “LIFELINE” was held at the Zen nightclub on behalf of Sheldon ‘$hel $hok’ Benjamin”. Sheldon will be remembered as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s and indeed the Caribbean’s most dynamic and talented musical producers.
Thanks to committee member Klysha Best, DancehallSoca.com was able to be on hand to witness and capture this momentous display of appreciation for the beloved producer, arranger, engineer, colleague and friend as well as his catalogue of work that spans over 17 years in the music industry.
“Shok”, as he was commonly called, worked with numerous artistes and bands locally, regionally and internationally. He was the main production force behind the famous “Kisskadee Karavan” movement which spawned the careers of many artistes in the early 90’s such as Kindred, Homefront, Yard Fowl Crew, Sista Ron and General Grant and worked with many of the contemporary musical forces such as Destra Garcia, 3 Canal and Machel Montano HD. read more
