Fya Empress, Problem Child grab International Soca Awards

Vincentian soca artistes continue to display dominance in the international soca arena.{{more}}

Lornette “Fya Empress” Nedd and Shertz “Problem Child” James were among the 30 recipients of awards at the recently held 11th edition of the International Soca Awards (ISA).

During the awards ceremony held on Tuesday, August 6 at the Spice Basket, Beaulieu, St Georges, Grenada, Fya Empress’ Vincy Mas 2012 Ragga Soca winning song “Rum Please” was voted Best Up Tempo soca in the female category.

The other nominees for Best Up Tempo Soca Female of the year were Cinnamon – Mash Up (St Kitts), Claudette “CP” Peters – No (Antigua), Destra Garcia – Carry On (T&T) and Alison Hinds – Soca Till We Die (Barbados).

Nedd, who is currently on tour in the United Kingdom, told SEARCHLIGHT that she was delighted to have won the award. This is her second ISA award.

In 2011, she won the category of Best Upcoming Soca Artiste.

“My competitors have been in the Soca Art Form for a long time. I felt that the competition was of a very high standard and I was committed in raising my standards and took full advantage of the opportunity in using the social media network.

“My performances proved to me that my production was gladly accepted by my fans. We would like to thank all of our fans and supporters for voting and we look forward to their continued support on our musical journey,” she added.

Problem Child’s “A Little Wine”, “Life of the Party” and “Love Me Carnival”, written in 2012, won the Songwriter of the Year award. This is also James’ second award at the ISA.

His first was in 2007 when he won the song of the year award with “Party Animal”.

The United States based artiste told SEARCHLIGHT via email that he was honoured to have received his second award.

“I think it’s a huge accomplishment as this award covers all soca songwriters everywhere (every island), not just my own. I was honestly surprised that I won, given the other names in the category and the songs they represent. I am also a fan of their work and have an immense amount of respect for those people.

“It feels good to know people everywhere voted for me. It’s overwhelming honestly,” he said.

The other nominees in the Best Songwriter category were Faye Ann Lyons (Trinidad and Tobago), Kerwin Du Bois (Trinidad and Tobago), Shurwayne Winchester (Trinidad and Tobago) and Bunji Garlin (Trinidad and Tobago).

The other Vincentian artiste nominated at the ISA was Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle.

Doyle’s “Monster” that won him the Soca Monarch crown last year was in the running for Best Tempo Soca in the male category. Machel Mantano’s “Float”, however, won that award. (AA)