BAJAN SUN
Bajan Sun Magazine
SEPT 2014
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Who have influenced your style of music (artists/friends/
family)?
I have been influenced heavily by Sade Leon folks. She is one of
the main reasons I’m still doing this today. She believed in me
when others didn’t; when others didn’t want to see me succeed;
when others tried to drag me to hell; she was there always.
Another person was one of my greatest friends and partners;
Colleen Brewster, we were in a band together called Channel
Six. She’s an excellent singer; and person. Now we are working
together on a huge project to promote music in Barbados;
through our company called of Boyz and Men; which was
founded by her. Last, but not least; my older brother who passed
away. There was a time in my life when I wanted to stop
singing; and it made him very sad. He was always so proud of
me and looked up to me. He passed away years ago; but
whenever I’m onstage I can really feel his presence. Not once
since he died I was on stage and not feel him. He’s with me all
the time. I am so grateful!
What was your greatest achievement in music?
Hmm, you would be surprised that I won’t consider it being
doing the Disney musical ‘The Lion King’, even though that
was a great achievement; I don’t consider it the biggest. I’ve
worked and sang with Mel C; from the Spice Girls; Jocelyn
Brown, Joss Stone, Brain May from the band Queen; Maceio
Parker; Dr. John; and Spandau Ballet and Bonnie Tyler to name
a few. I was the first ever none South African to be in the lead
role for the longest running South African musical in history
called African Foot Print. Still though memorable; and I’m
grateful and humble to have those opportunities. Yet still they
are not my greatest achievement. Now the ‘kicker’ (lol) - my
greatest achievement to me was when I represented my country
Barbados; in the 1997 song contest and kick ass (oops…Won by
167 points - regarded as the most in Caribbean song contest
history) that’s an unbelievable feeling; when you can do
something for your country; and come out on top especially
when no one thought you would. This is my greatest
achievement.
yourself. That’s an important lesson to have when faced with
adversity; scrutiny, and hatred. The two most powerful things in
my life; is my ability to have a kindred spirit; and so much love
in my soul; that you can feel it as soon as I walk it the room. I’m
not arrogant; cocky; or full of myself; but I know what I have
and haven’t so therefore; I can say this with total honesty!
What would you say to young persons interested in getting
into music and performing?
I would say go for it; but for all the right reasons. It’s not an
easy job: be humble and be grateful for the gift you have been
given, use it wisely; and not because of the attention it can
bring; or the money or fame. Have a clear understanding. Not
everyone will like you; not everyone will love you: first lesson
is to know this! Everyone have an opinion; even though often
their opinions is based on ignorance and inexperience and don’t
have a clue as to what they are saying. When you sing, dance,
paint, (whatever your calling is); if you can influence and touch
one person by this, it will feel like you’ve touched a million; and
that’s even more amazing that the million you set yourself out to
touch. Go on, love yourself, stay positive and always be this
little word people seem to overlook: be ‘kind’.
What was your greatest challenges and how you overcame
it?
My greatest challenges were when all the ‘haters’ would try to
op &W72