OMG Digital Magazine | 249 | Thursday 9th March 2017 • PAGE 24
Trinidad and Tobago radio personality and music vocalist , was born in Arima , Trinidad – east of the small twin island , on April 22nd , . His appeal is multi-dimensional – this as many appreciate his humility , charismatic vibe and energetic persona . Coupled with natural talent in both the music business and on air where he currently mans the 12pm-3pm shift , from Monday to Saturday on popular urban frequency , RED 96.7FM , Matthews is undoubtedly one of the Caribbean ’ s most promising treasures .
Over a decade ago , Matthews entered the radio business but even before that , he had realized his passion for creating music . The synergy of the two would undoubtedly lead to a masterful outcome , much of which is being seen today . With his eyes set on the pinnacle of success in both arenas though , Matthews is nowhere close to personal satisfaction . Together with fellow musician , Kerwin Du Bois , he has established a recording studio called High Performance Studios or HP Studios where it is expected , that many hits will be derived . Matthews has indicated both his and Du Bois ’ desire to influence other young people to find solace and certainly success through music , via this endeavour – something he holds near to his heart . His first single created at the studio is called , ‘
Going With The Flow ’ - a track Matthews says represents much of what he enjoys in music . He says the song exemplifies music that relaxes the mind , soothes the soul and sets the tone for reflection .
An only child to his parents , Devon ’ s musical journey was compounded , from an early age by his parents ’ encouragement and support . Since his first live stage performance at the age of 12 , Matthews has created numerous singles and over 10 music videos , including the movie-like ‘ Bottle ’ video , that have led to his current standing as an appreciated vocalistand entertainer in the Caribbean- one who in 2013 , secured a space in the finals of Trinidad and Tobago ’ s mega Soca music competition- the International Soca Monarch . His 2013 track , ‘ Start It Up ’ follows other successful tracks such as ‘ Turn Me On ’ in 2011 , ‘ Old Time Something ’ – a tribute to The Roaring Lion , also in 2011- precursors to his first album which he called , Tunnel Vision in 2011 . One year after that , Matthews delivered soca tracks such as , ‘ Push It ,’ ‘ Take Off Yuh Clothes ,’ ‘ Bottle ’ which had its very own success when it was used by producers of MTV ” s Real World in the promotion of their Caribbean season showcase . The year 2012 also saw Devon place 5th in the Young Kings competition in Trinidad and Tobago . That year , Matthews teamed up with local entertainers when he started a relief effort to aid residents of West , Trinidad who were tremendously affected by intense flooding . It was an initiative spearheaded by the young entertainer , one that he would learn from and grow with .
The year 2013 , brought with it tracks such as ‘ Whole Day ’ - a collaborative single with T & T artiste , Sean Caruth , ‘ Feelings ’, ‘ Tempted ’ and ‘ Rock It So ’ – a remix of the very popular calypso with veteran entertainer , the Baron .
Despite his growth and the success attained as he escalates in both careers , Devon Matthews never forgets his humble beginnings . He reminds those who may not be familiar , of the fact that he began his music career as the lead singer of a band he founded and called , Klymax . That initiative came out of his early years as a member of the T & T cadet force . He says the cadets taught him discipline and that said discipline was also embedded in the other members of the band he would form- a band made up of young musicians from the cadets and other such services . Devon ’ s first performance was on Twelve and Under- a local televised talent show of the early 90 ’ s . It was from there that a very passionate young man would grow to become what he is today , and promises to be in the years ahead- a great musical mind .
Devon Matthews is well known for his hosting capabilities- now even dabbling in television hosting . He says one of his career highpoints thus far has been hosting the St . Kitts Jazz festival , which featured International recording acts like Akon and KC and the Sunshine Band . He even got the opportunity to perform at the event , proving that no matter the situation , his self-confidence and positive outlook often equates to successful outcomes .
Matthews ’ on air career ambitions will , according to his personally set goals , see him managing his very own on air team in the future . He has looked up to radio and media practitioners in Trinidad and Tobago such as , O ’ Brian Haynes , Rodney ‘ Fireball ’ King and Tweez and continues to work hard at his craft in a bid to completely perfect it , much like his predecessors have .
Able bodied and continuously driven to succeed , Devon Matthews assures friends and fans that this is merely the beginning , guaranteeing nothing but an upward journey here on in .