Dynamite defused for 2017 Ragga Soca competition

Joel “Dynamite” Tyril, who many persons had pegged to become the 2017 Ragga Soca Monarch, will not take part in this year’s competition.

Tyril, whose song ‘Brave’ has been ripping the airwaves with its “Ra ta ta tey tan te ta” tagline, was selected to compete in the Ragga Soca Monarch semi-finals tomorrow, June 24.

However, during an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday, the musician said he would not be able to compete because he will begin a Caribbean tour on the same day as the semi-finals.

“I didn’t really drop out. I’m going on a tour.”

Tyril was one of a group of Caribbean artistes who were recently selected for a collaborative project between Major Lazer, Bacardi and Spotify, called ‘Music Liberates Music’.

The programme was designed to provide up-and-coming artistes with a chance to share their music with the world, and every time fans play Major Lazer’s new track ‘Front of the Line’ on Spotify, BACARDÍ will donate studio time to aspiring Caribbean artistes.

The singer, whose beginnings are in reggae, explained that the project has afforded him the opportunity to go on tour.

“I’m going on the tour because this is something that I’ve been working towards for the longest… Unfortunately it arrived the same time the semi-finals taking place. I definitely have to go pon me journey,” Tyril said.

He, however, stated that while his move from reggae to soca is not permanent, he appreciates the acceptance that he has received from persons in the industry.

Tyril explained that his hit song ‘Brave’ was a free style that he came up with when the producer played him the riddim in the studio.

“It worked and people love it, so I give thanks for that. But, my main focus is reggae music, because I have a special purpose I wanna achieve within my reggae music.”

He, said however, that he will release more soca music in the future.

“I go definitely do that for our culture,” the 26-year-old said.

Tyril said that while some persons may see his move as a negative, he has a goal he wants to achieve in his career.

“I can’t really live up to society’s expectations and people’s expectations. I have to live up to the standard and the goal that I set for myself,” he said.(CM)